Would Appreciate Any Advice!

[alanmcj]

I am seriously considering moving to Phuket. Have visited a few times and love the place, however I don't want to jump in blind, so any advice and information on the following points would be great.

I have a guaranteed income of at least 39000baht per month whether I work or not. Is this enough to live on if work is hard to come by? What kind of lifestyle would it afford me if it is enough to live on?

Not that I am looking to live the highlife, just want a more relaxed pace of life!

While I do have a teaching qualification, I have been executive chef in a Michelin restaurant in France for 8 years and more recently an entertainer on Cruise Ships. What is the chance of getting work ?

What visas are needed and how easy are they to come by?

What area of Phuket would you guys recommend?

Thanks for any help.

Edited July 7, 2011 by alanmcj

[bifftastic]

I'm sure others will jump in with advice about Phuket, you'll get a variety of answers, I would imagine, from 'that's not enough money' to, 'you'll be fine, come and live where I live'

I would suggest that you take your time and go and look at the rest of the country first before deciding where you want to settle. Phuket is lovely, but it's a tourist place, with everything that comes with that, good and bad.

Seeing as you have some income which doesn't require you to work, you have a great opportunity to explore the country.

In my view, you should take that opportunity before you settle in one place, which does end up tying you down a little (rent, bills, routine etc.).

Good luck with everything, hope it all works out for you.

Biff

[BangTaoBoy]

Great first reply, hope you get enough productive answers, before the Phuket haters are allowed to decend like vultures.

I totally agree with 'bifftastic'. Being in a postion, where you don't need to work immediately, it would be daft not to take advantage of that and see a few places first. Phuket isn't for every body. If you do it well, it's about as good a place to live as any though.

Is that budget for you on your own?

Obviously, it will depend on how you want to live, but a basic nice life, is achievable on that budget as far as i'm concerned, but it wouldn't include a car obviously, so a motorbike would pretty much be the only option. Unfortunately, I wouldn't reccomend riding a bike in Phuket to anyone, so that could be a hurdle.

not sure what that job market is like, hopefully someone will have personal experience with that, I would sugest maybe the laguna area would be the best chance of finding restaurant work. Cherng Telay is also a great area to be based. (I'm very bias when it comes to that mind)

You are in a great position, having a decent lump of money coming in each month. A lot of people turn up with no regular income at all, and it doesn't take long before the wheels fall off. I don't see any reason why you just shouldn't go for it, and make it up as you go. If you don't get a job straight away, then so what? You will always have enought to live until you do.

Good luck.

[katabeachbum]

Welcome to ThaiVisa

yes you can live of 39k baht/month. Your accomodation and transportation has to be accordingly, so 5-10 k baht for room, and 3k baht/month for a bike. 26-31k baht to spend.

You have not metioned your visa situation/age, as visa costs can be as high as 9k baht every 3 months for a Tourist Visa trip to KL including local 30 days extension, so lets say worst case 3k baht a month. 23-28k baht left.

I have several friends living with this amount/month and they prefere this over going back home

as for work, excellent farang chef, you get work in a few days

Michelen chef, heck I open a restaurant for you to run if you want

if you are not burned out that is

[pagallim]

A few good comments here, though keep in mind that your income isn't going to sustain a 'west coast' lifestyle. Given your skills and experience, future employment shouldn't be a problem.

From a perspective of both economical living, variety of employment opportunities, and most essentially affordable social life, I would head towards Phuket Town. 95% of the Thais (and many, many expats) who work in the west coast resorts live in Phuket Town, so there's lots of options for transport. Unless you want to spend all of your wages just socialising, it doesn't make sense to be in places like Laguna with their 'throw a dice' pricing policies.

Quality of restaurants, bars, shopping, makes the west coast look like what it is, a rip off. Oh, and some very good accommodation bargains.

[BangTaoBoy]

^ I'm not sure what a West coast life style is? he will need to be near the West coast if he's going to get a job, and travel to it every day wouldn't he?

I agree fully that Phuket Town is a fantastic place to live, but don't see the job opportunites being great in Town, so that involves traveling to the coast to work every day. Don't forget the tourist restaurants that you call 'rip off' are the same restaurants he may want to work in. You shouldn't also overlook,that cheap (great) Thai food is available everywhere on the west coast of the island, which is what I meant by knowing how to live right on Phuket.

As far as the laguna are is concerned. I wsn't suggesting that he live in the laguna complex, but the Cherng Telay area could be a good balance between finding a job in an international resaurant, access to some of the best beaches on the island, and a cheap place to live. It wouldn't be any good if someone wanted to be out on the lash, people watching every night of course, which is why it's always hard to answer these type of posts without having a lot of info from the OP.

The best thing to do, would rent somewhere on a monthly basis, and then let everything fall in to place. Decide where you want to stay more permenantly, and what work is available and where, in your own time. It's impossible to know where you want to stay long term, when you don't know where your job will be, if you even get one that is. Just take it one step at a time. 39k per month, undoubtedly allows you to do that. That's all you need to know I reckon, make the rest up as you go.

[katabeachbum]

A few good comments here, though keep in mind that your income isn't going to sustain a 'west coast' lifestyle. Given your skills and experience, future employment shouldn't be a problem.

From a perspective of both economical living, variety of employment opportunities, and most essentially affordable social life, I would head towards Phuket Town. 95% of the Thais (and many, many expats) who work in the west coast resorts live in Phuket Town, so there's lots of options for transport. Unless you want to spend all of your wages just socialising, it doesn't make sense to be in places like Laguna with their 'throw a dice' pricing policies.

Quality of restaurants, bars, shopping, makes the west coast look like what it is, a rip off. Oh, and some very good accommodation bargains.

Not sure what a "west coast lifestyle" is as I have only lived at the west coast for 8 years, and still prefere my home cooked 2 x QP burgers at 80 baht total over any Phuket burgers at 100-350 baht.

Must admit I have become more and more fond of Phuket towns nightlife. My favorite nightclub just had a promotion of 2 x Red Label large bottles for 1300 baht total, no ++, still havent done the second one, but weekend coming up chanses are good to at least open it

anyhow, with 39k baht a month I would drift around for a few weeks or more, and see where I would like to live and work

[jdinasia]

I lived in Kamala Beach for a year in a great little house. Paid 9k a month in rent and a tiny deposit. (Note -- I paid rent twice a year so I was paying 6 months in advance each time but when I left there was nothing for me to chase after deposit wise ---- (after my bills were paid by the landlord it would have been less than 500 baht left over )

If you have the "start-up" money set aside (a vehicle and housing and some random electronics and furniture) then you'd be fine on 39k a month almost indefinitely for a nice-enough lifestyle.

With your (the OP's) qualifications, he could do much better easily. Probably score a position with a top-rated hotel that would give real benefits etc ..... contact them PRIOR to moving and the package will likely be better than after you are already in the Thai market-place for work. (Could include premium health insurance and housing etc etc etc )

[BangTaoBoy]

With your (the OP's) qualifications, he could do much better easily. Probably score a position with a top-rated hotel that would give real benefits etc ..... contact them PRIOR to moving and the package will likely be better than after you are already in the Thai market-place for work. (Could include premium health insurance and housing etc etc etc )

The chefs I know of, have their kids in Private schools, so they're either earning good bucks, or as the previous poster mentioned, have good benefit packages. If you don't have kids, which I assume you don't, then those benefits may well include a nice place to stay, all paid for?

As the last poster mentioned, wouldn't hurt to start looking before you arrive, but I would still be inclined to just get your feet on the ground, and take it from there. You don't want your job to dictate where you have to live. It should be a compromise between the two I think, to get the balance just right, but that can't be done unless you're there already.

[alanmcj]

Thank you for the replies guys. I have a few thousand euros away for a start. Got divorced a couple of years ago so I would be on my own. As far as what I would "like" work wise. Had enough of high pressured fancy and corporate stuff. Dream job would be to work with a privately owned restaurant and build it up.

Being Scottish I do enjoy a beer or 2, but I'm ready for a rest.

Merci pour la réponse en français. Je le ne comprend pas le problème, mais il m'a donné un mal de tête.

[BangTaoBoy]

Thank you for the replies guys. I have a few thousand euros away for a start. Got divorced a couple of years ago so I would be on my own. As far as what I would "like" work wise. Had enough of high pressured fancy and corporate stuff. Dream job would be to work with a privately owned restaurant and build it up.

Being Scottish I do enjoy a beer or 2, but I'm ready for a rest.

Merci pour la réponse en français. Je le ne comprend pas le problème, mais il m'a donné un mal de tête.

I reckon that will be the hardest kind of job to find. Smaller companies probably won't have the means to put work permits in place, as it costs a pretty penny. It would be the higher end, big hotel type restaurants that would most likely have vacancies. This would be a dream job for a lot of chefs, but I guess you've been there and done that, and looking for a more relaxed life. I think that kind of job would be much harder to find (above board anyway) Like I said, get your ass here, and take it from there.

[Lite Beer]

A post written in a language other than English has been deleted along with a reply to it.

[Ping]

My 25 satang's worth. You will be limiting your lifestyle with your proposed budget. Standard of accom will depend upon where you decide to stay. If you want to be near Patong, you will get better bangs-for-bucks by looking for accom in Kathu (over the hill) - but if you prefer a quieter lifestyle, your choices will be numerous. As to transportation, there will always be those who say 'don't get a motorbike'. However, I find one indispensable for getting around Patong (where I live) due to lack of car parking. In any event, you will need a car and should be able to pick up a reliable and relatively cheap used car through the Phuket Gazette classifieds here:

http://www.phuketgazette.net/classifieds/selectad.asp

As to your visa questions, read through the posts here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/forum/1-thai-visas-residency-and-work-permits/

When calculating your budget, do remember to allow an element for recurring costs other than rental, such as electricity, internet, petrol etc. And when you rent, check if they include within the rental the other costs such as water, management fees/cleaning, cable TV, etc. Also ask how much is charged per unit of electricity (some places charge extortionate prices - should be around 4 or 5 baht per unit. A better deal is to be able to pay your electricity costs directly).

[bubblegum]

I'm not as positive as the others. Lets look at your budget; When you have no work you have 39.000-- bath.

Housing (incl. TV, electric, water, internet) would be at least 10.000-- a month. Transportation about 4.000,-- (bike rent, gazoline) at least.

Leaves you with 25.000-- a month or just over 800-- per day.

I guess one could manage but don't smoke or drink too much.

[LivinginKata]

I'm pleased to read all the helpful posts. My input would be that while 39,000 baht/month is not an impressive amount for western style living, it would be possible to 'get by' in a more careful lifestyle. I would suggest Phuket Town would be more suitable for that budget. I can understand why the OP might not want to embrace a high pressure career job and all that hassle. I would think that with some time in local research and net working then your hopes of working in a private restaurant might be realised. Not a certainty, but in the longer term a possibility. Best of luck to you.

Edit// on the visa issue, I would recommend you apply for a multi entry tourist visa for starters, maybe even a multi non-immigrant if your local Thai consulate will entertain that option. Work permits are a hassle to obtain for individuals or small businesses (and it takes typically 6 weeks even if you qualify), and you would need a WP if you intend to work in Thailand, but that's a whole new complicated subject.

[grumpyoldman]

I'm pleased to read all the helpful posts. My input would be that while 39,000 baht/month is not an impressive amount for western style living, it would be possible to 'get by' in a more careful lifestyle. I would suggest Phuket Town would be more suitable for that budget. I can understand why the OP might not want to embrace a high pressure career job and all that hassle. I would think that with some time in local research and net working then your hopes of working in a private restaurant might be realised. Not a certainty, but in the longer term a possibility. Best of luck to you.

Edit// on the visa issue, I would recommend you apply for a multi entry tourist visa for starters, maybe even a multi non-immigrant if your local Thai consulate will entertain that option. Work permits are a hassle to obtain for individuals or small businesses (and it takes typically 6 weeks even if you qualify), and you would need a WP if you intend to work in Thailand, but that's a whole new complicated subject.

This is exactly the point I was going to make to the OP. LIK, you took the wind out of my sails buddy!

Kidding aside, regarding the work permit matter it's either all in, or not. You or your employer need to show 3 million thb capital per work permit so this makes anything less than full time employment somewhat unrealistic. But who knows, maybe you can start a YouTube cooking show, point everyone toward your website where they can download recipes that they watched you make for a few quid per.

Also, please remember health insurance when working out your budget. Like a condom, best to be covered

[LivinginKata]

GOM, thought the capital value could be as low as 1 million baht/WP, but I'm not up to date with the current rules. I do know that these days the Labour Office is very strict that the capitalised value of the company is real money. And we should mention 4 Thai employees per WP.

In summary, working in Thailand (legally) requires a lot of research and paperwork. It is not for the casual worker or the faint hearted.

[glassdude007]

Thank you for the replies guys. I have a few thousand euros away for a start. Got divorced a couple of years ago so I would be on my own. As far as what I would "like" work wise. Had enough of high pressured fancy and corporate stuff. Dream job would be to work with a privately owned restaurant and build it up.

Being Scottish I do enjoy a beer or 2, but I'm ready for a rest.

Merci pour la réponse en français. Je le ne comprend pas le problème, mais il m'a donné un mal de tête.

Come here first take it easy check out all your options before you decide to make a move.

lots of diferant things to do here with diferent life styles to enjoy as well.

Now low season not sure about work but lodging now is cheap and would be good time to come and search your options..

Come to Patong rent a Nice room get pissed everynight get hooked up with couple of girls and piss away all your cash.....ENJOY :jap:

[alanmcj]

Thanks for all the info guys. Would be January before I could arrive, as I am working until then. So will be saving hard until then.

[Lite Beer]

A rather vulgar post has been deleted.

[BangTaoBoy]

GOM, thought the capital value could be as low as 1 million baht/WP, but I'm not up to date with the current rules. I do know that these days the Labour Office is very strict that the capitalised value of the company is real money. And we should mention 4 Thai employees per WP.

In summary, working in Thailand (legally) requires a lot of research and paperwork. It is not for the casual worker or the faint hearted.

Agree. This is why, even though it may not be the kind of job he would choose, a job in a big Laguna style resort would be the best option. They are in a position to put all the paperwork in place without any issues. I would have thought for an appropriately qualified person, the package would be very rewarding as well.

[grumpyoldman]

Agree. This is why, even though it may not be the kind of job he would choose, a job in a big Laguna style resort would be the best option. They are in a position to put all the paperwork in place without any issues. I would have thought for an appropriately qualified person, the package would be very rewarding as well.

But from the sound of the post (and I could be wrong) the OP wants to sort of kick back and relax a bit. Not going to happen if you are the well paid chef at a Laguna resort.

[TaoNow]

I disagree with BangTao Boy that using a motorcylce in Phuket is inadvisable.

I have used a motorbike (rented Honda Dream 125 cc) in Phuket for the past two years.

Rental is 3K baht per month

I ride all over the island, tip to tip and coast to coast ona regular basis

I have never come close to having an accident -- in rain or shine conditions.

I find the drivers to be generally courteous and careful (compared with Bangkok)

Also, many of the roads in Phuket are narrow and winding.

It is much easier to maneuver on a motorbike on these roads than with a jeep or sedan.

Finally, parking is vastly easier with a motorbike than a car/jeep.

[grumpyoldman]

I disagree with BangTao Boy that using a motorcylce in Phuket is inadvisable.

I have used a motorbike (rented Honda Dream 125 cc) in Phuket for the past two years.

Rental is 3K baht per month

I ride all over the island, tip to tip and coast to coast ona regular basis

I have never come close to having an accident -- in rain or shine conditions.

I find the drivers to be generally courteous and careful (compared with Bangkok)

Also, many of the roads in Phuket are narrow and winding.

It is much easier to maneuver on a motorbike on these roads than with a jeep or sedan.

Finally, parking is vastly easier with a motorbike than a car/jeep.

Agreed, except for the 3K a month. That's 72,000thb you've paid for a 10,000thb scooter...............................

[LivinginKata]

Agreed, except for the 3K a month. That's 72,000thb you've paid for a 10,000thb scooter...............................

3k/month for a long term rental on a Honda Dream is too much, and a new Dream costs 42,000 Baht

[steelepulse]

>>I have never come close to having an accident -- in rain or shine conditions.

Really? From what I hear, most everyone that rides a bike comes close to being in an accident on a daily basis due to the general bad driving/riding that occurs here.

[KarenBravo]

>>I have never come close to having an accident -- in rain or shine conditions.

Really? From what I hear, most everyone that rides a bike comes close to being in an accident on a daily basis due to the general bad driving/riding that occurs here.

Having ridden a small bike exclusively here for over two decades, I would have to agree with steelepulse.

[BangTaoBoy]

Agree. This is why, even though it may not be the kind of job he would choose, a job in a big Laguna style resort would be the best option. They are in a position to put all the paperwork in place without any issues. I would have thought for an appropriately qualified person, the package would be very rewarding as well.

But from the sound of the post (and I could be wrong) the OP wants to sort of kick back and relax a bit. Not going to happen if you are the well paid chef at a Laguna resort.

Yes mate, I got that impression as well. It's one of the potential hurdles I mentioned in an earlier post. The kind of job he wants, is going to be the least kind available on Phuket. Still, I don't think working in a big Phuket resaurant will be any where nears as stressfull as its European counterpart. I don't have any experience to base that on mind, just a hunch.

[BangTaoBoy]

>>I have never come close to having an accident -- in rain or shine conditions.

Really? From what I hear, most everyone that rides a bike comes close to being in an accident on a daily basis due to the general bad driving/riding that occurs here.

Having ridden a small bike exclusively here for over two decades, I would have to agree with steelepulse.

There will always be people who have ridden bikes here, without any issues, but there can be no denying that riding a bike is extremely dangerous on Phuket. When was the last time you went a whole week, without seeing somebody being scraped of the floor? Not to mention, that perhaps the OP is somebody who has never ridden a bike before, which puts him at a serious dissadvantage. You can barely go a day without seeing a Farang riding dangerously, and highlighting the fact that they've obviously never ridden a bike before. Extremely dangerous and annoying for other road users.

[alanmcj]

Hi Guys, still on my ship so don't get a chance to get on much. Thanks for the info again. While I'm no stranger to motorcycles they are certainly not my favourite mode of transport. Taxis rule!!!

On the work side of things, I am happy to work hard, just don't want the 16hrs a day constant pressure of the kind of kitchen I was running, although a crazy ex-wife just round the corner

didn't help much either!