How Do You Make A Living In Thailand?

[ColPyat]

I've said it dozens of times already, but I simply cannot fathom why anyone would be interested to come to live in Thailand and consider they could have a good time on 500 baht a day. What is it about this place that makes people go completely gaga?

Well, i would not want to live on that sort of money here anymore, but when i was a lot younger i did for several years (after backpacking all over Asia for 5 years on similar amounts), and i had a great time. I might have been gaga in most people's eyes, but i don't care - it was, while it lasted, a great life.

[John_Rambo]

I'm with Colpyat on this one (second time this week, fancy that). I did something similar when i was younger and had a great experience that i can honestly say helped to shape my life, and i have no regrets, only treasured memories.

[scousemouse]

I'm always amazed by the ammount of people that think that they can come to Thailand and live the 'holiday lifestyle' on no money, thinking they can survive by teaching English.

Maigo, why the big thing about English teachers?

Did you get refused a job once because you don't have a degree?

I've a friend earning 100,000 a month for 16 hours a week, in the evenings(4 a week), in Bangkok. I know another few guys getting well more than that working for International schools.

You can come to Thailand and live the "holiday lifestyle".

thats not exactly the standard wage though for english teachers though is it?

I wish .

[JimsKnight]

Well you know what? I can happily live off 25 K a month easy, as long as i've got my non-imm o' 12 month visa. I really can't get why some folk think living on low budgets is so demeaning. I'm a sensible SOB when it comes to money, I don't spend it on too much sht and discipline myself so that I'm not drunk as a mad monkey each night.

Living each day like your on holiday will just get you burned out, I've seen too many expats let the money thing overwhelm them and before you know it the're flat broke.

I know teaching is a good thing for some people out here to do, but a lot of teachers new to the game exaggerate a lot on what they earn. Also forcing myself into a profession that isn't to my taste just isn't going to happen, too many teachers do this in LOS IMHO.

If you've got all your nice things bought and paid for already like your motorbike / car, a nice apartment and a computer with internet you're pretty much in clover here. Pay for food and drink, whatever luxuries you can afford and the world is you're oyster!

[blizzard]

noone saying living on low budget is demeaning. we just saying living in los wo money s u k ks.

[JimsKnight]

ok my mistake for jumping in with both feet!

[qwertz]

In LOS people tend to think money is worth a lot more compared to home, that's why it runs out.

[BlackArtemis]

Jims is absolutely correct though, forcing yourself to be a teacher for the visa will burn you out fast, and isn't recommended. But then again, you don't know if you will like it if you don't try it. I am also wondering about the rates people speak about. I know some private schools pay 30-35k in CM, but really the majority of the schools pay 20-25k. I hear "no less than 30k" but maybe thats from people not in the north... I lived alone on 20k a month for quite sometime, as others have stated, you can have a lot of fun on a little $ and it can be the best experience for you.

[Maizefarmer]

OP is long gone! But this is still an interesting thread. I've tried my luck at the stock market and wiped out my account a few times. I have 90% of my money in mutual funds and they always seem to outperform any trading attempts I make. I would love to win at trading, stocks or currencies but I haven't figured out a good system yet. I'd be interested in hearing other people's ideas for successful trading.

Big differance between Stock market and Forex market - I personally wouldn't go anywhere near the Stock market. There is no system per say. It's down to how much homework you do, self discipline and controlling "greed", and adhering to a bunch of basic rules (they are not garuntees but they go a long way). Understand too that spot trading is not the same as institutional type trading.

[Austhaied]

Lots of advice with most people baulking the direct question..

Offshore oil and gas industry in The Gulf of Thailand, pays well, good people, plenty of time at home.

Life's too short to sit around and wait for a pay check that will barely pay the months bills..

[qwertz]

Lots of advice with most people baulking the direct question..

Offshore oil and gas industry in The Gulf of Thailand, pays well, good people, plenty of time at home.

Life's too short to sit around and wait for a pay check that will barely pay the months bills..

I'm too old for that stuff. Anyway, I'm an academic. Do they count over there?

[wasabi]

Lots of advice with most people baulking the direct question..

Offshore oil and gas industry in The Gulf of Thailand, pays well, good people, plenty of time at home.

Life's too short to sit around and wait for a pay check that will barely pay the months bills..

I researched the oil and gas industry and found while it could be very lucrative with a healthy amount of time off, it takes years to make it to a position of prominence and what I'd call good pay. Though even the bottom of that industry would be more than the best teaching job. What I gathered was in the O&G industry you have to pay your dues for many years swabbing the decks so to speak, after which you can be a foreman or something. Also you have to spend long hours on a ship with mostly other men no matter what position you are in. There are some who started such careers at 18 or 19 and now are in a great position with good pay and ample leave but if you're in mid career like me and early 30s it is a big gamble to start at the bottom again.

Edited May 12, 2007 by wasabi

[Maigo6]

I don't get this poor teacher shtick. Yeah it's not the 200-700k baht a month jobs some farang have, but you can still do pretty well. A kid with a BA and no experience seems to get 20-25k a month in CM. This isn't to bad for a single kids, but then if you tutor 10 kids for 1 hour a day after school thats an extra 15-20k a month, and run 4 hrs of tutoring on sat. (2 2hr classes) you can pull in another 15-30k a month. so 50-75k a month is possible, well actually it is easy if you can do a good job and the parents like you.

And you have a work permit that allows you to teach in a school and teach private lessons without paying tax also? NO!!!!!!

You are breaking the law to stay in Thailand.......................why would you do that ?

If you're a teacher, why not teach in the UK and get well paid, as opposed to teaching without a work permit for a pathetic wage in Thailand ?

Mai khow jai.

[Austhaied]

Lots of advice with most people baulking the direct question..

Offshore oil and gas industry in The Gulf of Thailand, pays well, good people, plenty of time at home.

Life's too short to sit around and wait for a pay check that will barely pay the months bills..

I researched the oil and gas industry and found while it could be very lucrative with a healthy amount of time off, it takes years to make it to a position of prominence and what I'd call good pay. Though even the bottom of that industry would be more than the best teaching job. What I gathered was in the O&G industry you have to pay your dues for many years swabbing the decks so to speak, after which you can be a foreman or something. Also you have to spend long hours on a ship with mostly other men no matter what position you are in. There are some who started such careers at 18 or 19 and now are in a great position with good pay and ample leave but if you're in mid career like me and early 30s it is a big gamble to start at the bottom again.

The O&G industry is having a major problem finding personnel at the moment, i have friends in their 30's just getting into it now and are really enjoying the benefits. I f you are looking to be around women at work then stay in an office pushing pencils. We are well fed, have our laundry done for us, have internet and satellite tv, books, games, gyms etc etc.. I only work 6 weeks on then have 5-6 weeks off.. Breaks the year up nicely.. Wouldn't trade my life for anything.. Money can't but happiness, but it sure helps..

[Globeliner]

hey dont knock online poker. you should be able to make what a low paid thai makes.

im telling you boy, thailand aint gonna look so good if your finances not taken care of.

Agreed, see who your friends are when you've got only 20 baht to your name

[Neeranam]

I don't get this poor teacher shtick. Yeah it's not the 200-700k baht a month jobs some farang have, but you can still do pretty well. A kid with a BA and no experience seems to get 20-25k a month in CM. This isn't to bad for a single kids, but then if you tutor 10 kids for 1 hour a day after school thats an extra 15-20k a month, and run 4 hrs of tutoring on sat. (2 2hr classes) you can pull in another 15-30k a month. so 50-75k a month is possible, well actually it is easy if you can do a good job and the parents like you.

And you have a work permit that allows you to teach in a school and teach private lessons without paying tax also? NO!!!!!!

You are breaking the law to stay in Thailand.......................why would you do that ?

If you're a teacher, why not teach in the UK and get well paid, as opposed to teaching without a work permit for a pathetic wage in Thailand ?

Mai khow jai.

What an old fuddy duddy. Do you really think that anyone cares about a teacher going round to little Somchai's house and teaching him ABC?

You do have a thing about teachers!

Have you never broken a law in Thailand? I bet you have

As I said before, teacher's salaries in Bangkok are not pathetic - easy to get 500 - 1000 baht an hour if you've been doing it for a while. Someone offered me a job a few months ago for 45,000 a month. 2 days a week. I don't want to work in Bkk. I don't want to work in the UK. Actually I don't really want to work, especially as a teacher. The money can be good but it sucks after over a decade doing it.

[Maigo6]

Actually I don't really want to work, especially as a teacher. The money can be good but it sucks after over a decade doing it.

Neeranam, I like your style.

All you need now is a huge 4X4 pick up instead of that old mazda (they make light bulbs).

[fanta rood]

I don't get this poor teacher shtick. Yeah it's not the 200-700k baht a month jobs some farang have, but you can still do pretty well. A kid with a BA and no experience seems to get 20-25k a month in CM. This isn't to bad for a single kids, but then if you tutor 10 kids for 1 hour a day after school thats an extra 15-20k a month, and run 4 hrs of tutoring on sat. (2 2hr classes) you can pull in another 15-30k a month. so 50-75k a month is possible, well actually it is easy if you can do a good job and the parents like you.

And you have a work permit that allows you to teach in a school and teach private lessons without paying tax also? NO!!!!!!

You are breaking the law to stay in Thailand.......................why would you do that ?

If you're a teacher, why not teach in the UK and get well paid, as opposed to teaching without a work permit for a pathetic wage in Thailand ?

Mai khow jai.

What an old fuddy duddy. Do you really think that anyone cares about a teacher going round to little Somchai's house and teaching him ABC?

You do have a thing about teachers!

Have you never broken a law in Thailand? I bet you have

As I said before, teacher's salaries in Bangkok are not pathetic - easy to get 500 - 1000 baht an hour if you've been doing it for a while. Someone offered me a job a few months ago for 45,000 a month. 2 days a week. I don't want to work in Bkk. I don't want to work in the UK. Actually I don't really want to work, especially as a teacher. The money can be good but it sucks after over a decade doing it.

that is wrong. Do you think laws are meant to be broken? Do you make a habit out of that? There are alot of people like you that think they can get away with anything in thailand. Glad they made the visa rules more strict.

[BlackArtemis]

Maigo: Perhaps I misled you with my post, but to clear things up

I have a BA for a 4 year uni, work permit, the proper visa, a steady job at a school, who do my taxes.

In fact I am allowed to use school grounds for tutoring.

I am against not having a work permit and working at schools as well.

Edited May 13, 2007 by BlackArtemis

[phutoie2]

noone saying living on low budget is demeaning. we just saying living in los wo money s u k ks.

All interesting stuff on a quiet Sunday morning! Also if you want to stay here on a permanent basis like myself and not work, its 40k per month to satisfy the immigration bods (Police law 606 etc) I live comfortably on 35k per month up country. A 37 year old friend of mine, who is teaching in Ayutthaya and well qualified is working hard to earn 37k per month. He wishes he was back on the beach in Samui!!, but he does not want to marry his gf or have a child, so its work for him. On recent visit he is so hacked off with the usual 50 kids to a class thing he now wants to look into buying a business! to make his dosh. I have warned him!!

[wolfmanjack]

Lots of advice with most people baulking the direct question..

Offshore oil and gas industry in The Gulf of Thailand, pays well, good people, plenty of time at home.

Life's too short to sit around and wait for a pay check that will barely pay the months bills..

I researched the oil and gas industry and found while it could be very lucrative with a healthy amount of time off, it takes years to make it to a position of prominence and what I'd call good pay. Though even the bottom of that industry would be more than the best teaching job. What I gathered was in the O&G industry you have to pay your dues for many years swabbing the decks so to speak, after which you can be a foreman or something. Also you have to spend long hours on a ship with mostly other men no matter what position you are in. There are some who started such careers at 18 or 19 and now are in a great position with good pay and ample leave but if you're in mid career like me and early 30s it is a big gamble to start at the bottom again.

The O&G industry is having a major problem finding personnel at the moment, i have friends in their 30's just getting into it now and are really enjoying the benefits. I f you are looking to be around women at work then stay in an office pushing pencils. We are well fed, have our laundry done for us, have internet and satellite tv, books, games, gyms etc etc.. I only work 6 weeks on then have 5-6 weeks off.. Breaks the year up nicely.. Wouldn't trade my life for anything.. Money can't but happiness, but it sure helps..

So tell us what the starting salary is and for what kind of work? And do those just starting out work 6 on and 5 off?

[soundman]

How do i make my living in Thailand?

Well....

Working hard, very hard. Being able to ride the giant emotional rollercoasters of runing small business in a foreign country where there are great big bear traps appearing under your feet on a daily basis. Luckily, being quite gifted in my chosen field of work, & therefore having good demand for my services. Having the necessary skills to attempt to run small to medium size business trained into me over most of my lifetime.

And on top of that, more hard work. I reckon I work harder in Thailand than I ever did in my country of origin. Longer hours, more stress, less time off.

Cheers,

Soundman.

[jeebusjones]

that is wrong. Do you think laws are meant to be broken? Do you make a habit out of that? There are alot of people like you that think they can get away with anything in thailand. Glad they made the visa rules more strict.

Are you saying you've never engaged the services of a "pro?" Don't forget, that's illegal here too. And you've never purchased alcohol after midnight?

In Thailand, many rules are meant to be broken, and I'm sure you've broken laws dozens of times. Get off your high horse.

[Ruperts]

wow, I didn't expect so many replies, thanks to everyone who contributed.

I think the most sensible advice for me is to work hard at home to save up and then holiday a few months of the year. Thats what I'm doing at the moment, working in oz (UK is home) to try and get back there for October.

To the online poker person, played last night, went all in on 3 aces, and lost to a straight to the ace. Whoops! Maybe not such a good idea.

Selling a few things on Ebay whilst there sounds interesting, might look into that one.

I would love to start investing but I don't have anywhere near enough capital to make it worthwhile, thats one for the future though for sure.

I'm thinking of teaching English in China as I have heard they don't require much in the way of formal qualifications as long as you speak good English. Quite different in Thailand i believe.

To the guy who says 'Get a job, get a life'. Thats probably brilliant advice, but at this stage of my life sitting in the UK on a 9-5 job sounds like my idea of hel_l. I don't want to be like my parents - corperate victims, wage slaves - whatever you want to call those types. My goal is to live somewhere i am happy, and I am not happy at home, nor in Australia, nor was i in New Zealand. I don't believe i am meant to settle into western society, i might be wrong, but thats the way i feel at the moment.

Thanks again, everyone!

[uptou]

To the guy who says 'Get a job, get a life'. Thats probably brilliant advice, but at this stage of my life sitting in the UK on a 9-5 job sounds like my idea of hel_l. I don't want to be like my parents - corperate victims, wage slaves - whatever you want to call those types. My goal is to live somewhere i am happy, and I am not happy at home, nor in Australia, nor was i in New Zealand. I don't believe i am meant to settle into western society, i might be wrong, but thats the way i feel at the moment.

Thanks again, everyone!

i know where you're coming from.most people are working in jobs that they have no interest in year after year,& there are quite a few who seem only do it,to keep up with the jones's,& to be seen to be doing well,the flash house,car etc.i had the same job for years in the uk,& started to feel like henry chinaski in the charles bukowski novel,the post office.i quit the job & left for asia in 2002 to go travelling.best thing i ever did.

maybe the only problem is,is that after a few years in asia,things will eventually become as familiar as they were in the uk,& boredom can set in again.

ps.i felt i could settle in nz whilst i was there.lovely country.possibly like england was many years ago.great fush & chups aswell.

[kmart]

I do okay, manager for a service engineering co in Rayong, servicing the onshore / offshore petrochem and power markets. Missus works as admin for a heavy lifting co here, and makes some extra selling handicrafts and trinkets on Ebay.

Can't complain, and still reasonably happy here after more than 10 yrs.

[Edonista]

How do i make my living in Thailand?

Well....

Working hard, very hard. Being able to ride the giant emotional rollercoasters of runing small business in a foreign country where there are great big bear traps appearing under your feet on a daily basis. Luckily, being quite gifted in my chosen field of work, & therefore having good demand for my services. Having the necessary skills to attempt to run small to medium size business trained into me over most of my lifetime.

And on top of that, more hard work. I reckon I work harder in Thailand than I ever did in my country of origin. Longer hours, more stress, less time off.

Cheers,

Soundman.

Is it possible all farangs who came to Thailand did it to work harder then they did before, and often even for a lower salary ?

I find that hard to believe

[Gary A]

I do feel sorry for the younger people who are looking at thirty years or more of work ahead of them. If I were in that position, I would likely be suicidal. Unfortunately that's the way life is/was for most of us. Unless you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth you just have save as much as you can and develop a plan for the future. That means living frugally and investing as much as you possibly can, even if it is only a small amount each month. The main thing that kept me going was the fact that I DID know where I wanted to retire and I had something to look forward to. The years passed fairly quickly and here I am. I am certainly not wealthy but I don't have to stick to a budget and I am able to live here quite comfortably.

[LinkPopularity]

http://payperpost.com/

it will take you more then 3 months to set it up, but you can easily make 20.000-30.000 Baht a month from it ...

[soundman]

Is it possible all farangs who came to Thailand did it to work harder then they did before, and often even for a lower salary ?

I find that hard to believe

I can't speak for other expats, however, who said all were making less money?? I have made more money doing business in Thailand in five years than I did doing the same business in my country of origin in nine years.

Smaller margins in Thailand but a much larger market.

Cheers,

Soundman.