After a successful interview I was informed by the interviewer that according to his HR department, my age of 59 - turning 60 next March - precludes me from employment as they claim I would be ineligible for a work permit as I would reach 60 before the I year contract is completed.

The job also offered Blue Cross and that was problematic too.

Now, having taught at universities here in Thailand, I know personally of farang ajarns who are well into their mid sixties, so I was surprised (and disappointed, because it seems a good gig).

The interviewer said that he has asked his staff to check into this further, but I thought I would ask your Forum as I trust you for up-to-date and accurate information.

I honestly believe the interviewer is genuine in wanting to hire me, and also another 62 year old applicant.

Any responses would be deeply appreciated.

Government employees, that is university, have a forced retirement age of 60 and maybe that is what he is referring to. However, there is work afoot to increase that age limit but you know how slow the wheels can turn in the Thai bureaucracy. I just received a 3-year contract (permanent employee now of CMU) which is the same as with Thai employees and I will just go over that age at the expiration though I have no plans to quit then. I know if over 60, forced retirement age, one can still continue work but not full time.

I'll try to see if I can find more info, in the meantime why don't you talk with the labor department directly and see what your options are.

So - form your own company - work for your company, and perform the work you are now proposing to do for the end user entity, as a sub-contractor .

At least, this is an approach to consider.

Good luck!

Steve

Indo-Siam

Government universities and rajabats do seem to think they can't hire anybody over 59. Keep in mind, of course, that farang shouldn't be subject to that rule, because we're not going to retire with a Thai pension at age 60. Of course, 'shouldn't be' doesn't translate to Thai.

I've worked at govt. matayom schools and a commercial college since coming to Thailand at age 60, but the unis think they can't hire old people.

How about a private university, or some other employer?

We as a private language school have a fair few teachers WPed up over 60 (over 70 in one case).