Things To Know About Thai Classroom Culture

Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles — and you‘d be forgiven for thinking that means every student and teacher you meet will be grinning from ear to ear. 

Well, teaching English in Thailand can be a lot of fun, but TEFL jobs in Thailand still need to be taken seriously. There’s a lot to know about Thai EFL teaching culture before teaching your first class. 

Brendan, a South African currently teaching English in Thailand [in 2025] with the help of TTA’s Level 5 TEFL qualification, helps us fill in the gaps on EFL classroom culture in Thailand.

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One key detail that shapes my teaching experience: I don’t teach students in the English Program.

The English Program (EP) in Thai schools is a blinigual program which offers subjects in English as well as subjects in Thai. Lessons in the EP involve immersion learning, leading to stronger English skills for those students than Thai students not in the EP Program. However, many Thai students follow the regular curriculum, learning English only a few times a week in standard ESL lessons. In fact, some Thai schools don’t offer an EP Program at all.

My wife also teaches at Bangkok Christian College, a well-known boys-only Christian school. We’ve had lots of conversations about how different Thai classrooms can be depending on where you teach and who you teach.

Read more: Teach English in Thailand: What Are The Requirements

Before you teach in Thailand: What teachers should know about classroom culture

Classroom culture in Thailand depends heavily on where you work. Public schools, English Programs, international schools, and private institutions can all have different expectations and atmospheres.

At Assumption School, the culture is quite traditional. There’s a strong emphasis on respect, neatness, and discipline.

Students stand up to greet teachers, bow with their hands in the prayer position, and are expected to sit quietly unless called on. 

A small but meaningful tradition at my school is that the girls remove their shoes before entering the classroom — a practice that keeps the learning space clean and reflects the cultural emphasis on respect and mindfulness.

In Thailand, bowing with your hands in the prayer position is known as a wai. It’s common – and even expected – throughout Thailand, not only in schools but also in business meetings and social settings. It’s also common practice to remove shoes before entering a classroom.

That said, students can still be playful and cheeky, especially once they get comfortable with you. You need to strike a balance between maintaining authority and being approachable.

Key differences between Thai and Western culture

Western classrooms often encourage critical thinking, debate, and individual expression. In contrast, Thai students are generally more comfortable with rote learning and group harmony. 

They can be hesitant to speak up, especially in English. Open-ended questions can lead to silence, not because they don’t care, but because they’re afraid of making mistakes or standing out.

TEFL teachers love mistakes in the classroom, so this can take some getting used to!

Read more: Encouraging Mistakes In The TEFL Classroom: Effective Error Correction

You’ll need good classroom management, lots of repetition, and activities that keep energy levels high.

Understanding student behaviour and classroom expectations in Thailand

In theory, Thai students are expected to be quiet, respectful, and obedient, especially toward teachers. Thai culture places a high value on politeness and deference to authority.

In reality, behaviour can vary widely depending on the school, class size, and the students’ English level. 

At my school, behaviour can sometimes be challenging. Many students struggle to understand what I’m saying, which naturally leads to disengagement, side conversations, and general restlessness.

Some classes are sweet and co-operative, while others can be chaotic and test your patience. New teachers need to know that the classroom won’t always be calm and orderly. 

Most students aren’t trying to be disrespectful — they’re just overwhelmed, distracted, or bored. You need to earn their respect and attention — it’s not automatic.

Read more: 5 Tips For Building Rapport In The EFL Classroom

How students show respect for teachers in Thailand

Respect is shown more through gestures and cultural norms than through behaviour alone. For example, students will greet you with a wai (palms pressed together in a prayer-like gesture) and say “Sawasdee kha/khrab” (hello).

Sawasdee kha is said by women, while sawasdee khrab is said by men. Kha and khrab are sentence-ending polite particles that indicate the speaker’s gender to the listener. Using polite particles differently for men and women is a way to show respect for the person you are speaking to.

Students often stand to greet the teacher at the beginning and end of class with a chorus of “Good morning, Teacher!” or “Thank you, Teacher!”

At my school, students also kneel or bow during religious events and ceremonies. 

One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had is Wai Khru Day — a national teacher appreciation day where students offer flowers and bow at their teachers’ feet to show gratitude. 

While they may chat during class or need reminders to stay on task, they are rarely rude. The respect is there — it just doesn’t always come with perfect behaviour.

Read more: Three Cultural Considerations For TEFL Teachers

The teacher-student dynamic in Thai classrooms

The teacher is generally viewed as a respected figure, but that doesn’t mean students will automatically behave or engage. Some students greet me politely and then proceed to ignore half of what I say.

Some classes respond well to games and movement-based activities; others just want to draw or chat. 

You have to read the room, adapt your methods, and find what works for each group. 

Don’t be surprised if students don’t “click” with your lesson right away, especially when they’re not confident in their English.

Discipline can be tough, especially in larger classes or when students have very limited English. 

Read more: Top Tips For Teaching Large Classes In TEFL

In many ways, I feel like a blend of entertainer, referee, and educator. You need to keep the energy high and the lessons simple. 

And yes, some days it can feel like you’re talking to a wall, but when a quiet student finally participates, it’s incredibly rewarding.

Larger class sizes make it harder to give one-on-one support, so you’ll need to plan activities that work for mixed ability levels. 

In private tutoring, I only have one student at a time, which allows for more targeted instruction. That balance between large classes and one-on-one helps keep things interesting.

Daily routines and classroom rituals in Thai schools

Definitely. 

Every day starts with morning assembly: lining up, singing the national anthem, and reciting prayers. 

At a Catholic school like mine, there are also religious observances and ceremonies that students must attend and participate in respectfully.

Another routine I had to adjust to is the way students organise themselves at the start and end of class. For example, removing their shoes before entering the classroom is something new teachers may not anticipate. It isn’t just about cleanliness, it’s part of cultivating mindfulness and respect for the space.

In Thailand, the head is the most sacred part of the body and the feet are the lowest, or dirtiest. Shoes are usually taken off before entering a house or a specific room in a public place, such as a classroom. This is to show respect for the cleanliness of the indoor environment and those in it.

Some students may kneel or bow when addressing a teacher during formal events. 

Learning to navigate these small but meaningful traditions helps build rapport and shows respect for the local culture.

Read more: How To Live & Work In Thailand As A Foreigner

The impact of academic pressure on Thai students

Thai students — especially those not in English Programs — can feel intense pressure to pass exams, even if their English foundation is weak. I’ve had students completely freeze during speaking tests, too afraid to say the wrong thing.

Some students experience stress quietly — they’ll appear calm but may be struggling internally. Others show it more openly, becoming fidgety or anxious during class activities. It’s important to recognise both.

I remember one student who was visibly anxious and on the verge of tears during a speaking activity. I offered to let her practice privately first, and over time, she grew more confident. 

These moments remind me that building confidence and celebrating small wins can be just as important as focusing on grades or performance.

Class sizes in Thai classrooms

Most of my classes have 30 to 35 students, which is typical in Thailand. That can be a lot to handle, especially when language levels vary.

Classroom layout and seating also affects management. Some classrooms are tight, making movement-based activities harder, while others allow more freedom. 

I find it helpful to rotate group seating and pair students strategically to balance stronger English speakers with those who need more support.

Read more: 3 Easy Ideas To Maximise TEFL Classroom Management

Using visual aids, repetitive routines, and small games keeps engagement high, but even then, some students struggle to focus. 

Patience is key. You won’t be able to give every student individual attention all the time, but small gestures like checking in personally or giving extra encouragement go a long way.

How parents influence education in Thai classrooms

Parental involvement depends on the school and the student. In general, parents at private schools tend to be more involved, especially when it comes to private tutoring or extra support.

Some parents may request updates or express concerns frequently, while others trust the school entirely. 

I’ve noticed that parents who are more invested often appreciate small progress reports, photos of activities, or short feedback notes. 

For example, my wife had a student whose parent specifically requested a male tutor. Being aware of their preferences helped build a positive relationship with the family.

During parent-teacher interactions, it’s important to be polite, professional, and culturally aware. 

A small bow, wai, or polite greeting can go a long way in showing respect and establishing trust.

Teacher dress code and professionalism in Thailand

At school, I wear collared shirts, long pants, and closed shoes. Occasionally, we’re asked to wear formal school-issued uniforms or traditional Thai clothing for events. 

Overall, your appearance should be clean, neat, and modest. During special events, teachers may wear school blazers or traditional Thai attire. 

Keep in mind that tattoos and piercings are generally frowned upon in conservative schools, and overly casual clothing like shorts, sandals, or tank tops is inappropriate, even if it’s hot outside.

Read more: Teaching In Thailand During Summer: How To Stay Cool And Keep Your Energy Up

Some teachers bring extra clothes or layers for air-conditioned classrooms, as it can get quite cold indoors. 

Paying attention to the dress culture, even small details like socks, belts, or simple accessories, signals professionalism and respect.

Practical tips for adapting to Thai classrooms

 

• Expect behaviour issues. Not all students will be quiet and respectful.
• Set clear rules from the beginning and re-inforce them consistently. 
• Learn a few Thai classroom commands like “sit down,” “be quiet,” and “listen” — they’re a huge help. 
• Keep things visual and repetitive. Don’t assume verbal instructions are enough. 
• Use games and movement, especially for younger students or large classes. 
• Reward good behaviour — stickers, praise, and group points work really well. 
• Don’t take things personally. If they don’t listen, it’s probably just a mix of confusion, energy, and youth. 
• Find a balance. Be firm when needed, but stay warm and approachable. 
• Be aware of grading and feedback norms — they may differ from what you’re used to, but feedback is often valued. 
• Be patient with your students and yourself. The first month will test you, but little by little, the chaos starts to make sense.

Teaching in a Thai city like Bangkok, especially at a traditional school with lower-level English students, can be tough. But then there are those moments — a student who finally gets it, a class that bursts out laughing at your silly game, a thank-you card on Teacher’s Day — that remind you why you’re here.

It’s not about being the perfect teacher — it’s about showing up, adapting, and making an impact in small ways every day.