There are many people from different countries who wish to move to Thailand either to work or to set up a business. Thailand is actually a great country for both because there are lots of opportunities here. If you need to work in Thailand to be able to fund your stay, you are also bound to find something that suits you.
Foreigners are allowed to work in Thailand as long as you have a valid visa, a work permit, and you are employed with an occupation that does not violate the Alien Employment Act. This act obliges you to have a work permit which is given by the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labor, or unless it falls within an exemption of the said act.
If you are planning to move to Thailand soon to find work, we are here to help you. Today, we are going to give you a basic guide to working in Thailand. Also, we recommend you check out https://www.becomeopedia.com/transferable-skills/ to learn the top skills you need to become successful in your career no matter what industry you are working in.
Requirements
You can definitely find a job in Thailand with your ability to speak English or any other language. However, that is less than what’s needed for you to cover your living expenses here. So, aside from language, here are the other requirements you need to be able to find a job in Thailand:
Work Visa and Permit
Keep in mind that if you want to work in Thailand, you will need to have the right visa and work permit. Working in Thailand while on a tourist visa is illegal. If you are going to Thailand as a freelancer or a digital nomad and you want to work legally here, you can get in touch with a reputable relocation service provider who can hire you and provide you with a business visa and work permit, but that is if you meet the requirements. Also be sure to consider options like NationalPardon for additional help.
Credentials
A lot of people asks if a degree is needed to be able to work in Thailand. Well, if you have a degree, it will help you find a high-paying job. These degrees are the same degrees that will enable you to earn the highest income abroad such as those in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. People with a degree from business schools will also find a job in Thailand easier.
There is also a limited type of work you can do in some fields because of legal constraints. For example, medical professionals won’t be able to work as doctors in Thailand, but you can do research instead. The same with legal professionals because they can’t join the bar here but they can be hired in law firms as consultants.
But keep in mind that there are also certain jobs or employers where a college diploma is not everything. In fact, media companies, NGOs, and even schools in Thailand may hire people even if they don’t have a degree. They are just looking for good skills and enough experience.
Language Skills
Another question that most people tend to ask is if you need to speak Thai to be able to find a job in Thailand. The answer to this is, no. Because you will be able to find multicultural companies here where people can speak both Thai and English.
However, if you want to thrive in Thailand, it’s better if you learn to speak Thai. Plus, it will make your life in Thailand a whole lot easier and your job search can be more fruitful as well. You can also check out our post on The 10 Reasons Why You Should Learn the Thai Language for more information.
Cultural Adaptability
Your chances of being hired in Thailand will raise if you can adapt to a multicultural workplace. You can read books about Thailand before you go there to learn more about their culture. But you need to experience the rest for yourself. You need to adapt your work ethics and personality to fit your job in Thailand. That will also help your employer in deciding if they will hire you as a regular employee.
Nationality
Your nationality will also matter when you look for a job in Thailand. It’s because most companies here need a good reason to choose you over a Thai local. For Westerners, it’s kind of challenging to find jobs in the service industry of Thailand. But it’s easy to land a job in hospitality, marketing, and education.
Work Experience
You will be able to find a much better job in Thailand of you held one here before. If you do not have any work experience in Thailand yet, you must bring the skills and the mindset of the company you’re applying in.
Health Certificate
Before you can get a work permit in Thailand, you need a health certificate first. It can be obtained from most clinics and government and private hospitals in Thailand. They will first check you which is easy and cheap.
Potential Jobs for Foreigners in Thailand
After knowing some of the requirements you need to be able to find a job in Thailand, we will also give you a list of the possible jobs that you can land on when you move here.
Teach in Thailand
There are lots of teaching opportunities available in Thailand. Though this job won’t make a fortune you will be able to start off by making enough to establish yourself here and pay your monthly bills and expenses. The starting salary of English teachers in Thailand is often around 30,000 baht per month or $1,000, but it can be a little less in smaller towns. But if you teach for years, your salary can rise each year.
Teaching English in international schools in Bangkok offers a much higher salary which could be anywhere from 70,000 to 150,000 baht per month. However, to be able to earn these high salaries, you need to be qualified as a teacher in your home country and have teaching experience in subjects like math and science. The school also usually obtain your work permit and visa if you choose to work as a teacher in Thailand.
Real Estate
There’s a booming condo market in Thailand that’s why there are also many openings in their real estate market. Jobs in the real estate here can include riding about on a motorbike in Phuket trying to recruit would-be purchasers, and as well as business development and operational management positions.
Diving Instructor
If you are qualified in the Professional Association of Diving Instructors or PADI, you can work as a diving instructor in Thailand. You can work in some of the popular diving spots here such as in Phi Phi Island, in Krabi, or in Koh Tao. Diving instructors can earn around 30,000 to 40,000 baht per month. You can also take lessons and train to become an instructor if you’re not yet qualified.
Work as a Freelance Writer
If you love to write, you can work online as a freelance writer while living in Thailand. You can land a few writing jobs with travel websites and newspapers if you are good enough. There are many writing jobs and other online freelance jobs you can find all over the web.
Become a Thailand-Based Entrepreneur
Thailand has a booming economy that’s why there’s also lots of room for entrepreneurship here. If you have the credentials and the drive in a particular business, then you can definitely start your own business here instead of working for someone else. One of the great things about starting a business in Thailand is that you can keep your living costs low, relieving financial strain and it will also give you time to find your feet.
These are just some of the best jobs you can find in Thailand. There are lots of opportunities in this country aside from teaching. In fact, many expats in Thailand make their money online. Some who works in companies in Thailand also work part-time online, especially if they have lots of spare time. Whether you are looking for a regular job or you’re looking into starting your own business, Thailand is a great country for you to start a new life.