Most Thai government schools are about to close for the mid-year break. From here in Ban Lum, Sukhothai, after 20 years of Thai school terms, I can tell you the last week before the break is always busier than anyone expects. If you teach in an OBEC public school or a bilingual school on the May–March calendar, this is your window. International schools work differently, and we cover that below.

Your school's calendar PDF wins. The dates below are the typical 2026 OBEC pattern, not a Ministry order for every campus. If your school's PDF says something different, go with the PDF.

Expected public-school dates for 2026

Window	What usually happens
Late September to about 8 October	Semester 1 exams, grade sheets, and the last teaching days
9–30 October 2026	Mid-year (Term 1) holiday, called ปิดเทอม
Tuesday 13 October	King Bhumibol Memorial Day (public holiday)
Friday 23 October	Chulalongkorn Day (public holiday)
Around 31 October 2026	Semester 2 begins (confirm the first teaching day with your school)

For most government schools, the break is expected to run from 9 to 30 October 2026. Two public holidays fall inside it: King Bhumibol Memorial Day on Tuesday 13 October and Chulalongkorn Day on Friday 23 October.

For the whole year, including both semesters, exam weeks and every public holiday, see our Thai School Calendar guide.

What we tell our teachers to do

1. Finish the admin before you leave campus

Submit grades and exam papers, and finish the classroom inventory. Hand keys, registers and any camp money to the person named on the noticeboard. Thai schools remember who disappeared on the last exam morning, so leave only when your paperwork is signed off.

2. Check your contract for pay

Your contract decides what you are paid in October, not the staff room. Monthly-salary teachers are usually paid through the break, but some one-semester or hourly contracts end when Term 1 ends. Read the payment line and ask your school or agency in writing if it isn't clear.

3. Camps are work if you're rostered

Many schools run a short English camp in the first or last week of the break. If we or your school have rostered you for one, those are working days, not holiday. If you aren't available, say so early so someone else can be scheduled.

4. Travel, but do the paperwork first

Short trips to Laos or Cambodia are common and fine. Before you go, make sure your Non-B visa and work permit are in order, and file your 90-day report (TM47) if it falls due in October. The TDAC is for re-entering Thailand, not for leaving, so fill it in for the trip home. If you plan to ride a motorbike over the break, read our motorcycle licence guide first.

5. Plan errands around 13 and 23 October

Banks and many government offices close on both public holidays. Do visa or TM47 errands on other working days, or in the first week of November.

Last-week-of-term checklist

Exam papers and scores submitted
Classroom locked and materials labelled
October pay and any camp days confirmed in writing
Non-B, work permit and 90-day report dates checked
School LINE group notifications left on, because principals message during the break
Return trip booked so you're back the afternoon before Semester 2 starts

International vs government schools: don't mix them up

Government / OBEC schoolsAbout three weeks off, expected 9–30 October 2026. Most international schoolsUsually four or five days, plus 13 and 23 October.

International schools mostly follow an August–June year, so their October break is a half-term, not three weeks. Don't book a long trip from an international calendar. If you move between school types next year, the whole shape of your year changes, which is why our school calendar guide stays up all year.

After the break

Semester 2 is the long, hot stretch through to March, with Sports Day, Christmas activities in a Buddhist school, and exams in late February. Rest in October and don't spend the whole break rewriting lessons. The next long break comes in April with Songkran.

If you're arriving in November for Semester 2, start with the packing checklist and our Non-B visa and work permit guides.

October break FAQs

When is the October school break in Thailand in 2026?

TM.30 Thailand for Teachers: Address Notification After You Rent

Kids-English Thailand-(Matthew John) — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 02:53:34 +0000

TM.30 for Teachers: Landlord Files, You Keep the Slip | Kids English Thailand

Teacher Address Guidelines

TM.30 for Teachers: Landlord Files, You Keep the Slip

TM.30 is your landlord's job, not yours. Your job is to rent from someone who will file it, then keep the slip safe. Here is how we handle it with our teachers in Sukhothai and beyond.

Sec. 38 Immigration Act Host Duty to Report ~24h Filing Window Receipt Keep in Passport

TM.30 in One Paragraph

TM.30 (ตม.30) is the notice under Section 38 of the Immigration Act that tells Immigration where a foreigner is staying. The landlord, hotel, or house master files it within about 24 hours of you arriving. It isn't your filing, but it becomes your problem if it's missing, because immigration offices often ask for the slip before they'll process your Non-B visa extension. During orientation week in Sukhothai, our hotel files it at check-in. When you move into your own apartment or school housing, you need to ask for it and keep the slip.

The Rule in Plain English

What TM.30 Actually Means.

After 20 years of helping teachers settle in, this is how I explain it to every new arrival.

Landlord's Duty

1. Your Landlord Files It

Section 38 puts the filing duty on the house master, property owner, or hotel, not on you. You still feel the delay if they forget, so it pays to check.

About 24 Hours

2. The Timeframe

Hosts are expected to file within about 24 hours of you arriving. Weekends and holidays can slow things down in practice, but filing promptly avoids awkward questions later.

Keep This

3. The Slip Matters

Whether it's filed in person or online, there is a stamped paper slip or an online confirmation. Keep the slip in your passport folder and a photo on your phone.

The Real Cost

4. Fines and Frozen Extensions

A fine commonly cited at up to 2,000 THB for a private house is possible, and more for hotels. The bigger problem for a teacher is a frozen extension until your address is on file.

What It Looks Like in Practice

Four Situations Our Teachers Meet.

From orientation week to your first flat, school housing, and coming back from a holiday abroad.

Orientation Week

1. Hotel Check-In in Sukhothai

During orientation, our hotel in Sukhothai takes your passport at reception and files your TM.30. You don't need to do anything that week.

Your First Flat

2. Renting an Apartment

Before you hand over a deposit, ask the landlord: "Will you file my TM.30?" Most condo managers do it without fuss. If a private landlord isn't sure, our coordinators can help with the forms.

School Housing

3. On-Campus Housing

If your school gives you a room or bungalow on campus, the school acts as your host. Ask the office to file your TM.30 and give you a copy of the slip.

Back From a Trip

4. Returning From Abroad

When you come back from a holiday abroad, you get a new entry stamp. Many provinces, but not all, want a fresh TM.30 on return, even for the same apartment. Check with your local office before you go.

A note on TM.28: Section 37 of the Immigration Act also refers to form TM.28, which foreigners used to report a change of address. In practice, the provincial offices we work with focus on an up-to-date TM.30 from your host.

Two Different Forms

TM.30 vs the 90-Day Report: Don't Mix Them Up.

New teachers confuse these two all the time. The simple version is that your landlord files the TM.30 and you file the TM.47.

Form	Who Files It?	When?	What It's For
TM.30 Notification	The landlord, hotel, or house master	Within about 24 hours of arriving at the address	Tells Immigration where a foreigner is staying
90-Day Report (TM.47)	You, the foreign teacher	Every 90 days of continuous stay in Thailand	Confirms you are still in the country

For how to count your 90 days and file the report, see our 90-day report guide (TM.47).

What To Do

Three Steps for Your Address Paperwork.

This is the routine we walk every teacher through when they move into their own place.

Step 1: Ask Before You Sign

Before you pay a deposit, ask the owner directly whether they will file your TM.30. If they would rather you or your coordinator file it, ask for a signed copy of their house book (Tabien Baan) and Thai ID card.

Step 2: Your Host Files It

Your landlord files through the Immigration Bureau's online TM.30 system or at the provincial immigration office in person. Give them clean copies of your passport photo page and your latest entry stamp.

Step 3: Keep the Slip

Ask for the stamped paper slip or the online confirmation as soon as it is done. Put the slip in your passport folder and keep a clear photo on your phone for your next immigration visit.

We handle school matching, Non-B visa documents, and orientation for our teachers at a $0 placement fee. We're a placement agency, not the Immigration Bureau, but we'll guide you through each paperwork step.

Apply for Paid Teaching Placements

Practical Answers

Frequently Asked Questions.

What is a TM.30 form in Thailand?

Pre-Departure Guide for Teachers Moving to Thailand

Kids-English Thailand-(Matthew John) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:53:00 +0000

Pre-Departure Guide for Teachers in Thailand | Documents, Visa, Packing PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE FOR TEACHERS : DOCUMENTS, VISA PATH, FIRST WEEKS

Teacher Guide : By Matthew John : Updated September 2026

Pre-Departure for Teachers: Golden Folder, Visa Path, First Weeks

Sawasdee from Ban Lum, Sukhothai. I have lived in Thailand for 20 years, and the teachers who arrive calm are the ones who packed their paperwork properly. This guide walks you through the Golden Folder you carry in the cabin, the visa path from exemption stamp to Non-B and work permit, the TDAC arrival card, your cash buffer, school clothes, and what happens in your first weeks with us.

1,500+ Teachers Placed 12 Core Modules 30 Days Exemption Stamp 72 Hrs TDAC Before Arrival

Guide Index

Jump to a Module

Pick a module to go straight to it. Everything is on this one page.

A Note from Matthew (คำแนะนำจากทีมงาน)

"If paperwork runs slow or your flight changes, please don't panic. Our coordinator team and I are here in Ban Lum, Sukhothai, on WhatsApp and LINE, and we will sort out dates with you before you board."

Matthew John : Kids English Thailand, Ban Lum, Sukhothai Province

Module 01 : Thailand Basics (ข้อมูลทั่วไปและสภาพอากาศ)

Thailand Facts & Climate

The basics I wish someone had told me: plugs, time zone, bank hours, and what the weather does to a school day in the north.

Electrical & Time

Country Standards

Time Zone: GMT+7 (Indochina Time, no daylight saving shifts).
National Currency: Thai Baht (บาท / THB).
Power Outlets: 220V at 50Hz (Types A, B and C). Modern laptop and phone chargers work without a step-down transformer.
Banking Hours: Mon–Fri 08:30 to 15:30 (mall branches open until 19:00 daily).

Northern Climate Cycles

Three Broad Seasons

Cool Season (ฤดูหนาว Nov–Feb): Morning flag assemblies can drop to 14°C–19°C in Sukhothai and Lampang. Pack a light cardigan or smart blazer.
Hot Season (ฤดูร้อน Mar–May): Afternoon highs reach 38°C–41°C. Breathable cotton shirts and sweat-wicking undershirts make a real difference.
Rainy Season (ฤดูฝน Jun–Oct): Short, heavy afternoon downpours. Keep a compact poncho in your commuter bag; rain does not cancel school.

Module 02 : Documents (เอกสารสำคัญห้ามเคลือบ)

The Golden Folder

Your Golden Folder travels with you in the cabin: degree, transcripts, police check, passport and TEFL certificate. Originals only, never laminated, and never in a checked suitcase. If a bag goes missing you can buy clothes; you cannot quickly replace a degree.

Identity

🛂 Original Passport

At least 6 months validity from your arrival date, and 2 blank facing pages for entry stamps, extension stamps and your Non-B visa.

Degree & Transcripts

🎓 Bachelor's Degree

Your original degree and sealed university transcripts, legalized or apostilled in your home country. Never laminated. See our degree legalization guide.

Background Check

👮 Criminal Clearance

Your national police certificate (FBI Identity History Summary, UK DBS, Australian ACIC or Irish Garda), issued within 6 months of departure.

Digital Pre-Clearance

📱 TDAC Arrival QR

The confirmation QR code from tdac.immigration.go.th, saved as a screenshot on your phone and printed as a backup.

Pedagogy

📜 TEFL Certificate

Your original 120-hour TEFL or CELTA certificate. Schools value it when they bring you on board.

Photos

📸 Passport Photos

12 printed passport photos (4 × 6 cm) in a collared shirt on a royal blue background, for school records and immigration forms.

🚫 Do Not Laminate Anything in the Folder

Never laminate your degree, transcripts or police check. Thai offices, including the Teachers' Council of Thailand (คุรุสภา / Khurusapha) and the Department of Employment (กรมการจัดหางาน), check originals by hand for raised university seals, ribbons and watermarks. Lamination hides them, and it can mean ordering a replacement from your university, which costs you time and money.

Module 03 : Visa Path (วีซ่าและการเข้าเมือง)

Visa Path, Exemption Stamp & TDAC

This is the part I explain most often. An exemption or tourist stamp gets you into the country; it does not let you work. You need a Non-B visa and a work permit before you teach a class. Rules change, so treat this as a map and confirm the details the week you fly.

Entry Route	How Long You Can Stay	What It Is For
Visa Exemption (60 Listed Countries)	30 Days on Arrival (+30 day TM.7 extension)	Some teachers arrive this way while the school finishes the paperwork for the Non-B visa and work permit. It is not permission to work. It can be extended once at provincial immigration with a TM.7 (the fee has been 1,900 THB, as an example; confirm that week). Land entries on an exemption are limited to twice per calendar year. Check current rules at immigration.go.th.
Direct Non-Immigrant B e-Visa (Arranged Before You Fly)	90 Days on Arrival (work permit follows)	Possible when your placement is confirmed 6 to 8 weeks before departure and your school prepares its Department of Employment WP-3 letter for an e-Visa application at thaievisa.go.th. More in our Non-B visa guide and work permit guide.

Extending an Exemption with TM.7

If you entered on a 30-day exemption and your Non-B is not ready yet, we usually visit the provincial immigration office (for example Sukhothai or Phitsanulok) between Day 15 and Day 25. Bring:

The TM.7 (ตม.๗) form with one 4 × 6 cm photo attached.
Signed copies of your passport photo page, latest entry stamp and TM.30 slip.
The fee in cash. It has been 1,900 THB; treat that as an example and confirm that week. Cards are not accepted at the counter.
Immigration can then add up to 30 more days to your stay.

If the School's Document Pack Is Late

Most teachers never need this. It only matters if the school's document pack runs late and your permitted stay is getting short. Your coordinator will tell you which route fits.

In-country conversion: done at provincial immigration when the school's document pack is complete and you still have enough days left on your stamp (plan on 15 to 21 days; confirm with the office).

Laos visa run: a trip to a Thai embassy or consulate in Laos, such as Vientiane or Savannakhet, to apply for the Non-B there. Consulates check your documents in person.

Stage 1

Travel & Cross

Travel to the border and cross into Laos with your full school document pack.

Stage 2

Apply

Hand in your paperwork at the Thai embassy or consulate and pay the consular fee (confirm the amount that week).

Stage 3

Wait

The consulate reviews your documents. How long this takes depends on the office and the time of year.

Stage 4

Return on the Non-B

Collect your passport with the visa, re-enter Thailand, and the school moves on to your work permit.

This is a general outline, not a fixed itinerary. We plan the dates with you. Before you go, read our DIY visa run to Laos, Non-B visa run in Laos and Thailand Non-B visa guides.

Official Websites

Bookmark these. The official arrival card at tdac.immigration.go.th is free, so ignore look-alike sites that charge a fee:

• tdac.immigration.go.th (Digital Arrival Card) • TM.47 90-Day Report Guide • thaievisa.go.th (Official Thai e-Visa Portal) • immigration.go.th (Immigration Bureau HQ)

Module 04 : Money (งบประมาณและค่าครองชีพ)

Money, Cash Buffer & Living Costs

Every figure below is an example to help you plan, not a quote. Prices and fees move, so confirm them the week you fly.

Crisp Notes

💵 Cash Buffer: An Example

$1,500 to $2,000 USD

As an example, bring $1,500 to $2,000 in crisp, uncreased $100 notes, and confirm the amount that week. Exchange booths in Thailand often refuse notes with tears, ink marks, pinholes or heavy creases. The buffer covers your orientation week fee (13,000 THB at the time of writing; confirm that week), a room deposit (usually one month's deposit plus one month's rent), and food until your first pay.

Banking & Payroll

🏦 Thai Bank Accounts & Payday

Banks such as Kasikornbank, Bangkok Bank and SCB ask for your Non-B visa, your work permit and your TM.30 slip before they open an account. You will open yours in your first weeks at school, and your coordinator will help. Until your PromptPay QR works, schools pay your first salary in cash.

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (THB, Example)	USD (Approx.)	Notes
Studio Apartment (Furnished, Air-Con)	3,200 – 6,000 ฿	$90 – $175 USD	Air-conditioned studio with private bathroom and balcony. You pay rent directly; our coordinators help you find and inspect rooms.
Electricity & Air Conditioning	800 – 1,600 ฿	$25 – $48 USD	Depends on how much you run the air-con at night. A government meter usually costs less than an apartment's own meter.
Water & Fiber Internet	350 – 550 ฿	$10 – $16 USD	Town water plus fibre Wi-Fi in your room.
Daily Food & Night Markets	5,500 – 8,500 ฿	$160 – $245 USD	Night market dinners (around 40 to 60 THB a dish) and school canteen lunches. Eating local keeps costs low.
Motorbike Rental & Fuel	2,500 – 3,500 ฿	$70 – $100 USD	125cc automatic scooter (Honda Scoopy or Click) including fuel. You need a valid home motorcycle licence plus an IDP.
Total Monthly Living Base	12,350 – 20,150 ฿	$355 – $584 USD	On a standard K.E.T. placement (30,000 to 36,000 THB net), many teachers save 10,000 to 15,000 THB a month. All figures are examples; confirm that week.

Module 05 : Dress Code (การแต่งกายของครู)

School Clothes & Appearance

Teachers (ครู) are respected in Thailand, and modest, smart clothes are the easiest way to show respect for your school and students. People notice what you wear before you teach a word. Our packing guide has the full list.

Men

👔 Men's School Clothes

5 to 6 crisp, ironed long-sleeve collared dress shirts (light blue, white, and pastels).
3 to 4 pairs of smart trousers in navy, charcoal or black (no jeans or cargos).
2 to 3 ties (expected at morning assembly and flag ceremonies).
Polished black or dark brown leather dress shoes with dark socks.
Clean-shaven or neatly trimmed facial hair. Visible tattoos must be covered during school hours.

Women

👗 Women's School Clothes

4 to 5 modest tailored skirts or dresses that cover the knees when seated.
5 to 6 modest short- or three-quarter-sleeve blouses (shoulders and chest covered).
Closed-toe flats, loafers or low block heels (no sandals or flip-flops).
A smart cardigan or lightweight blazer for air-conditioned staffrooms.
Leggings, see-through fabrics and sleeveless tops are not worn at school.

Monday Yellow, Friday Mor Hom (สีประจำวันของโรงเรียน)

Many schools wear yellow on Mondays, the royal birthday colour. On Fridays, many northern schools wear the indigo-blue mor hom shirt (เสื้อม่อฮ่อม) or a school polo. This is custom, not law, and it varies from school to school, so follow what your colleagues wear. Shirts are cheap at local markets (as an example, 250 to 400 THB; confirm that week), and you can pick them up during orientation week.

Module 06 : Health (สุขภาพและการตรวจร่างกาย)

Health, Safety & Work Permit Medical

Nothing here is complicated, but it helps to know it before you land: the work permit medical, social security, water and the numbers to save.

Work Permit Screening

🏥 Hospital Medical Check

The work permit needs a Thai hospital medical certificate (ใบรับรองแพทย์): a physical check, blood pressure and routine screening for the conditions listed in labour rules. As an example, it has cost 200 to 600 THB; confirm that week.

Universal Coverage

🛡️ Social Security (SSO 33)

Once your work permit is registered, 5% of your salary is deducted for social security healthcare (ประกันสังคม), up to a monthly cap (750 THB at the time of writing; confirm that week). It gives you free treatment at your registered provincial hospital. Carry private travel insurance for your first weeks.

Hydration Safety

🚰 Drinking Water & Ice

Don't drink tap water; bottled water is cheap and everywhere. Tube ice (the cylinders with a hole) is made from filtered water in licensed factories and is safe.

Emergency Lines

📞 Emergency Contacts

Save these hotlines: 1669 for Medical Emergencies and Ambulances, 1155 for Tourist Police (English-speaking 24/7), and 191 for Royal Thai Police dispatch.

Module 07 : First Weeks (การปรับตัว ๓๐ วันแรก)

Your First 30 Days: Week by Week

Every intake goes through roughly the same weeks. Knowing the shape of it takes a lot of the worry away.

Week 1

Orientation Week

Mo Chit 2 pickup, hotel stay in Sukhothai, 5G SIM card, culture workshops, basic Thai, and meeting the other new teachers.

Week 2

Apartment Move-In

Travel to your school town with our staff, collect your keys, check your landlord has filed your TM.30, and meet the school director.

Week 3

Classroom Launch

Meet your Thai co-teacher (Phee Liang - ครูพี่เลี้ยง), learn the bell schedule, set up your classroom routines, and start teaching once your paperwork allows.

Week 4

Settling In

Life finds its rhythm. Your TM.7 extension goes in if you need one, your bank account opens when your paperwork allows, and town life starts to feel normal.

Module 08 : Phone & Apps (เทคโนโลยีและการสื่อสาร)

Phone, SIM & Apps

Install LINE, Grab, Google Maps and Google Translate before you get on the plane, while you still have home Wi-Fi. Our Thailand apps guide explains each one.

Hardware

📱 Carrier-Unlocked Phone

Check with your home carrier that your phone is carrier unlocked before you leave. A locked phone will not take a Thai SIM. You get an unlimited 5G Thai SIM card during orientation.

Instructional Tool

💻 Bring a Laptop

Bring your own laptop and an HDMI adapter. Thai public schools don't supply laptops to teachers, and you will use it every day for lesson plans, slides and grades.

💬 LINE App How schools message you 🚗 Grab & Bolt Rides & food delivery 🗺️ Google Maps Directions & offline maps 💳 Wise Transfer Low-fee currency transfers 🌐 Google Translate Camera translation for Thai menus

Module 09 : Culture (วัฒนธรรมและมารยาท)

Culture, Respect & the Staffroom

Thai school life runs on courtesy and a calm manner. Get these few things right and people will forgive you a lot else while you learn.

Greeting

🙏 The Thai Wai (การไหว้)

Palms together in front of your chest with a slight bow. Students will wai you first; return it with a nod and a warm smile. With the school director and senior colleagues, you wai first.

Composure

🧘 Jai Yen & Body Taboos

Don't touch anyone's head. Don't point your feet or the soles of your shoes at people, monks or Buddha images. Keep a cool heart (Jai Yen - ใจเย็น) and never raise your voice in anger; doing so causes loss of face (Sia Na - เสียหน้า).

Institution

🇹🇭 Respect for the Monarchy

Respect for the Royal Family is deep and legally protected. Stand still when the national anthem plays at the 08:00 morning assembly, and never damage banknotes or coins with royal portraits.

Module 10 : Orientation Week (สัปดาห์ปฐมนิเทศที่สุโขทัย)

Sukhothai Orientation Week

Every intake starts with us in Sukhothai: training, help with paperwork, and meeting the people you will lean on all year.

What the Orientation Fee Covers

The one-time orientation fee (400 USD, paid in cash on the Sunday; at the time of writing that is 13,000 THB, but confirm that week) covers a group VIP van transfer from Mo Chit 2 terminal in Bangkok directly to Sukhothai (teachers arrange their own airport transit to the Mo Chit 2 meeting point; no direct airport pickups), 5 nights private hotel accommodation with air-conditioning (checking out Thursday morning), all training meals, 5G local SIM card, professional visa portrait photos, guided sunset excursion to the UNESCO Sukhothai Historical Park, and live micro-teaching sessions with Thai students.

✓ On Thursday morning, our staff travel with you to your placement town and school, help you check into your studio, and make sure your landlord files your TM.30.

Read the full Sukhothai Orientation Week Guide →

Module 11 : Housing & TM.30 (ที่พักอาศัยและแจ้งที่พัก ตม.๓๐)

Housing & TM.30

Your landlord, not you, files the TM.30 address notice. Your job is to rent from someone who will file it, and to keep the slip.

Studio Standards

🏠 Studio Move-In & Rent

Our coordinators check clean, safe studio apartments 5 to 15 minutes from your school. As an example, rent is typically 3,200 to 6,000 THB a month (confirm that week). Rooms come with a private bathroom, air-con, fridge, bed and wardrobe. You pay rent directly; we help you find, inspect and agree the lease.

Legal Requirement

Your TM.30 Slip

Under Section 38 of the Immigration Act, your landlord or host reports your address to Immigration, usually within 24 hours of you moving in. Ask for the TM.30 slip (ใบแจ้งที่พักอาศัย ตม.๓๐), paper or digital, and keep it with your passport. You will need it for a TM.7 extension and to open a bank account. More in our TM.30 guide for teachers.

Module 12 : Before You Board (ความพร้อมก่อนขึ้นเครื่อง)

At the Airport & Your Checklist

What to have ready at the immigration desk, and a checklist you can tick off as you pack. It saves on this device.

🛂 At the Immigration Desk

Enter only on the stamp you actually hold. Do not start paid classroom work until your Non-B visa and e-Work Permit are in place. If you are coming to take a K.E.T. job, talk to your coordinator about the entry route before you buy the ticket; do not guess an answer at the desk. Have your onward flight booking (dated within your permitted stay), funds to show if asked (as an example, 20,000 THB; confirm that week) and your TDAC QR screenshot ready on your phone.

Pre-Departure Readiness Checklist

Tick off your documents, cash, clothes and apps before you board. 0 of 15 Completed (0%)

Your Questions (คำถามที่พบบ่อย)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the visa exemption rule for teachers flying to Thailand?

TM47 Thailand: How Teachers File the 90-Day Report

Kids-English Thailand-(Matthew John) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:51:00 +0000

TM.47 90-Day Report Thailand | How Teachers File TM.47 : THE 90-DAY ADDRESS REPORT FOR TEACHERS 📋 TM.47 Guide : Matthew John Updated: September 2026

Quick Answer

The TM.47 90-day report tells Immigration you are still at your address. You file it yourself, not your landlord, for every 90 days of continuous stay in Thailand. It is not a visa extension, and it is free when you file on time. Your first report after a new entry stamp is usually done in person at the immigration office that covers your address, and leaving Thailand usually resets the 90-day clock. After that, you can often file online. Whichever way you file, keep the slip in your passport.

🗓️ Example: If you arrive on 1 March, Day 1 is 1 March and your 90-day due date is 29 May. In person, offices typically accept your report from 14 May to 5 June with no fine. From 6 June a late fine can apply (commonly 2,000 THB; confirm at the desk). For a repeat report filed online, the window usually runs from 14 May to 22 May, closing 7 days before the due date.

Planning tool only. The date Immigration writes on your slip wins.

90-Day Report Calculator

Enter the date of your latest entry stamp (or the date on your last TM.47 slip) to see your usual filing window and how you will probably file.

Last entry stamp in your passport

Filing Windows at a Glance

The window depends on how you file. These are typical practice, and provincial offices differ, so check yours. My advice: file early and never wait for the last day.

Filing Route	Window Usually Opens	Window Usually Closes	What to Expect
Online Portal	15 days before due date	7 days before due date	Online filing usually closes a week before the due date. After that, report in person.
In-Person Visit	15 days before due date	7 days after due date	Free. Offices typically accept reports up to 7 days after the due date without a fine.
Late Filing	Day 8 after due date	Until settled	Commonly 2,000 THB if you walk in late; more if you are stopped. Confirm at the desk.

Who Files (and Who Doesn't)

Under Section 37(5) of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522, foreigners staying in Thailand on long-stay permission report their address every 90 days of continuous stay. For teachers on a Non-B, that means you.

Category	Visa Holders Included	Reporting Rule
You File	Non-Immigrant B (teaching and employment), Non-O (family, marriage, or retirement), ED (education), DTV (Destination Thailand Visa), OA (long-stay retirement), and Thailand Privilege holders.	Every 90 days of continuous stay in Thailand.
No Report Needed	Thai citizens, Permanent Residents (holding blue alien book), tourists staying under 90 days, and diplomatic passport holders.	No TM.47. Leaving Thailand before Day 90 usually resets the clock for that stay.
Dependents & Children	Foreign minors residing on dependent visas.	Local offices may ask you to file for them. Late fines are generally applied only from age 15; confirm with your office.

TM.30, TM.7 and TM.47: Three Different Forms

People mix these up all the time, even teachers who have been here a while. The key point: TM.30 is not TM.47. Your landlord files the TM.30; you file the TM.47. Our TM.30 guide for teachers covers the landlord side.

Feature	TM.30 Residence Notification	TM.7 Extension of Stay	TM.47 90-Day Report
What It Does	Tells Immigration where you sleep.	Extends your permission to stay (tied to your visa and work permit).	Confirms you are still living at your address.
Who Files	Landlord, property owner, or hotel manager.	You, in person at immigration.	You (online, in person, by post or through a representative).
When to File	Usually within 24 hours of you arriving at the address.	Before your current permission to stay runs out.	Every 90 days of continuous stay in Thailand.
Fee	Free (the host can be fined if late).	1,900 THB is the commonly cited fee; confirm that week.	Free when filed on time.

The TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card)

The old paper TM.6 card has been replaced by the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which you submit before you land. Our TDAC guide walks you through it.

Immigration's system links your passport number to that TDAC record. If your landlord hasn't filed your TM.30, or your TDAC record doesn't match, the online portal may reject your report and you will need to go in person.

72-Hour Window

1. Before You Fly

Submit your free arrival card at tdac.immigration.go.th within 72 hours before you arrive in Thailand.

✓ Free : never pay a look-alike site Linked Record

2. Your Reference Number

Your passport is matched to this record. Without your TDAC reference, an online TM.47 report may not go through.

🔑 Saved in your arrival email If You Lose It

3. Finding It Again

Search your inbox, or look it up at tdac.immigration.go.th with your passport number. If that fails, report in person.

⚠️ First report is usually an office visit

Official Websites

• tm47.immigration.go.th (official online 90-day report)
• tdac.immigration.go.th (Thailand Digital Arrival Card)
• immigration.go.th (Immigration Bureau)

The 4 Ways to File Your 90-Day Report

There are four usual ways to file. First check whether this is your first report on a new stamp or a repeat report, because that decides most of it:

Usual for 1st Reports

1. In-Person Office Visit

Usually required for your first report after a new entry stamp.

Go to the provincial immigration office that covers the address on your TM.30.
Bring your passport and signed copies of your photo page, current visa, latest entry stamp and TM.30 slip.
Hand in a signed TM.47 form.
The officer checks it and staples a slip into your passport there and then.

Fastest for Repeat Reports

2. Online Submission

For later reports, once you already have a record on file.

Open tm47.immigration.go.th usually between 15 and 7 days before your due date.
Enter your passport details, nationality and the TDAC reference from your arrival email.
Check that your address matches the TM.30 your landlord filed.
Check back after 1 to 3 working days to download and print your approved slip.

Post 15+ Days Early

3. Registered Mail (Thailand Post)

Useful if you teach far from the immigration office.

Send it by registered EMS at least 15 days before your due date.
Include signed copies of your passport photo page, visa, latest entry stamp, TM.30 slip and previous TM.47 slip.
Add a signed TM.47 form and a stamped, self-addressed envelope (40 THB postage has been the usual amount; confirm that week).
Immigration posts your new slip back to you.

When Sick or Unavailable

4. Authorized Representative (Proxy)

If you can't get to provincial immigration yourself. Offices differ on what they accept, so check first.

You can ask a colleague, an agent or your school coordinator.
They take your passport, a signed TM.47 form and a copy of your TM.30 slip.
Include a signed letter of authorisation (power of attorney) naming them.
They hand it in at the counter for you.

Late Fines

Immigration sets the fines, not us, and practice varies between offices. As a guide:

You walk in late: commonly 2,000 THB.
You are stopped without a valid slip: more. Figures up to 5,000 THB are often quoted.

In short: Commonly 2,000 THB if you walk in late; more if you are stopped. Confirm at the desk.

The Day 75 Reminder

Set a phone reminder for Day 75 of your stay. That is roughly when the online window usually opens, and filing then leaves time to sort out a system error or outage before online filing closes, usually 7 days before your due date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the TM.47 90-day report a visa extension?

Thailand Visa Exemption Change: Back to 30 Days (15 September 2026)

Kids-English Thailand-(Matthew John) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:49:09 +0000

Thailand Visa Exemption from 15 Sep 2026 | Teachers

Visa Guide : Updated 28 September 2026 : Matthew John, Ban Lum

Visa Exemption from 15 September 2026: 30 Days, Then Non-B

What changes on 15 September 2026, how the extension works (commonly 1,900 THB), and how we use the 30-day exemption as a short arrival bridge while your school paperwork finishes.

15 Sep Start Date 30 Days Typical Stamp 60 Nations Listed Countries 1,900 THB TM.7 Fee (Typical)

📌 THE SHORT ANSWER FOR INCOMING TEACHERS

The temporary 60-day visa-free scheme ends on 15 September 2026. From that date, passports on the list typically get 30 days on arrival for tourism (that is current practice, so check immigration.go.th and the Royal Gazette for the official rule). The date on your entry stamp decides: stamped in on 14 September or earlier, you keep the old stay; stamped 15 September or later, you typically get 30 days. You can usually extend once inside Thailand for up to 30 days with form TM.7, commonly 1,900 THB in cash, so confirm that week. If your passport is on the list, an exemption can buy time while your papers finish, but the officer at the stamp decides whether to let you in. An exemption is not work permission: no classes and no salary until your Non-B visa and work permit are in place.

Gazette Timeline

1. What Changed and the Two Dates That Matter

The two dates we get asked about most, and where to check them yourself.

The Ministry of Interior announcements were published in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026 and take effect 15 days after publication. That puts the start date at 15 September 2026.

Some online headlines mixed up the publication date with the start date and said 1 September. The official notices give 15 September 2026. Please check them yourself on immigration.go.th and in the Royal Gazette, because that is where the official rule lives, not on our blog.

✓ The stamp date decides. If your entry stamp is dated 14 September 2026 or earlier, you keep the 60-day stay you were given. If it is dated 15 September or later, you typically get 30 days.

Item	Until 14 September 2026	From 15 September 2026
Main visa-free stay	Up to 60 days	Up to 30 days
Countries on main list	93 countries and territories	60 countries and territories
Stated purpose	Tourism, short business, urgent work	Tourism only
One in-country extension	Yes: up to +30 days, commonly 1,900 THB	Yes: up to +30 days, commonly 1,900 THB
Practical ceiling per entry	About 90 days total	About 60 days total
Land border entry cap	2 visa-exempt land entries per year	2 per year (MY, BN, ID, SG exempt)
15-day exemption tier	Not separated	Mauritius and Seychelles
Visa on Arrival (VoA)	Wider list	Azerbaijan, Belarus, Serbia only

Current practice as we understand it; the column that applies depends on the date on your entry stamp. Check immigration.go.th and the Royal Gazette for the official rule.

Arrival Strategy

2. Why Teachers Can Still Use This Route

How 30 plus 30 days can work as a short paperwork bridge.

Paperwork Speed

Schools Move Slower Than Flights

We often see a teacher's flight date arrive before the school sponsorship letter, WP-3 pre-approval, degree legalisation, police check and medical certificate are all in one place. Flights can't always be moved. An exemption can work as a short arrival bridge. It is not permission to work.

Buffer Math

30 + 30 = 60 Days on the Ground

The main change after 15 September is the length of your first stamp: typically 30 days instead of 60. A 30-day stamp plus one TM.7 extension of up to 30 days gives roughly 60 days in Thailand. If your passport is on the list, that can buy time while your papers finish, but the officer at the stamp decides whether to let you in.

Work Rule

Cannot Teach on Exemption

An exemption is not work permission, and neither is a TR tourist visa. No classes and no salary until your Non-B visa and work permit are in place. The exemption only lets you in as a visitor while your school and our coordinators prepare that paperwork.

Official Nationalities

3. The 60-Country 30-Day List and Bilateral Treaties

The published list for the 30-day exemption. Check the current list on immigration.go.th before you book.

The 60 Visa-Exempt Countries (30 Days Tourism):

Australia; Austria; Bahrain; Belgium; Bhutan; Brunei Darussalam; Bulgaria; Canada; Croatia; Cyprus; Czech Republic; Denmark; Estonia; Fiji; Finland; France; Georgia; Germany; Greece; Hungary; Iceland; India; Indonesia; Ireland; Israel; Italy; Japan; Jordan; Kuwait; Kyrgyzstan; Latvia; Liechtenstein; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Malaysia; Maldives; Malta; Netherlands; New Zealand; Norway; Oman; Philippines; Poland; Portugal; Qatar; Romania; Saudi Arabia; Singapore; Slovakia; Slovenia; South Africa; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; Taiwan; Turkiye; Ukraine; United Arab Emirates; United Kingdom; United States of America.

15-Day Exemption Tier Mauritius and Seychelles receive 15 days visa-free for tourism. Visa on Arrival (VoA) List VoA is restricted to Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Serbia only. Bilateral Treaties South Korea, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru maintain separate bilateral treaties (often 90 days). China maintains 30 days reciprocal.

Airport & Border Entry

4. Counter Rules: What Officers Check

Entry is always at the officer's discretion under the Immigration Act. These are the typical counter asks we see, not a guaranteed list.

🛂

Purpose is Tourism

From 15 September the stated purpose of the exemption is tourism. Have your hotel booking to hand and answer the officer's questions honestly. You are not entering to work, and you must not work until your Non-B and work permit are in place.

📱

TDAC Arrival Card (Free)

Submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card at tdac.immigration.go.th within 72 hours before arrival. It is free. Watch out for copycat sites that charge a fee, and save the QR confirmation on your phone.

💵

Proof of Funds (Sometimes Asked)

Officers may ask to see funds. The figure commonly cited is 20,000 THB per person (40,000 THB per family), in cash or a bank balance you can show. It is a typical counter ask, not a guaranteed check either way.

✈️

Onward Flight Booking

Airlines and officers may ask for proof that you will leave Thailand within your permitted stay. It is a typical ask rather than a guaranteed one, so keep the booking on your phone.

🏠

TM.30 Address Receipt

Your hotel or landlord should file the TM.30 residence notification within 24 hours of check-in. Ask for a copy of the receipt, because offices usually want it for your extension. More in our TM.30 guide.

🚪

Land Border Limits

Visa-exempt land border entries are capped at two per calendar year (Malaysian, Bruneian, Indonesian and Singaporean passports are outside this cap). Arrivals at international airports don't count towards the 2-entry land limit.

Extension Procedure

5. How to Extend the Exemption (Commonly 1,900 Baht)

One extension per entry, for up to 30 extra days. Fees and paperwork can change, so confirm at immigration.go.th or your provincial office that week.

📋 What Offices Usually Ask For (TM.7):

✔ Original passport with at least 6 months validity
✔ Photocopy of passport photo page and current entry stamp
✔ Completed Form TM.7 (Application for Extension of Stay)
✔ One recent 4 × 6 cm passport photo on white background
✔ The fee in cash, commonly 1,900 THB (bring the exact amount; cards are often not accepted)
✔ Landlord or hotel TM.30 residence notification receipt
✔ TDAC submission confirmation code screenshot

⏱️ How We Do It at Immigration:

When to apply: We suggest visiting your provincial immigration office 7 to 14 days before your 30-day stamp runs out. The extra days are normally added from the end of your current stamp, so going early doesn't usually cost you any days.

Where: Apply at the provincial office that covers your TM.30 address (for our teachers that is often Sukhothai, Phitsanulok or Tak). You can't extend at the airport departure desk.

Office hours: Most offices open Monday to Friday, about 08:30 to 16:30, and close on Thai public holidays. Check your office before you go.

Pathway Comparison

6. Exemption vs. TR Tourist Visa vs. Direct Non-B

Pick your route by how long your papers will take.

Your Document Status	Best Route to Use	Total Days in Country	Action Plan
File nearly ready, flight soon	30-day visa exemption	30 + 30 = 60 days	Land visa-free, settle in, school finishes Non-B paperwork.
Police check / apostille will take 6 to 10 weeks	Tourist Visa (TR) via e-Visa	60 + 30 = 90 days	Apply for TR online before flying for a larger buffer.
Nationality dropped from list, no treaty	Tourist Visa (TR)	60 + 30 = 90 days	Must apply before flying; visa-free entry is unavailable.
WP-3 pre-approval already issued	Non-Immigrant B e-Visa	90 days initial	Cleanest route: arrive with your Non-B stamped from home.

Day counts are typical at the time of writing. Check the current e-Visa terms on the official Thai e-Visa site, and remember the officer at the stamp decides on entry.

Troubleshooting

7. What If Your Documents Are Delayed?

What we do to keep your stay in order while your papers finish.

Step 1

Verify Entry Date

The stamp date decides. Stamped in on or before 14 September: typically 60 days. Stamped in on or after 15 September: typically 30 days. Check the date on your stamp, not your ticket.

Step 2

Calendar Day 18

Set a reminder for Day 18 of your stay. If the school's Non-B paperwork isn't ready to lodge, go to provincial immigration and apply for the TM.7 extension (up to 30 days).

Step 3

Compile School File

Your school puts together your degree, background check, medical certificate and WP-3 pre-approval letter for the Department of Employment.

Step 4

Non-B Conversion

If enough days are left on your stamp, the change to Non-B may be possible inside Thailand (your office decides); otherwise we organise a consular trip to Laos. Never let your stamp run out.

Work Rules

8. What You Cannot Do on a Visa Exemption

Three Things You Can't Do:

❌ No teaching on an exemption: An exemption is not work permission. No classes, no covering timetables and no salary until your Non-B visa and work permit are in place. Working without permission can lead to fines and deportation.
❌ The DTV is not a teaching visa: The Destination Thailand Visa is meant for people working remotely for employers outside Thailand. It does not let you work in a Thai school. More in our DTV guide.
❌ No rolling border runs: Visa-exempt land entries are capped at two per calendar year, so repeated border hops won't keep you in the country.

After Arrival

9. After You Land: The Transition Sequence

How our teachers go from a visitor stamp to working legally.

When you arrive on an exemption, our coordinators help you check in and make sure your landlord files the TM.30 residence report. At the same time, our operations team works on your school contract, background check and hospital medical certificate.

Once the Department of Employment issues your WP-3 pre-approval letter, you move to a Non-Immigrant B visa. Many of our teachers do this on an organised consular trip to the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane or the Consulate in Savannakhet, Laos. The full process is in our Visa and Work Permit Guide 2026.

✓ With your Non-B active, your digital work permit is finalised and your stay is extended at provincial immigration to cover your teaching contract.

Immigration Penalties

10. Overstay Penalties: Commonly Cited Figures

Overstaying is serious. These are the figures commonly cited; check Immigration for the current rules. They are not KET's rules, and the authorities decide each case.

Overstay Condition	Fine (Commonly Cited)	Re-Entry Ban (Commonly Cited)
Voluntary surrender under 90 days	500 baht per day (capped at 20,000 baht)	No ban, but recorded on your immigration record
Voluntary surrender 90 days to 1 year	20,000 baht maximum fine	1-year entry ban
Voluntary surrender over 1 year	20,000 baht maximum fine	3 to 10-year entry ban depending on duration
Apprehended by authorities (any length)	Fine plus detention and deportation costs	5-year ban if under 1 year; 10-year ban if over 1 year

Commonly cited / check Immigration. KET is not Immigration. Confirm current fines and bans on immigration.go.th and in the Royal Gazette.

Action Checklist

11. Pre-Flight Checklist for Teachers

[ ] Passport valid for at least 6 months with 2 blank facing pages
[ ] TDAC arrival card done at tdac.immigration.go.th (free) within 72 hours before arrival
[ ] First night accommodation address ready for TM.30 residence filing
[ ] Onward or return flight within your permitted stay (a typical counter ask)
[ ] Proof of funds, commonly cited as 20,000 THB per person in cash or bank statements (a typical ask, not guaranteed)
[ ] Original unlaminated degree and criminal background check in hand luggage
[ ] Calendar reminder set 10 days before stamp expiry for TM.7 extension
[ ] KET coordinator contact number and LINE account saved on your phone
[ ] Read our pre-departure guide for the full paperwork and packing list

Frequently Asked Questions

Visa Exemption FAQ

Is the visa exemption cancelled?

Thai Children’s Day (Wan Dek): Date, Schools, and What Teachers Do

Kids-English Thailand-(Matthew John) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:48:00 +0000

Children's Day Thailand (Wan Dek) | Teacher Guide

Classroom Culture Guide : Matthew John, Ban Lum

Wan Dek: Second Saturday in January, Light Friday Prep

Wan Dek, Thailand's National Children's Day, is one of the happiest days on the school calendar. It falls on the second Saturday of January, so it isn't a weekday holiday. Here's what happens at school, and the light Friday prep we suggest for foreign teachers.

2nd Sat January Date Rule 10 Jan '26 2026 Observance 9 Jan '27 2027 Observance Saturday Not a Public Holiday

Key Dates

1. Fast Facts: Dates & PM Slogans

The basics for National Children's Day in Thailand.

Calendar Rule

Second Saturday of January

Wan Dek is always the second Saturday of January: Saturday 10 January in 2026 and Saturday 9 January in 2027. It is not a public holiday, and because it falls on a Saturday, no weekday classes are cancelled. See our Thai school calendar for the rest of the year.

PM Slogan

Kham Khwan Wan Dek

Each year the Prime Minister releases a slogan for children (Kham Khwan Wan Dek), usually about values like discipline, learning and being a good citizen. It changes every year, so we don't quote one here. Check your school LINE group that week; you will often see it on campus banners too.

Semester Context

Term 2 Timeline

Wan Dek falls in Term 2, just after New Year. If you arrived in October, it lands midway through your contract, and one-semester teachers finishing in March get to enjoy it too. More in our One Semester Guide.

Saturday Events

2. Wan Dek vs. A Normal Saturday

School events are on the Saturday. Here's what to do if your school runs one.

Saturday Schedule

Check With Your Co-Teacher

Some schools run games, stage shows or community outings on Saturday morning. On Friday, ask your Thai co-teacher whether foreign staff are expected or whether it's optional.

Key Rule: Confirm on Friday Outings & Games

School Field & Local Outings

If you go, your job is simple and fun: hand out snacks, join the stage games and cheer your students on at sports. There's no teaching or marking on the day.

Key Rule: Relaxed Support

Around Our Schools

3. What Northern Schools Actually Do

What Children's Day often looks like around Sukhothai, Phitsanulok and nearby provinces. For the bigger dates, see our festivals in Thailand guide.

🏛️

Provincial Halls & Public Parks

In towns like Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Tak and Phetchabun, local government offices, parks and provincial halls often put on free games, food stalls and music stages. Families bring their children to collect small gifts and ice cream.

🎪

School Grounds & Stage Shows

On campus, schools often set up bouncy castles, balloon stations and a small stage on the sports field. Students perform traditional dances, songs and games while teachers hand out wrapped snacks.

🛍️

Bangkok Malls (If Visiting)

If you're in Bangkok that weekend, big malls such as CentralWorld and Siam Paragon, and some museums, often run family activities and free-entry areas. Plans change every year, so check what's on before you go.

Friday Class Prep

4. Friday Class Prep: Quick Vocab & Drawing

Easy, low-prep ideas for the Friday before Wan Dek.

20-Minute Activity

Dreams & Family Vocab

Keep Friday light and positive. Spend 20 minutes on simple words like happy, family, future, dream, games and smile, then have primary students draw their dream job or favourite activity.

Interactive Hook

Word Searches & Colouring

No need to buy ready-made packs. Make quick colouring sheets, word searches or matching games for your grade. Kindergarten (Anuban) classes love balloon-themed worksheets.

Friday Closing

Wish Your Class Happy Wan Dek

Finish Friday by wishing your class Suk-san wan dek! Students love hearing their foreign teacher use a friendly Thai greeting as they pack up for the weekend.

Photo Privacy

5. Photo Privacy & Social Media

📸 School Channels Only

Event photos belong on the school's official Facebook page or the school LINE group, nowhere else. Please don't post identifiable students on your personal social media accounts. Protect your students' privacy and follow your school's safeguarding rules.

Thai Language Essentials

6. Three Key Phrases for Wan Dek

Useful Thai to use with your students and co-teachers.

Phrase 1

Wan Dek (วันเด็ก)

Translates directly to "Children's Day".

Phrase 2

Dek Thai (เด็กไทย)

Translates to "Thai children" or "Thai youth".

Phrase 3

Suk-san wan dek (สุขสันต์วันเด็ก)

Translates to "Happy Children's Day!"

Frequently Asked Questions

Children's Day FAQ

When is Children's Day in Thailand?

National Teachers’ Day Thailand (Wan Khru): 16 January

Kids-English Thailand-(Matthew John) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:48:00 +0000

Teachers' Day Thailand (Wan Kru, 16 January)

Classroom Culture Guide : Matthew John, Ban Lum

Wan Kru on 16 January: Students Home, Teachers at Meetings

Every 16 January, Thailand honours its teachers on National Teachers' Day (Wan Kru). Students stay home, and teachers may be at meetings, merit-making or district events. Here's what happens, how it differs from Wai Kru in June, and what we tell our foreign teachers to expect.

16 Jan Wan Kru Date June Wai Kru Month Orchid Wan Kru Symbol No Classes Students Stay Home

16 January

1. What Happens on 16 January (Wan Kru)

How Thai schools mark National Teachers' Day.

Students Stay Home

No Regular Classes

On 16 January there are no normal classes and students stay home. It's a day for teachers, not a shutdown for shops or banks, but the classrooms are empty.

Staff Attendance

Check With Your Co-Teacher

Check your school LINE group, or ask your Thai co-teacher on 15 January, whether foreign staff are expected at meetings, merit-making or district events on the day. Some schools invite us to a staff lunch; others treat it as a quiet day off campus.

Term Timeline

Mid-Term 2 Context

Wan Kru falls in Term 2, a few days after Children's Day. If you're doing one term to March, you'll see Wan Kru in January; on a full-year contract you'll see Wan Kru in January and Wai Kru in June. See our Thai school calendar and One Semester Guide.

Clearing the Confusion

2. Wan Kru (16 January) vs. Wai Kru (June)

Two different days that honour teachers. People mix them up all the time.

16 January

Wan Kru (Teachers' Day) (วันครู)

A national day for teachers. Students stay home and there are no classes. Staff may be called to morning merit-making, meetings or district events. Its symbol is the orchid.

Key Rule: Students Stay Home Thursday in June

Wai Kru Ceremony (พิธีไหว้ครู)

A ceremony on a Thursday in June, soon after Term 1 starts. It happens on a normal school day. Students kneel before their teachers and present Phan (flower) trays, often with eggplant flowers, Bermuda grass and popped rice, to say thank you. More in our Wai Kru guide.

Key Rule: School Day, Flower Trays

Symbol & Saying

3. The Orchid Symbol & "Mold of the Nation"

The Teachers Act of 1945, the orchid and M.L. Pin Malakul's poem.

🌸

The Teachers Act of 1945 & The Orchid

Wan Kru comes from the Teachers Act of 1945, which set up the Teachers' Council of Thailand (Khurusapha). In 1996 the Council chose the orchid, Dok Kluay Mai (ดอกกล้วยไม้), as the symbol of Teachers' Day. It was inspired by a poem by M.L. Pin Malakul, a former Minister of Education, comparing teaching to orchids: they need patient care and time before they bloom.

🏛️

Kru Kue Mae Pim Kawng Chaad

You'll often hear "Kru Kue Mae Pim Kawng Chaad" (ครูคือแม่พิมพ์ของชาติ) on 16 January. It means "Teachers are the mold of the nation." The idea is that students take their shape from their teachers, so your patience and manners matter.

📜

Two Different 1945s

Don't mix these up: 1945 is the year of the Teachers Act. Kids English Thailand is a separate company, founded in 2009; 1945 is also when our family roots in Ban Lum, Sukhothai begin.

Etiquette

4. Ceremony Etiquette for Foreign Teachers

What we suggest if your school invites you to a Wan Kru event.

Attire Standard

Formal Dress If Invited

If you're invited to a school or district event on 16 January, dress formally. For men, that usually means dress trousers, a long-sleeved collared shirt and a tie. For women, a modest blouse that covers the shoulders and a knee-length or longer skirt. Skip denim and trainers. See our teacher dress code guide.

Respectful Posture

Phones Away & Follow Thai Staff

Ceremonies often start with monks chanting, then speeches from the school director (Phor-Or). Keep your phone silent and away. Follow your Thai colleagues when they stand or bow. If you're given an orchid pin or a small gift, receive it with two hands and give a wai.

Faculty Bonding

Say Yes to Lunch

Many departments have a shared lunch or hotpot after the morning ceremony. Lunch invites matter, so say yes if you can. It's one of the easiest ways to get to know your Thai co-teachers (Phee Liang) away from lessons.

Child Safeguarding

5. Photo Privacy & Social Media

📸 School Channels Only

Photos from school celebrations and district ceremonies belong on the school's official Facebook page or the school LINE group. Please don't post identifiable student faces on your personal social media. Protect your students' privacy and follow your school's safeguarding rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thailand Teachers' Day FAQ

When is Teachers' Day in Thailand?

Christmas in Thai Schools: What Foreign Teachers Actually Do

Kids-English Thailand-(Matthew John) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:47:00 +0000

Christmas in a Thai School | 25 Dec Is Still a Work Day

Classroom Culture Guide : Matthew John, Ban Lum

Christmas in Thai Schools: Parties Mid-December, Class on the 25th

Christmas in a Thai school is a lot of fun, but it isn't a holiday. Here's how our schools in the north handle the season, how to plan around cancelled periods, and the small bits of etiquette that matter.

15–20 Dec Usual Party Window 25 Dec Normal Work Day 50-100฿ Typical Gift Cap 500-1k฿ Treats, Example Total

Term 2

1. School Calendar & Flight Reality

How the Thai school year handles late December.

Term 2 Calendar

25 December Is a Work Day

Term 2 roughly runs from November to March. 25 December is not a Thai public holiday, so expect morning assembly and your normal timetable unless your school calendar says otherwise. See our Thai school calendar.

Travel Caution

Flight Booking Rule

Don't book flights home expecting a two-week Christmas break. Some schools give a short break around New Year, but dates vary, so don't book anything until your school calendar is in your hand.

Mid-December Parties

Parties Often Mid-December

Christmas shows and student games are usually around 15–20 December. The last week before New Year is often taken up with tests or sports day rehearsals.

Cool Season

2. Northern Weather: Cool Mornings & Jackets

Not all of Thailand is hot in December.

🧥 Assembly Jackets in Sukhothai, Lampang & Phetchabun

If you're placed in the north, in provinces like Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Lampang or Phetchabun, cool-season mornings in December can be surprisingly chilly at outdoor assembly. More in our seasons in Thailand guide.

💡 Tip: Keep a jumper, cardigan or smart jacket in your bag for morning line-up. It usually warms up by late morning, so move high-energy games indoors or into the shade in the afternoon.

Two Events

3. Two Events: Student Party & Staff Table

Turning up and joining in goes a long way with your Thai colleagues.

🎉

Student Hall Party

Usually around 15–20 December: stage shows, dances, costume contests and game stations. Foreign teachers are often asked to judge, lead a song or hand out small treats.

🍽️

Staff Table & Secret Santa

Thai staff often have an informal lunch or dinner. If there's a Secret Santa, follow the school's cap, often 50–100 THB. A small wrapped gift in the same range for your co-teacher or director is a kind gesture.

Song Selection

4. Songs, Carols & Cultural Context

Keep the music upbeat and secular in public schools.

🎶 Stick to Upbeat Classics

In Buddhist public schools, Christmas is a cultural English event. We stick to secular songs: "Jingle Bells", "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer".

📌 No sermon and no nativity play unless your Thai head of department asks for one. Follow their lead.

In the Classroom

5. Activity Ideas & Disrupted Schedules

How to handle cancelled periods and keep classes fun.

Schedule Reality

15-Minute Backup Lesson ⏰

In mid-December, periods often get cancelled at short notice for rehearsals. Keep a 15-minute Christmas vocab game or picture bingo ready, so you can still teach if half the class turns up.

✨ Need printable lesson packs? See our Twinkl ESL Resources Guide →

Classroom Treats

Treat Budget Rule 🍬

Treats are optional. If you do buy some, set one modest pot for all your classes together, for example 500–1,000 THB in total, not that amount per class.

Thai Phrase

Suk-San Wan Christmas 🗣️

Teach your students "Suk-san wan Christmas" (สุขสันต์วันคริสต์มาส) alongside Merry Christmas. Wishing your co-teachers and director a happy Christmas in Thai always goes down well.

Child Safeguarding

6. Photo Etiquette & Student Privacy

📸 School Channels Only

Event photos belong on the school's official Facebook page or LINE group. Don't post identifiable student faces on your personal social media. Protect your students' privacy and follow your school's safeguarding rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Christmas in Thai Schools FAQ

When do Thai schools celebrate Christmas?

English Camp Thailand: Station Rotations, Games, and Large Classes

Kids-English Thailand-(Matthew John) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:46:41 +0000

English Camp Thailand | Station Rotations for 150–250 Kids ENGLISH CAMPS IN THAI SCHOOLS : HOW WE RUN THEM FROM BAN LUM

Camp Guide : Written by Matthew John

English Camps: Small Teams, Stations, Whistle, Water

Putting 150 to 250 Thai students in one school hall and talking at them from a stage does not work. At our camps around Ban Lum we split the kids into small teams that rotate through timed stations, with a whistle, music, shade and plenty of water. Here is how we run it.

18–25 Kids Per Team 8 Teams Mobile Stations 25 Min Rotation Time 1:2 Foreign Lead : Thai Helpers

📌 THE SHORT ANSWER FOR CAMP ORGANISERS (สรุปแนวทางการจัดค่าย)

Do not lecture 200 kids in a hall. Shy students (kreng jai, เกรงใจ) will not risk a mistake in front of everyone, and in our camps we typically see only a handful of confident kids doing most of the talking in that setup. Instead, we split the group into teams of about 18 to 25 students that walk clockwise through 25 to 30 minute stations. Each station has one foreign lead plus one or two Thai co-teachers or student helpers (ครูพี่เลี้ยง). Music, simple cheers and a whistle keep it fun (สนุกสนาน) without anyone shouting, and a shade and water break gets everyone through the heat.

📊 Live Station Rotation & Timing Planner Auto-Calculates Live Quick Presets: Total Students (จำนวนนักเรียน) Stations / Teams (จำนวนฐาน) Total Camp Minutes (เวลารวม นาที) Transition Walk (Mins) 🔄 Active Rotation Route (Clockwise Walk) 8 Active Squads

Chapter 01 : Group Dynamics

Why Whole-Group Camps Fail (and Why Rotations Win)

Why big groups go quiet, and why small teams talk.

The Big Hall

The Shy Spectrum 😶

When 200 children sit facing a stage, a handful of confident students answer the microphone while the majority remain passive. In a big group most kids feel watched, so they keep quiet and speak very little.

Heat & Noise

Shy Kids Shut Down 📉

A hot, noisy hall makes nervous children even quieter. When they are worried about getting it wrong, they stop trying. Smaller teams in a calmer space help them relax enough to have a go.

Keep Moving

Rotational Movement ⚡

Teams of about 18 to 25 students give the day a simple rhythm. Walking to a new station every 25 minutes or so resets their energy and keeps them paying attention.

Chapter 02 : Sample Day (ตารางกิจกรรมประจำวัน)

One-Day Schedule: 200 Students Across 8 Stations

A sample timetable we use as a starting point. Adjust it to your school, but never drop the shade and water break.

Time Window	Activity Phase	What Happens
08:30 to 09:00	Opening & Team Division (พิธีเปิดและแบ่งกลุ่ม)	Everyone gathers, teams get their wristbands, and the foreign teachers lead a quick warm-up cheer.
09:00 to 09:25	Station Round 1 (กิจกรรมประจำฐาน รอบที่ ๑)	Teams 1 to 4 engage Stations A to D; Teams 5 to 8 engage Stations E to H. Small-group speaking practice.
09:30 to 09:55	Station Round 2 (กิจกรรมประจำฐาน รอบที่ ๒)	5-minute music-guided transition. Teams walk clockwise to their next station.
10:00 to 10:20	Hydration & Shade Reset 💧 (พักดื่มน้ำและคลายร้อน)	Water and shade break. Staff add up team points while students rest out of the sun.
10:25 to 10:50	Station Round 3 (กิจกรรมประจำฐาน รอบที่ ๓)	Third rotation: speaking interviews, rhythm games and past tense mimes.
10:55 to 11:20	Station Round 4 (กิจกรรมประจำฐาน รอบที่ ๔)	Final rotation: vocabulary hunts, simple command courses and category relays.
11:30 to 12:00	Showcase & Certificates 🏆 (การแสดงและมอบเกียรติบัตร)	Team cheers, thank-yous to teachers, certificates, and a group photo for the school's own channels.

Chapter 03 : Station Plans (แผนกิจกรรมประจำฐาน)

Four Station Plans: 25 Minutes Each

Simple 25-minute plans with what the foreign lead does, what the Thai helper does, and the sentences kids practise.

Station A Present Simple & Mingle Primary 3 to Mattayom 3 ⏱️ 25 Minutes

🎯 Station A: Human Bingo Blitz

Focus: Present Simple question formation (Do you like...?, Can you...?), peer interviewing, and active listening comprehension.

📌 Target Sentence Frames:
• Question: "Do you like [som tam / football / K-Pop]?" → Answer: "Yes, I do!" / "No, I do not."
• Question: "Can you [ride a bicycle / swim / play guitar]?" → Answer: "Yes, I can!" / "No, I cannot." 📋 Materials Checklist:

25 printed Bingo grids with Thai-relevant prompts, 25 pens, portable Bluetooth speaker for background rhythm, mini whiteboard for visual modeling.

🚀 Delivery Steps:

1 Demonstrate with Thai Co-Teacher (3 Mins): Foreign teacher models asking: "Do you like som tam?" The Thai co-teacher responds with "Yes, I do!" and signs the matching box on the card.
2 Active Peer Mingle (17 Mins): Play upbeat background music. Students mingle and interview peers. Enforce the fairness rule: a single classmate may only sign your sheet twice.
3 Bingo Verification (5 Mins): When a student completes a row or column, verify their card by having them share three complete sentences about their peers.

💡 Tip: For hesitant groups, let students interview in pairs for the first 3 minutes. Pairing a quieter student with an outgoing friend builds instant confidence!

Station B Actions & Memory All Grades ⏱️ 25 Minutes

🎭 Station B: Name + Action Memory Chain

Focus: Personal introductions (I am [Name]!), third-person pronouns (He is [Name], She is [Name]), and movement memory.

📌 Target Sentence Frames:
• Self: "I am [Art]!" + [Claps overhead twice]
• Memory Chain: "He is [Art] (Clap), She is [Joy] (Spin), and I am [Bank]!" + [Waves elephant trunk] 📋 Materials Checklist:

Open floor space, soft beanbag or squishy foam ball for speed rounds.

🚀 Delivery Steps:

1 Create Parallel Circles (2 Mins): Split the team into two smaller circles of 10 to 12 students. Foreign lead coordinates Circle 1; Thai assistant facilitates Circle 2.
2 Build the Movement Chain (18 Mins): Foreign lead starts with an energetic action. Pass clockwise: each child repeats all prior names and movements before adding their own.
3 Speed Challenge (5 Mins): Challenge the circle to complete the full sequence in under 30 seconds. If someone stumbles, the whole circle chants together to support them!

💡 Tip: Never eliminate shy children. If a student forgets a name, have the entire circle perform the actions together so no child feels singled out or embarrassed.

Station C Oral Speed Interview Primary 4 to Mattayom 3 ⏱️ 25 Minutes

🗣️ Station C: WH-Question Interview Carousel

Focus: Rapid questioning with Who, What, Where, When, Why, How and full-sentence personal answers.

📌 Ready Question Prompt Bank:
• What: "What is your favorite Thai food?" → "My favorite Thai food is pad krapao."
• Where: "Where do you want to travel?" → "I want to visit Chiang Mai."
• Who: "Who is your favorite singer?" → "My favorite singer is Lisa." 📋 Materials Checklist:

Whiteboard with pre-written question prompts, whistle or bell for rotation signaling.

🚀 Delivery Steps:

1 Form Facing Lines (3 Mins): Arrange students in two parallel lines facing one another 1 meter apart (Line A faces Line B).
2 90-Second Conversations (17 Mins): Point to Question 1. Line A asks Line B; Line B answers and asks in return. When the whistle blows, Line A takes one step to the right!
3 Partner Spotlight (5 Mins): Point to a fresh question prompt every 2 rotations. Conclude by having 3 students report what their partner shared.

💡 Tip: Parallel facing lines work significantly better than seated desks because proximity and eye contact generate natural conversational focus.

Station D Past Tense & Gesture Primary 5 to Mattayom 3 ⏱️ 25 Minutes

🎬 Station D: Past Tense Mime & Chain Story

Focus: Past simple regular (-ed) and irregular verb conversion (eat → ate, go → went, see → saw).

📌 Target Language Sentence Frames:
• Regular: played football ⚽, watched movies 🎬, washed hands 🧼
• Irregular: ate noodles 🍜, went to 7-Eleven 🏪, drank iced milk tea 🧋
• Guessing Frame: "Yesterday you [ate noodles]!" → "Yes, yesterday I [ate noodles]!" 📋 Materials Checklist:

20 laminated action cards with past tense verbs and pictures, score tracking board.

🚀 Delivery Steps:

1 Quick Verb Drill (4 Mins): Write 8 common verbs on the board in present and past columns. Practice choral pronunciation together.
2 Silent Mime Guessing (16 Mins): Student A draws a card and acts out the action silently. Teammates raise their hand to guess using complete past tense sentences.
3 Chain Story (5 Mins): Form a circle. Student 1 says "Yesterday I ate mango." Student 2 continues: "Yesterday I ate mango and bought ice cream."

💡 Tip: Write the irregular past tense forms prominently on the whiteboard in gold marker as soon as a student guesses them correctly.

3-Minute Co-Teacher Briefing (การประสานงานครูพี่เลี้ยง)

Before Station Round 1 begins, gather all Thai co-teachers and student assistants for a quick briefing. Hand out station cards and instruct assistants: "Avoid translating English sentence prompts directly into Thai. Instead, model the answer once and point to the written board prompt!" It keeps the kids thinking in English.

Chapter 04 : Thai Culture (วัฒนธรรมไทย)

Thai Culture at Camp: Sanuk, Kreng Jai, Jai Yen

Three Thai ideas that make a big difference on camp day.

🎈 Sanuk (สนุก)

Playful Enthusiasm

Sanuk means fun. If a station feels like a test, kids switch off. Keep it lively with songs, team points and quick demonstrations.

🤝 Kreng Jai (เกรงใจ)

Managing Hesitation

Many Thai kids will not speak up if they might make a mistake in front of others. Make speaking a team game, so no single child is put on the spot.

🧊 Jai Yen (ใจเย็น)

Calm Leadership

Jai yen means a cool heart. Rooms change, the speaker dies, the schedule slips. Stay calm and keep smiling; Thai staff and kids respond well to a patient teacher.

📣 Ready Call-and-Response Camp Cheers & Signals

Cheer 1: Are You Ready? ⚡

Use when setting up stations or getting crowd attention:

Teacher: "Are you ready?"
Students: "We are ready! (Clap-Clap-Clap)"
Teacher: "A-One, A-Two?"
Students: "A-One-Two-Three!" Cheer 2: The Energy Clap 👏

The classic Thai school rhythm reset:

Teacher: "Clap 1! (Clap)"
Teacher: "Clap 2! (Clap-Clap)"
Teacher: "Clap 5! (Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap)"
Students: "Hoo-Ray!" (Hands up!) Whistle Signals 🚨

Music on while teams play. Then, instead of shouting:

1 Long Blast: Music off, freeze and listen.
2 Short Blasts: Walk clockwise to the next station.
3 Short Blasts: Return to central team circle.

Chapter 05 : Common Mistakes

What Looks Good on Paper (but Fails on the Day)

Mistakes we see at big school camps, and what we do instead.

❌ Long Stage Explanations

Talk through rules on a microphone for more than a few minutes and you lose them. Show the rules instead, in about a minute.

❌ Overly Complex Crafts

Forty minutes of cutting and colouring means almost no spoken English. Save camp time for speaking games and movement.

❌ Public Ranking of Shy Kids

Never single out weaker students or push shy children onto the stage alone. Give points to teams, not individuals, so nobody loses face.

❌ Ignoring the Heat

Relays in the midday sun wear kids out fast. Have plenty of drinking water ready, run the most active games early in the cooler morning, and move to shade in the middle of the day.

Chapter 06 : Logistics & Close (รายการตรวจสอบความพร้อม)

Interactive Camp Checklist & Closing Ceremony

Everything from morning setup to certificates. Your ticks are saved in this browser.

Camp Readiness & Supply Checklist

Track equipment, team wristbands, audio gear, and certificates before student arrival. 0 of 10 Completed (0%)

🏆 The 30-Minute Closing Showcase

Team Cheers (5 Mins): Each team presents their 10-second group cheer created during morning warm-ups.
Student Spotlight (10 Mins): Invite student volunteers to showcase vocabulary or sentences practiced at stations.
Certificates & Photo (15 Mins): Present team awards, thank the Thai co-teachers, and take a group photo with the school director.

Photos: share camp photos on the school's own channels only. No identifiable kids on teachers' personal social media.

Frequently Asked Questions (คำถามที่พบบ่อย)

English Camp FAQ

Why don't whole-group English camps work with big Thai groups?

Classroom Chaos: A Retro 8-Bit TEFL Game for Thai Classes

Kids-English Thailand-(Matthew John) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:46:22 +0000

Classroom Chaos | Free Retro Game for Teachers in Thailand FREE RETRO GAME FOR TEACHERS : CLASSROOM CHAOS : THEN THE REAL TIPS

A Joke Game for Teachers : Written by Matthew John

Classroom Chaos:
A Joke Game, Then Real Class Tips

Can you survive 60 seconds in a busy Thai primary classroom? Dodge paper planes, grab falling power-ups and jump on the Chaos Boss. Then scroll down for the real bit.

60 Sec Class Period 10,000+ Ajarn Target 2 Teachers Brad & Sarah Sprites 8-Bit Audio Web Audio Chiptune CLASSROOM CHAOS '26 DESKTOP: Move [A/D] or [Arrows] • Jump [W / Up / Space] | TOUCH: Tap Left/Right & Jump below or tap screen!

Now the Real Bit: Actual Classrooms

Learn every child's name on day one, even if it takes a seating plan and a class photo. Pick one routine, like a clap-back or a hands-up signal, and use it every lesson until it sticks. Don't shout over the ceiling fans; stop, wait and use your signal. Your Thai assistant should model the answer once and point to the board rather than translate every word. For big groups, see how we run an English camp in Thailand, and for little ones try our ESL games for kindergarten.

Chapter 01 : Classroom Atmosphere

Play in a Thai Classroom: Movement, Sanuk, Jai Yen

What works in Thai primary and lower-secondary classes.

Movement & Action

Get Them Moving 🏃

Thai primary classes are full of energy. Don't fight it by keeping kids frozen at their desks for fifty minutes. Use relays, chants and short bursts of movement, and turn that energy into spoken English.

Cultural Harmony

The Spirit of Sanuk 😄

Sanuk means fun. When kids see you smile, clap a rhythm and turn a spelling review into a game, they relax and join in. Fun isn't a break from the lesson; it's how the lesson gets done.

Emotional Balance

The Jai Yen Composure 🧘

Thirty kids talking at once, the school loudspeaker cutting in: it happens. Shouting in anger makes everyone lose face (sia na). Keep a cool heart (jai yen) and a patient smile, and the class stays on your side.

A High Score Is Not Teaching Skill

Shy kids speak more in a game than in a test. Worried about a public mistake (kreng jai), many Thai children stay quiet when put on the spot, but join in happily when it's a team game.

So games, team points and a bit of humour help. But Classroom Chaos is a joke: dodging pixel paper planes is no substitute for lesson planning, clear routines and good teamwork with your Thai co-teacher (phee liang).

Chapter 02 : In-Game Items

Power-Ups: What Each Item Does

Catch the falling words: plain words like Apple or Sanuk are worth 100 points, and power-ups give a short boost. With 30 seconds left the Chaos Boss arrives; jump on its head for 250 points, and beat it for a 1,000-point bonus.

☕

Thai Coffee (+200 Pts)

A 5-second Speed Boost, so your teacher can dodge planes and catch more words.

🛡️

TEFL Shield (+150 Pts)

Puts a light-blue ring around your teacher: 5 seconds where paper planes can't hurt you.

🔔

Quiet Bell (+150 Pts)

Rings the school bell and clears every paper plane off the screen.

📣

Megaphone (+300 Pts)

Clears every paper plane and, if the boss is on screen, deals 25 HP damage to the Chaos Boss.

🧋

Thai Tea (+250 Pts)

The best one: a 5-second Speed Boost and 5 seconds of shield at the same time.

Chapter 03 : Game Scoring

Scores and Ranks: Just for Fun

Survive the full 60 seconds and the game gives you a rank. Lose all 3 lives and you just get your score. Either way, a high score is not the same as teaching skill.

Score Range	Arcade Rank Title	What It Really Means
Under 5,000 Pts	Senior Teacher	You survived the lesson. Have a Thai iced coffee and go again.
5,000 to 9,999 Pts	EP Specialist	Quick reflexes and good boss jumps. Still says nothing about your lesson plans.
10,000+ Pts	Top Rank 🏆	Great arcade reflexes. Real teaching success is calm patience and knowing 30 names, not dodging pixels.

Relocation Suite

Essential Candidate App Toolkit

Apps our teachers use every week for messages, money and getting around.

💬 LINE Messenger How your school and coordinator talk to you 💳 Wise Transfer Low-Fee Currency Conversion and Transfers 🌐 Google Translate Camera Thai Script OCR and Translation 🚗 Grab and Bolt Cashless Rides and Food Delivery

Game and Classroom FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How was this game made?

Word Rain: An EdTech Typing Game for Thai Classrooms

Kids-English Thailand-(Matthew John) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:46:20 +0000

Word Rain | Free Typing Game for Thai Classrooms FREE TYPING GAME : WORD RAIN : THEN THE REAL CLASSROOM TECH

Free Typing Game : Written by Matthew John

Word Rain:
Type the Falling Words, Then Use a Real Board

Can your students type the falling 3- and 4-letter words before they hit the red line? It's a quick warm-up for a projector, laptop or tablet. Then scroll down for what actually works with classroom tech in Thailand.

60 Sec Per Round 3 & 4 Letter Word Lists Power-Ups AI, Coffee, Sawasdee, WiFi Touch-Ready On-Screen Keys

Play It Here

Word Rain: The Game

Works with a real keyboard, a touchscreen or, if your board passes taps through, a smartboard.

WORD RAIN TECH '26 DESKTOP: Type letters on keyboard | TOUCH / MOBILE: Tap on-screen keys or tap falling words directly!

Now the Real Bit: Classroom Tech That Works

A projector and a decent speaker beat a smartboard that won't switch on. Test the board, the cable and the wifi before the lesson, not in front of 40 kids. Paper word cards still win when the wifi dies, so keep a set in your bag. For more ideas, try Classroom Chaos, read our notes on AI tools in Thai classrooms, or see how we use Kahoot in Thai classrooms.

Chapter 01 : Why It Works

Why a Typing Game Helps: Short Words, Quick Wins

Short words, a timer and a big screen. That's all it is.

Letters to Words

Spotting Letters Fast 🧠

Kids see a word, find its letters and type them before it lands. It turns spelling review into a quick game, and the short words keep it doable for beginners.

Smartboards

Test Your Board First 📺

On the front board, the game becomes a whole-class activity. The on-screen keys only work if your smartboard passes taps through to the web browser, and not every board does. Test it before class, or plug in a wireless keyboard.

Word Lists

3 and 4-Letter Word Pools 🎯

The WORDS button switches between both lists, 3-letter words only, or 4-letter words only. Start young learners on 3-letter words, then move up. Gold power-up words can still drop in any mode.

A Warm-Up, Not a Lesson

Five minutes of Word Rain wakes a class up and gets them reading English letters fast. It is not a phonics course.

Follow it with the real work: say the words out loud, put them in sentences, and write them down.

Optional Extras (Not KET Software)

Optional Google Tools: NotebookLM & Gemini

NotebookLM and Gemini are Google products, not KET software. Some teachers use them to prepare materials. Features, limits and pricing change, so check Google's own pages.

🎙️ Google NotebookLM

Summaries From Your Own Documents

Google NotebookLM works from documents you upload, such as unit notes or a reading passage, and can make summaries and study guides. At the time of writing it can also make audio overviews you might adapt for listening practice. It is Google's tool, not ours; check what your account offers.

🤖 Google Gemini

Lesson Brainstorming

Google Gemini is a general AI assistant. Teachers use it to draft reading exercises, phonics word lists or short dialogues. Check everything it writes before it reaches the kids. Gemini belongs to Google, not KET.

🎨 Custom Word Pools

Targeted Vocabulary Themes

You can ask an AI assistant for 3- and 4-letter word lists for your current unit (animals, clothes, food) and use them on paper or on the board. Word Rain itself uses a fixed word list; it can't load your own words.

🔄 Paper Back-Up

When the Screen Dies: Twinkl

When the screen goes off, go back to paper. For slides, phonics cards and printable games, see our Twinkl ESL Resources Guide.

Chapter 03 : Game Mechanics

Power-Up Words: The Gold Ones

Every word scores 50 points per letter. Gold power-up words also give a bonus, and they can drop in any word mode. Missed words just vanish: there are no lives, only the clock.

🤖

AI (Slow-Mo Freeze)

Type AI to slow the falling words for about 6 seconds, so learners have time to find the keys.

☕

COFFEE (Double Score)

Type COFFEE to double your points for the next 8 seconds.

🙏

SAWASDEE (Screen Clear)

Type SAWASDEE to clear every word off the screen and get a 500-point bonus.

📶

WIFI (Time Bonus)

Type a gold WIFI to add 5 seconds to the clock. (A plain WIFI from the 4-letter list scores normally but gives no bonus.)

Chapter 04 : Speed and Ranks

Speed and Ranks: Just for Fun

At the end, the game shows a rough typing speed (correct letters ÷ 5, counted as one minute), your accuracy and a rank. The ranks are game labels, not literacy levels.

Speed Range (WPM)	Student Rank	What It Means
0 to 14 WPM	Keyboard Explorer	Still finding the letters. Stick with 3-letter words for now.
15 to 29 WPM	Student Typer	Getting a rhythm with 3- and 4-letter words.
30 to 44 WPM	EdTech Speedster	Quick fingers. Long power-up words like SAWASDEE are within reach.
45+ WPM	Top Rank 🏆	Fast typing. Nice, but it still doesn't tell you whether they can read the word aloud.

Relocation Suite

Essential Candidate App Toolkit

Apps our teachers use every week for messages, money and getting around.

💬 LINE Messenger How your school and coordinator talk to you 💳 Wise Transfer Low-Fee Currency Conversion and Transfers 🌐 Google Translate Camera Thai Script OCR and Offline Translation 🚗 Grab and Bolt Cashless Rides and Food Delivery

Game and EdTech FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Word Rain use 3- and 4-letter words?

Thai Festivals Teachers Will Meet at School

Kids-English Thailand-(Matthew John) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:45:00 +0000

Festivals in Thailand | Songkran, Loi Krathong, School Days FESTIVALS IN THAILAND : WHAT TEACHERS NEED TO KNOW : YOUR SCHOOL PDF BEATS ANY BLOG DATE

Teacher Life : Festivals : Written by Matthew John

Thai Festivals Teachers Actually Hit:
Dates, Closures, Manners

What we tell our teachers in Ban Lum and across the north: which festivals close school, what to wear, and what not to do. One rule first: your school's calendar PDF beats any date on a blog, including this one.

13–15 Apr Songkran (Official) Nov Moon Loi Krathong (Usually) Lunar Cycle Dates Shift Yearly School PDF Decides Days Off

Chapter 01 : How Dates Work

The Lunar Calendar: How Dates and Days Off Work

Why dates move every year, and why your school PDF wins.

Lunar Calendar

Shifting Event Dates

Many Thai festivals follow the lunar calendar, so Loi Krathong, Makha Bucha and Asalha Bucha move every year. Don't book flights off a blog date. Check the official calendar for the year, then your school's own PDF.

School Reality

School Days Off

Not every festival is a day off. Songkran sits in the long hot-season break. Loi Krathong and most regional festivals are usually school days unless the memo says otherwise. The school calendar PDF beats any blog date, including ours. More in the Thai school calendar.

Merit Culture

Merit-Making (Boon)

Most festivals start at the temple: early-morning merit-making (tam boon) and food for the monks, then markets and music. If colleagues invite you along, go, dress for the temple, and copy what they do.

Chapter 02 : National New Year

Songkran: Water, Blessings & Days Off

Thai New Year, officially 13–15 April. School is out, but everyone else is on the move too. See our Songkran safety guide and Songkran festival guide.

Official Dates

13 to 15 April (วันสงกรานต์)

The official holiday is 13–15 April nationwide: washing away the old year's bad luck. Some cities run longer; Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Pattaya (whose Wan Lai usually comes a few days later) can stretch it over several days. Schools are already in the hot-season break.

Respectful Tradition

Rod Nam Dum Hua (รดน้ำดำหัว)

Before the water fights, families pour scented water gently over the hands of elders and monks as a sign of respect. If your school or village holds a ceremony, join in: pour gently, over the hands, and wai.

Practical Gear

Bring a Waterproof Pouch

You will be soaked the moment you step outside. Keep phone, cash and keys in a waterproof pouch round your neck, wear quick-drying clothes, and leave your passport, laptop and documents at home.

Road Safety

Travel Early or Stay Put

The roads are at their busiest as people head home. Don't ride a motorbike long distance on wet roads. Book trains or licensed buses weeks ahead, or stay local and enjoy it.

Chapter 03 : Festival of Lights

Loi Krathong vs. Yi Peng: River Rafts & Sky Lanterns

Both fall around the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, usually November. They are not the same thing. More in our Loi Krathong guide.

Nationwide Waterways

Loi Krathong (ลอยกระทง) : River Rafts

Nationwide (also spelled Loy Krathong). People float banana-leaf rafts (krathongs) with a candle, incense and flowers on rivers, canals and ponds to thank the water goddess Phra Mae Khongkha. Pick one made of banana trunk, bread or leaves, not styrofoam. It is often a school day, so check the memo.

Northern Lanna

Yi Peng (ยี่เป็ง) : Sky Lanterns

The northern (Lanna) lantern festival, centred on Chiang Mai. People release paper lanterns (khom loy) into the night sky. In recent years releases have been limited to set zones and times, so check local rules before you light one.

Historic Birthplace

Sukhothai Light & Sound Festival

Sukhothai is often called the birthplace of Loi Krathong, and it is on our doorstep in Ban Lum. The Historical Park usually runs several evenings of Thai dance, light-and-sound shows and krathongs on the old temple ponds. Book rooms early.

Classroom Activity

Making Krathongs with Students

Many Thai schools spend an afternoon making krathongs with the kids: banana trunk, folded banana leaves, marigolds, incense and candles. Join in; it is one of the best afternoons of the term. Keep an eye on the pins and candles with little ones.

Chapter 04 : Regional Highlights

Regional Festivals: Rockets, Candles & Rituals

Local festivals worth knowing. Months are typical and can move with the lunar calendar. Any school closures are local, so ask your school.

Isan / Northeast (Usually May)

Boon Bang Fai Rocket Festival (บุญบั้งไฟ)

Held in Yasothon and across Isan before rice planting. Villages build big home-made rockets and fire them into the sky to ask the rain god Phaya Thaen for rain. Watch from a safe distance.

Ubon Ratchathani (Usually July/August)

Khao Phansa Candle Festival (แห่เทียนพรรษา)

Marks the start of Buddhist Lent (Khao Phansa). Local artisans carve huge beeswax sculptures that are paraded through Ubon Ratchathani with folk dancers.

Phuket & South (Usually October)

Vegetarian Festival (เทศกาลกินเจ)

A nine-day festival in the ninth lunar month. People eat vegan (gin jay) and many wear white. In Phuket Old Town, spirit mediums (mah song) lead street processions that can be intense to watch.

Lopburi (Usually Late November)

Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival

Held at the Khmer ruins of Phra Prang Sam Yod. The town lays out tables of fruit and sticky rice for the local macaques. Keep bags zipped and sunglasses in your pocket; the monkeys grab.

Chapter 05 : Respect & Etiquette

Teacher Etiquette: Temples, Water & Invites

Simple rules. These are customs, not laws, but people notice.

Temple Attire

Modest Temple Dress

Cover shoulders and knees; no sleeveless tops, low-cut tops or short shorts. Take your shoes off before you enter a temple hall (slip-ons help).

Songkran Respect

Water Play Boundaries

Don't splash monks, elders, pregnant women or anyone on a moving motorbike. No ice water, dirty canal water or high-pressure hoses. Towel off before you walk into an air-conditioned shop.

School Relationships

Say Yes to Staff Invites

If your Thai co-teachers (phee liang) invite you to a temple ceremony, a staff lunch or a parade, say yes. It builds goodwill fast, and it is how you get to know your town.

Useful Apps

Festival-Day App Toolkit

Apps that help on festival days: reading signs, messages, money and getting around.

🌐 Google Translate Camera OCR to read festival schedules and signs 💬 LINE Messenger Your school and coordinator's main chat 💳 Wise Transfer Low-fee currency conversion for weekend trips 🚗 Grab and Bolt Rides and transport during crowded festival days

Thai Festivals FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main festivals teachers will meet in Thailand?

Popular Thai Dishes Teachers Will Eat (and Teach)

Kids-English Thailand-(Matthew John) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:45:00 +0000

Popular Thai Dishes | Order Cards Teachers Can Show POPULAR THAI DISHES : ORDER CARDS TO SHOW THE COOK : SAY MAI PHET

Teacher Life : Thai Food : Written by Matthew John

Thai Food Teachers Eat:
Mai Phet, Spoon First, Busy Stalls

Sawasdee from Ban Lum. This is how we order at the market stalls around our office: find the dish, point at the Thai script, say mai phet, and pick the busy wok over the quiet tray. Tap any card's button to show the cook your order in big Thai letters.

5 Tastes Sweet, Sour, Salty, Spicy, Bitter Tap to Show Vendor Cards (ยื่นให้แม่ค้า) 35–60 ฿ Example Plate Price (Varies) Spoon First Right Hand, Fork Left (ช้อน-ส้อม)

📌 THE SHORT ANSWER FOR TEACHERS (สรุปแนวทางปฏิบัติสำหรับครู)

Most teachers live on pad kra pao, khao phat, Pad Thai and som tam. At the stall, point at the Thai script on the cards below and say mai phet (ไม่เผ็ด, not spicy) or phet nit noy (เผ็ดนิดหน่อย, a little spicy). Vegetarian is mang-sa-wi-rat (มังสวิรัติ); jay (vegan) food is gin jay (กินเจ). End with khrap (men) or kha (women). Eat with the spoon in your right hand and the fork in your left. Pick a hot wok with a queue over a tray that has been sitting out; no stall comes with a guarantee. The school canteen is usually milder than night-market som tam. Tap any card's button to show the cook your order full screen.

Chapter 01 : Tastes & Manners (ศาสตร์แห่งรสชาติไทย)

The Five Tastes: And How to Eat Them

What you are tasting, and how to eat it without looking new.

Taste Balance (รสกลมกล่อม)

The Five Tastes

Sweet (palm sugar), sour (lime or tamarind), salty (fish sauce), spicy (chilies) and a little bitter (herbs and greens). Most dishes aim for a balance, and the condiments on the table let you adjust it.

Fresh Aromatics (สมุนไพรสด)

Fresh Herbs, Not Powder

Lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves and holy basil go in fresh, pounded or torn, not as dried powder. That is the smell that hits you at the market.

Communal Table (กินข้าวด้วยกัน)

Family-Style Sharing (Gin Khao)

At school, lunch is social. Colleagues often order a few plates for the middle of the table and share. If someone offers you food, take a little and say aroi; it goes a long way in the staffroom. Festival days bring their own food, too: see festivals in Thailand.

🍴 Table Etiquette: Spoon in Right Hand, Fork in Left

Rice dishes are not eaten with chopsticks. Spoon in your right hand, fork in your left.

1. Fork Pushes Food: The fork does not go in your mouth. Use it to push rice and food onto the spoon. 2. Spoon Goes in Your Mouth: The spoon does the cutting and the carrying. 3. Chopsticks for Noodle Soup: Chopsticks and a soup spoon are for noodle soup (kuay teow). Everything else is spoon and fork.

Chapter 02 : The Dishes (เมนูยอดนิยมที่ครูต้องรู้)

12 Dishes You Will Meet: Canteen to Night Market

What turns up at school lunches and night markets. Each card has a button that shows the cook your order in big Thai letters. More on everyday eating in our Thai food guide.

🌶️🌶️ High Heat (เผ็ดร้อน) ผัดกะเพราหมูสับไข่ดาว Pad Kra Pao Moo Sap Kai Dao

Holy Basil Stir-Fry with a Fried Egg

The lunch most Thais order without thinking. Minced pork (or chicken, gai) fried hard with holy basil, garlic and chilies, over rice with a fried egg (kai dao) on top. It comes hot by default, so ask for mai phet.

🍗 Rich & Creamy (เข้มข้น) ข้าวซอยไก่ Khao Soi Gai

Northern Coconut Curry Noodle Soup

A northern favourite, best known from Chiang Mai. Chicken in a coconut curry broth with soft egg noodles and crispy noodles on top, with pickled mustard greens, shallots and lime on the side.

🥢 Sweet & Sour (เปรี้ยวหวาน) ผัดไทยกุ้งสด Pad Thai Goong Sod

Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Prawns

The one everyone knows. Thin rice noodles fried with tamarind, tofu, egg, bean sprouts, garlic chives, dried shrimp and crushed peanuts. Mild, and a safe first order.

🌶️🌶️ Hot & Sour (รสจัดจ้าน) ต้มยำกุ้งน้ำข้น Tom Yum Goong Nam Khon

Hot & Sour Prawn Soup (Creamy)

Prawns in a sour, spicy broth with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chilies and roasted chili paste (nam prik pao). Nam khon is the creamy version, usually made with evaporated milk.

🌶️ Fragrant Spice (หอมเครื่องแกง) แกงเขียวหวานไก่ Gaeng Khiao Wan Gai

Thai Green Curry with Chicken

Green chili paste cooked down in coconut milk with pea eggplants, bamboo shoots, chicken and Thai basil. Wan means sweet, but it can still be hot. Eat it with rice or fresh rice noodles (khanom jeen).

🥗 Fresh & Tangy (ส้มตำไทย) ส้มตำไทย (พริก ๑ เม็ด) Som Tam Thai (Prik Neung Met)

Green Papaya Salad (1 Chili)

Shredded green papaya pounded in a mortar with lime, palm sugar, fish sauce, tomatoes, long beans, dried shrimp and peanuts. Som tam Thai is the sweeter, gentler style; Isan versions with fermented fish (pla ra) are saltier and often much hotter. Night-market som tam is usually far hotter than anything the school canteen serves, so ask for one chili.

🥔 Rich & Earthy (แกงมัสมั่น) แกงมัสมั่นเนื้อ / ไก่ Gaeng Massaman Neua / Gai

Massaman Curry

A mild, rich coconut curry with Muslim and Persian roots: cardamom, cinnamon, potatoes, shallots, peanuts, and beef (neua) or chicken (gai). A good pick if you don't like heat.

🍜 Smoky & Savoury (ผัดซีอิ๊ว) ผัดซีอิ๊วหมูเส้นใหญ่ Pad See Ew Moo Sen Yai

Wide Rice Noodles with Dark Soy

Wide rice noodles (sen yai) fried in a very hot wok with dark soy, pork, egg and Chinese kale (kha-na). Smoky, mild and filling.

🍳 Everyday Classic (ข้าวผัด) ข้าวผัดไก่ใส่ไข่ Khao Phat Gai Sai Kai

Chicken Fried Rice with Egg

Jasmine rice fried with egg, onion, spring onion and chicken, with cucumber, a lime wedge and fish sauce with chilies (prik nam pla) on the side so you season it yourself. Mild and canteen-safe.

🥥 Coconut & Galangal (ต้มข่าไก่) ต้มข่าไก่ Tom Kha Gai

Chicken in Coconut Galangal Soup

Chicken in coconut milk with galangal, lemongrass, mushrooms and lime. Creamy and sour with a little chili, and milder than tom yum.

🥣 Rich Broth (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ) ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือน้ำตกหมู Kuay Teow Reua Nam Tok Moo

Pork Boat Noodle Soup

Small bowls of dark, spiced pork broth with noodles, pork slices, meatballs, morning glory and pork crackling. The name comes from the canal boats they were once sold from. Nam tok means the broth has pig's blood in it.

🥭 Dessert (ขนมหวาน) ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง Khao Niao Mamuang

Mango Sticky Rice with Coconut Cream

Sticky rice cooked with coconut milk, sugar and salt, served with ripe mango (often nam dok mai) and a pour of coconut cream. Best in the hot season, when mangoes are in season.

Chapter 03 : Order Cards (การสั่งอาหารตามสั่ง)

Order Cards: Point, Show, Eat

Tap a button to show the phrase full screen. The cook reads the Thai; you practise the sound.

Say This First Mai phet khrap / kha ไม่เผ็ด

Not spicy: Usually means no fresh chili. Some cooks still add a little, so taste first.

A Little Heat Phet nit noy khrap / kha เผ็ดนิดหน่อย

A little spicy: Often one chili (prik neung met). A night-market "little" can still be hot.

Vegetarian Mang-sa-wi-rat khrap / kha มังสวิรัติ

Vegetarian: No meat. It may still come with egg, fish sauce or oyster sauce, so use the jay card if that matters.

Jay (Vegan) Gin jay khrap / kha กินเจ

Jay food (vegan): No meat, fish sauce, eggs or dairy. Traditional jay also skips garlic and onion.

No MSG Mai sai phong churot khrap / kha ไม่ใส่ผงชูรส

No MSG: For when you'd rather skip it. Stock and bottled sauces may still contain some.

Popular Add-On Phoem kai dao khrap / kha เพิ่มไข่ดาว

Add a fried egg: The usual extra on pad kra pao and fried rice, for a few baht more.

No Sugar Mai sai nam-taan khrap / kha ไม่ใส่น้ำตาล / หวาน 0%

No sugar: For smoothies, iced tea and coffee. The full-screen card also asks for no condensed milk.

Less Sweet Waan noi khrap / kha หวานน้อย (๒๕%)

A little sweet: Less sugar and syrup. Many drink stalls treat it as about 25%.

Takeaway Sai thung klap baan khrap / kha ใส่ถุงกลับบ้าน

Takeaway in a bag: Packed to go, often in a plastic bag with a rubber band.

Eat Here Than thii nii khrap / kha ทานที่นี่

Eat here: To sit at the stall's tables. Gin thii nii (กินที่นี่) is the everyday version.

The Bill Check bin / Gep tang khrap / kha เช็คบิล / เก็บตังค์

Bill, please: At a street stall, gep tang sounds more natural; check bin suits sit-down restaurants.

Say Thanks Aroi maak khrap / kha อร่อยมาก!

Very tasty: The compliment every cook and colleague likes to hear.

English Meaning	Spoken Phonetics	Thai Script	When to Use It
Not Spicy	Mai phet	ไม่เผ็ด	Usually no chili. Good for your first few weeks.
A Little Spicy	Phet nit noy	เผ็ดนิดหน่อย	Often one chili. A night-market "little" can still be hot.
Vegetarian	Mang-sa-wi-rat	มังสวิรัติ	No meat; may still use egg, fish sauce or oyster sauce.
Jay (Vegan)	Gin jay	กินเจ	No meat, eggs, fish sauce or dairy; traditional jay also skips garlic and onion.
No Sugar Added	Mai sai nam-taan	ไม่ใส่น้ำตาล	Smoothies, iced tea and coffee.
Bill, Please	Check bin khrap / kha	เช็คบิลครับ / ค่ะ	Sit-down restaurants. Men say khrap; women say kha.

Chapter 04 : The Condiment Caddy (พวงเครื่องปรุง)

The Condiment Caddy: Season It Yourself

Most noodle stalls put a four-pot set (puang khrueang prung) on the table. Taste first, then add.

Chili Flakes (พริกป่น)

1. Prik Pon (พริกป่น)

Dry roasted chili flakes. A pinch goes a long way in noodle soup.

Vinegar Chilies (พริกดอง)

2. Prik Nam Som (พริกน้ำส้ม)

Chilies sliced into vinegar. Adds sourness more than heat; good with rich broths like boat noodles.

Sugar (น้ำตาลทราย)

3. Nam Taan (น้ำตาลทราย)

Plain sugar. Yes, people put it in noodle soup. Try half a spoon before you judge.

Fish Sauce Chilies (พริกน้ำปลา)

4. Prik Nam Pla (พริกน้ำปลา)

Fish sauce with sliced chilies, often with garlic. A spoonful over fried rice (khao phat) or an omelette (kai jiao).

How to Cook Classic Thai Pad Thai at Home

Five steps for a basic Pad Thai in a teacher's apartment kitchen:

Soak the Rice Noodles: Soak flat rice noodles in warm water for 20 to 30 minutes until pliable but still firm.
Mix the Tamarind Sauce: Whisk fish sauce, palm sugar, tamarind paste, and a splash of warm water in a bowl until dissolved.
Sear Protein and Eggs: Heat oil in a wok on high heat, sear tofu cubes and shrimp, then push aside to scramble an egg.
Toss Noodles with Sauce: Add the drained rice noodles and tamarind sauce into the wok, tossing constantly over high heat until the liquid is absorbed.
Fold in Greens and Peanuts: Turn off the heat, fold in fresh bean sprouts, Chinese chives, and crushed roasted peanuts, then serve with a fresh lime wedge.

Useful Apps (แอปพลิเคชันแนะนำ)

Food & Everyday App Toolkit

Apps that help with menus, food delivery and getting around.

🌐 Google Translate Point the camera at menus and signs 💬 LINE Messenger School announcements and co-teacher chats 💳 Wise Transfer Sending and converting money 🚗 Grab & Bolt Food delivery and rides (coverage varies in small towns)

Thai Food FAQ (คำถามที่พบบ่อย)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular Thai dishes?

Thai Scouts and Guides: What Foreign Teachers See at School

Kids-English Thailand-(Matthew John) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:44:00 +0000

Scouts and Guides in Thai Schools | Wednesday Khaki SCOUTS & GUIDES IN THAI SCHOOLS : WEDNESDAY KHAKI : WHAT FOREIGN TEACHERS WEAR (ลูกเสือ)

Teacher Life : By Matthew John

Scout Wednesday:
Students in Uniform, You in Smart Work Clothes

We see it every year in our Ban Lum schools: a new teacher walks in on a Wednesday and the whole school is in khaki. Students and most Thai teachers wear scout uniform (ลูกเสือ, luk sue). You don't. Wear your normal smart work clothes, stand with the Thai staff at the line-up, and wait to be invited to camp.

1911 Founded (ก่อตั้ง) Wednesday Usual Scout Day (วันพุธ) Smart Casual Your Outfit (การแต่งกาย) Invite Only Scout Camp (เข้าค่าย)

📌 THE SHORT ANSWER FOR TEACHERS (สรุปแนวทางปฏิบัติสำหรับครู)

In most Thai schools, students from Prathom 1 to Mathayom 3 do scouting (Luk Sue, ลูกเสือ), Girl Guides (Phu Bamphen Prayot, ผู้บำเพ็ญประโยชน์) or Red Cross Youth as part of the timetable. That is typical Ministry of Education and school practice. Wednesday is the usual scout day; some schools use Thursday, so check the school LINE group. Students and Thai staff wear the uniform. You wear your normal smart work clothes: a school polo shirt with slacks is fine. No official badges or insignia unless you have been formally invested. Thai scouting was founded on 1 July 1911 by King Rama VI, and Thailand is often described as the third country to start scouting. Scout camp (Khai Luk Sue, ค่ายลูกเสือ) is invite-only: if you're asked, help with games and songs and let the Thai leaders lead. Photos go on school channels only.

Chapter 01 : Royal Heritage (ประวัติศาสตร์ลูกเสือไทย)

Founding Thai Scouting: 1911 and King Rama VI

Why a school in Sukhothai stops for khaki every week.

1911 Origins (พ.ศ. ๒๔๕๔)

The Wild Tiger Corps & the Scouts (กองเสือป่า และ ลูกเสือ)

King Rama VI (King Vajiravudh), who was educated in England, founded Thai scouting on 1 July 1911, drawing on Baden-Powell's movement in Britain. In the same year he set up the Wild Tiger Corps (กองเสือป่า) for adults; the scouts were the youth side.

Early Start

Often Called the Third Country (ประวัติลูกเสือไทย)

Thailand is often described as the third country in the world to start scouting. Today the movement is run by the National Scout Organization of Thailand (คณะลูกเสือแห่งชาติ), and 1 July is marked as National Scout Day (วันสถาปนาคณะลูกเสือแห่งชาติ).

School Timetable

Part of the School Week (กิจกรรมพัฒนาผู้เรียน)

In most schools, scouting (or Girl Guides or Red Cross Youth) is part of the timetable from Prathom 1 to Mathayom 3. That is typical Ministry of Education and school practice, under the learner development activities (กิจกรรมพัฒนาผู้เรียน). Expect knots, first aid, drill and flag ceremonies. Some older students join Army Cadets (Ror Dor) instead.

Chapter 02 : Who Wears What (ประเภทลูกเสือและเครื่องแบบ)

The Branches: Who Wears What on Campus

A rough guide to the uniforms you'll see. Details vary by school, so ask a Thai colleague if you're unsure.

Branch & Thai Name	Usual Grades	What the Uniform Usually Looks Like	What They Do
Cub Scouts ลูกเสือสำรอง (Luk Sue Samrong)	Usually Prathom 1–3	Khaki scout uniform with neckerchief and cap. The exact kit varies by school.	Simple knots, games, songs, following instructions and looking after themselves.
Scouts ลูกเสือสามัญ (Luk Sue Saman)	Usually Prathom 4–6	Khaki shirt and shorts, neckerchief and woggle, hat or beret. Some carry a staff (ไม้พลอง, mai phlong).	Knots, basic first aid, map and compass, outdoor cooking and patrol work.
Senior Scouts ลูกเสือสามัญรุ่นใหญ่ (Luk Sue Saman Run Yai)	Usually Mathayom 1–3	Khaki uniform and neckerchief; headgear and badges differ from the younger branch.	Camp skills, pioneering, hiking, first aid and helping at school events.
Girl Scouts เนตรนารี (Net Nari)	Girls, alongside the boys’ branches	Usually a dark green uniform with neckerchief.	Much the same programme as the boys’ branches.
Girl Guides ผู้บำเพ็ญประโยชน์ (Phu Bamphen Prayot)	Girls, in some schools	Their own Guide uniform, separate from the scouts; colours vary.	Service, first aid, camping and leadership.
Red Cross Youth ยุวกาชาด (Yuwakachat)	Boys and girls, in some schools	Often a light blue uniform with the red cross emblem.	First aid, health and hygiene, and helping others.
Rover Scouts ลูกเสือวิสามัญ (Luk Sue Wisaman)	Upper secondary and vocational	Khaki uniform; details vary by school.	Service projects and helping at younger students’ camps.

📌 A note on the staff: some scouts carry a long wooden staff called a mai phlong (ไม้พลอง). It is used for drill and for building things at camp. It is not a weapon, and not something to borrow for a classroom game.

Chapter 03 : Scout Day (วันพุธ วันลูกเสือ)

Wednesday at School: What Happens and Where You Fit

Your outfit, the morning line-up, salutes and the afternoon timetable.

Your Outfit

What You Wear (การแต่งกายของครูต่างชาติ)

Your normal smart work clothes: a school polo shirt or a collared shirt with slacks (or a knee-length skirt), and closed shoes. No khaki kit, no borrowed neckerchief or badges. Our teacher dress code guide covers the rest of the week.

Morning Line-Up

Line-Up & Inspection (ตรวจระเบียบแถว)

On scout day the line-up is often by patrol (muu, หมู่) rather than by class. Thai scout leader teachers (khru phu kam-kap, ครูผู้กำกับ) check uniforms, neckerchiefs, nails and hair. Stand with the Thai teachers and follow what they do for the flag and anthem.

Salute & Handshake

Three Fingers, Left Hand (วันทยหัตถ์)

Scouts salute with three fingers (wanthayahat, วันทยหัตถ์), one for each part of the Scout Promise; with a staff they use the staff salute (wanthayawut, วันทยาวุธ). Scouts also shake with the left hand (kan jap mue sai, การจับมือซ้าย). You don't need to salute; students will still usually wai you.

Timetable

Afternoon Changes (คาบกิจกรรมพัฒนาผู้เรียน)

Scouting often takes the last one or two periods, so an English lesson in that slot may be cancelled or moved. Wednesday is usual, but some schools use Thursday. Check the school LINE group that morning, and keep an eye on the Thai school calendar for camp weeks.

Chapter 04 : Promise & Laws (คำปฏิญาณและกฎของลูกเสือ ๑๐ ข้อ)

The 10 Thai Scout Laws: What Students Learn

Students learn the promise and the ten laws, and you may hear them recited at scout meetings.

The Thai Scout Promise (คำปฏิญาณของลูกเสือ)

"On my honour, I promise that:
1. I will be loyal to the Nation, the Religion, and the Monarchy (ชาติ ศาสนา พระมหากษัตริย์).
2. I will help other people at all times (ช่วยเหลือผู้อื่นทุกเมื่อ).
3. I will obey the Scout Law (ปฏิบัติตามกฎของลูกเสือ)."

1. Honour มีเกียรติเชื่อถือได้ A scout’s word can be trusted. 2. Loyalty จงรักภักดีต่อชาติ ศาสนา พระมหากษัตริย์ Loyal to nation, religion and monarchy, and grateful to those who have helped them. 3. Helpfulness มีหน้าที่ช่วยเหลือผู้อื่น A scout makes themselves useful and helps other people. 4. Friendship เป็นมิตรของคนทุกคน A friend to everyone, and a brother or sister to scouts everywhere. 5. Courtesy สุภาพเรียบร้อย Polite and well-mannered. 6. Kindness to Animals มีความเมตตากรุณาต่อสัตว์ Kind and gentle with animals. 7. Obedience เชื่อฟังคำสั่ง Follows the instructions of parents and leaders, with respect. 8. Cheerfulness มีใจร่าเริงและไม่ย่อท้อต่อความยากลำบาก Cheerful, and doesn’t give up when things get hard. 9. Thrift มัธยัสถ์ Careful with money and belongings, and doesn’t waste things. 10. Right Conduct ประพฤติชอบด้วยกาย วาจา ใจ Does right in action, speech and thought.

Chapter 05 : Scout Camp (การเข้าค่ายพักแรม)

Scout Camp: Khai Luk Sue (ค่ายลูกเสือ)

What usually happens at camp, and why you may or may not be there.

Once a Year

When Camp Happens (ช่วงเวลาเข้าค่าย)

Many schools run a scout camp once a year, often in the cooler months, but dates vary from school to school. Younger students may camp at school for a night; older students may go to a camp site for two or three days.

Activity Bases

Activity Bases (ฐานผจญภัย)

Patrols rotate through activity bases (than phajon phai, ฐานผจญภัย): rope bridges (saphan chueak, สะพานเชือก), knots, first aid and cooking rice outdoors.

Campfire Night

The Campfire Show (การแสดงรอบกองไฟ)

For most students the highlight is campfire night (kan sadaeng rop kong fai, การแสดงรอบกองไฟ), when each patrol performs a short skit, song or dance.

Hike

The Hike (การเดินทางไกล)

Older students often do a hike (doen thang klai, เดินทางไกล) with checkpoints run by teachers, where patrols answer questions or show a skill.

Chapter 06 : For Foreign Teachers (แนวทางสำหรับครูชาวต่างชาติ)

What You Wear & What You Do

What we tell every KET teacher before their first scout day.

Clothes

Smart Work Clothes, No Insignia (ไม่ต้องใส่ชุดลูกเสือ)

You don't need a scout uniform. Wear your usual smart work clothes; a school polo shirt with slacks is fine. Scout leader uniforms and badges go with formal training, so don't wear official insignia unless you have been formally invested, and don't borrow a neckerchief or badge for a photo.

Camp

Camp Is Invite-Only (เข้าร่วมค่ายเฉพาะเมื่อได้รับเชิญ)

Don't assume you're going. Thai staff usually run camp. If you aren't invited, you'll normally carry on at school as usual; ask your coordinator what they need from you.

If Invited

Help With Games and Songs (ช่วยเรื่องเกมและเพลง)

If you are invited, help with games and songs and let the Thai scout leaders run the show. Have a couple of simple call-and-response songs ready, such as Boom Chicka Boom or A Ram Sam Sam, in case you're asked. Don't take over a base or the campfire.

In Class

Use Patrols for Group Work (แบ่งกลุ่มตามหมู่)

On scout day your students may already be in patrols with a patrol leader (nai muu, นายหมู่). Use those groups for board races, spelling relays and role-plays.

Photos

Photos: School Channels Only (การถ่ายรูป)

Scout day and camp make great photos, but share them only through the school's own channels. Don't post identifiable children on your personal social media.

Chapter 07 : Words You'll Hear (คำศัพท์ภาษาไทยสำหรับวันลูกเสือ)

Scout Day Thai: Words Every Teacher Hears

Words you'll hear at the Wednesday line-up and at camp.

Swipe the table sideways to see every column →

English	Thai Script	Say It	When You'll Hear It
Scout (literally “tiger cub”)	ลูกเสือ	Luk sue	The general word for scouts and the scouting movement.
Girl Guides	ผู้บำเพ็ญประโยชน์	Phu bamphen prayot	The Girl Guides branch, offered in some schools.
Girl scouts	เนตรนารี	Net nari	The girls’ branch of the scouts, usually in dark green.
Red Cross Youth	ยุวกาชาด	Yu-wa-ka-chat	First aid and health focus; open to boys and girls.
Scout leader (teacher)	ครูผู้กำกับ	Khru phu kam-kap	Thai teachers trained as scout leaders. Full title: ครูผู้กำกับลูกเสือ.
Patrol	หมู่	Muu	A small group of students, often around 6 to 8. The patrol leader is นายหมู่ (nai muu).
Attention! (drill command)	ตรง! / แถวตรง!	Trong! / Thaeo trong!	Feet together, stand still. You’ll hear it at the line-up.
Neckerchief	ผ้าผูกคอ	Pha phuk kho	The folded scarf worn with a woggle. Colours vary by school.
Scout staff	ไม้พลอง	Mai phlong	The long wooden staff some scouts carry for drill and camp building.
Scout camp	ค่ายลูกเสือ	Khai luk sue	The school’s scout camp. For foreign teachers it is invite-only.
Campfire show	รอบกองไฟ	Rop kong fai	Evening skits and songs round the fire at camp.
Wednesday	วันพุธ	Wan phut	The usual scout day. Some schools use Thursday (วันพฤหัสบดี).

Useful Apps (แอปพลิเคชันแนะนำ)

Apps Our Teachers Use

Handy for timetable changes, school notices and getting around.

🌐 Google Translate Point the camera at scout day notices and camp schedules 💬 LINE Messenger School announcements, timetable changes and co-teacher chats 💳 Wise Transfer Sending and converting money 🚗 Grab & Bolt Rides and delivery (coverage varies in small towns)

Scouts & Camp FAQ (คำถามที่พบบ่อย)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is scouting part of the school timetable in Thailand?

Thai Army Cadets in School: Uniform, Drill, and the Draft Talk

Kids-English Thailand-(Matthew John) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:44:00 +0000

Army Cadets in Thai Schools | Ror Dor Days and Camps ARMY CADETS IN THAI SCHOOLS : ROR DOR (รด.) : DRILL DAYS, CAMP WEEKS AND CATCH-UP WORK

Teacher Life : By Matthew John

Ror Dor:
Fatigues on Drill Day, Catch-Up After Camp

We see it every term in the secondary schools we work with around Ban Lum: on a Thursday or Friday, some of your M4–M6 students turn up in green fatigues and boots. They're Ror Dor cadets (รด.). They have class in the morning, drill in the afternoon, and after camp weeks they come back tired and behind. Your job is attendance and homework, agreed with your Thai co-teacher. The draft belongs to the Ministry of Defence, not to you or to us.

M4–M6 Voluntary (สมัครใจ) Thu or Fri Common Drill Days (วันฝึก) Ask First Before Changing Marks (ครูพี่เลี้ยง) Khao Chon Kai Year 3 Camp (เขาชนไก่)

📌 THE SHORT ANSWER FOR TEACHERS (สรุปแนวทางปฏิบัติสำหรับครู)

Ror Dor (รด., short for นักศึกษาวิชาทหาร, naksueksa wicha thahan) is voluntary army reserve training for students in Mathayom 4 to 6. Boys and girls can join; girls are not part of the male draft. Drill day varies by school but is often Thursday or Friday: cadets have class in the morning in uniform, then take a bus to the local army base (มทบ.). Year 3 cadets usually go to the well-known camp at Khao Chon Kai in Kanchanaburi; dates vary, so check with the school. Your job is attendance and homework: agree any deadline or mark change with your Phee Liang (พี่เลี้ยง, Thai co-teacher) first. Students will talk about the April draw (ใบดำ / ใบแดง). Finishing three years of Ror Dor is commonly described as a route onto the reserve list instead, but the rules belong to the Ministry of Defence and the paperwork to the school and district office, not to you. Don't wear cadet kit, and don't post drill photos on personal socials.

Chapter 01 : The Basics (รด. คืออะไร)

What Is Ror Dor? Reserve Training for M4–M6

Who joins, and why it matters for your timetable.

Voluntary (สมัครใจ)

Reserve Training Students (นักศึกษาวิชาทหาร)

Ror Dor stands for naksueksa wicha thahan (นักศึกษาวิชาทหาร), shortened on paper to นศท. It is voluntary army reserve training for students from Mathayom 4 to 6 (and in some vocational colleges): drill, basic military skills and camps, alongside normal school. Younger students do scouts and guides instead.

M4–M6 (ม.๔ - ม.๖)

Joining Up (การสมัคร)

Students usually sign up at the start of M4 and have to pass a fitness test to join. Not everyone in a class will be a cadet, so on drill day you may teach a half-empty room.

Girls Too (รด. หญิง)

Open to Girls (รด. หญิง)

Girls can join Ror Dor (you'll hear รด. หญิง, ror dor ying) and do the drill and camps. They are not part of the male draft, so for them it is simply a choice.

Chapter 02 : Drill Day (วันฝึก รด.)

Drill Day: Fatigues, Boots & the Afternoon Bus

Why part of your class goes missing on Thursday or Friday afternoon.

Swipe the table sideways to see every column →

Item & Thai	What It Usually Looks Like	What It Means for You
Fatigues ชุดฝึก	Green or camouflage fatigues with a school or unit patch. Details vary.	Cadets wear it all day, including your morning lesson. Rooms get warm, so open windows or use the fans.
Combat boots รองเท้าคอมแบท	Black lace-up boots.	If your room is shoes-off, unlacing and relacing takes time. Allow a few minutes.
Belt & beret เข็มขัดสนาม และ หมวกเบเรต์	Web belt, with a beret or cap.	Headwear comes off indoors; let students put it away.
Short haircut ผมเกรียน	Usually very short, as the trainers require.	Don’t comment on it. It goes with the kit.

Morning

Class in the Morning (เรียนช่วงเช้า)

Drill day often runs to a split timetable: cadets come to morning lessons in uniform, then take a bus to the local army base (มทบ., monthon thahan bok) or training site for drill in the afternoon. Times and days vary by school; Thursday or Friday is common, so check the LINE group.

Afternoon

A Half-Empty Room (คาบบ่าย)

If you teach M4–M6 in the afternoon on drill day, the cadets will be away and everyone else stays. Use the lesson for review, pair speaking or project work, not new material the cadets will need for a test.

Chapter 03 : Camp Weeks (ฝึกภาคสนาม)

Camp Weeks: Khao Chon Kai and Tired Kids

What camp means for your classes. Dates vary by school and year.

Years 1 & 2

Field Training Camps (ฝึกภาคสนาม)

Cadets in Years 1 and 2 usually go on field training (fuek phak sanam, ฝึกภาคสนาม) at an army site. Dates vary by school and year, so watch the Thai school calendar and the LINE group.

Year 3

Khao Chon Kai (เขาชนไก่ กาญจนบุรี)

Year 3 cadets (usually M6) are known for their camp at Khao Chon Kai in Kanchanaburi, the best-known Ror Dor training site. Ask your co-teacher which week it falls in; don't rely on dates you read online.

After Camp

Catch-Up After Camp (งานชดเชย)

Cadets come back tired and behind. Agree catch-up work (ngan chot-choei, งานชดเชย) and any make-up speaking tests with your Phee Liang, and follow the school's approach to absences.

Chapter 04 : The Draft (การเกณฑ์ทหาร ใบดำ ใบแดง)

The April Draw: What Students Talk About

The short version, as it is commonly explained. Explaining it is not your job.

Around Age 21

The April Draw (การเกณฑ์ทหาร)

Thai men are called up around age 21, and selection day, usually in early April, is often decided by drawing cards. It's a big day for families, and your students will talk about it.

Black Card

Bai Dam (ใบดำ)

As it is commonly explained, drawing a black card (bai dam, ใบดำ) means not being selected for active service that year.

Red Card

Bai Daeng (ใบแดง)

A red card (bai daeng, ใบแดง) means being selected for military service. Service length is commonly described as up to two years, shorter for some volunteers; check current Ministry of Defence rules.

⚖️ Three Years of Ror Dor and the Draft

You'll hear students say, "If I finish Ror Dor Year 3, I don't have to draw." Finishing three years is commonly described as a route onto the reserve list instead of the April draw, which is why many boys stick with it. But the rules are set by the Ministry of Defence and can change, and the paperwork is handled by the school and the district office, not by you. If a student asks, send them to the school's Ror Dor teacher. Your part is attendance and homework.

Chapter 05 : For Foreign Teachers (แนวทางสำหรับครูชาวต่างชาติ)

Your Job: Attendance and Homework

What we tell every KET teacher with M4–M6 classes.

Deadlines & Marks

Ask Your Phee Liang First (ปรึกษาครูพี่เลี้ยง)

Don't announce deadline extensions or change marks on your own. Ask your Phee Liang (พี่เลี้ยง, Thai co-teacher) how the department handles cadet absences, and treat every cadet the same way.

Energy

Plan for Tired Afternoons (ปรับกิจกรรม)

After drill or camp, cadets are drained. Skip long lectures and heavy reading; use pair dialogues, vocabulary games and short speaking tasks.

In Class

Use Their Leadership (ใช้ทักษะความเป็นผู้นำ)

Cadets are used to line-ups and squad jobs. Make them team captains or give them classroom jobs; most take it seriously.

Respect

No Cadet Kit, No Drill Photos (เคารพเครื่องแบบ)

Wear your normal smart work clothes, never cadet kit or borrowed badges, even as a joke. Don't photograph drills for your personal social media, and don't mock the uniform or the army.

💬 LINE Messages for Your Co-Teacher

Copy these to your Thai co-teacher or the department LINE group when planning around drill days. They end in คะ / ค่ะ; men can swap in ครับ.

Checking drill days: "ครูคะ นักเรียน ม.๕ ไปฝึก รด. วันไหนบ้างคะ? พอดีจะนัดสอบเก็บคะแนนค่ะ" (Which days do the M5 students go to Ror Dor drill? I need to schedule our speaking quiz.) Checking camp week: "นักเรียน ม.๖ จะไปเข้าค่ายเขาชนไก่สัปดาห์ไหนคะ? จะได้เตรียมงานชดเชยให้ค่ะ" (Which week are the M6 students going to Khao Chon Kai? I'll prepare make-up work for them.) Before moving a deadline: "ถ้านักเรียนไปฝึก รด. ขอเลื่อนส่งงานได้ไหมคะ? อยากทำตามแนวทางของโรงเรียนค่ะ" (If a student is away at Ror Dor drill, can they hand work in late? I want to follow the school's approach.)

Chapter 06 : Words You'll Hear (คำศัพท์ที่ครูควรรู้)

Cadet Thai: Words You'll Hear at School

Words students and Thai staff use around drill days and camp.

Swipe the table sideways to see every column →

English	Thai Script	Say It	When You'll Hear It
Army cadet (short)	รด.	Ror dor	What everyone says, students and teachers alike.
Cadet (formal name)	นักศึกษาวิชาทหาร	Nak sueksa wicha thahan	On forms you’ll see นศท. (nor sor tor).
Girl cadet	รด. หญิง	Ror dor ying	Girls in Ror Dor; also written นศท. หญิง.
Gone to drill	ไปฝึก รด.	Pai fuek ror dor	Why a student is missing from your afternoon class.
Field training camp	ฝึกภาคสนาม	Fuek phak sanam	Camp training at an army site; also called ค่าย รด. (khai ror dor).
Khao Chon Kai	เขาชนไก่	Khao chon kai	The well-known Year 3 camp site in Kanchanaburi.
Army district base	มณฑลทหารบก (มทบ.)	Monthon thahan bok	The local army base where many schools send cadets for drill.
Black card	ใบดำ	Bai dam	At the April draw: not selected, as it is commonly explained.
Red card	ใบแดง	Bai daeng	At the April draw: selected for military service.
Combat boots	รองเท้าคอมแบท	Rong thao khom-baet	Part of the drill-day kit.
Thai co-teacher / mentor	ครูพี่เลี้ยง	Khru phee liang	Your Phee Liang. Ask them before changing deadlines or marks.
Make-up work	งานชดเชย	Ngan chot-choei	Catch-up work after drill days and camp weeks.

Useful Apps (แอปพลิเคชันแนะนำ)

Apps Our Teachers Use

Handy for timetable changes, school notices and getting around.

🌐 Google Translate Point the camera at drill schedules and camp notices 💬 LINE Messenger School announcements, timetable changes and co-teacher chats 💳 Wise Transfer Sending and converting money 🚗 Grab & Bolt Rides and delivery (coverage varies in small towns)

Army Cadets FAQ (คำถามที่พบบ่อย)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ror Dor in Thai schools?

Thai Monk Initiation (Buat Nak): What Teachers Are Invited To

Kids-English Thailand-(Matthew John) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:41:00 +0000

Thai Monk Initiation | Buat Naak for Teachers THAI MONK INITIATION : BUAT NAAK (บวชนาค) : WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE INVITED

Teacher Life : By Matthew John

If Staff Invite You to a Buat Naak:
Dress, Sit Low, Ask Before Photos

It happens most years in our Ban Lum schools: a Thai colleague's son or nephew is ordaining (บวชนาค, buat naak), and you're invited. Say yes. You're a guest at a family rite, so you don't need the Pali or the theology. Dress modestly, enjoy the loud parade, go quiet in the hall, sit lower than the monks, and ask before you take photos.

Age 20+ Monk (พระภิกษุ) Hae Nak Loud Parade (แห่นาค) Covered Up Shoulders & Knees (สุภาพ) Ask First Photos (ขออนุญาต)

📌 THE SHORT ANSWER FOR TEACHERS (สรุปแนวทางปฏิบัติสำหรับครู)

Buat Naak (บวชนาค) is a Thai family's big day: a son or grandson entering the monkhood, which families see as making merit for his parents. If staff invite you, go. A man can be ordained as a monk (พระภิกษุ, phra phiksu) from age 20; younger boys can be novices (สามเณร, samanen). Many men ordain for a short time, and Khao Phansa (เข้าพรรษา), the rains retreat, is a common window. The Hae Nak parade (แห่นาค) is loud; the ordination hall (พระอุโบสถ) is quiet. Cover your shoulders and knees, sit lower than the monks, and keep your soles away from monks and Buddha images. Women do not touch a monk or hand items straight to him; use the receiving cloth (ผ้ารับประเคน) or pass things through a man. Ask before photos, and no flash in the hall.

Chapter 01 : The Basics (บวชนาค คืออะไร)

Buat Naak: A Family Rite You're Invited To

Who ordains, when, and why the family cares.

Age 20 & Novices

Monk or Novice (พระภิกษุ และ สามเณร)

A man must be at least 20 to be ordained as a monk (พระภิกษุ, phra phiksu). Boys and young men under 20 can be ordained as novices (สามเณร, samanen), often in groups during the long school break.

For the Parents

Merit for the Family (ทำบุญให้พ่อแม่)

Families see a son's ordination as making merit (ทำบุญ, tham bun) for his parents, especially his mother. That's why it matters so much, and why half the village may turn up.

How Long

Short Stays & Khao Phansa (บวชระยะสั้น และ เข้าพรรษา)

Many men ordain for a short time: a few days, a couple of weeks or longer. Khao Phansa (เข้าพรรษา), the three-month rains retreat, is a common window; our Asalha Puja and Buddhist Lent post explains when it falls.

Chapter 02 : The Ceremony (ขั้นตอนพิธี)

On the Day: From White to Saffron

What you'll see, in the order it usually happens. Details vary by temple and family.

Step 1

Head Shaving (พิธีปลงผม)

At the hair-cutting ceremony (phithi plong phom, พิธีปลงผม), family members cut the first locks, often onto a lotus leaf (ใบบัว), then the head and eyebrows are shaved. Stand back and let the family go first.

Step 2

Dressed in White (นาค)

The candidate wears white and is called a nak (นาค), a name linked to the legend of a naga who wished to be ordained. He usually asks his elders for forgiveness before the ceremony.

Step 3

Inside the Ordination Hall (พระอุโบสถ)

In the ordination hall (พระอุโบสถ, phra ubosot), senior monks led by the preceptor (พระอุปัชฌาย์, phra upatcha) ordain him in Pali. Guests sit quietly where the family shows them. No talking, no phones, no flash.

Step 4

Robes and Bowl (ผ้าไตรจีวร และ บาตร)

His parents hand him his robes (ผ้าไตรจีวร, pha trai chiwon) and alms bowl (บาตร, bat). He changes and comes back as a monk. This is the moment families photograph most, so wait for their cue before you do.

Chapter 03 : The Parade (แห่นาค)

Hae Nak: Loud Outside, Quiet Inside

The parade is the loud, happy part. Join in.

Parade

The Hae Nak Parade (ขบวนแห่นาค)

Friends and family take the candidate to the temple with long drums (กลองยาว, klong yao), music and dancing, sometimes carrying him on their shoulders. If someone pulls you in to dance, go with it. Photos here are usually welcome.

At the Temple

Three Times Round (เวียนประทักษิณ)

The parade usually circles the ordination hall three times clockwise (เวียนประทักษิณ) before going in. Walk with the crowd, then drop your voice as you reach the door.

Coins

Coin Scattering (โปรยทาน)

Before going in, the candidate often throws coins wrapped in ribbon (เหรียญโปรยทาน, proi than) into the crowd. Catching one is fine; keep an eye on small children in the scramble.

Chapter 04 : Monks & Food (พระสงฆ์และการถวายอาหาร)

Around the Monks: Morning Food, Quiet Afternoons

Two things that affect guests.

Morning

Alms in the Morning (บิณฑบาต)

Monks walk for alms early in the morning (บิณฑบาต, bintabat), and people put rice and food in their bowls. If the family invites you to give alms to the new monk, take your shoes off and copy them. Pouring water afterwards to share the merit is called kruat nam (กรวดน้ำ).

Midday

Food Before Noon (ถวายภัตตาหารเพล)

Monks usually eat only in the morning and before midday, so food is offered then. If you're asked to help offer food, follow the family; women place items on the receiving cloth rather than in a monk's hands.

Chapter 05 : A Teacher's View (ประสบการณ์ตรงของครู)

In Arabella's Words: A Ban Lum Ordination

One of our teachers went to a village ordination in Ban Lum. This is how it felt.

"The CEO of Kids English Thailand invited me to participate in both parts of the ceremony with her. The local community in Sukhothai was welcoming, and (it seemed like) everyone in Ban Lum was invited to attend this event since it was considered a large party and celebration for all people! ... We were served a wide variety of food as we sat down under the festive tents. This included spicy basil pork (ผัดกะเพราหมู), crisp pork crackling (แคบหมู), fresh vegetable salads, local fish dishes, stir-fried noodles, and lots of warm sticky rice (ข้าวเหนียว)! ... Another large marquee featured a magnificent Bai Sri (บายศรีสู่ขวัญ) shrine crafted meticulously from banana leaves and fresh orchids."

A Teacher Arabella KET Teacher : Sukhothai (ครูชาวต่างชาติ โรงเรียนสุโขทัย)

Chapter 06 : For Guests (มารยาทสำหรับแขก)

Guest Manners: Dress, Sit Low, Ask Before Photos

What we tell every KET teacher before their first ordination.

Invitation

Say Yes, Then Follow (ตอบรับคำเชิญ)

If colleagues invite you, go. Ask them when to arrive and what's usual to bring; many guests give a small donation envelope (ซองทำบุญ). Then follow what the family does. You don't need to explain or discuss the religion. For the wider calendar, see festivals in Thailand.

Dress

Shoulders and Knees Covered (แต่งกายสุภาพ)

Cover your shoulders and knees: a collared shirt or a polite blouse, slacks or a skirt below the knee, nothing see-through. Wear shoes that slip off easily; you'll take them off at every hall.

Seating

Sit Lower Than the Monks (ไม่นั่งสูงกว่าพระ)

Monks sit on a raised platform (อาสนะ, asana). Sit lower, on the floor if others do, with your feet tucked to the side (นั่งพับเพียบ, nang phap phiap) so your soles never point at a monk or a Buddha image. When greeting monks, a wai is right.

Women & Monks

No Hand-to-Hand (ผ้ารับประเคน)

Women do not touch a monk or hand anything straight to him. Place it on his receiving cloth (ผ้ารับประเคน, pha rap prakhen) or ask a man to pass it. Men can hand items directly, with both hands.

Photos

Ask Before Photos (ขออนุญาตก่อนถ่ายภาพ)

Ask before you take photos. The parade outside is usually fine; inside the ordination hall (พระอุโบสถ), check with the family first, stay out of the way, and never use flash.

Useful Apps (แอปพลิเคชันแนะนำ)

Apps Our Teachers Use

Handy for invitations, notices and getting around.

🌐 Google Translate Point the camera at invitation cards and temple signs 💬 LINE Messenger School announcements and co-teacher chats 💳 Wise Transfer Sending and converting money 🚗 Grab & Bolt Rides and delivery (coverage varies in small towns)

Ordination FAQ (คำถามที่พบบ่อย)

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I go if a Thai colleague invites me to an ordination?

Homesickness Teaching in Thailand: First-Term Reality

Kids-English Thailand-(Matthew John) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:40:00 +0000

Homesickness Teaching in Thailand | First Months HOMESICKNESS : THE FIRST MONTHS TEACHING IN THAILAND

Teacher Life : By Matthew John

Homesick Is Normal.
Build a Week, Not a New Personality

The first weeks are loud and quiet at the same time: loud markets, loud assemblies, loud welcome dinners, then a very quiet room at eight in the evening. Feeling homesick in that gap is normal. What helps is a simple week: a few fixed calls home, mild food, a walk in the park at 17:00 and a handful of Thai phrases. You don't need to become a different person.

Normal Not a Failure Scheduled Calls Home Mai Phet Not Spicy (ไม่เผ็ด) 17:00 Park Loop

📌 THE SHORT ANSWER FOR TEACHERS (สรุปแนวทางปฏิบัติสำหรับครู)

Homesickness in the first weeks is normal, not a failure. Build a simple week: call home on a schedule (one or two fixed times a week) and spend the rest of your evenings here. Order mai phet (ไม่เผ็ด, not spicy), drink bottled or filtered water, and walk the park loop at 17:00. Learn five Thai phrases. Rent and food are usually cheaper in the North than in Bangkok, but lifestyle, air conditioning and travel change the number, so $1,000 is not a promise. No scooter without a real licence (Thai licence, or an International Driving Permit with a motorcycle endorsement) and insurance that covers bikes; otherwise Grab or walk. KET coordinators help during orientation and working hours, not 24/7. This page is not therapy; see the box below if things are serious.

Chapter 01 : It's Normal (คิดถึงบ้าน)

Homesick Is Normal: Loud Days, Quiet Evenings

What the first weeks usually feel like.

Weeks 1 to 6

Loud and Quiet at the Same Time

School assemblies, welcome lunches, night markets, a hundred new names. Then you close your apartment door and it's silent. Most new teachers hit a dip a few weeks in, once the novelty wears off and the routine starts.

Not a Failure

Missing People Means You Have People

Missing your family, your friends or your usual breakfast is not weakness. Don't decide in week three that you're not cut out for this. Give it the first term before you judge.

Tired, Not Just Sad

A Day in Another Language Is Tiring

Not reading signs or following conversations uses energy all day. That tiredness often feels like homesickness. Go to bed early without feeling guilty about it.

Chapter 02 : Calling Home (โทรกลับบ้าน)

Call Home: On a Schedule

Stay close to home without living inside your phone.

Fixed Times

One or Two Calls a Week

Keeping chats open all evening feels good for an hour, then leaves you half here and half there. Pick one or two fixed call times a week and give those calls your full attention.

After School

Be Where You Are

Put the phone in your bag after school. Walk the market, sit at a coffee stall, say hello to the same shopkeepers every day. Being recognised in your street helps more than another video call.

Time Zones

Don't Trade Sleep for Calls

Thailand is on UTC+7, so evenings in the UK, Europe or the Americas land late at night or early in the morning here. Protect your sleep; being tired makes everything feel worse.

What to Share

Tell Them the Small Wins

Vent when you need to, but also share the good bits: the shy student who answered in English, the mango sticky rice, the temple lake you found on a walk. It helps you notice them too.

Chapter 03 : Food (อาหาร)

Food: Mai Phet, Bottled Water, Mild Dishes

Give your stomach a few weeks.

Say It

Mai Phet (ไม่เผ็ด)

Say mai phet (not spicy) or phet nit noi (เผ็ดนิดหน่อย, a little spicy) when you order. Cooks are used to it. For what to try once you're settled, see our most popular Thai dishes.

Water

Bottled or Filtered Water

Don't drink tap water. Bottled water is cheap in every 7-Eleven, and many apartments have a filtered water machine outside. Ice in busy shops is usually factory-made; if you're unsure, skip it for now.

Mild Dishes

Start With Mild Staples

Fried rice (ข้าวผัด, khao phat), Thai omelette on rice (ไข่เจียว, khai jiao), chicken rice (ข้าวมันไก่, khao man kai) and clear noodle soup are gentle and filling. If you're ill for more than a couple of days, see a doctor.

Chapter 04 : Money (ค่าครองชีพ)

Money: North vs. Bangkok

Any figures here are examples, not promises.

The North

Usually Cheaper Than Bangkok

In provinces such as Sukhothai and Phitsanulok, rent and market food usually cost well below Bangkok. As an example, a simple air-conditioned room in a provincial town is often in the 3,000 to 6,000 THB a month range, but it depends on the town and the building. See apartments for teachers in Thailand.

Honest Number

$1,000 Is Not a Promise

You'll see "$1,000 a month is plenty" online. It might be for one person and not for another. Weekend travel, Western food and air conditioning all night change the number quickly. Budget from your own habits.

Electricity

Air Conditioning Is the Big Bill

Electricity is usually the bill that moves most, and air conditioning drives it. Setting it to 25 or 26°C and switching it off when you go out makes a real difference.

Buffer

Arrive With Savings

Bring enough to cover your deposit, first month's rent and food until your first salary. Ask your school when the first payment will arrive. Not worrying about money takes a lot of pressure off the first weeks.

Chapter 05 : Support & Scooters (ความช่วยเหลือและการเดินทาง)

Support and Scooters: Honest Limits

What we can do, and one rule we don't bend.

Support

Help Has Working Hours

KET coordinators help with school paperwork, contracts and housing, most of all during orientation and in working hours. Nobody is on call 24 hours a day. In an emergency, go to a hospital or call 1669.

Road Rule

No Real Licence, No Scooter

Ride only with a Thai motorcycle licence, or an International Driving Permit with a motorcycle endorsement, and insurance that covers you on a bike. Otherwise use Grab, walk, cycle or take a songthaew. Road accidents are a serious risk here. See getting a Thai motorcycle licence.

Staffroom

Your Thai Co-Teacher (พี่เลี้ยง)

Your co-teacher (phi liang) is your main day-to-day help at school. Say yes to staff lunches and school events; Teachers' Day is a good early chance to feel part of the staffroom.

Chapter 06 : Build a Week (กิจวัตรประจำสัปดาห์)

Build a Week: Four Small Habits

Small, repeatable things beat big changes.

Habit 1

Walk the Park Loop at 17:00

Most Thai towns have a public park that fills up from about 17:00: walkers, joggers, takraw games and often a free outdoor aerobics class. Walk one loop at 17:00 a few days a week.

Habit 2

Make Your Room Yours

Don't live in a bare room. Buy a blanket at Big C, get a kettle, hang some lights and put up a few printed photos. Coming home should feel like coming home.

Habit 3

Learn Five Thai Phrases

You don't need to be fluent. Start with sawasdee khrap/kha (สวัสดีครับ/ค่ะ, hello), khop khun khrap/kha (ขอบคุณครับ/ค่ะ, thank you), kho thot khrap/kha (ขอโทษครับ/ค่ะ, sorry / excuse me), aroi mak (อร่อยมาก, very tasty) and mai phet (ไม่เผ็ด, not spicy). Then try our 100 Thai words.

Habit 4

Mai Pen Rai (ไม่เป็นไร)

Mai pen rai means "never mind, it's fine". When the timetable changes or the rain arrives, Thai colleagues use it to keep things calm and keep a cool heart (ใจเย็น, jai yen). It isn't about not caring. Borrow it for yourself.

Useful Apps (แอปพลิเคชันแนะนำ)

Apps Our Teachers Use

Handy in the first weeks.

🌐 Google Translate Point the camera at menus, signs and notes 💬 LINE Messenger School chats and your KET coordinator 💳 Wise Transfer Sending and converting money 🚗 Grab and Bolt Rides and delivery (coverage varies in small towns)

Homesickness FAQ (คำถามที่พบบ่อย)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to feel homesick in the first weeks in Thailand?

Loi Krathong for Teachers: School Day, Krathong Making, and Evening Events

Kids-English Thailand-(Matthew John) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:39:00 +0000

Loi Krathong and Yi Peng | Rafts vs Lanterns LOI KRATHONG & YI PENG : RAFTS VS LANTERNS : WHAT TEACHERS NEED TO KNOW

Teacher Life : By Matthew John

Loi Krathong Is the Raft. Yi Peng Is the Sky. Same Moon, Different Thing

Sawasdee from Sukhothai. Every November our students float krathong rafts on ponds and rivers, while up in Chiang Mai the sky fills with khom loy lanterns for Yi Peng. They share a full moon, but they are not the same thing. Here's what to expect at school, how to make a krathong without styrofoam, and how to be a good guest at the water's edge.

24–25 Nov Expected Full Moon Rafts Loi Krathong (ลอยกระทง) Lanterns Yi Peng (ยี่เป็ง) No Foam Banana & Bread Rafts

📌 THE SHORT ANSWER FOR TEACHERS (สรุปแนวทางปฏิบัติสำหรับครู)

Loi Krathong (ลอยกระทง) is the raft: people all over Thailand float banana-trunk or bread krathongs on water. Yi Peng (ยี่เป็ง) is the sky: a northern Lanna festival best known for khom loy lanterns in Chiang Mai. Same moon, different thing. The full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month is expected on 24–25 November 2026; TAT and park notices can move programmes. Loi Krathong is often a school day unless your school memo says otherwise. Use banana trunk or bread, never styrofoam. At temples, cover shoulders and knees, and watch the wet banks. Don't push shy students into the Nang Noppamas contest, ask before photographing children, and keep school photos on school pages.

The Difference (ลอยกระทง กับ ยี่เป็ง)

Raft or Lantern: Same Moon, Different Thing

New teachers often mix these up. Here's the short version.

Nationwide : Water

Loi Krathong (ลอยกระทง)

Loi means to float and a krathong is a small raft. All over Thailand, people float them on rivers, canals, lakes and temple ponds to thank the water goddess, Phra Mae Khongkha (พระแม่คงคา), and let go of the past year's bad luck. This is the one your school will celebrate.

Chiang Mai : Sky

Yi Peng (ยี่เป็ง)

Yi Peng is a Lanna (northern) festival. Its best-known sight is khom loy (โคมลอย), paper lanterns released into the night sky, mainly around Chiang Mai. It falls on the same full moon, so in the North you often see both. Lantern releases are restricted, and permitted events, zones and times change every year, so check Chiang Mai and TAT notices before you go.

Sukhothai : Tradition

Why Sukhothai Matters

Sukhothai is traditionally linked with Loi Krathong, and legend credits Nang Noppamas (นางนพมาศ) with the first lotus-shaped krathong. Sukhothai Historical Park usually holds several nights of light-and-sound shows and candle events around the full moon.

Dates (วันลอยกระทง)

Dates: Check TAT & Park Notices

The date follows the Thai lunar calendar. The full moon of the 12th lunar month is expected on 24–25 November 2026; TAT and park notices can move programmes.

Where	Expected Timing	What to Know
Sukhothai Historical Park	Several nights leading up to the full moon	Check the Sukhothai Historical Park and TAT notices for exact dates and light-and-sound tickets.
Chiang Mai (Yi Peng)	Around the full moon, expected 24–25 Nov	Lantern releases are only allowed at permitted events, places and times, and the rules change each year. Check Chiang Mai and TAT notices, and don't release lanterns on your own.
Tak (Loi Krathong Sai, กระทงสาย)	Around the full moon	Known for long lines of small coconut-shell krathongs floated on the Ping River. Check Tak provincial notices.
Bangkok	Main night around 24–25 Nov	Riverside piers, temples and city parks get very busy. Allow extra travel time.

Swipe the table sideways to see every column.

📌 School days: Loi Krathong is often a normal school day unless your school memo says otherwise. Afternoon lessons may turn into krathong making or a school contest.

No Styrofoam (กระทงรักษ์โลก)

Eco Krathongs: Banana Trunk or Bread

Float something that breaks down.

🍌 Banana Trunk (หยวกกล้วย)

A slice of banana trunk wrapped in folded banana leaves and pinned with wooden toothpicks. It breaks down naturally, and it's what most schools make.

🍞 Bread Krathongs (กระทงขนมปัง)

Bread shaped into lotuses or turtles. It breaks down quickly and fish eat it. Some venues still prefer banana trunk, so follow local guidance.

🚫 No Styrofoam

Don't buy or float styrofoam or plastic krathongs. They don't break down and end up in canals and rivers. Many cities and venues ban them, and schools usually ask for natural materials.

How to Make an Eco-Friendly Krathong

Five steps, the way we do it with students:

Prepare a Natural Base: Cut a disc about 5 cm thick from a fresh banana trunk, or buy a ready-made bread base. Never use styrofoam.
Fold Banana Leaves: Fold fresh banana leaves into small pointed petals and pin them around the edge with wooden toothpicks.
Add Flowers: Arrange flowers such as marigolds (ดอกดาวเรือง, dok dao rueang), orchids and jasmine (ดอกมะลิ, dok mali) on top.
Add a Candle and Incense: Push one candle and three incense sticks into the centre.
Light, Wish and Float: At the water's edge, light the candle and incense, make a wish, and push the krathong gently onto the water.

At School (กิจกรรมที่โรงเรียน)

At School: Crafts, Contests & Photos

Join in, keep it voluntary, ask before photos.

Crafts

Krathong Making Is a Great Lesson

Leaf, trunk, candle, flower, float, wish: making krathongs is a ready-made English lesson. Students love showing their foreign teacher how to fold the petals.

Contests

Don't Push Kids Into the Pageant

Many schools hold a Nang Noppamas (นางนพมาศ) contest or a krathong competition. Cheer everyone on, but never pressure a shy student to go on stage. Leave choosing contestants to Thai staff.

Photos

Ask Before Photos of Kids

Ask before you photograph students. School photos stay on school pages, such as the school's Facebook page or LINE albums, not on your personal accounts.

Temples and the Water's Edge

Cover your shoulders and knees on temple grounds, and wear shoes that slip off easily. Banks and pond steps get wet and slippery with water and wax, so watch your footing, especially with students. Keep a cool heart (ใจเย็น, jai yen) in the crowds. For the rest of the school year, see festivals in Thailand; next come Christmas in a Thai school and Teachers' Day in January.

Useful Apps (แอปพลิเคชันแนะนำ)

Apps Our Teachers Use

Handy on festival nights.

🌐 Google Translate Point the camera at festival signs and programmes 💬 LINE Messenger School announcements and co-teacher chats 💳 Wise Transfer Sending and converting money 🚗 Grab & Bolt Rides home on busy nights (coverage varies in small towns)

Loi Krathong FAQ (คำถามที่พบบ่อย)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Loi Krathong and Yi Peng?

Seasons in Thailand: Hot, Rainy, Cool — What Changes at School

Kids-English Thailand-(Matthew John) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:39:00 +0000

Seasons in Thailand | Hot, Rain, Cool for Teachers SEASONS IN THAILAND : HOT, RAIN, COOL : WHAT CHANGES AT SCHOOL

Teacher Life : By Matthew John

Three Seasons: Heat in April, Poncho in July, Jacket at 08:00 in January

Mornings at our office in Ban Lum tell you the season before the calendar does: sticky heat by 07:00 in April, a sky heavy with rain by lunch in July, and a jacket at 08:00 assembly in January. Thailand has three broad seasons, and none of them should stop you coming. The months below are rough ranges.

3 Seasons Hot, Rain, Cool May–Sep Semester 1 (approx.) Nov–Mar Semester 2 (approx.) 14–18°C North, Dec–Jan Mornings

📌 THE SHORT ANSWER FOR TEACHERS (สรุปแนวทางปฏิบัติสำหรับครู)

Thailand has three broad seasons: hot, roughly March to May; rainy, roughly June to October; and cool, roughly November to February. Rain usually comes in short bursts, and school still runs, so keep a poncho in your bag and spare shoes at school. In the North, cool-season mornings are often 14–18°C in December and January: bring a light jacket for 08:00 assembly. In the south, the Andaman coast gets its rain about May to October and the Gulf islands later, about October to December. Semester 1 usually runs about May to September and Semester 2 about November to March, but your school's calendar PDF beats any blog dates.

Three Seasons (สามฤดู)

Three Seasons: Hot, Rain, Cool

Rough month ranges. They shift a little by region and from year to year.

Roughly Mar to May

Hot Season (ฤดูร้อน, ruedu ron)

April is usually the hottest month, and afternoons on the central and northern plains can be very hot. Most of it falls in the long school break, which is when Songkran happens in mid April. Drink plenty of water and keep outdoor time for early morning.

Roughly Jun to Oct

Rainy Season (ฤดูฝน, ruedu fon)

The southwest monsoon brings rain, usually as short, heavy bursts rather than all-day drizzle. School still runs. Keep a poncho in your bag and a spare pair of shoes at school.

Roughly Nov to Feb

Cool Season (ฤดูหนาว, ruedu nao)

Drier air and clearer skies. In the North, cool-season mornings are often 14–18°C in December and January, so a jacket at 08:00 assembly makes sense. Afternoons warm up again.

By Region (ภูมิภาค)

By Region: Andaman vs. Gulf Rain

Two monsoons give the south two different rainy seasons. Months are rough ranges.

Region	Wettest Months	Cool Season	At School
NorthSukhothai, Chiang Mai, Tak	Often around Aug–SepShort afternoon bursts	14–18°C morningsDecember and January	A light jacket for 08:00 assembly. By the afternoon, fans or air conditioning are back on.
Central Plains & Bangkok	Often around Sep–OctAfternoon storms	Shorter and milderBrief cooler spell	Humid most of the year. Heavy rain can flood streets and slow traffic, so allow extra time to get home.
Andaman CoastPhuket, Krabi, Ranong	About May–OctSouthwest monsoon	Warm most of the year	Rougher seas in the rainy months. Boat and ferry trips can be cut back on stormy days.
Gulf IslandsKoh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao	About Oct–DecNortheast monsoon	Warm most of the year	The Gulf islands get their rain later than the Andaman coast. Samui can be at its wettest just as Phuket is drying out.

Swipe the table sideways to see every column.

📌 Practical rule: don't rule out a whole month because it's labelled rainy. In most provinces the rain comes in short bursts, not all-day drizzle, and school carries on.

School Terms (ภาคเรียน)

School Terms: What the Weather Means at School

Many schools follow these terms, but your school's calendar PDF beats any blog dates.

About May to Sep

Semester 1

Term starts as the heat gives way to the first rains: warm afternoons, afternoon downpours and green rice fields. October is the mid-year break; see the October school break.

About Nov to Mar

Semester 2

Cool-season mornings in December and January, then warmer days again for exams in February and March. The long break follows, with Songkran in April. For term dates, see the Thai school calendar.

Daily Life

Cool Assembly, Warm Classroom

New teachers are often surprised that northern classrooms still use fans or air conditioning in December. Assembly at 08:00 feels cool; a room of thirty students at 14:00 doesn't. Dress in layers.

Rain Doesn't Cancel School

Afternoon storms are normal in the rainy season. Students hold umbrellas between buildings, lessons carry on, and PE moves under cover. Serious flooding is rare; if it does change the timetable, your school will tell you, usually on LINE.

Festivals (เทศกาล)

Festivals by Season: Songkran, Loi Krathong, Flowers

The big celebrations follow the seasons.

Mid April

Songkran (วันสงกรานต์)

Thai New Year, with 13–15 April as public holidays, right in the hot season, which is part of why the water fights feel so good. Schools are usually on their long break. For the rest of the year, see festivals in Thailand.

12th Lunar Month

Loi Krathong (ลอยกระทง)

Held on the full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month, usually in November as the cool season begins, so the date moves every year. It's often a school day. See Loi Krathong and Yi Peng.

Early February

Chiang Mai Flower Festival

Usually held in early February, when cool, dry weather suits the flowers. It makes an easy long-weekend trip from the lower North. In January, don't miss Teachers' Day at school.

What to Pack (ของที่ควรเตรียม)

What to Pack: Poncho, Spare Shoes, a Jacket

What lives in my bag, season by season.

Rainy Season

Poncho and Spare Shoes

A cheap hooded poncho from any 7-Eleven stays in your bag or under your scooter seat from June to October. Keep a spare pair of school shoes and socks at school for the days you arrive soaked.

Cool Season

A Light Jacket

In the North, 08:00 assembly is outdoors. A light jacket or cardigan covers cool-season mornings in December and January, and you'll take it off by mid-morning.

Hot Season

Breathable but Smart

School dress stays smart all year, so pick breathable cotton or linen rather than dressing down. See the teacher dress code.

How to Get Ready for Thailand's Three Seasons

Four steps before your first term:

Know the Three Seasons: Hot season is roughly March to May, rainy season roughly June to October, and cool season roughly November to February. The months are rough ranges and shift a little by region and year.
Dress for 08:00 Assembly: In the North, bring a light jacket for cool-season mornings in December and January, often around 14–18°C at 08:00 assembly. By the afternoon, classrooms usually still run fans or air conditioning.
Carry a Poncho and Spare Shoes: From June to October, keep a poncho in your bag and a spare pair of shoes at school. Rain usually comes in short bursts, and school still runs.
Plan From Your School's Calendar: Semester 1 usually runs from about May to September and Semester 2 from about November to March. Your school's calendar PDF beats any blog dates, including ours.

Useful Apps (แอปพลิเคชันแนะนำ)

Apps Our Teachers Use

Handy whatever the weather.

🌐 Google Translate Point the camera at school notices 💬 LINE Messenger School announcements and co-teacher chats 💳 Wise Transfer Sending and converting money 🚗 Grab & Bolt A dry ride home when a downpour hits (coverage varies in small towns)

Seasons FAQ (คำถามที่พบบ่อย)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three seasons in Thailand?

TOEIC Test Thailand: Dates, Centres, and Scores Teachers Need

Kids-English Thailand-(Matthew John) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:39:00 +0000

TOEIC Test Thailand | CPA Booking and 600+ Waiver Talk TOEIC IN THAILAND : WHO NEEDS IT : BOOKING WITH CPA

Teacher Life : By Matthew John

TOEIC in Thailand: Passport, Cash Fee, Check Khurusapha

At our office in Ban Lum, the TOEIC questions mostly come from non-native teachers: do I need it, what score, and where do I sit it? The short version: not every teacher needs it, 600+ is a common benchmark rather than a law, and CPA Thailand runs the test, not us.

600+ Common Benchmark 10–990 Score Range 2 Hours 200 Questions CPA Thailand Runs the Test

📌 THE SHORT ANSWER FOR TEACHERS (สรุปแนวทางปฏิบัติสำหรับครู)

The TOEIC Listening & Reading test is not required for every teacher. Native speakers are commonly treated as exempt, but your school and the Teachers' Council of Thailand (TCT, Khurusapha, คุรุสภา) still decide. For non-native teachers, 600+ is a common TCT and school benchmark, not a law we write; the test itself has no pass mark (10–990). CPA Thailand runs the test in Bangkok and on set dates in Chiang Mai. Bring your original passport and the fee (cash is safest), and leave your phone outside the room. Fees, phone numbers and ID rules change, so check cpathailand.co.th before booking. KET is not a test center and does not run the test.

Who Needs It (ใครต้องสอบ)

Who Needs It: Mostly Non-Native Teachers

Your school and TCT decide. Ask before you book.

Common Use

Non-Native Teachers

If English isn't your first language (for example, teachers from the Philippines, Europe or Latin America), a TOEIC score is a common way to show your English level to your school and to TCT. See non-native teachers in Thailand.

TCT and Schools

The 600+ Benchmark

600 or higher is a common benchmark that schools and TCT use for non-native teachers' licence paperwork. It's not a law we write, and the test itself has no pass or fail. Ask your school what it accepts. See the teaching licence in Thailand.

Commonly Exempt

Native Speakers

Passport holders from countries such as the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand are commonly treated as exempt from an English test. That's how it's usually applied, not a promise: your school and TCT still decide, and some accept IELTS or other tests instead.

Where Your Score Goes

Your score report usually goes into your school's paperwork for TCT, alongside your degree. Read the teaching licence guide, the TPDI 7-module training and the Thai work permit guide, and don't forget TM.47 90-day reporting.

Format (รูปแบบข้อสอบ)

Format and Scores: 200 Questions, 10 to 990

A paper-based, multiple-choice test of about two hours.

Section	Questions	Time and Score	Teacher Tip
Listening	100 questions, 4 parts: • Part 1: Photographs (6) • Part 2: Question-Response (25) • Part 3: Conversations (39) • Part 4: Short Talks (30)	About 45 minutes 5–495 points	The audio sets the pace. Read the answer choices before each conversation starts.
Reading	100 questions, 3 parts: • Part 5: Incomplete Sentences (30) • Part 6: Text Completion (16) • Part 7: Reading Passages (54)	75 minutes 5–495 points	You pace yourself. Move quickly through Parts 5 and 6 to leave plenty of time for Part 7.
Total	200 questions	About 2 hours 10–990 points	No pass or fail. 600+ is a common school and TCT benchmark; ask your school what it needs.

Swipe the table sideways to see every column.

📌 How long a score counts: ETS generally reports TOEIC scores for two years after the test date, and a school or TCT may want a recent report. Ask what they accept and check CPA before booking. Keep your original score report with your degree and transcripts.

Booking (การจองสอบ)

Booking: CPA in Bangkok or Chiang Mai

CPA Thailand (Center for Professional Assessment) runs the TOEIC in Thailand. Book with CPA directly.

Head Office

Bangkok (Asoke)

CPA's head office is at BB Building, 19th Floor, Asoke Montri Road (Sukhumvit 21), near BTS Asok and MRT Sukhumvit. Phone: CPA's site listed 0 2260 7061 (ext. 108 for English) when we checked. Numbers change, so confirm on cpathailand.co.th before you call.

Set Dates

Chiang Mai

CPA has a Chiang Mai office (Siriphanich Building, Huay Kaew Road) and holds open testing there on set dates. It's the nearest option for teachers in the North, including Sukhothai. Check the schedule on cpathailand.co.th and book early.

Who Does What

KET Is Not a Test Center

Kids English Thailand (KET) is a teacher placement agency. KET is not a test center, we don't run or book the TOEIC, and we aren't CPA or ETS. At the time of writing, CPA takes personal bookings by phone at least one working day ahead.

Test Day (วันสอบ)

Test Day: Passport, Fee, No Phone

CPA's rules when we checked. They can change, so check CPA before booking.

Original Passport

Bring your original, unexpired passport. If you have a Thai work permit, CPA also lists it as ID to bring. Photocopies and phone photos aren't enough. ID rules change, so check CPA before booking.

Rules

No Phones in the Room

Phones, watches of any kind, electronics, bags, books and papers stay out of the test room. CPA gives you somewhere to leave your things, but it isn't secure storage, so bring as little as possible.

Fee

The Fee

The fee commonly cited is 1,850 THB, and CPA's page listed 1,800 THB for personal test takers when we checked, paid on test day. Fees and payment options change, so confirm on cpathailand.co.th and bring cash to be safe.

Arrive an Hour Early

CPA asks you to register one hour before your session, and check-in closes shortly before the start. Late arrivals can be turned away and charged a fee on their next booking. Check CPA before booking.

How to Book and Sit the TOEIC in Thailand

Four steps, from asking your school to keeping your report:

Ask Your School What It Accepts: Before you book, ask your school whether you need a TOEIC at all, what score it wants and how recent the report must be. Native speakers are commonly exempt, but your school and TCT decide.
Check CPA and Book: Check dates, fees and rules on cpathailand.co.th, then book with CPA in Bangkok or on a Chiang Mai open-testing date. At the time of writing, CPA takes personal bookings by phone at least one working day ahead.
Bring Your Passport and the Fee: Bring your original passport (and your Thai work permit if you have one) and the test fee; cash is the safe choice. Arrive an hour early and leave your phone outside the test room.
Sit the Test and Keep Your Report: Answer 100 Listening questions in about 45 minutes and 100 Reading questions in 75 minutes. Check CPA for how and when results are released, give your school a copy and keep the original with your degree.

Useful Apps (แอปพลิเคชันแนะนำ)

Apps Our Teachers Use

Handy on test day and after.

🌐 Google Translate Point the camera at signs and school memos 💬 LINE Messenger School announcements and co-teacher chats 💳 Wise Transfer Sending and converting money 🚗 Grab & Bolt Rides to CPA in Asoke or Chiang Mai (coverage varies in small towns)

TOEIC FAQ (คำถามที่พบบ่อย)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all foreign teachers in Thailand need the TOEIC?

Teach in Thailand Blog

October School Break Thailand 2026: Dates, Pay, and Teacher Checklist

Expected public-school dates for 2026

What we tell our teachers to do

1. Finish the admin before you leave campus

2. Check your contract for pay

3. Camps are work if you're rostered

4. Travel, but do the paperwork first

5. Plan errands around 13 and 23 October

Last-week-of-term checklist

International vs government schools: don't mix them up

After the break

October break FAQs

TM.30 Thailand for Teachers: Address Notification After You Rent

1. Your Landlord Files It

2. The Timeframe

3. The Slip Matters

4. Fines and Frozen Extensions

1. Hotel Check-In in Sukhothai

2. Renting an Apartment

3. On-Campus Housing

4. Returning From Abroad

Step 1: Ask Before You Sign

Step 2: Your Host Files It

Step 3: Keep the Slip

Pre-Departure Guide for Teachers Moving to Thailand

Country Standards

Three Broad Seasons

🛂 Original Passport

🎓 Bachelor's Degree

👮 Criminal Clearance

📱 TDAC Arrival QR

📜 TEFL Certificate

📸 Passport Photos

🚫 Do Not Laminate Anything in the Folder

Extending an Exemption with TM.7

If the School's Document Pack Is Late

Travel & Cross

Apply

Wait

Return on the Non-B

Official Websites

💵 Cash Buffer: An Example

🏦 Thai Bank Accounts & Payday

👔 Men's School Clothes

👗 Women's School Clothes

Monday Yellow, Friday Mor Hom (สีประจำวันของโรงเรียน)

🏥 Hospital Medical Check

🛡️ Social Security (SSO 33)

🚰 Drinking Water & Ice

📞 Emergency Contacts

Orientation Week

Apartment Move-In

Classroom Launch

Settling In

📱 Carrier-Unlocked Phone

💻 Bring a Laptop

🙏 The Thai Wai (การไหว้)

🧘 Jai Yen & Body Taboos

🇹🇭 Respect for the Monarchy

What the Orientation Fee Covers

🏠 Studio Move-In & Rent

Your TM.30 Slip

🛂 At the Immigration Desk

Pre-Departure Readiness Checklist

TM47 Thailand: How Teachers File the 90-Day Report

90-Day Report Calculator

Filing Windows at a Glance

Who Files (and Who Doesn't)

TM.30, TM.7 and TM.47: Three Different Forms

The TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card)

1. Before You Fly

2. Your Reference Number

3. Finding It Again

Official Websites

The 4 Ways to File Your 90-Day Report

1. In-Person Office Visit

2. Online Submission

3. Registered Mail (Thailand Post)

4. Authorized Representative (Proxy)