- We recommend that you bring a reasonable amount of cool, comfortable, and professional/presentable clothes and footwear. Linen and cotton are ideal materials. You won’t need to bring winter clothes but might want to bring some light sweaters or jackets for cool nights on the beach, while on air-conditioned buses, or if you travel to cooler climates.
- The clothing – including underwear – sold in Thailand is generally smaller than clothing available in western countries, unless you buy international brands. For women, American size 8 is about the largest dress size you will find, but 6 is the norm. For men, the largest pant size is usually a 38. Women may purchase shoes up to size 8 or 8.5, but again, that is the largest and is less often available.
- It is easy and quite cheap to have clothing made here. A wide-variety of material such as silk is available in shops, stalls and malls throughout the city. Finding a seamstress or tailor is not difficult. They can generally duplicate an item that you have or work from a picture.
- The dimensions of Thai beds are slightly different, although they are similar to double, queen, and king sizes. Since you won’t know the size of your bed in your apartment, you might not want to bring bed sheets. KIS will provide you with 1 set of sheets and pillowcases for your arrival and it is easy to buy sheets in department stores, markets and supermarkets. However, top-sheets are not commonly sold here and you may want to bring a couple.
- Overall most things are easy to find and buy or order in Bangkok. There are many substitutes imported from other countries that are often less expensive. If you are taking a specific brand of medication or contraceptives, you might want to bring at least a year’s supply.
- Electricity in Thailand: 220V AC, 50 Hz, two pin plugs are standard.
Items from Home
- We surveyed teachers about the things that fill their suitcases when they return from their home countries. While some teachers are perfectly happy with the products available in Thailand, others prefer bringing their favorite brands from home. Here is the list of items that are on various packing list:
- Toiletries: Deodorant, femine hygiene products, make-up for darker complexions
- Food items: chocolate, vegan products
- Clothes: difficult to find sizes that fit for larger body types (16+), swimsuits, underwear (bras, etc)
- Correspond with any KIS teacher if you want more specific information on what is available in Thailand, especially when it comes to teaching materials.
What to Wear
- To be a teacher in Thailand is to be in a place of honor. Teachers are to live an exemplary life before their students, their parents and the community.
- Although the offices and classrooms are air-conditioned, most teachers opt to wear short sleeves and comfortable clothes. Male teachers are required to wear shoes, pants, and shirts with collars. Shirts may have short sleeves and while not required, wearing ties is judged as professional by many in the community. PE teachers may wear sport shoes, T-shirts and shorts of a modest length.
- T shirts, jeans, shorts and flip flops are not allowed unless indicated by school leadership. (ie: special events such as sports day or field trips where you will be outdoors for longer periods of time.)
