Hi

I've fallen in love with Thailand and really would love to come and live out there. I've been over twice for 4 weeks at a time in the last 9 months to try and suss out my possibilities. I'm currently living in the UK with a good job and my own house. My employment background is in management, in retail and in the Civil Service in the UK. I'm a bit confused regarding work permits, jobs, visas etc, but really do see my future working and living out there. Any advice and help would be appreciated. With my back ground how easy would it be to get employment?

Any help gratefully accepted.

I too had your dream, and ideally wanted to work in a field that I already had experience (media) however I am instead teaching. The Thai governement is not particularly encouraging of foreigners working in Thailand - particularly if they are 'taking Thai jobs'. They do however like poeple who can help train and teach Thais and therefore strengthen the Thai workforce (ie you cannot get a working visa as a hairdresser, but you can teach hairdressing). Therefore you have the best chance of getting a job if you have skills that either are not prevalent in Thailand at the moment, or you are (or can be) a teacher or trainer of some kind.

If you get a job in an 'approved' field then your company will apply for a work visa and permit for you and if you are lucky you will get it. As far as I am aware you cannot get a work pernit unattached to a company unless you have a business visa...but I am sure others can help you on this point. To get a kosher job as a teacher you need both a 1 month TEFL certificate and a degree (or just a degree in education)

On the other hand you can work illegally in bars, schools, dive shops etc. The money is not as good though, you would have to do a visa run every 1-3 months depending on your visa type. You are at the mercy of both your employer and immigration. Wouldn't advise it if you have an alternative.

Even though I was very succesful in my career in the UK, I have never regretted my move to LOS and have fallen in love with teaching children. Check on the working in Thailand forum for more info.

You might try posting in the Jobs forum: Jobs, economy, banking, business, investment in Thailand

but honestly, you will take a serious paycut here. Mssabai has very good info and I would seriously consider what she's posted. You'd be better off finding some kind of position in the UK that posted you here, rather than come and look for a job. But, its possible, there are several women on this forum who are not teachers working here in Thailand. But, I think you will find it difficult, frankly.