[Niko]

Many Do Start off Teaching Illegally in Thailand

Thailand offers some of the best beaches in the world, superb scuba diving, great weather and cheap eats. No wonder why teaching in Thailand attracts so many people each year.

If you don't have a university degree, but are a native English speaker, then Thailand could be your option, with an abundance of teaching jobs still on offer. But, keep in mind that in Thailand you cannot get a work permit without a university degree. Therefore, you would be teaching illegally in Thailand.

What amount of risk are you willing to take?. I have personally known 2 teachers that were deported because they were not teaching with a work permit. However, it's fair to say many thousands do get away with it each year.

Don't be afraid to start off teaching in Thailand without a work permit. Many newcomers to Thailand begin this way. If you are unlucky to be caught by the authorities in your early days, I doubt you would be deported as they can see you have just arrived to the country. Just be sure to have some paperwork to show that proves you are undertaking the steps to be issued a work permit.

If you continue to teach illegally in Thailand, then expect to be taken advantage of. You wont get the best teaching wages, and schools will generally be more likely to use and abuse you.

Jorge E.
(English Teacher - Bangkok, Thailand)