Although some jobs aren't permitted to foreigners in Thailand, there is still an array of career opportunities in this rapidly developing Southeast Asian nation. Certain sectors are easier for foreigners to find jobs in — notably tourism and teaching — but if you can prove you have the required skills that are difficult to find locally, then opportunities in other sectors are also likely to be available to you.
Be aware of the strict visa regulations that apply to foreigners who wish to work in the country, but as long as you follow the procedures, you should be able to work in Thailand without problems.
Types of jobs available in Thailand
When it comes to working in Thailand, many different fields are open to expats as long as they are qualified.
Teaching
Teaching is a field that many expats enjoy in Thailand, so long as they speak English fluently and have a degree and a recognized teaching qualification, such as a TEFL or a CELTA. A teaching job can pay anywhere from THB 30,000 to over THB 100,000 a month, depending on your experience, qualifications, and whether you teach at a government or international school. For example, an international school will pay a lot more than a government school, which also tends to have limited resources. You can bulk up your wage by offering private tutoring on the side or teaching weekend lessons at a language school. Turnover at language schools tends to be quite high, so it is always worth leaving your CV with a school in case a vacancy arises. Also, consider getting a free CV review at TopCV.
Tourism
The tourism industry continues to boom in Thailand. If you have experience in hotel management, it is worth contacting the upmarket hotels around the country, as big hotel chains often look for foreigners to fill top management positions. Many foreigners also manage bars and restaurants in downtown Bangkok or on the islands, so it is worth looking into this if you have any connections. As Thailand's popularity increases, the significant development of condominiums across the country also means that there are several openings for foreigners in the real estate market.
Scuba diving instructor
If you want to live on an island or in a coastal town in Thailand, then you can consider qualifying and working as a scuba diving instructor. This is a particularly popular way to make a living in the diving hotspots such as Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, and Koh Tao. It doesn't pay big bucks, but you will earn enough to get by, and many diving centers also provide basic food and accommodation.
Multinational companies
Many big multinational companies now have offices in Thailand, so it is worth negotiating a transfer or browsing their websites for vacancies. There are also occasional openings at foreign embassies, the United Nations, NGOs, and aid projects. So, whether you are interested in working for a corporation or in international development, there are many options available.
Acting, modeling, and voice talent
The bold and the beautiful flock to Thailand to work in movies, commercials, or on radio or television, as there is a lot of reasonably well-paid work for models, actors, and voice talent. The downside is that this can be a bit sporadic, and you may need to wait for a long time at lots of castings where nothing is guaranteed. However, the pay can be quite good when you land a job.
Social media management
Because social media is an important marketing tool nowadays, many large and small companies hire non-Thais to manage their social media accounts. Landing a job like this helps if you know how to do photography, videography, and some copywriting as well.
Sports and fitness
Many sports leagues and fitness centers hire expats who specialize in specific fields. For example, if you have experience coaching sports, you can apply for coaching positions in some of Thailand's minor or major sports leagues. If you have experience as a strength and conditioning coach, you can apply for work at one of the many fitness centers in Bangkok.
Job-hunting in Thailand
The internet is a good place to start if you're looking for a job in Thailand. You can browse through the many specialized job websites such as JobsDB, Ajarn.com, and Craigslist. Also, consider searching on LinkedIn for companies that have offices in Thailand and then contact them about possible openings. It is advisable to check the websites of multinational companies or international development organizations regularly to keep abreast of openings.
If you are already in Thailand, it can be a good idea to contact a recruitment agency that can speed up your search with its contacts and positions. However, make sure to agree with their terms and conditions. Additionally, Thailand has two main English-language news websites: The Bangkok Post and The Nation. It is always worth looking through the job sections on a regular basis, especially if you are keen to work in Bangkok.
Networking events could prove invaluable if you are already in Thailand. Learning a bit of Thai will put you in good standing when going to interviews. Check out the events happening at BITEC or Impact Muang Thong Thani. You can always visit these places and walk around, introducing yourself to people in your field of expertise.
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