Thailand Jobs | Working in Thailand for Foreigners
Posted by Steve on 9/22/07 • Categorized as Bangkok, Thailand Employment
So you’ve been to Thailand and fell in love with the culture, the people and the easy lifestyle. You absolutely have to get back and you think you even want to live there. Sounds good to me, I have the same aspirations. The problem is, unless you have a trust fund or some very generous relatives (I have neither) you’ll need a way to make money while you’re in Thailand. Are there ways for a foreigner to make money while living in Thailand? You bet there are! Don’t expect to get rich, but you will have the pleasure of living in the land of smiles and all of the cultural benefits of living in a foreign land. Here are some ways you can go about putting some cash in the bank while you live and enjoy Thailand.
- Teach English – This is probably the most popular method for native English speakers to make money while living in Thailand (or any other foreign country for that matter). You don’t really need anything to get started except a good command of English and to get your butt to Thailand. While it’s possible to find teaching jobs online it’s not very likely unless you are a licensed teacher already and you are applying to the top tier international schools in Bangkok. For the rest of us it’s best to just get to Thailand and start knocking about looking for work. English teachers generally make around 40,000 baht a month and upward, depending on how hard you want to work.One very good resource for prospective English teachers in Bangkok and Thailand is Ajarn.com. They have been around since 1999 and have the best information about teaching in Thailand that I’ve seen. Plus they have links to many of the English schools and a fantastic job board. I could go more in depth about teaching English in Thailand as a job, but they have it all covered already. If you have a university degree you may want to try for a job at one of Thailand’s International Schools. The competition is fierce, but the pay scale is typically much better than the language schools.
- Translator – Not many people know it, but it is quite possible to find work as a translator for Thai businesses in Bangkok. English is the international language of business and if you don’t mind presenting products then this could be right up your alley. Pay can range anywhere from 2000-6000 baht a day which isn’t too bad if you can find steady work. To get this kind of job does require some networking, but it’s not hard.The best way to get started is by getting yourself out there and networking. Dress sharp, image is very important to Thai’s. White shirt, dark pants and blazer and a tie are necessary for this work. Check the Bangkok Post for business conventions which are typically held at the Queen Sirikrit Convention Center which is on Ratchadaphisek Rd. near the Thailand Stock Market off Rama IV Rd. Once there simply mingle and talk with some of the businesses there. You’ll find that many of them will be happy to hire you on to help promote their products in English.
- Actor/Model – Another little known job for falangs (foreigners) in Thailand is as actors or models. The pay isn’t great, but if you build a name for yourself you can get fairly consistent work. And I understand it’s a great way to meet the ladies. Again, you can find leads in the Bangkok Post or try putting together a small portfolio of photographs and mailing it to the modeling/acting agencies listed in the yellow pages. If you’re really serious you may want to get an agent as they can be invaluable in securing work and negotiating. Pay can range from 2000 baht a day and up. Not great, but the work is easy and wouldn’t it be glamorous to say you’re a model/actor?
- Dive Instructor – If you’ve got PADI dive certification and can get or already have dive instructor certification this could be perfect for you. It’s not really up my alley so I’m not sure how easy it would be to get this job, but the Andaman sea has some of the best diving in the world and there are a whole host of dive shops and live aboards that work from the islands of Thailand. I would guess the pay isn’t great, but this isn’t really something you do for the pay, you do it for the passion and the experience.
- Accountant, engineer, salesman, lawyer or any professional position. You won’t get a job at a Thai company for most professional positions, but if you’ve got experience you may be able to land a position with a multi-national company that has offices in Bangkok. Since you’ll be getting paid in your home countries currency and will very likely have all the benefits of an ex-pat package (retirement, housing, travel, tuition for children, medical insurance, etc) these are the sweetest jobs around. I don’t qualify, but if you do and you want to get yourself to Thailand start looking. Price Waterhouse has a lot of ex-pats in Asia as do large multi-nationals like Siemens, IBM, HP, and any petrol related business. If you really want to be here then that should be enough motivation to conduct a comprehensive search.
Well, there you go. 5 jobs or professions you can start pretty much as soon as you land in Bangkok. Give yourself enough money to last a few weeks to two months to get oriented and just go. Once you get there and start networking you’ll find many open doors and the adventure of a lifetime. It’s really not that hard all you need is the desire to be there. You’ll gain cultural experience and job related experiences that can’t be had anywhere else by working in Thailand and if you eventually choose to go back to your native country you’ll be that much more valuable to employers there thanks to your experience.
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Tagged as: english teachers in Bangkok, ex-pats in Asia, Living in Thailand, make money in Thailand, teaching English in Thailand, working in Thailand
My friends and I want to travel through Asia next year and I was trying to find ways that we could make money while there. You’ve not only given me some ideas, but I may decide to stay even longer than planned if it’s true that I can work while in Thailand. Is it easy for an 18 year old to get work like a teacher?
Right now it’s definitely a teachers market. There are many more jobs available than there are teachers and the Thai’s aren’t too picky about who they hire as long as you’re a native English speaker. And if you have blond hair and blue eyes so much the better. It’s all about appearance here in the LOS.
But with all the recent arrests of child molesters who just happen to be English teachers you might not make the impression you hope for if you reveal your occupation.
There really aren’t that many pedophiles in Thailand. I know the story about Christopher Paul Neil, the Canadian who was wanted in a worldwide manhunt, put Thailand in the spotlight and associated the kingdom with child molestation, but Thailand really is much safer than other SE Asian countries concerning child molestation.
See http://www.tatnews.org/ for a more complete take on Thailand’s stance against pedophiles
Something I find ironic is that many foreigners think they can get away with anything in Thailand. They think that a pedophile will never stand trial for abusing a child. That is often true, but not for the reason they think. Child molesters are often found dead in their jail cells. The official cause of death is usually suicide by strangulation, uh, I mean hanging.
lokking for a job as a english teacher but native is not english however i was gradueted BA in Thailand in english languge.
I am a Malaysian Chinese, having spent 9 years in the UK reading BSc Business Studies and MSc in Marketing. I have been speaking English all my life. Please let me know what are the chances of getting a teaching or other jobs in Thailand. Is there a possibility the prospective employers will reject my application for a job outright?
KongSiong
Hi KongSiong,
In the past it was virtually impossible to get a job teaching English if you weren’t caucasian. The appearance of being a native English speaker was much more important than actually having any skills speaking or teaching English. That is getting better, especially in Bkk and I know that Philapinos are being hired to teach English. I’m certain it won’t be easy for you to land a teaching gig in Thailand, but it’s no longer impossible as it was in the past. If you’ve got some contacts in Thailand that could be a huge help getting your foot in the door. Sorry I don’t have better news for you, but if you’re set on going to Thailand I would definitely give it a try and see what you can find.
Dear Sir,
My name is Salim Nazir from India.I am looking for permanent position in any computer oriented field. I have completed my graduation B.Tech (Information Technology).I have 1 1/2 years experience in the field of system support engineer and Presently I am working as an IT recruiter (Human Resources). I have enclosed my resume along with this mail for your reference. If you have any kind opening please feel free to mail me at salnazi@gmail.com or reach me via phone at +91 9940759454.
I look forward to hear from you soon.
Thanks!
Salim Nazir. I
hello! im a 18 years old guy, currently living in thailand for 3 months. im white and i can speak english very well, but my native language is not english. also im studying business administration in tIMI belgium. is there any chance for me to get a job while im here? or is it possible to get a permanent job with a good salary to live here?
please e-mail me don_bidarian@hotmail.com
Hello, I am 30 years old, living Bangkok for three months. I am a Bangladeshi. I have passed Msc in Forestry and got 1st class 1st. My subject was fully English medium. I can speak, write and read English very well. I had already did private tution in my country on English. If it is possible to give me any job with a handsome salary please inform me.
Email; rajish_hiron@yahoo.com
Hi I am a 34 yr old guy who just returned from thailand for 8 months,really just for a holiday.I never looked into the possibility of getting a job in thailand but now after returning home and seeing that there is no work because of the economic downturn I would love to go back and work in thailand.I worked all my life in sales which I love.I can also speak a bit of thai,not much just the basics.I would work at anything that would help survive over there.I am not looking to make a fortune. If you come across anything that would suit me I would be very grateful.Thank you
i have been to thailand five or six times now i am trying to live here now and im looking for work i have been in building for 17 years im 34 now and im looking for any job it does not have to be building i hope to hear from someone soon
I was a PGA golf professional. What do you think the chances are that I could find a job at a golf course in Thailand? I am very experienced in all phases of the golf course operation………..Also interested in doing anything to get over to Thailand. Sales, management etc.. ron.fenn@yahoo.com
Hi Ron,
Not sure what your chances are with this as I am not a golfer myself. I would say go ahead and get a list of courses in Thailand together and send some emails as feelers. The courses should have a much better idea of what you can do in Thailand, whether they offer work permits and other details about the industry in Thailand. Of course you might get very little information back this way, Thai businesses being typically pretty lax about responding to emails. A much better alternative is to actually go to Thailand and do your research on the ground. I think you’ll get a much better response from the courses if they know that you’re physically in Thailand. Best of luck to you Ron, keep us updatede and let us know how it works out for you.
Hey Ron
I have seen positions advertised for EGTF golf teachers in Thailand, so with PGA you should hopefully have no problems. I imagine networking will be key to securing a job.
Sasha
I am Mukesh 25 years, working in development sector since last 3 years. i have done Master in Commerce. At this time I am working with an NGO as Finance Manager.
I want to work in Thailand in any type of organization as finance person.
Can some one help or guide me in this regards
You can e mail me on droppedhands@yahoo.com
Dear Sir/Madam
I am a swiss chef and live in the moment in bangkok, i looking for a new job as chef. I have decided to stay in thailand.
I love cooking and would like also learn a lot about asian cuisine.As a swiss chef i am used to work very properly and efficient.
I am waiting for yor kind reply
best regards
Patrick Bergamin
I absolutely love Thailand, the Thai people and their culture. I am a single (widow), semi-retired, English speaking, blonde lady who would love to find out more about teaching English in Thailand. My English is impeccable although I am not a trained teacher by profession. I believe I could definitely do this and wonder if anyone has any advice about how to go about getting this type of employment; what visas are required and so on.
Hi Patricia,
Glad to hear you’re thinking of making the jump to Thailand. As a native English speaking women you shouldn’t have much trouble finding teaching jobs, especially in Bangkok. Take a look at one of my earlier posts for some additional info http://www.thailandmusings.com/teach-english-in-thailand-in-10-days/
You should find plenty of information there and by following the links included in the post all of your other questions should be answered as well. Good luck on your new adventure!
Hi Ron I’m a 60 year old white American and speak and read English very well. I’m a white male and I have a ASS Degree, is this enough to get a job in Bangkok. I have also been a Jockey for the past 30 years, are there any race horse job in Bangkok. I”ll be waiting your reply, thank you. Quentin
Hi, I like Thai and I have some friends living there and most important is I m into a guy in Thai. I just wonder any job I can find in Thai as I m a Chinese from Hong Kong and i m not a professional in any field, my English is ok but I m not a native speaker. ..any suggestion ?
Hi Quentin,
With your degree and a TEFL cert you should be able to get a teaching job without much problem. As far as I know there is no horse racing in Thailand…if you find out differently I would love to hear about it. They may race buffalo’s in Issan, but I don’t think they use jockeys
Hi Vicky,
I think your Thai friends may be more help than I in your job search. Any legitimate teaching jobs will be looking for a native English speaker so I think teaching English (legally) is out for you. There are a lot of Thai-Chinese and maybe that would help you finding some type of employment, but again I don’t think it would be legal employment. And you would certainly need to be in Thailand to find these jobs.
tks for your reply Steve, It s more than happy to have your reply, I like your suggestion and actually and my friend is really a Thai Chinese. By the way, besides native speaker what kind of certificate holder can teach English there ? like you said some Filipino teachers there and English is their second language , if I cannot do that now or maybe I can set a goal for myself.
Typically the TEFL cert is the standard starting certification for English teachers in Thailand. I think that would be a good place to start if you are looking to teach English in Thailand. The Filipinos are a bit different case I think since they are brought up learning English in the schools there. So while English is their second language it is one they have learned since a very young age and have been pretty well immersed in.
Hi, me and my friend (both 23) are planning to come to bkk this summer for thai language course fo three months. We would like to work as well, but for the lack of time we will be able to work just part time. Do you think there is any possibility to find something suitable? We both speak English and also some thai basics. (not native English speakers) Thanks for your response!