Be Like Millie: Sharing My Essential Tips as an English Teacher Expat in Thailand

I’ve been living in Bangkok, Thailand, for over two and a half years as of writing this. While I’m not an expert on every aspect of expat life, I’d like to share some essential tips.

As an English teacher in Thailand, my main advice is to embrace the go-with-the-flow mindset, both at work and in daily life. Things change rapidly here—blink, and a new mall might pop up, an old restaurant could turn into a 7/11, or your school might suddenly have a spontaneous danceathon or science day, leading to rearranged classes.

Stay adaptable and enjoy the journey. Teaching in Thailand has taught me that flexibility is key to making the most of this experience.

Embracing the Adventure of Teaching in Thailand

Moving abroad to teach in Thailand is an exciting and life-changing experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Adjusting to a new culture, a different education system, and an unfamiliar way of life can feel overwhelming at first.

However, once you immerse yourself in the experience, you’ll quickly realize that teaching in Thailand is not just a job—it’s a unique opportunity for growth, adventure, and self-discovery.

Below are my essential tips based on my personal experience. I hope they will help guide you in navigating your own journey—whether you’re just starting or looking to make the most of your time here.

1. Speak Like a Local: Learn Some Basic Thai Phrases

I believe this might be the most crucial piece of advice I can offer, though I must admit I’m still learning to do this myself. Learn some simple phrases or words in Thai and try to put them into practice as much as possible. Trust me—it will make you feel more confident and comfortable in your new life, not to mention any visitors who come to see you will be so impressed.

Thai is a tonal language, which means that the same word can have multiple meanings depending on its tone. If you are someone who is a native speaker of a non-tonal language such as English, Thai can be particularly hard to learn because the words may sound the same or look similar when spelled, but the tone can completely change their meaning.

So, ask people to correct you or ask them to repeat themselves. My students this year have really enjoyed teaching me some Thai words to use in the classroom, such as “mod villa,” which means time’s up. Many teachers in Thailand find that engaging with students this way strengthens rapport and makes lessons more interactive.

Understanding and practising these tonal distinctions can be challenging but are essential for effective communication. The nuances of tone differentiate meanings and ensure that the listener understands. So, take the time to familiarise yourself with the tonal aspects of Thai, and keep practising even if it feels awkward or takes a moment for native speakers to really understand you.

Most people will likely be familiar with basic phrases like “hello” and “thank you,” but here’s a useful phrase I learned early on in Bangkok that has served me well: “Tao rai ka?” This phrase means How much? and is incredibly handy when you’re shopping at markets, dining in restaurants, or using various forms of transportation.

To make the most out of “Tao rai ka?”, it’s also beneficial to learn some basic numbers in Thai. Knowing at least the numbers from one to ten will greatly enhance your ability to understand prices and engage in everyday transactions. It’s a practical way to build your confidence and improve your interaction with locals. Even if you are not confident with the numbers, practise the phrase and gesture to communicate the numbers.

2. Surviving the Heat, Rain, and Everything in Between

The rainy season in Thailand, which is often considered the worst time to travel, lasts from July to October and brings a welcome change from the heat. I have to admit—I do love the rainy season. While it may not be cold, there are often pleasantly cool evenings to enjoy before the temperatures rise again. Therefore, my first recommendation is to have a reliable rain jacket.

While you might have seen the classic plastic bag coats available at convenience stores like 7/11 on social media and travel blogs, they aren’t the best choice for long-term use. Due to their single-use nature, these plastic raincoats tend to lack durability and raise environmental concerns. However, if you can reuse them, then do so.

Investing in a high-quality rain jacket is a smarter and more sustainable option. This is particularly important if you plan to use essential applications in Thailand like Grab or Bolt bikes to get around or if you will be travelling frequently during the rainy season. A good rain jacket not only keeps you dry but also enhances your comfort and convenience, making your outdoor activities more enjoyable despite the weather. So, for a more practical and eco-friendly solution, it’s worth preparing ahead with a durable rain jacket. On the other hand, if you are a public transport user, then an umbrella would be just as effective in getting you from point A to B.

When it comes to the hot season, which typically spans from March to June and coincides with the school summer holidays, the key is to stay cool and hydrated. During these months, opting for loose, breathable clothing is essential.  Ensure you drink plenty of water, seek out shade whenever possible, and apply sunscreen generously.

If you have access to a pool or air conditioning, consider them your best allies in beating the heat. If you’re here to teach English in Thailand, you’ll quickly notice how the heat can affect your energy levels, so drinking plenty of water and staying shaded is important.

In Bangkok, this cooler season is unfortunately also known as pollution season. The air quality can deteriorate significantly during this time, so it’s advisable to wear a mask when exploring the city or biking around. By taking these precautions, you can stay comfortable and safe while enjoying the diverse seasons.

One final point is to be aware of air conditioning! Yes, we need it, and it’s a lifesaver from the heat, but be prepared to bundle up when in the malls, skytrains, or at the office. The air conditioning can get really chilly, so don’t assume that just because it is hot outside, it will be hot inside!

3. Respecting Thai Culture: Religion, Traditions, and Dress Code

Depending on the school or area where you work, you might encounter various religions and celebrations. While Buddhism is the predominant religion in Thailand, the country is home to a diverse range of faiths. Understanding a bit about these different religions will help you respect and connect with the local community more effectively. 

This can influence expectations for how you dress at work or when visiting temples and places of religious significance. Generally, it means dressing respectfully, such as covering your shoulders and knees. – Packing tip:

Bring a few below-the-knee dresses or skirts, as well as tops or shirts that cover your shoulders. It’s also a good idea to pack a couple of cardigans and a scarf or shawl, as they can be handy for unexpected situations where you need to dress more modestly, or when the air conditioning gets to be too much.

4. Getting Around: Navigating Thailand’s Transport System

As I mentioned earlier, I live in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, so my experience is mainly with the public transport here, though it’s pretty similar across the country. Bangkok offers various modes of public transportation, including the skytrain, metro, taxis, bikes, buses, and tuk-tuks, each with its own variations, which can be quite overwhelming.

Your choice of transport often depends on where you live in the city. For instance, since I live close to a BTS station, I primarily use the skytrain. Shortly after moving here, I was advised to get a Rabbit Card, which is similar to the Oyster Card in the UK. It’s a rechargeable card for using the BTS. Additionally, there’s an app you can download that provides points and discounts linked to your Rabbit Card.

Personally, I love the Skytrain. It’s very clean and comfortable. They run about every five minutes, so you never have to rush, and they are a refreshing cold break from the heat of the streets. Of course, there are apps like Grab and Bolt, which are Thailand’s alternatives to Uber used for booking taxis or bike taxis anytime, anywhere.

I use these apps daily to get to and from work on a motorbike, which is incredibly convenient and fun. It helps me bypass traffic and enjoy a refreshing breeze in the morning, which definitely helps me to wake up. One of the best features of Grab and Bolt is their ability to pick you up from virtually any location at any time.

This means I never have to worry about missing a bus or train, and if I’m ever lost, I can simply pin my location, and they’ll come to my rescue. Additionally, you can link your bank card for contactless payments, which is really convenient if you don’t have cash on hand. Plus, the apps often offer rewards and discounts, so sometimes you can even get a bike ride for 50% off!

5. Embrace the Local Food Scene, but Keep Your Comfort Foods Handy

For me, a huge part of home is the food and being able to cook. Don’t get me wrong—Thai cuisine is a front-runner for choice. However, sometimes I want to treat my taste buds with something home-cooked or familiar.

Fortunately, I live in Bangkok, which is a huge metropolitan city, so there is always a plethora of choices when it comes to food in Thailand. Absolutely anything you could possibly crave, you can probably find in the city.

And for those of us who teach in Thailand, the convenience of food delivery apps like Grab (Yes! It’s not only used for transportation!) and Food Panda makes it even easier to enjoy a mix of local and international flavors.

6. Take Advantage of Thailand’s Holidays & Weekend Getaways

One of the best things about living and working in Thailand is the holidays! Not only are we lucky enough to work in lovely schools, but we get to enjoy good weather, good food, and creativity whenever we want. Add weekends away to beautiful islands, and you have hit the jackpot! There is nothing quite like the warmth of a tropical island in Thailand.

Since moving to Thailand, I have used many weekends to get away from the big city and enjoy island life for a few days. Having these little holidays and breaks is exciting and releases the adventurous spirit—so instead of missing the cold and rain of England, I am exploring new places, swimming in the clear blue, and sipping on a fresh coconut.

7. Build Your Community and Support System

Discovering and exploring my local community has made me feel more at home since moving to Bangkok. I was nervous at first to explore the area surrounding my apartment, but after a little push out the door, I ended up finding this wonderful little night market. It’s very local and not many people speak English there, so it encouraged me to learn some simple phrases.

Many teachers in Thailand find that building connections with both locals and fellow expats can make the experience even more rewarding.

8. Give Back: Volunteering with BFITS and Local Charities

BFITS, the academic organization that I worked with as an English teacher in Thailand, usually organizes a volunteering outreach program, where they work and support different charities across Bangkok and beyond. I have taken part in a few of their events, and they have made me feel closer to my community.

Taking part in these programs has been a great opportunity to meet other teachers in Thailand who work for BFITS and for others, as well as to get involved with locals and fellow expats.

Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Your Time in Thailand

Being away from home can be hard. You miss the comforts and the familiarity and, of course, your own family and friends. But these things don’t go anywhere—they are just where you left them.

It is now time to just have more—a home away from home, with new comforts and different experiences. For me, Thailand is the home I never knew I was missing.

For teachers in Thailand, there is always an opportunity to build something new and meaningful while embracing this beautiful country.