Thailand Expats

Stallion27 · #1 19-10-2003, 12:27

Can anyone tell me what the job market is like in thailand for a graduate from a well-known Canadian university. Do firms generally hire foreigner's or do they prefer thai nationals? I have a background in Finance and Economics so I'm wondering how difficult it is to get a good paying job in areas like bangkok, chang mai or even smaller places like phuket etc..

Schmeen · #2 20-10-2003, 15:17

Getting a job in Thailand is not easy, there are many jobs on the list in which foreigners cannot be employed.

Like with everything else it's who you know, not what you know that will get you in here.

In terms of financial positions, I wouldn't hold your breath, the jobs advertised in the English language newspapers usually ask for Thai Nationals, and most people I know who work here are posted here, it's difficult to get in from this end unless you are well known.

I'm a very different case and I'm not going into personal details of what and how I do, but I would suggest without my background you would be hard pressed to follow my example.

Work permits in Thailand are getting harder and harder to obtain as we speak, The Thaksin government has a policy of eliminating as much of the foreign labour force as it can over the forthcoming years. If you are talking about financial institutions / stock exchange etc, as a foreign national the licenses required are (I'm told) almost impossible to obtain unless you bring an extraordinary talent / or large financial input to the table.

Of course, where there is a will there can often be a way, but you will need to put in a lot of groundwork and get to know the sort of people yopu need to know to make any headway. It can be done.

Are you committed enough?

sanshou03 · #3 18-11-2003, 03:21

I'm in the same boat, be graduating next year from well standing american university, and after one trip to thailand I know I would loooooooove to spend a while working in thailand. Know the possibilities are slim but a heads up if you here anything would be appreciated.
-Mike

Stallion27 · #4 18-11-2003, 03:39

Mike,
There are many opportunities to teach English in Thailand. Pay is not that good thou and I don't think someone from N. America could live comfortably on the salary. I have not heard of anything other than that. Most jobs I have seen available on the Bangkok post require Thai Nationals- so they can keep wages low. I'm actually looking into making an investment into a hotel, however Thai laws are very complicated when it comes to ownership so I'm not sure if I want to go in 100% sole owner. If i come across anything else i will let you know. Check out some of the websites for english teaching if your interested in that.

sanshou03 · #5 18-11-2003, 03:49

ok, thanks for the help

r3aps · #6 18-11-2003, 14:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by sanshou03

ok, thanks for the help

i am an aircraft technician with 13 years experience and cover on many aircraft.i would love to work in bangkok at the airport but it very hard.i ask my company british airways but they like many hire thai contractors because it a lot cheaper than western people.
steve