The labour market in Bangkok
There is an abundance of work opportunities in Thailand, especially in Bangkok, but most come here thinking that teaching is the only job available. That is simply untrue, as the country offers many possible jobs.
Given that a lot of opportunities are present, the unemployment rate is also low as there are many full-time and part-time jobs available in almost all sectors. According to the data from the National Statistics Office, the average monthly wage in Thailand ranges from 363 baht a day to 14,075.55 THB per month, which has increased from 13 877.7 THB/month in 2017. Let's take a look at the jobs open to foreigners in Bangkok and those that are prohibited for foreigners, along with some useful tips for the positions mentioned.
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
Before we get into what kinds of jobs are available to foreigners in Thailand, it's good to go over a few things about working in Thailand and visas. In order to work in Thailand for a Thai-registered school or company, you need a Thai business visa and a work permit. If you get caught working without one, you will be fined and possibly blacklisted from Thailand.
If you want to work in Thailand remotely – that is, for companies outside of Thailand – you will be able to apply for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) in the near future. The DTV is for digital nomads and those working remotely and gets you 180 days in Thailand per time. You can renew the visa thereafter for a maximum of 5 years.
The most promising fields for foreigners in Thailand
Below are some of the more popular industries that foreigners can work in, starting with the most well-known – teaching.
Teaching
A lot of teaching opportunities are readily available in Bangkok and nearly all parts of Thailand, especially for Native English Speakers. It is also the largest market for expats. English teachers are needed for elementary, high school, colleges, universities, private tutors, corporations, and language centers. Starting salaries can range from THB 35,000 to 60,000, and if you have settled and gained experience, it can increase up to THB 80,000 to 150,000. Aside from having a full-time job in teaching, many teachers earn extra money by tutoring on the side or teaching summer camps.
Most people who want to teach in Thailand look on Ajarn, which is a very good source for finding teaching jobs. The job description is readily available on this website, and you may apply using the details provided on the website.
Content writing
One of the best jobs offered in Bangkok is content writing for blogs, magazines, and large publications. Since writing is a practiced skill, it also pays well. There are endless opportunities for writers, whether full-time or part-time. The more experience you have, the more money you will gain.
Most people travel around and gain cash by selling their experiences. You don't need to be a great writer to create an article; just make sure you know all the basics. You can check websites like Upwork and Freelancer for part-time writing jobs.
NGOs
Foreign embassies and the United Nations have a wide choice of job opportunities for everyone. They occasionally post with their specific requirements, but the process would take longer. You will need to check the website from time to time and wait patiently.
IT and web development
A large number of digital nomads move to Bangkok and other parts of Thailand to live and work. The country's fast internet and modern technologies entice many to come and apply for jobs here. In addition, many multinational companies are providing good pay and benefits.
Good to know:
Some good news for digital nomads: Phuket officials are considering a visa scheme for digital professionals who plan to live and work remotely from Thailand. Under the proposed legislation, eligible expats will be able to apply for a work permit and stay on the island of Phuket for 6 months to a year.
Hotel and restaurants
Many hotels, spas, resorts, and restaurants are opting to hire foreigners as they need people to cater to their expat market. The hospitality industry and other related fields are in demand in Bangkok. Make sure to have more experience so you can set your price high when introducing yourself to the companies. These jobs usually pay around 35,000 to 80,000 THB, depending on your level and the role you are applying to.
Sporting industries
Muay Thai, boxing, scuba diving, golf, tennis, basketball, and even gyms – all of these sports and places need trainers and coaches. Nowadays, it's not out of the ordinary to find foreign sports coaches at gyms and schools around Thailand. Most of the time, the pay to coach sports isn't enough to thrive, but it is an option to make some additional income in Thailand. Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, for instance, employs quite a few foreign coaches.
Jobs that are prohibited to expats in Thailand
Below is the list of jobs that can't be done or applied to by foreigners:
- manual work;
- agriculture;
- bricklaying, carpentry, or other construction work;
- wood carving;
- driving motor vehicles or vehicles that do not use machinery or mechanical devices, except piloting aircraft internationally;
- front shop sales and auction sale work;
- supervising, auditing, or giving service in accountancy;
- cutting or polishing precious or semi-precious stones;
- haircutting, hairdressing, or beautification;
- cloth weaving by hand;
- mat weaving or making utensils from reed, rattan, jute, hay, or bamboo;
- making rice paper by hand;
- lacquer work;
- making Thai musical instruments;
- niello work;
- goldsmith, silversmith, or gold/copper alloy smith work;
- stonework;
- making Thai dolls;
- making mattresses or quilts;
- making alms bowls;
- making silk products by hand;
- making Buddha images;
- knifemaking;
- making paper or cloth umbrellas;
- making shoes;
- making hats;
- brokerage or agency except in international trading;
- professional civil engineering concerning design and calculation, systemization, analysis, planning, testing, construction supervision, or consulting services, excluding work requiring specialized techniques;
- professional architectural work concerning design, drawing/making, cost estimation, or consulting services;
- dressmaking;
- pottery;
- cigarette rolling by hand;
- tour guiding or conducting;
- hawking of goods & Thai typesetting by hand;
- unwinding and twisting silk by hand;
- clerical or secretarial work;
- providing legal services or engaging in legal work.
