Finding a good job in Thailand is anything but easy. Although official statistics show little to no unemployment, most available jobs are only open for Thais. There's a long list of jobs foreigners legally cannot do, such as taxi driver, waiter, or construction worker.
This moment while you read this article, thousands of people are sitting at home anywhere on the world dreaming of going to Thailand. All what they need is an income in Thailand.
If you are thinking about taking a job to finance your studies in Thailand, you should know that a qualified English teacher in freelance makes about 350 Baht per hour (if illegally earned, it's even tax free...). Please note that a student visa doesn't permit you to work.
If you are dreaming about a job in Thailand without having spent at least two or three years in this country, you better are aware that any organization will avoid hiring you as long there's anybody else with similar qualifications who knows about living and working in Thailand already. The normal learning curve before reaching productivity in a new job will become extremely extended if you first have to learn habits and social patterns in a new country. For most employers, that might become much to expensive.
If you studied in Thailand as a foreigner, however, you have much better chances. As it is for Thai students, speaking English fluently is a big asset in the job market. As a foreigner, you might have the best chances in an organization that deals with your country of origin. Your local expat communities might give you some tips. If you learned speaking enough Thai to survive, your chances grow enormously.
As a Thailand graduate, however, you can only expect to get a Thai salary. It might be nice to dream about a full expat package from a western organization, but these organizations are not stupid either. While starting salaries for Thai graduates range between 8,000 and 10,000 Baht, those with good English skills range about 14,000 to 18,000 Baht. In rare cases, you can expect a starting salary of (a little bit) over 20,000 Baht. Just for comparison, employed lecturers at Thai universities have little more than 30,000 Baht.
In order to get that, you must be exactly what they are looking for. If you can keep this job for over a year, you must be good.
So, think again - do you have anything to offer that is scarce in Thailand? If so, you'll have a good chance! |
