Future expat

[LEonard]

Hello Expats,

I have visited Thailand 3 times in the last 4 years, and I am now convinced that it is where I want to work and live. I have been told that the only possible work that I can find there is as a teacher, is this true? I am a mechanical designer with 20 years experience, is it possible to find engineering work in Thailand?

What amount of money should I have if I wanted to walk away from my carrer and start anew in Thailand? Any info I can get would be helpful.

Also I have a legal issue there in Thailand concerning my girlfriend, are the lawyers honest there, I have had one say he could handle my case for 50,000 baht, to me that is a bit high of a cost, I think he smelled American that is why he quoted me so high.

Please advise.

Leonard

[lopburi3]

There is limited engineering work here but mostly in specialized areas such as subway construction, oil platforms and such.  Believe it would be very hard to find any general type work for a foreigner as hiring restrictions/pay say hire local.

As an American you would be expected to earn at least 50k per month but it is unlikely that teaching English with other than an higher level teaching degree is going to pay that.  So you may be paying tax on money you never make; so think hard about this move.  You really should not need to work to be safe.

There are lawyers around but have not idea of the problem so can not comment on the 50k quote.  Believe they may be more honest than in the US but what you pay may not be the same as she would pay.  If the problem is hers would think it best she takes care of it and you stay out of sight.