Oil And Gas, Liquids And Flow.

[Eastender]

I'm curious to know if there are many expats who work permanently in Thailand in the oil, gas or liquid flow industries?

I'm presently working for a UK company which provides measurement instrumentation for liquid and gas density, and viscosity. Typical applications are in refineries, oil and gas distribution, breweries, factories. I'm gradually building up experience in this field, mostly office based but also globally visiting customer sites.

Having lived and worked in Thailand for a number of years as an English teacher, now back in the UK with a Thai partner and daughter, we hope to return to live in Thailand in the future, say 3 to 5 years from now. Previously I thought I could only work in Thailand again as an English teacher, but since becomming more involved in my present job, and also aware that there are a number of refineries in Thailand, I'm now wondering if I could work in this field in Thailand?

Hence I'm interested to know if many others are working in this field, whether they are employed locally, or by overseas companies, or perhaps as self employed specialists/advisors? I'm also looking for any advice to achieving this goal - what direction or experience should I be working on now?

Thanks for any help,

Robin

[Colward]

There are numerous oils and gas fields in Thailand. Offshore there are something like 200+ platforms, though most are smaller unmanned facilities. Onshore I am aware of fields in Khon Kaen area, Wichian Buri area and the Sirikit field in Lan Krabu. There are refineries in Bangkok, Laem Chabang (near Pattaya) and Mapthaput (near Rayong). There are shore bases for support of the offshore fields at Sattahip and Songkhla. Note Songkhla in in the Southern area and is in close poximity to the areas of unrest (bombings, shootings, beheadings etc) though as far as I know there as never actually been any problems in Songkhla itself. There are probably more facilities than I said, just those are the ones I am aware of.

A few of the manpower agencies involved in the O&G industry in Thailand are Brunel, JST and Fircroft. A lot of the expats in Thailand work through agencies who take care of the work permits, tax etc etc.

The other way is to convince the company you work for to open a branch office in Thailand.

Edited November 2, 2008 by Colward

[GuestHouse]

I'm presently working for a UK company which provides measurement instrumentation for liquid and gas density, and viscosity.

I wonder, I reckon there's a good chance that the 16 flow metering systems we've installed and commissioned these past months......

A year back I was almost at the point of begging for a Flow metering engineer, a six figure GBP salary was on offer and I we still couldn't find one.

--

I work in Oil and Gas (C&I Systems) and have lead a number of projects in Thailand. My feeling is that you would be better advised to approach one of the major engineering contractors (who your company sell to) and look for a position as a Flow Metering Engineer within their organization, rather than look for positions in Thailand.

As I've mentioned above, we have installed and commissioned 16 Metering Systems on this project, we got by without a specialist but would have preferred to have a specialist on board - As a specialist you'd find work on multiple projects in multiple locations far easier than you would find in the relatively restricted market of Thailand.

My general advice is, that you are working in a field where there is a shortage of people - if you know your stuff and you are able to provide specification/design/installation/commissioning expertise then at this moment in time you could be earning very good money (+T&Cs) - You'll almost certainly not find that in Thailand, but take note, in the O&G Business, these are the golden years, make money now while the sun shines.

Edited November 2, 2008 by GuestHouse

[GuestHouse]

I'm going to say this again out of frustration.... really 12 months ago I was begging for a flow metering specialist.. you could have named your price...

Be assured there are guys doing my job begging for flow metering specialists right now... Go for the money!

[PhilHarries]

As GH says just about anybody who can walk, chew gum and talk without spitting blood can find a job in th oil & gas business these days. One project the company I work for is running at the moment has a team with an average age of 65 years (the oldest is an unbelievable 76) such is the dearth of skilled people. There are many web sites specialising in work in the industry covering all skills and trades (oilandgasjobsearch, oilcareers, worldwideworkers are three) from which you can gauge your chances. Good luck but don't hang around 'cos all booms go bust eventually.

[GuestHouse]

As GH says just about anybody who can walk, chew gum and talk without spitting blood can find a job in th oil & gas business these days.

I wouldn't go as far as that, and we have sent a number of 'chancers' down the road on this job, but anyone with the right qualifications and experience on Flow Metering Systems can find great money right now. Like wise Analyzer Systems, Rotating Equipment Engineers and if you have Advanced Process Control Expertise .. well how much can we give you?

[Eastender]

Thanks for the encouraging replies. My present experience is in supporting my company's own products, but I'm gradually gaining more experience of applications and need to build on this to increase my value. Interesting to know you're both in the same industry, I'll keep that in mind!

[tmd5855]

Thanks for the encouraging replies. My present experience is in supporting my company's own products, but I'm gradually gaining more experience of applications and need to build on this to increase my value. Interesting to know you're both in the same industry, I'll keep that in mind!

Hi.

Used to live nearby in Newbury. Now my wife has it.

But back to your hopes?

Myself work for a foriegn company who has had me working in various parts of the world in the Oil & Gas industry (Exploration) but I always returned to the UK for field break. When offered a position working off Matak island (Indonesia) a number of years ago. Took it with both hands, tried living in a few countries ou here in Asia. On obtaining a NT coding from the UK Inland Revenue settled in Thailand.

In other words look at companies that do what your's specialise in (it's competitors). Being willing to travel anywhere is a big plus. There is a lot of work going on and contracts being signed. Present company has signed up for two years working off W. Aus starting early 09.

Even though I live in Thailand for tax reasons, company will still fly me back to the UK when I wish, that is how desperate some companies are, at this time.

You could possibibly diversify into "well service"?? Look at automation, subsea, casing running etc, just Google.

Best of luck