Do people teach on tourist visas for a long time? Why?

Yes, some people do teach on tourist visas in Thailand - though it's technically illegal. This usually happens when schools are unwilling or unable to sponsor a work permit, or when teachers are in the country temporarily and want to earn money without going through the full legal process.

Some teachers may also accept jobs on tourist visas while waiting for their paperwork (like the Non-Immigrant B visa or work permit) to be processed. Others may work this way knowingly, often for small language centers or schools that operate under the radar.

While it might seem convenient, teaching on a tourist visa is risky. If caught, both the teacher and the employer could face fines, deportation, or even blacklisting. Immigration enforcement in Thailand has become stricter in recent years, so relying on this approach long-term is not advisable.

Back to the main list



Featured Jobs

NES Primary and Kindergarten Teachers

฿52,500+ / month

Bangkok


Years 1-2 English & Social Studies Teacher

฿40,000+ / month

Bangkok


Early Years Mandarin Teacher

฿40,000+ / month

Prachin Buri


Native English Teacher

฿50,000+ / month

Pathum Thani


Part-time Phonics and Reading Teachers

฿1,000+ / hour

Bangkok


NES Kindergarten Teacher

฿45,000+ / month

Bangkok


Featured Teachers

  • Mary


    Filipino, 27 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Michelle


    Filipino, 33 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Josephine


    Filipino, 37 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Reggie


    Filipino, 37 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Olga


    Filipino, 27 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Honey


    Filipino, 23 years old. Currently living in Philippines

The Hot Spot


Air your views

Air your views

Got something to say on the topic of teaching, working or living in Thailand? The Ajarn Postbox is the place. Send us your letters!


The region guides

The region guides

Fancy working in Thailand but not in Bangkok? Our region guides are written by teachers who actually live and work in the provinces.


My Bangkok suburb

My Bangkok suburb

Overviews for different areas and suburbs of Bangkok, written with the help of teachers who live there. Let us help you find the perfect Bangkok neighborhood for your lifestyle.


The cost of living

The cost of living

How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to live in Thailand? We survey various teachers earning different salaries and with different lifestyles.


Contributions welcome

Contributions welcome

If you like visiting ajarn.com and reading the content, why not get involved yourself and keep us up to date?