Is it possible to teach at a university in Bangkok with just a Master's degree?

tbh for CS specifically it's doable but the visa is the real hurdle. Thai universities can hire you on a master's for lecturer or ajarn positions, especially the private ones like ABAC, Rangsit, or the international programs at places like Mahidol and KMUTT. The catch is the work permit and Non-B visa require the uni to sponsor you, and many want a PhD on paper even if they'll bend for industry experience. Your software background actually helps here, some of the tech-focused programs value someone who's shipped real code over a fresh PhD. Pay is meh though, think 40k to 80k baht a month depending on the school, so factor that in before you commit to the degree.

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The timing angle matters more than most people realize. Thai universities post lecturer openings around the academic calendar, so the hiring windows cluster in February to April for the June term and again around September to October for the November intake. If you're waiting to see whether you get laid off, you might miss a cycle entirely and end up sitting idle for months.

One thing the other reply didn't mention: the international college route tends to be more flexible on credentials than the Thai-language faculties. Places like Assumption University's Vincent Mary School of Science run entire programs in English, and they've hired lecturers with master's degrees plus a portfolio. The catch is they often want you teaching 3 or 4 courses a semester, which is a lot heavier than a US adjunct load, and you're expected to handle advising and committee work on top of it.

If the goal is really just a fallback while the SWE market recovers, I'd look at part-time or visiting lecturer arrangements before committing to a full degree. Some programs will take you on a semester contract if you have strong industry chops, which lets you test the water without sinking two years and tuition into a credential that mostly qualifies you for a job paying less than what you make now.

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worth checking if ur master's even needs to be finished first, some unis here hire u as a part time special lecturer while ur still studying, it's a different contract category & way less strict on the phd thing. also look at the rajabhat unis outside central bangkok, they're desperate for anyone who can teach coding & care way less about pedigree than the big names

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Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but I've always found their som tam a bit tame on the pla ra. If you want the real funky version, try the shophouse spots along Soi Udomsuk 26, near the night market end. They pound it fresh with fermented fish that'll clear your sinuses, and it's like 60 baht. Different style from the On Nut places, more Lao-leaning.

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for som tam specifically i'd say the Isaan spots in Chatuchak are underrated, weekdays only though since the weekend crowd ruins the vibe. there's a stall near gate 2 that does tam pa with fermented bamboo shoots, super sour and funky, not something you see much in On Nut. if you're already heading north for Or Tor Kor anyway its worth the detour.

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honestly the som tam at Krua Dok Mai Kao is good but what got me hooked is their nam prik pla raa dip with the raw veggies, that funk hits way harder than the papaya does. think most people sleep on it cuz they just order the som tam and gai yang. also pro tip, go before noon on weekdays, after that teh pla ra gets milder cuz they batch it for the lunch rush

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