Thailand - Education

The Thai Education System

Understand the different levels and the grading system in Thai schools...
Since 2001 Thailand's educational system is divided into three levels:
Level 1: first three years of school
o KG1 to KG3 3 years to 5 years old
Level 2: Primary or elementary school (Prathomsuksa or Prathom)
o P1 to P6 6 years to 11 years old
Level 3: Secondary school (Mattayomsuksa or Mattayom)
o M1 to M6 12 years to 18 years old
Level 1 is optional, but Thai children are required to complete levels P1 to M3.
At the end of each year, students must take a test in order to move on to the next level. If the student
cannot pass the test, they may have to repeat the last completed year or may be given an option of
attending a summer school programme at the end of which the student will be retested. Students
cannot continue to the next level until they pass the test. However, it is not common for students to
be held back as, typically, the student can take the test again with the assistance of a teacher. This
can be repeated until the student passes the required exam.
After completing the final obligatory year, M3, students who wish to continue their education must
take the Ordinary National Educational Test (O-NET). At the end of M6 they take the Advanced
National Educational Test (A-NET) in order to graduate. Graduating from M6 is the equivalent to
graduating after taking A levels, the International Baccalaureate or the Standardised Achievement
Test (SAT) in the US.
In order to attend a university after graduating from M6, students must pass the Central University
Admission System (CUAS). This system is based on the scores of the O-NET and the A-NET as well
as the Grade Point Average from M4.
The Grading System
Thailand uses a number grading system in primary and secondary schools.
Highest: 4
Lowest: 1
Many English programmes and some individual teachers still use the A, B, C, D and F gading
system with F being the failing grade.
Grading at the university level is based on a credit points system. Each subject is graded individually
and the points are tabulated.
Types of School
Find out about the different types of Thai school, with details on
international and private schools as well as government and higher
education institutes...
Private and international schools
The facilities and quality of teaching in international schools are usually of a very high standard and
the class sizes are small. There are over 70 international schools in Bangkok but they can also be
found in Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and on the Eastern Seaboard. From pre-school to higher
education, there are internationals schools for every age.
The curriculum may vary between schools although most follow either the American or British
curriculum. There are also schools that offer the International Baccalaureate or use national systems
from Germany, Switzerland, Japan or India. International school students study internationally
recognised courses such as AP, GCE A Level, IGCSE and the IB, which allow them to attend
higher education institutes in countries outside Thailand.
All schools have to be externally accredited by law to ensure they follow set procedures and meet
standards. NEASC, ECIS, WASC and CIS are all accepted accrediting organisations in Thailand.
Typically, teachers teach in their native language.
Thai studies are a compulsory subject in international schools as in government schools. Most
international schools offer wide ranging extra curricula activities including sports, arts, dance and
community service.
Each school will follow its own admissions procedure which can include placement tests and
inspection of prior academic records. Typically there is a fee for the admissions process. Normally,
schools will require students to have a Non-immigrant ED visa in order to enrol. The parent must
make direct contact with the school before attempting to obtain a Non-immigrant ED visa and if
possible, prior to coming to Thailand. If the family is on a tourist visa, they will be required to leave
the country in order to obtain the necessary visa.
Public/government schools
Education is compulsory for all Thai children from ages six to fifteen. It is not compulsory for
preschool children to attend school, however, there are facilities for children aged three to five to
attend nursery and preschool.
Government or public schools are free for Thai nationals. Children that have at least one Thai parent
are considered Thai nationals if their birth was registered in Thailand by the Thai parent. As a Thai
national, they are able to register in a Thai public school and receive all of the educational benefits
allocated to a Thai national. The only documents required when registering are a birth certificate and
House Registration Document (Tabien Baan).
Parents are required to pay a nominal fee for books and necessities. They are also required to buy a
school uniform.
The following are the five areas in the government school curriculum:
Basic skills in Thai language and mathematics
Life experiences including social studies, natural science, health education, citizenship,
conservation
Character development including moral education, physical education, music and performing
arts, art education
Special experience (for grades five to six) involving English language or special vocational
skills relevant to the needs of the community
Thai studies (except in preschools)
Although there have been recent improvements in the teaching of the English language in Thai
schools, many acknowledge that there is still much to be done to improve this.
Many government schools run an English-language programme that may be available to foreign
students, but there are fees for this. The programme varies from extra English language classes to a
completely separate school within a school where 50 percent or more of the classes are carried out
in English with native English speakers. These programmes are considerably cheaper than an
international school, but class sizes will be bigger and the method of teaching may be more learning
by rote.
Higher education institutions
The different types of higher education institutes are:
University
Technical Institute
College
Vocational College
Teacher College
Exchange study programme or university enrolment for foreign students
Parents wishing to enrol their children in an international exchange study programme or university in
Thailand should contact:
Division of International Cooperation
Ministry of University Affairs
At: 328 Si Ayutthaya Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
Tel: 02 245 8268
Fax: 02 246 4030
email
Enrolment and Finding a School
Understand how to find a school in Thailand and what the enrolment
procedure involves...
The first decision will be whether to send the child to a government school (if allowed) or a private,
international school. Places in government schools are not allocated on a catchment area basis.
Applications for all schools need to be made at the school itself.
Admission requirements for foreign students
If a student has one Thai parent and their birth was registered in Thailand, that student is classified
as a Thai national and is entitled to all the benefits of a Thai national.
Some or all of the following documents are usually required for foreign students enrolling in
international or government schools. Check with the school for individual requirements.
Passport valid for six months beyond intended length of stay
Non-immigrant ED visa
All documentation from previous school (if applicable)
Birth Certificate
Health Certificate
Immunisation Records
The following documents are required for foreign students enrolling in a higher education school:
High School Certificate or equivalent
Academic records from previous schools
Non-immigrant ED visa
An admission exam may also be required before a student is accepted into a programme of study.
The School Year and Holidays
What to expect from the school day and the school year in Thailand...
Government school times do vary but the school day usually starts at 08:30 when the National
Anthem is sung. It ends at around 15:30. International schools may have differing start and finish
times depending on the school.
Private international schools each have different dates for the school vacations. However, they are
more likely to follow the Western timetable with a five-week holiday in July and August and two
weeks for both Christmas and Easter. Contact the school for exact dates.
All Thai state schools follow the same school year but there will be slight variations between
individual schools and provinces. Contact the school for exact information.
There are two main holidays in the state-school year:
October: One month starting from around 1 October
March and April: Two months starting approximately at the beginning of March until the end
of April
Thai schools close for all national holidays. In general, international schools close for Thai religious
holidays, check with the school for exact information.
For further information contact the Ministry of Education:
Ministry of Education
Tel: 02 281 3441
email

Home Schooling
Home schooling in Thailand is legal. Parents must submit an application to home school to the
Ministry of Education. Students are required to take national exams and are assessed annually.
Special Needs Education in Thailand
Information about the provisions for children with special needs with
details relevant to the children of foreigners in Thailand...
State-funded special needs education is provided almost exclusively for Thai children only. However,
there are international schools providing special needs education for foreigners in Thailand, and
some schools are run by non-profit organisations.
Legislation Concerning the Provision for Special Needs Education
Until 1975 children with disabilities tended not to be provided for within the state system of
schooling. However, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 1975 granted all children with
disabilities a free, appropriate public education. These children were provided for in special schools
separated from mainstream schools. However, Thailand is moving towards integration of children
with special needs into mainstream schools. The 1992 Disability Act has further highlighted the need
to continue to expand the provision for people with disabilities.
The 1999 National Education Act has attempted to give more attention to special needs education.
Various ministerial departments are responsible for the provision of particular areas of special needs
education. The Division of Special Education is within the Ministry of Education, while the
Department of General Education focuses on the deaf, the blind, and integrated education. The
Department of Non-formal education emphasises the needs of people living in remote areas.
Special Schools
There are a number of special schools that provide help for parents of children with special needs.
Many are government-funded and provide education for children with Thai citizenship. Others are
non-profit organisations and are generally for children that come from disadvantaged backgrounds
and are of Thai nationality.
Special Needs Education for Non-Thais
For non-Thais there are a number of international schools with places for children with special
needs.
The school also provides assistance in seeking professional help for kids with a wide range of
special needs and can also assist families with children attending other schools. Places are available
for children aged two onwards.
In Phuket, the Phuket Punyanukul School provides education and vocational training for children
with special needs.
For information on international schools in Thailand see:
The International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT)
The organisations below can also provide help and provide information for parents of children with
special needs in Thailand.
Acorn to Oaks Centre is an English Speaking Centre for the evaluation of childhood
development, providing support and learning with trained teachers, occupational therapists,
speech and language pathologists and educational psychologists
At: Sukhumvit 71 Road, Bangkok
Tel: 02 711 7157-8
email
Bangkok Mothers and Babies International (BAMBI) offers support and advice for parents
with special needs, on their arrival in Bangkok
The Village Education Centre supports special education needs with special education
teachers, after-school learning support, psycho-educational evaluations, occupational therapy
and counselling for parents and children with special needs
At: Sukhumvit Soi 42, Bangkok
Tel: 02 391 4453
email
The Reed Institute is a commercial organisation in Bangkok that runs programmes for
children with dyslexia, ADHD/ADD, behavioural and social skills problems as well as many
other special needs
At: Sukhumvit Soi 38, Bangkok
Tel: 02 391 0107


The Fr. Ray Foundation is a non-profit making group that runs schools specifically for children
with special needs, including a school for the deaf and a school for the blind
Acorn to Oaks Centre is a commercial English Speaking Centre for the evaluation of
childhood development, providing support and learning with trained teachers, occupational
therapists, speech and language pathologists and educational psychologists
At: Sukhumvit 71 Road, Bangkok
Tel: 02 711 7157-8


The Rainbow Room
A special needs awareness centre and support group for parents who have children with
behavioural and developmental challenges including Down syndrome, dyslexia, autism
spectrum disorder and other special needs. At: 30 Soi Saengchai Sukhumvit 38, Bangkok.
Tel: 086 770 0845
email


LEAP (Learning Education Advocacy Program): Parent-run group that serves as a point of
contact for parents in need of support, referrals and information concerning their childrens
special needs including learning disabilities, developmental delays, sensory integration and
autism.
email
Little Sprouts Children's Centre
Private organisation for children with special needs and their families, in both Thai and English.
Individual/group therapy, speech therapy, OT/SI, IEP development and management,
assessment, and consultation.
At: 109/1 Soi Thonglor 5, Sukhumvit 55
Tel: 02 712 5204-5 / 086 0033 882
Fax: 02 712 6835
email
British Early Years Centre
Provides specialist classes of English and Maths for children with special needs.
Tel: 02 616 9342 / 082 794 3710
email
Child Benefit in Thailand
Find out how to claim child benefit and who can claim tax allowances for
child care expenses...
Child benefit is paid to anyone working in Thailand who has made contributions to the Social
Security Fund for at least one year. The contributions are usually paid by the employer. The child
must be under the age of six and there is a two-child maximum limit. Child benefit is managed by
the Social Security Office and is paid quarterly at the end of each quarter.
Social Security Office
At: 88/28 Moo 4 Tiwanon Rd, Taladkwan, Nonthaburi 11140
Tel: 02 956 2345

Any company can register an employee for the Social Security Fund. After a full year of
contributions, the employee can submit an application (SorPorSor. 201) for child assistance benefit
at the Social Security Office along with:
Both parents' passports or Citizenship Identity Card, if spouse is Thai
A copy of either the Certificate of Marriage or Certificate of Divorce
A copy of the child's Birth Certificate
A copy of the first page of the savings account which shows the name and account number, if
collecting the benefit through the bank
Childcare Expenses
Traditionally in Thailand the parents and their extended families take care of children from birth to
primary school and help with the costs associated with child care. This is still very much the case but
more parents are seeking the government's help. Policies have been considered but are still being
discussed and little has actually been implemented.
Child allowance tax exemptions can be used if the child is under 25 years of age and is studying at
an educational institution or is declared incompetent. The amount allowed is THB 15,000 for each
child, but limited to three children maximum.
Child Care Options in Thailand
Understand the different childcare options available to parents of toddlers
in Thailand...
There is no formal pre-school system in Thailand and pre-school education is not mandatory. There
are some public schools that offer kindergarten programmes for families, but parents must pay for
expenses such as uniforms, books, lunches and a small administration fee. There are also many
commercial kindergartens that charge only a relatively small fee.
Nurseries, day care centres or playgroups
Although pre-school education is not mandatory in Thailand there is a high demand for child care
centres and kindergartens in urban areas and many commercial nurseries and day care centres are
now available to assist parents. Playgroups are often organised by the parents to involve the
children in social interaction with each other. Prices are generally reasonable, ranging from volunteer
parent-run playgroups to the most expensive and most selective private international schools.
Teachers should be professionally trained to work with children from six weeks to five years old but it
is best to check with the individual school to confirm this. Games, music, arts and snacks are
provided. Typical hours can be as much as from 08:00-16:00 but all schools will be flexible in the
number of hours children can attend.
For a list of British and American international schools for children between six weeks and five
years of age: Click here
Nannies and au pairs
The terms "nanny" and "au pair" are often used interchangeably. Nannies are used more often than
au pairs. Typically, nannies are certified childcare givers and some countries even require CPR
training. However, Thailand currently has no regulations for nannies.
Thailand has many nannies seeking employment from English-speaking families and most are listed
with an agency or find employment through word of mouth.
See AngloINFO INFOrmation Page, Employing Domestic Workers in Thailand
Private babysitters
These may be useful for evenings and shorter periods of time on an ad-hoc basis. Local media or
some of the local expatriate websites post small ads with names of students offering babysitting
services. Check with local schools or neighbours for recommendations. Many Thai teenagers wish to
improve their English speaking skills and so are keen to undertake babysitting services. Hourly rates
vary and more is usually paid after midnight.
The Thai education system
Education in Thailand is free and compulsory for all Thai citizens between
the ages of six and fifteen. Children between three and five also have the
option of attending nursery and preschool.
Previously, education in Thailand was provided by Buddhist monks and was only
available to boys. Nowadays however, the Thai government provides education
in Thailand.
There are two types of education in Thailand formal and informal education.
Formal education is the education that children receive in a classroom. Informal
education however, is provided outside the classroom (in libraries, museums,
through educational TV programmes and special radio programs etc.). However
in Thailand today, most students have access to a formal education system.
Formal education in Thailand is divided into early year education, basic
education, vocational education and higher education.
Basic education in Thailand is divided into:
Nursery school KG1 to KG3 for 3 to 6 year olds
Primary school P1 to P6 (Prathorn) for 6 to11 year olds
Secondary school M1 M6 (Mattayorn) for 12 to18 year olds
Compulsory education in Thailand consists of 6 years of primary schooling called
Prathorn (level P1 to P6) and 3 years of secondary schooling (level M1-M3).
Optional secondary education and university
Students who want to continue their studies after the obligatory M3 level will have
to pass the O-NET test (Ordinary National Educational Test). They then have to
choose one or two elective courses. The elective courses consist of science
programmes, mathematics programmes, foreign language programmes, or social
science programmes.
In order to graduate after M6, students must pass the A-NET test (Advanced
National Educational Test). The M6 diploma is equivalent to British A levels, the
International Baccalaureate or the US- high school diploma.
In order to attend a university after graduating from M6, students must pass
the CUAS test (Central University Admission System). This system is based on
the scores of the O-NET and the A-NET. In addition they have to pass an extra
admission test at their respective universities. Almost 40% of students attend
university after M6 (Mattayorn).
Schooling hours and school holidays in Thailand
Public schools usually sing the National Anthem at 08:30, which indicates the
start of the school day. Classes usually end around 15:30. International schools
may have different schedules; this depends on the school.
Public schools usually have one month of holiday in October and two months of
holiday in March and April.
Private international schools tend to have different holiday schedules. They are
more likely to follow the Western schedule and have long holidays in July and
August and a two week holiday for both Christmas and Easter.
The Grading System in Thailand
In Thailand, primary and secondary school students will be graded using a
number-system (1 = very bad to 4 = very good). Some English teaching
programmes and individual English teachers use the American grading system
with A (being excellent), B, C, D and F (failed).
Public schools
State education in Thailand
Almost all schoolchildren in Thailand attend either public schools or those
run by Buddhist monasteries. The Thai literacy rate is one of the highest in
South-East Asia at about 90%.
Public schools are free for Thai citizens or those who were born in Thailand, and
have one Thai parent. Expatriate children must pay fees when attending a public
school, although the fees for public schools are usually cheaper than those of
international schools. You need your child's birth certificate and the Tabien
Baan (your house registration document) to enrol your child in a public school.
Although there are some public schools where over 50% of classes are
conducted in English, most expatriates send their children to internationals
school due to the smaller class sizes and less learning by rote
Private education
International schools in Thailand
There are international schools for every age group in Thailand, ranging
from pre-school to higher education. Most international schools can be
found in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and on the Eastern
Seaboard.
International schools in Thailand are popular among expatriates but also among
Thai students. Many so-called international schools have less than 10% of
international students. However, the classes are usually held in English or other
foreign languages. The facilities and quality of teaching in international schools
are usually of a high standard and the class sizes are small.
International schools in Thailand usually follow the American or British
curriculum. There are also some schools that follow the German, Swiss,
Japanese or Indian curriculum.
International schools in Thailand have to follow certain conditions as set by the
Ministry of Education regarding ownership of the school, the location and
structure of buildings, sanitary installations, administration and educational
support facilities such as libraries, resources centres etc.
Some international schools are listed at the website of theInternational Schools
Association of Thailand or at the website of the Thai Ministry of Education .
Besides the fees that have to be paid for international schools, foreign students
will normally need an ED visa, birth certificate, health certificate and an
immunisation records document.
Nursery schools in Bangkok
Bangkok Mothers and Babies International organisation (BAMBI ) offers support
and advice for international parents in Bangkok and can help you find an
international kindergarten. Keep in mind, however, that an international
kindergarten may not always offer your child an early education that is
considered international in western countries. Many international kindergartens in
Thailand are simply cosy places with nannies for children.
Higher education
Universities in Thailand
Thai universities have developed considerably since King Rama V set up
the first University in the early twentieth century. However, Thailand still
receives education loans from the World Bank and the OECF.
Higher education in Thailand is predominantly provided at universities and
colleges. Major universities are Chulalongkorn University, Thammasat
University, Mahidol University, Ramkamheng University and Chiang Mai
University.
There are also many non-formal education services for adults in Thailand.
Instead of offering normal, scheduled classes, these services aim to provide
education through community learning centres, TV programmes and other
channels.
Enrolment conditions for foreign students in Thailand
Students should apply directly to the university of their choice. There are
usually no restrictions on foreign students enrolling in a Thai university, as long
as there are places available. To apply, you will usually need the following
documentation:
High School Certificate or equivalent
Academic records from previous schools
Non-immigrant ED visa
Academic year in Thailand
The academic year in Thailand lasts from June to March and is divided into two
semesters. It has a two or three week break between the two semesters in
September.
The long summer break is during the hottest part of the year - the traditional
Thai new-year celebrations, Songkran.
University programmes in Thailand
Most bachelor degrees in Thailand have four years full-time attendance
programmes. Exceptions are pharmacy and architecture that require five years,
and medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine that require six years of study.
Master degrees generally require either one or two years of study. On
completion of a Masters degree, students may apply for an admission exam to a
2-5 year doctoral study program.
A doctoral thesis is regarded as the highest academic achievement. Students are
also expected to produce study reports and give academic seminars during the
doctoral course.
Fees for foreign students in Thailand
Tuition fees for Thai universities vary between 15,000-300,000 Baht per
semester depending on the university.
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The TCT Teaching License
by Thailand 01/10/2013 Schools, Teaching
Many have heard about EFL teachers in Thailand panicking about TCT exams. The reason for the panic is because
teachers are unaware of what exams they need to pass and by when, to legally teach in Thailand.
Thankfully, since the end of last year (2012) the situation has become clearer.
What is the TCT
The TCT stands for The Teachers Council of Thailand. It was formed in 1999 by Chuan Leekpais government as
part of the the National Education Act of 1999 which provided for the Reform of Teachers, Faculty Staff, and
Educational Personnel and included the formation of the Teachers Council of Thailand (TCT).
TCT Responsibilities
The TCT is responsible for setting professional standards; issuing and withdrawal of licenses; overseeing
maintenance of professional standards and ethics; and development of the profession of teachers and educational
administrators. As part of the licensing process the TCT outlined the requirements to be licensed in Thailand. The
most significant of these was the educational requirement which we shall go into in more detail later.
TCT Role within the Government
The TCT is made up of highly qualified individuals who work in the field of Education and they are able to make
recommendations to the Government but cannot create legislation. It is overseen by high ranking government
officials.
This of course means that when a newly elected government comes to power with a new Minister of Education there
is the possibility of the Ministry and the TCT being at loggerheads and that may be a fair reflection of the current
situation.
This in turn means that the situation remains fluid and there may be changes afoot. As with anything like this avoid
taking a panicked teachers rants as the unadulterated truth, and try to source information for independently.
TCT License Requirement to Teach in Thailand
Does a teacher need a license from the TCT to teach English in Thailand? The short answer is, yes or nodepending
on the category of the school. If yes, there is still not immediate cause for concern. A teacher need not have a license
from the TCT the first time they begin teaching at the school.
Thailand can see the need to have well qualified EFL teachers but one can also understand the need to ensure that
these teachers have met a standard set by the TCT.
Political Importance of the TCT License
Requirement
The political need for this is paramount as one could understand the resentment of a 22 year old Thai graduate who
has just completed their degree in education, only to see another graduate earning a great deal more than them based
on their proficiency in a language and because they took a 4 week TEFL training course.
Therefore, whilst the requirements for obtaining a teacher license have to be obtained whilst working full time, bear
in mind that they are far less arduous than those faced by Thais studying to be teachers here.
A new Teacher does not need a TCT License
Immediately
Thailand does recognize the need to improve the English language skills of its population and so the TCT do not
want to drive foreign teachers away or put them off teaching here.
It is with this in mind that they created the Provisional teaching permit also described as a waiver from the TCT
permanent license requirements. If a teacher is working at a formal school in Chiang Mai, they will need one of
these. Details of how to get one are provided below as well as what constitutes a formal school and a non-formal
school.
Formal and Non-formal Schools in Thailand
Formal schools can roughly be defined as schools where students are placed in classes along with other students of
the same age and follow the Thai curriculum as prescribed by the MOE (Ministry of Education). Formal schools can
be government schools or privately run institutions.
Non-formal schools can be defined as schools that teach a curriculum that has some oversight from the MOE. They
could be anything from a language to a cooking or a massage school made largely for tourists. These schools are
exempt from the TCTs requirements. For example, foreign language school teachers do not need to worry about the
TCTs requirements.
Interestingly, an agency is defined as being a type of non-formal school (there are many different categories and
classifications). They may name the place where one works for them as a second location. As they (the agency) are
exempt from the TCT requirements, the teachers they employ do not have to meet the TCTs requirements either.
Provisional TCT Teaching Permits
A provisional teaching permit is something that the school will apply for on a teachers behalf as soon as they begin
work there. It is granted for two years and allows the school time to get the teacher to meet the requirements of the
TCT to obtain a teaching license from them.
At the end of two years the school must be able to show the TCT that there has been progression in meeting the
TCT requirements.
As to what defines progression, that is a more difficult question to answer.
As things stand now it seems as though some schools are showing the TCT that their teachers have attended a Thai
language and Culture course and are enrolled for exams in the Professional knowledge and ethics ( We shall deal
with what these are exactly below)course. This has constituted progression for the TCT.
As I said before, the situation is fluid and only very recently the new Minister of Education made a statement that
seemed to say that changes to the requirements were being planned again so watch this space.
Teachers can obtain at least two provisional teaching permits (total of four years) before they need to obtain a
permanent teaching license.
Exams and Courses required for a TCT
Teaching License
Recently the TCT published some very helpful information on its website to inform teachers as to what is expected
of them. I have copied and pasted the information verbatim to here so please forgive any minor grammatical errors:
Routes to the TCT Teaching License
Teachers Council of Thailand (TCT) has developed Self-Assessments to help applicants discover which
requirements and standards they must meet prior applying for a license.
Route 1 to the TCT Teaching License
Persons who have had teaching experience with not less than 1 year and:
Hold a degree in Education, or
Hold other degrees and a teaching license from abroad, or
Hold other degrees and a graduate diploma in Education with 1 year course of study.
In addition, they also must successfully complete a professional training course and pass assessment of knowledge
as follows:
1. Thai language and culture
2. Professional ethics
When they have passed the assessment according to (1) and (2), they can file an application.
In case of applicants teaching experience with less than 1 year, they shall provide a certification letter, issued by an
educational institution, and submit it to the TCT for issuing a teaching practice certificate and permitting them to
attend the training course.
Route 2 to the TCT Teaching License
Persons who have had teaching experience with not less 1 year and hold other degrees without a teaching license
from abroad; or those who do not hold a graduate diploma in Education with a study course of not less than 1 year,
must pass the test, training and assessment as follows:
1. Thai language and culture
2. Professional ethics
3. Professional knowledge
When they have passed the assessment according to (1), (2) and (3), they can file an application.
In case of applicants teaching experience with less than 1 year, they shall provide a certification letter, issued by an
educational institution, and submit it to the TCT for issuing a teaching practice certificate and permitting them to
attend the training course, and professional knowledge test.
Route 3 to the TCT Teaching License
Persons who have had teaching experience with not less than 1 year, and also hold a teaching license from abroad,
but do not hold a degree must show a certification letter with a document pertaining to recognition and reliability of
teaching experience issued by an educational institution. To certify professional knowledge and experience must be
done in accordance with the resolution of the TCT Board whereby applicants must successfully complete a training
course and pass the assessment of knowledge as follows:
1. Thai language and culture
2. Professional ethics
When they have passed the assessment according to (1) and (2), they can file an application.
Teachers can sit the Professional Knowledge Tests when they hold a bachelor degree or equivalent. The employer of
a teacher who doesnt meet the TCT requirements yet, can apply for a provisional teaching permit. Such a permit is
granted for two years.
Notes on the TCT License and Provisional
Permit
The provisional teaching permit is actually permission to the employer to employ the teacher. When leaving the
employer, the teacher has to apply for a new provisional teaching permit.
The TCT knows which schools and teachers theyve granted a provisional teaching permit in the past.
The first provisional teaching permits were granted at the beginning of 2008. It is reported that when applying for a
second provisional teaching permit the employer/ employee must show progression in meeting the TCT
requirements.
Summary of the TCT Requirements
It is important to keep abreast of current developments with regards to what the TCTs requirements are. There are
discussions of this topic on the Ajarn.com website as well as the Khurusapha website of the Teachers Council of
Thailand.
When looking for work teaching English in Thailand, find out if the school is a formal or a non-formal school and
ask them what the requirements will be.
Most foreign teachers in Thailand will follow Route 2 listed above so enquire at the school as to whether they have
obtained a provisional teaching permit, and when it will be expected to start meeting the requirements of the TCT to
show progression. Do this in a manner that Thais will not find intimidating or aggressive.
The Professional knowledge tests are considered to be difficult but teachers have passed them and help, in terms of
materials, is never hard to find. On the SEE TEFL Grads facebook group, there are some useful tips put up by an ex-
trainee around August 12th 2013.