How To Get A Job In Thailand?

[kc-phil]

Hi Gang.

I am a young (age 32) professional living in the United States who would like to move to Thailand for an indefinite period.

I am a licensed architect in the US with 10 years of construction experience working on large, complex projects (mainly stadiums and convention centers). In May, I will graduate from an accredited university with an MBA (emphasis in leadership and business development).

I am curious about the potential for work in Thailand and how I might go about finding it.

My current business connections are all domestic so I am quite at loss for where and how to begin an international job hunt. I haven’t heard much about the talent location industry in Asia that fills me with hope.

I know that the Kingdom is quite restrictive when it comes to the regulation of architectural practice. I have no illusions about the slim potential of trying to start my own firm, nor is that my interest. I wonder if Thai firms even consider hiring foreigners.

I am confident that I have the skills and abilities that would allow me to find some viable work somewhere in the country, hopefully something with a little more meat than just teaching English (I feel a bit over qualified).

Is there any wisdom to cashing out from the US and just moving over? I would think that finding work in a foreign country is a lot easier if one is on the ground, making connections and meeting people. At the same time, I don’t want to sell my home and spend a ton of money on a really dumb idea.

Fiscally speaking, my retirement funds are pretty well taken care of, but I will need to find some form of income to cover my living expenses. I can elucidate further upon request.

Is there any one out there who made the move to Thailand in a very deliberate fashion who might be willing to share some of their experiences and provide some pointers? I am very interested in starting some kind of dialogue with anyone who has been in this position before.

Thanks.

[kc-phil]

Am I totally out in left field?

Has anybody ever done this?

Is it my breath?

[FlyingDutchman]

Am I totally out in left field?

Has anybody ever done this?

Is it my breath?

...

...

You need to have a Workpermit (<-Click) and a Non-Immigrant visa (<-Click).

Typical wages for LanguageCorps teachers range from US$700-$900/month. (<-Click)

[JimsKnight]

Hi Gang.

I am a young (age 32) professional living in the United States who would like to move to Thailand for an indefinite period.

I am a licensed architect in the US with 10 years of construction experience working on large, complex projects (mainly stadiums and convention centers). In May, I will graduate from an accredited university with an MBA (emphasis in leadership and business development).

I am curious about the potential for work in Thailand and how I might go about finding it.

My current business connections are all domestic so I am quite at loss for where and how to begin an international job hunt. I haven’t heard much about the talent location industry in Asia that fills me with hope.

I know that the Kingdom is quite restrictive when it comes to the regulation of architectural practice. I have no illusions about the slim potential of trying to start my own firm, nor is that my interest. I wonder if Thai firms even consider hiring foreigners.

I am confident that I have the skills and abilities that would allow me to find some viable work somewhere in the country, hopefully something with a little more meat than just teaching English (I feel a bit over qualified).

Is there any wisdom to cashing out from the US and just moving over? I would think that finding work in a foreign country is a lot easier if one is on the ground, making connections and meeting people. At the same time, I don’t want to sell my home and spend a ton of money on a really dumb idea.

Fiscally speaking, my retirement funds are pretty well taken care of, but I will need to find some form of income to cover my living expenses. I can elucidate further upon request.

Is there any one out there who made the move to Thailand in a very deliberate fashion who might be willing to share some of their experiences and provide some pointers? I am very interested in starting some kind of dialogue with anyone who has been in this position before.

Thanks.

Hmm well I'll be very blunt about you getting work as a architect, the chances are almost nil, as I'm pretty sure that its one of the employments on the dreaded 'Employment forbidden to Foreigners list!'.

You're right! Being out here on the ground is the way to make connections and meet people!

Just be careful who you choose to throw your lot in with! I know a few people who have been fcked over by low-life expats, scammers and rip-off crews! Keep your head and don't trust everyone (which is easy to forget in this often friendly place)

I made the plunge about 4 months ago and haven't looked back!

Generally if your based anywhere in Bangkok and northwards your choices are pretty much teaching English to the thai brats! Yeah I know its not exactly my cup of tea either having trained in areas far more specialised, however beggars can't always be choosers.

In Chang Mai if you learn the hill tribe lingo you might be able to get into the trekking circuit as a guide. (Chang Mai guru's can you advise him?).

South of Bangkok and your choice are leading scuba divers around dive sites in the islands (sounds glamourous but the novelty soon wears thin) or actually teaching diving to tourists (pays better, but is repetitive and gets old fast). Expect to spend 60,000 + baht on training and equipment.

The final job falangs MAY be able to get into is at a foreign company based in Thailand. However you normally need to know someone on the inside. In fact out here it is more who you know rather than what you know. The only thai firms I've seen who consider hiring us are companies requiring english speaking salesman. But most seem to pay crappy commission. Work permit wise, the company that takes you on 'should' arrange for most of the red tape for you but as far a I'm aware you have to leave the country to obtain a Non Imm B Visa.

You will definately need some form of income while you seek out your destiny here! You say you have retirement funds... at 32 you are one lucky bastard to be getting them so soon! How much and are they and is it active already? If you don't want to say then a good amount of money to be spending each month (which many may argue against!) is 50,000 baht which should allow you to stay in a decent apartment, have a few beers every night and a comfortable lifestyle. Central BKKs madness of bars and lusting women will wear thin after a certain duration so move into the outskirts (between 6 and 10 KMs from the center), its as cheap as fck out here and we falang are still a bit of a novelty. Even cheaper is the Issan provinces (NE Thailand). Chang Mai good also.

Good luck in your choice if you want PM me for further details.

Well your about to join the funked-up, wordly-wise club of expats here in LOS! If you choose to make the plunge then welcome to the Wild West!

Edited January 30, 2006 by JimsKnight

[slimdog]

It will be difficult finding work as an architect. That being said work does come up now and again, particularly on the larger projects such as the new Bangkok Airport which is nearly completed. Few people I have met involved in civil engineering have been able to stay in Thailand permanently, most seem to go from one regional contract to the next.

One website for you:

http://www.expatengineer.net/exe/exevacs.n...orm&p1=THAILAND

There are a few other links at the bottom of the page.

Best of luck

[Prudent_rabbit]

I would also add that the chances of getting a job here are vastly improved if you are here. Job networking through the different Chamber of Commerce societies would be an excellent start. If you are still in your home country it just makes it a little but harder, and its hard enough as it is

[kc-phil]

Wow. I love that EXPAT-ENGINEER site. Very helpful!

Fiscally speaking, I have $300K US in the bank that has nothing to do but collect interest over the next 30 years.

From the sale of my house, I should clear enough to have about 60,000B/mo to live on for 18months.

During that 18months, I would like to continue studying the language (i already speak a fair amount) and begin the process of networking and building some kind of life out there.

I figure if after a year and a half, I am still picking at the dirt, finding no work or income, it probably wasn't meant to be and I can go back to the states knowing I gave it my best shot.

I kind of wonder where to live though. My heart longs for Phuket but I think my career would be better served by staying in Bangkok for a while. Thoughts?