Thailand is known for a frequent disparity between its regulations, laws, and job requirements “on paper” and those concepts in practice.  

Some institutions are more willing than others to bend the rules or skirt them entirely to hire teachers. Some employers are more diligent than others about inspecting for and verifying proper credentials. In Thailand, many job requirements are up for negotiation.

Let’s start with the legal requirements set forth by the government to teach English in Thailand, each of which is needed to obtain a work permit:

• Certified degree and transcript from a 4-year college.
• A TOEIC score of 600+ or IELTS score of 5+ if you’re from a non-native speaking country (sometimes).
• Non-immigrant business visa (AKA “non b visa”).
• Supporting documentation.