Not too long ago, if you were under 50 and wanted to teach English in Thailand, you had a decent shot at finding a job. These days, though, a growing number of schools are setting the cut-off at 45. It’s left a lot of experienced teachers scratching their heads and wondering - what’s going on?

One big reason is that many Thai schools see younger teachers as having more energy, being more adaptable, and handling big, lively classrooms better. Fair or not, there’s a belief that younger teachers connect with students more easily and can keep up with the demands of the job. Sure, experience counts for a lot, but in many cases, schools seem to prefer a fresh face over a seasoned pro.

Then there’s the visa and work permit issue. To get a work permit in Thailand, you need to pass a health check, and some schools worry that older teachers might run into medical issues. Whether that’s a fair concern or not, some employers don’t want to deal with the potential hassle. Plus, with Thailand’s mandatory retirement age for government jobs set at 60, some schools hesitate to hire older teachers if they think they won’t be able to stay long-term.

The competition in the job market has also ramped up. There’s a steady supply of younger teachers willing to work for lower salaries—especially from countries like the Philippines—so schools have more choices. Many employers also believe students (and their parents) expect their teachers to be young, energetic, and ‘relatable,’ which unfortunately leaves older teachers at a disadvantage.

Money is another factor. More experienced teachers often expect higher salaries, while many Thai schools, especially government schools and budget-conscious language centers, prefer to hire teachers who will work for less. So if a school has to choose between a 45-year-old expecting a decent paycheck and a 30-year-old willing to take whatever’s on offer, the decision is often an easy one. Appearance also plays a role. Like it or not, hiring decisions in Thailand (and many other countries) are sometimes influenced by aesthetics. Some schools want their teachers to project a certain youthful, modern image, and that preference can make it tougher for older teachers to land jobs.

The rise of online learning has also changed the landscape. More students are taking lessons online, and schools are looking for teachers who are tech-savvy and comfortable with digital teaching methods. This shift has reinforced the idea that younger teachers are more adaptable, even though many experienced educators are just as capable of handling online learning.

That said, it’s not all bad news. Older teachers still have options. International schools, universities, and well-established private schools tend to focus more on qualifications than age. Networking, strong credentials, and showing adaptability can go a long way. And if full-time school jobs become harder to find, online teaching and private tutoring are good alternatives for those who want to stay in Thailand long-term. At the end of the day, these increasing age restrictions are frustrating, but they reflect changing priorities in the job market. The key to staying ahead is understanding the trends, being flexible, and finding ways to work around the obstacles. For those willing to adapt, there are still plenty of opportunities out there.

Robert