Reading a teaching contract offer

A teaching contract in Thailand is usually written in English, sometimes with a Thai version alongside. Read both if there are two. Where they differ, ask which one governs.

Salary and tax

Check whether the salary quoted is gross or net. Thai personal income tax is withheld by the employer on a progressive scale, and the school also deducts your Social Security contribution. Ask for an example payslip if the school has one. Confirm the currency and the payment date.

Housing and allowances

Some schools provide accommodation. Others pay a monthly allowance, and a few pay nothing. If housing is provided, ask whether utilities are included and whether you can choose to take the allowance instead.

Probation

Thai employment contracts commonly include a probation period. Ask how long it is, how performance will be judged and what notice applies during it.

Notice and leaving early

Look for the notice you must give to resign and the notice the school must give you, plus any penalty for leaving before the end of the contract. Some schools ask teachers to repay relocation costs if they leave in the first year.

End-of-contract benefits

Many international schools pay a gratuity, a completion bonus or a contribution to a provident fund at the end of a contract. Ask how it is calculated and when it is paid.

Permits and fees

The school should process your work permit, your permission to teach from the Teachers' Council and the supporting letters for your visa extension. Ask who pays each fee, and whether you or the school pays for document legalisation in your home country.

Health insurance

Check the insurer, the level of cover, whether outpatient care and dental are included and whether dependants can be added. See health insurance for teachers.

Schools to compare against

If you have two offers, compare them line by line. British-curriculum schools and American or IB schools often structure packages differently, so add up the total value of each, including housing, flights and tuition for your children, rather than comparing salary alone.

Before you sign

Keep copies of everything the school sends. If anything you discussed at interview is missing from the contract, ask for it to be added in writing.

Written by the Charlie House editorial team. Last checked October 2026. Thai rules change often. Check with the school, the immigration office or the agency concerned before you act on anything here.