Navigating teaching contracts in Thailand
Before signing a contract, take the time to thoroughly evaluate the terms.
Teaching in Thailand comes with its share of challenges, and one of the most critical aspects to understand is your employment contract. While some agreements are fair and well-structured, others can be ambiguous or skewed in favor of the school. Both teachers and institutions often seek ways to work around contractual obligations, whether to secure better conditions or to minimize their commitments.
Breaking contracts: A common reality
It’s not unusual for teachers to rethink their decisions after starting a job. Sometimes, the work environment isn’t as expected, or a better-paying opportunity arises. In such cases, some educators try to exit their contracts with minimal consequences, while others may leave abruptly, creating difficulties for schools.
Probation period: A trial for both sides
Most contracts include a probation period, typically lasting three months. This allows the school to evaluate your performance while giving you the chance to determine if the institution aligns with your expectations. If you find the conditions unsatisfactory during this period, leaving is generally straightforward and penalty-free.
However, one crucial factor to consider is your visa status. If you’re on a non-immigrant B visa, it is directly tied to your employer. Should you resign, the school is legally required to cancel your visa, giving you only a short window - usually seven days - to make alternative arrangements, which may involve exiting and re-entering the country. This is a legal requirement, not a punitive action by the school.
The 10-month contract debate
Contract durations vary widely. Some schools offer 12-month agreements, while others prefer two-year commitments. The widely debated 10-month contract is often chosen by institutions to avoid paying teachers during holiday periods. If you sign such a contract, expect to be unpaid for two months, which can be financially challenging.
That said, holiday policies are inconsistent across schools. Some institutions offer generous paid breaks, including a month and a half between academic years, additional time in October, and holiday leave for major events. Others provide only a few weeks of paid leave annually. Meanwhile, Thai teachers often receive very limited paid time off, which can be a point of comparison when negotiating your terms.
The value of commitment
Thai schools tend to appreciate teachers who stay long-term. The longer you remain at a school, the more likely you are to receive better support and improved pay. Commitment can lead to opportunities for career progression and additional perks.
It’s important to assess your value realistically. If you’re questioning why a school offers a lower salary compared to positions in Japan or Korea, consider what keeps you in Thailand. If personal commitments abroad are a major concern, think about whether teaching overseas is the right long-term choice.
Making an informed decision
Before signing a contract, take the time to thoroughly evaluate the terms. Rushing into an agreement without understanding its implications can lead to regret. Once you commit, focus on performing well, staying professional, and avoiding workplace politics.
If you ever face a situation where a school fails to honor your contract, legal assistance is available. The Ministry of Labour can provide support, and you have the right to seek legal recourse if necessary. By staying informed and prepared, you can ensure a smoother teaching experience in Thailand.
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Give the contract a cursory glance for any serious deal breakers. Focus on everything else: Administration, HoD and especially if possible suss out the teachers for weak links. The facilities, how skint are they with supplies. Are they stuck in the stone age? That's teachers as well as school and tech. Nothing will make your job more miserable than you having to pull the weight of senior teachers especially if they have more experience than you. No one follows the contracts not the school and doubly so the teachers who are often more immature than the m6 students. All that matters is that you are paid agreed sum, taxes are done, workload less than 20 periods, tech works and you are not asked to cover for irresponsible teachers. The amount of pay you receive has little bearing on the work that is required. If all is not to your liking don't complain or bolt simply leave at years end. 75% of 'teachers' in this country are utterly useless both farang and Thai. You should plan on staying only two years anyway. Move up to better schools and pay. If you are being paid 30-40k that's bc that's what your worth. Look elsewhere if qualified.
Finally, never take a bs like a ten month contract. Aside from not being paid over the break (any decent teacher will do at least some prep) you may be making yourself ineligible for a teachers license by not being fully employed year round. That puts you in the street in just a few years as I'm hearing now teachers must be moving on their modules before year two.
By Jim Beam, The Big Smoke (16th February 2025)