Five years is a long time in any job market, but in the world of TEFL in Thailand, it feels like an eternity. Returning to the job-hunting scene after half a decade away, I expected some changes, but I wasn’t prepared for just how different the landscape has become. Back in the day, being a native English speaker (NES) was the golden ticket. Schools and recruiters made it clear that they preferred applicants from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa. While non-native English speakers (Non-NES) did get hired, they usually needed to prove their fluency through exams like IELTS or TOEIC and often found themselves at a disadvantage when competing against native speakers.

Fast forward to today and the shift is undeniable. Recruitment agencies that once placed NES teachers at the top of their priority lists now seem far more open, some might even say eager, to hire non-native English speakers, particularly Europeans. In my job search, I’ve seen job ads specifically stating, “European applicants preferred,” and encountered recruiters who outright said that schools are favoring European teachers over native English speakers. The reasons? Maybe it’s a mix of economics and changing attitudes. European teachers often accept lower salaries than their NES counterparts, and many schools view them as highly competent educators who bring strong grammar knowledge and teaching qualifications to the table. There’s also the visa issue. I believe some European candidates can secure work permits more easily due to agreements between Thailand and their home countries.

The TEFL job market in Thailand is evolving, and while native English speakers are still in demand, they no longer have the automatic advantage they once did. It’s a stark reminder that the industry isn’t static, and those of us returning to the scene need to adjust our expectations and our strategies if we want to stay competitive. For NES teachers looking to land a job in Thailand today, it’s more important than ever to highlight qualifications, experience, and teaching ability rather than just relying on nationality. The game has changed, and if we want to keep playing, we have to adapt.

Stephen