tonititan

Yeah, that sounds about right! Maybe I should have just said, "it's possible, but not likely."

I agree - it's not impossible to get a western salary, but it's not too likely, unless you're an international school teacher at a top school. It seems like of all the people on this forum who are looking for a job in Thailand, the majority of them are in the IT or Graphic Design fields. I can't imagine that there's enough good jobs for all of them. I do know that there are some people in Bangkok who work for Microsoft, but I don't know if that's an option for you as it sounds like you need to find a job in a hurry.

not impossible =but not likely

does these 2 phrase mean no same same?

Huh? Are you asking if those two phrases mean the same thing? I'm sorry if I was unclear, but I keep rereading what I wrote and it makes sense to me. I was saying that it's not impossible to find a job with a western salary here - that is, it IS possible. But, it's not very likely, meaning that it is not easy and there's not a very good chance of finding that kind of job as compared to other countries. Does that clarify things?

That's really sad, but honestly, the story sounds a little fishy.

Hi, I agree that you definitely need to talk to your children's current school, especially if you plan to return after your 6 months in Thailand. Like you said, you need to know what the other children will be learning so that they don't get too far behind. Some schools are willing to provide materials for you to use with your child. I would also suggest making sure that if your children miss 6 months of school, they will be able to move up a grade the next year. You wouldn't want any surprises when you come home and find out that your kids have to repeat the grade they did not complete.

Perhaps you could also look into the possibility of finding your students a teacher/tutor in their native language. There are definitely German and French speaking teachers here, perhaps you can find someone who speaks your language. What country are you from? If it happens to be Denmark, I know that there are some partnerships between Denmark and Thailand. I had some Danish friends who used to work here, and it sounded like there was a decent network of Danes here. I don't know about Swedes, etc., but maybe you'll get lucky.

I don't know the details of the PGCA, but do you have actual teacher certification? Most of the international schools around here that will be paying 100k/month or more require a certified teacher. Their ESL teachers have a teaching degree and teaching license/certificate. Individuals with TEFL/CELTA certificates, no matter how much experience, often cannot be hired by well-paying international schools. You might want to look into that - maybe check with some international schools here - just to make sure that could still be a backup plan for you.

Also, keep in mind that this isn't the best time of year for an international school teaching job, because it's the middle of the school year. For the schools on a Thai school schedule, the semester just started. But, international schools typically hire from December-February for the following school year, so if you are qualified, you may be in a good position to start searching for next year.

depends what's your job is, my salary is based in USD and is quite reasonable. let say i can earn as much as 15K baht a day, all inclusive rate but not bad for living in Thailand. OK, honestly it's very high but i deserve it because of what i do.

Can I ask what kind of work you do?

That's great news! I really hope it works, and I wish more countries/cities would do this. As a person who moved from a "free plastic bag country" to a "pay for bags country" in the past, I can say that it definitely worked for me. I made it a habit to bring cloth bags to the store with me, or at least to reuse plastic bags I already had.

As madmitch pointed out, it would be great if 7-11 did the same. I was in there recently and bought a pack of gum. Before I could stop the guy, he had put my tiny pack of gum in a plastic bag. I often give the bags back, but the salespeople look really confused. I sometimes see them take my bag back and throw it in the trash can. So frustrating!

yeah...sorta wondered meself...the minimum for senior expat staff on assignment around here would be around 400k baht per month plus package to include international school fees if on family status with children...nobody that I know would mobilize for less...

Nobody you know would come work here for less than about 140,000 USD/86,000 pounds per year? Seriously?

Actually, your comment made me think of a good point in this discussion. I think the term "western salary" is subjective. For most people, 40-70,000 USD/24-42,000 pounds is a decent western salary. Maybe for you that's peanuts, but you have to realize that your salary puts you in the minority. I wasn't trying to say that international teachers make MORE than people in other fields. I'm not that blind. I think the real question is how many people make approximately the same salary here in Bangkok as they did in their respective western countries? I was trying to say earlier that I think one of the professions that has the largest number of ex-pats making their own personal western salary is international school teachers (at the best schools). I know that personally, I make more here than my former "western salary."

Perhaps you might look down on the "measly" salary of international school teachers. Please keep in mind that if there weren't so many teachers willing to come over here for the adventure and the culture (not just for the money), many business people wouldn't be able to bring your families over here. Would you send your 10 year old who only speaks English to a Thai school? No, you wouldn't, because you care about your kids and know it's not the best thing for their education. (And I don't literally mean YOU. I don't even know if you have kids. I mean "you" as in other ex-pats). So, it seems that teachers are enabling you to come here, still be with your family, and make 400,000 baht/month. You're welcome.

I agree - it's not impossible to get a western salary, but it's not too likely, unless you're an international school teacher at a top school.

What? I still believe that the biggest chunk of people making western salaries are international school teachers. There are hundreds and hundreds of them.

You call 60-80K baht per month a "western salary" for their level of qualification?

Sorry, but what is your reference country for this assertion?

No, actually a don't call 60-80K baht per month a "western salary." You came up with that number. The schools I'm referring to pay teachers between 100,000-200,000 baht/month, depending on experience and position, PLUS often a housing allowance (or housing provided), a relocation stipend, excellent health insurance, flights back home every year, bonuses, travel funds, etc. I don't know what schools YOU are referring to that pay only 60,000 baht/month, but they're certainly not the top schools.

Haha, nice. When I saw your subject line, I wondered why you were asking for advice about a hotel in Miama (Florida) on the Thai forum!

I agree - it's not impossible to get a western salary, but it's not too likely, unless you're an international school teacher at a top school.

What? I still believe that the biggest chunk of people making western salaries are international school teachers. There are hundreds and hundreds of them.

Yes, they can feel a bit plain. I believe that "real" Austrians and Germans squeeze lemon juice on schnitzel - it's delicious that way! I've used ketchup before too, but I don't think the Austrians would approve of that. In Austrian restaurants, they sometimes do offer different types of sauces. For example, "Jaeger Schnitzel" is a piece of schnitzel covered in a mushroom gravy sauce. Sometimes schnitzel can be rolled and stuffed with other ingredients. There's other variations, too. The Austrians have many ways to serve schnitzel!

I agree - it's not impossible to get a western salary, but it's not too likely, unless you're an international school teacher at a top school. It seems like of all the people on this forum who are looking for a job in Thailand, the majority of them are in the IT or Graphic Design fields. I can't imagine that there's enough good jobs for all of them. I do know that there are some people in Bangkok who work for Microsoft, but I don't know if that's an option for you as it sounds like you need to find a job in a hurry.

Google "Jack Total Golf International" (since I'm not allowed to post the link here). Good buses, no problems with their border runs to Cambodia. They leave from Bangkok - not sure if they depart from Pattaya as well.

Well, I've never had schnitzel in Pattaya, but I've had it at a couple places in Bangkok. Not the best. I guess it would be ok if you had never had schnitzel. I used to live in Europe, though, and had amazing schnitzel in Germany and Austria, so I guess maybe my standards are too high. I guess I really shouldn't expect to dine on authentic schnitzel in Thailand! Sorry I can't help, but good luck to ya. I hope you find some GOOD schnitzel!

I know someone with a Work Experience degree. He was able to get a job teaching in Bangkok, and get a work permit. I personally think Work Experience degrees are crap and an insult to those of us that worked our way through college/university, but the good news is that it may be sufficient. I don't know much about licensing for teachers, but you should at least be able to get a job.

Hmmm, no clue. I never really thought of Bangkok as being a top chocolate spot. If there's something out there, though, I'd love to know so I can stop by and check it out!

I was on a flight months ago that was delayed. At the time I was annoyed, but then I forgot all about it. Last week I got and email from Air Asia with an 1800 baht voucher to put towards any flight, and I can pass it along to a friend if I want. My only complaint is that the voucher is only good until February, but it's more than most expensive airlines would give for being a few hours late.

There was a big ad for it today in the Bangkok Post. The event website is usafair2009.com.

Thanks for the tips. It's good to know about the shallow water at Kamala. I hadn't thought of Surin - maybe I'll check it out too.

Wow, that was a harsh response. I think maybe people here just get tired of hearing of people who have just randomly decided to come live in Thailand and want help, because there are so many of you. It's definitely not easy to find a job here.

What kind of job are you looking for? Unless you have some really special skills, you'll probably only be able to consider teaching English. But, to be honest, with no college degree and no TEFL certificate (I'm assuming), I think it will be REALLY difficult to get a job, especially a decent job. I'm sure there's people on this forum who know of people who have gotten teaching jobs without any qualifications, but I can't point you to those companies/schools. Keep in mind that IF you find a job, you can probably expect to start out making 20,000-35,000 baht/month without a degree/certificate. It's possible to live off of that, but it wouldn't be fun in my opinion. Without a quality job, you'll probably also have to visa runs, which adds extra cost and stress.

I'm not trying to discourage you. I live in BKK, so obviously I know that it's possible, and I understand your desire to live here. But, it's not going to be simple, and you can't expect a warm, "we're go glad you're here because you speak English" kind of welcome - there are a LOT of foreigners here who want to to teach. I wish you the best of luck, though!

Nope, I've flown Air Asia lots of times and I've never had a problem with the cabin crew.

I posted a question a few days ago about beaches in Phuket. After researching more, it appears that I can stay closer to the beach for much cheaper in Kamala Beach, rather than Karon or Kata. But, I've heard conflicting reports online about the quality of Kamala Beach. Some reviews said that it was lovely, and others said the beach wasn't so great. Has anyone who has actually been there have an opinion? Thanks!

I am definitely no expert on this topic, but I would suspect that you have to get the divorce through the country you were married in, right?

Thanks for the tip! I just checked it out, and it does look really nice. Unfortunately in early December it will be 3700 baht/night (or 2900 on AsiaRooms or 87 USD on Agoda...so a little cheaper). I will definitely keep it in mind, though.