You lucky, lucky, lucky bar stewards!

[mjj]

I've read a few threads like this one and they seem to gather little momentum, but being the eternal optimist, I thought I'd give it a go.

Samui is great isn't it? I like it which is why I decided to move here last month with the intention of staying a few months and then moving on. Now this is the problem. I don't want to move on. Soooooooooooo, like many others I need to find an income, STOP!! Don't hit the back button yet!!

Unfortunately in my youth I had delusions of grandeur and expected to be a film director before I turned 25, which led me to graduate with a media degree. It wasn't all bad, I did work in television for a few years, got to travel the world and even Produced a few videos that can be bought from all good stockists. :-)

Anyway, I digress. My situation now is that I want to stay here and am probably not qualified for anything. Well I have done TEFLing for a few years and was quite good at it, but going through the usual channels has proved fruitless.

Soooo, any suggestions? Or advice on where to find jobs. I've looked for local papers, but I don't seem to be able to find any. Are there any?

I know I am one of many people trying to stay here and it's unlikely I will succeed, but I have to try.

Thank you.

[PattayaPhom]

Timeshare is big on Samui...Dive instructor that's about it

[mjj]

Oh, dear.......it's not looking good so far.....I can't dive and I have too many morals for timeshare......

[notmyself]

You could try producing sausages and selling them to bars etc. You're not going to get rich but is should put a bit of brass in your pocket. Could try making you own back bacon too. Low start up costs.

[Neilly]

Oh, dear.......it's not looking good so far.....I can't dive and I have too many morals for timeshare......

There is a forum for jobs in Thailand...don't know if you've noticed it...might be worth a trawl thru? http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/forum/106-job-offers-in-thailand/

[robsamui]

The whole job structure here is fragile. The vast majority of advertised jobs are in the hotel and catering industries - and these are specialised.

There is virtually nothing being generally offered other than this - it's a tiny island with thousands of Thai people to make up a general labour force.

There are only two ways for you to go, either be employed by someone or offer your own services. Either way if you're looking at a stay of more than a few months you need to have a work permit - and if anyone offers you employment without this you'll know they are pulling a fast one and the whole thing is dodgy.

Those farangs I know and have heard about who have started their own business have had it really hard in the beginning - needing a solid supply of reserve capital to keep them funded until things began moving. And if you form your own company and go that route then it's just about vital to have a Thai partner (romantic or otherwise) to steer you through the mess of red tape and daily commerce, as it's 99% Thai people you'll have to deal with administratively.

From the sound of it you have nothing to offer in the way of skills that are in demand on a small island with a huge tourist industry - being able to make films doesn't score a lot of points . . . you'd probably stand more chance picking up a few quid now and then as a DJ or even a magician. But they're hardly regular paid-up and legit jobs.

Plus you might be a bit taken aback by what such jobs as English teaching are paying. Even a full-time job with visa and WP in a big BKK international school pays little more than 35K baht or so a month.

Unless you've got experience of pub or bar management or have worked in the catering industry, then there's little on offer on a legit basis. And you might also want to keep one thing in mind . . .

Just about everyone I've known who has come here like you, then got themselves a job sorted out, have ended up hating it all. This isn't Europe, people often work 7 days a week and there's no such thing as 'weekends' in Thailand, let alone 4 weeks a year paid vacation. It's a very different thing to have the leisure of a holiday on a tropical island - and having to work seven days a week on a tropical island (and probably some evenings too). You'll be too knackered to enjoy those palm-fringed beaches and miles of blue sea - you'll probably never even get time to see the sea, not in daylight, anyway.

Best plan is to do what hundreds of others do. Work like crazy for six or seven months and save every penny. Then come her on a double-entry tourist visa (180 days) and rent a little house. That way you'll never lose the illusions!

R

Edited June 24, 2013 by robsamui

[evadgib]

....the only thing Samui hasn't got is a ski slope!

[Rooo]

....the only thing Samui hasn't got is a ski slope!

Wasn't someone building one?

[Tropicalevo]

The whole job structure here is fragile. The vast majority of advertised jobs are in the hotel and catering industries - and these are specialised.

There is virtually nothing being generally offered other than this - it's a tiny island with thousands of Thai people to make up a general labour force.

There are only two ways for you to go, either be employed by someone or offer your own services. Either way if you're looking at a stay of more than a few months you need to have a work permit - and if anyone offers you employment without this you'll know they are pulling a fast one and the whole thing is dodgy.

Those farangs I know and have heard about who have started their own business have had it really hard in the beginning - needing a solid supply of reserve capital to keep them funded until things began moving. And if you form your own company and go that route then it's just about vital to have a Thai partner (romantic or otherwise) to steer you through the mess of red tape and daily commerce, as it's 99% Thai people you'll have to deal with administratively.

From the sound of it you have nothing to offer in the way of skills that are in demand on a small island with a huge tourist industry - being able to make films doesn't score a lot of points . . . you'd probably stand more chance picking up a few quid now and then as a DJ or even a magician. But they're hardly regular paid-up and legit jobs.

Plus you might be a bit taken aback by what such jobs as English teaching are paying. Even a full-time job with visa and WP in a big BKK international school pays little more than 35K baht or so a month.

Unless you've got experience of pub or bar management or have worked in the catering industry, then there's little on offer on a legit basis. And you might also want to keep one thing in mind . . .

Just about everyone I've known who has come here like you, then got themselves a job sorted out, have ended up hating it all. This isn't Europe, people often work 7 days a week and there's no such thing as 'weekends' in Thailand, let alone 4 weeks a year paid vacation. It's a very different thing to have the leisure of a holiday on a tropical island - and having to work seven days a week on a tropical island (and probably some evenings too). You'll be too knackered to enjoy those palm-fringed beaches and miles of blue sea - you'll probably never even get time to see the sea, not in daylight, anyway.

Best plan is to do what hundreds of others do. Work like crazy for six or seven months and save every penny. Then come her on a double-entry tourist visa (180 days) and rent a little house. That way you'll never lose the illusions!

R

As always - Rob is worth listening to and pretty well spot on. Just a couple of points to add.

Teachers' salaries are a fair bit more than that now Rob - epecially in Bangkok.

I started a business here 12 years ago. I started making money about 3-4 years ago - BUT my objective was to live here first, make money second. Quality of life etc. Yes, I work 7 days a week, and I rarely have a holiday, but I live every day to the max and I do not need anything more than I have.

One major advantage - I do not pay rent. I bought land and built a house. That requires capital of course.

At this point in my life (I am 62) I do not want to live any where else in the world. For me, Samui is the dog's bollux - warts and all. I pay my taxes, have a WP and a valid visa and I employ 9 Thai staff. Life is not really that difficult. I do not have to do the border bounce. A shxtty day here is still better than a good day in my home country (and I love my country). When I started the business here - I had zero relevant experience, other than life skills, but hard work usually pays off. You WILL need a financial buffer though.

So - listen to Rob, do the graft in your own country to start with and rack up the money. Eventually, the time spent there can reduce and the time spent here can increase. It is not easy - but it is well worth it.

Most importantly - do your homework about running a business as a foreigner in Thailand. Get to understand the true culture of Thais. The only area where I disagree with Rob is that I did not have a Thai partner to start with. My first two lawyers ripped me off, and so did my first accountant. But now I believe that I have the best accountant on the island - and I do not use lawyers. Life is Bril.

[notmyself]

I usually put shepherd down as my occupation on a TM. 6. Never had the balls to write burglar or some such.

If you want to earn serious coin on Samui IMO you have close to no chance at all. If you have capitol behind you and you just want enough to keep you going without touching the capitol it shouldn't be an issue.

I'm pretty sure it's still legal to buy and sell things even as a farang. Meet and get to know as many people as you can who are involved in the practice of buying and selling things, individuals, not companies. Find out what hot deal one has and sell it to another for a profit.

I sold 4 pigs a few months back. One guy I know mentioned that his uncle was thinking about selling a few of his pigs. I also knew that another friend's sister was getting married a number of weeks later. I gave him a Skype call and said I have some good free range pork for sale and how much did he need... No talk of price at that time. 300kg he told me some hours later so I called the friend and asked for a price for 300kg of pig if his uncle was still thinking of selling. Got the price, added 10% plus shipping as the pigs were on Samui and the wedding was in Surat or close to it. Sold it a matter of minutes later for a nice 'little' profit and I made the shipping costs as they came over and picked them up. Never make any real money doing it at this interpersonal level but it pays the bills.

A word of warning. If you are suspicious about the legality of a particular deal then don't do it. Don't be greedy. Never turn up empty handed.. fruit or JW is your best bet. Always pay your bills even if you have lost out on the deal.

I might get up to an email asking if I have anything (if I have heard of anything) for sale. Nobody holds stock at this very low level so there are no overheads such as a warehouse. Calls and email is the only cost and already have that for personal use though I myself do very little over the phone. Pallet of Chang for x but it's only got 3 months left on it perhaps. 1000 eggs I could buy for cheap cheap maybe a month or so ago. Couldn't sell because it was just too bigger lot even though the price was good. Could have sold 200 each to 2 people but that was it. Week later the price doubled but oh well.

Here you go, I'll give you an idea mate, I usually keep these under wraps because I see it as a venture if needs be but hey ho, it's all yours along with anyone else who reads this. 100% there is a huge market for fast food. I'm not talking about McD's KFC but as a whole. Sellers setting up stands all over the gaff... not saying they do well or not but if someone goes, in comes another. You now have yourself a good potential market. Lots of skewers of various things for people who are in a hurry which shows a good strong market. Virtually every 7-11 you see selling sausages off the rolling platform and Chang Mai sausages can be found everywhere.

Get yourself a domestic sausage maker (5000 Baht?), skins are available at Makro. Pork is cheap as chips and other stuff such as rice (I'm getting there) is also very cheap... less than pork anyway. What you want to do is develop a recipe for making a That style Cajun version of Boudin

Boudin blanc: A white sausage made of pork without the blood. Pork liver and heart meat are typically included. In Cajun versions, the sausage is made from a pork rice dressing (much like dirty rice), which is stuffed into pork casings. Rice is always used in Cajun cuisine, whereas the French/Belgian version typically uses milk, and is therefore generally more delicate than the Cajun variety. In French/Belgian cuisine, the sausage is sauteed or grilled. The Louisiana version is normally simmered or braised, although coating with oil and slow grilling for tailgating is becoming a popular option in Lafayette, New Orleans, Houston and Baton Rouge.

Start producing a number of links when you are happy and give them to the local meat seller for nothing. He has a choice of selling them or giving them away and most likely he will sell them, so what. Either way they are going to be eaten by someone for sure. If the buyers or the people who got it free like the taste then they will come back. There is your market. Next thing you know, the local sidecar grilling stands have them for sale precooked. Main thing is that you don't do it to your own taste, the taste of the customers is all that matters.

I hope that helps.

[thrilled]

As ya know money is king in Thailand,About making money,that's the hard part.Maybe buy A business.Sounds like your money is disappearing.Try find A job around surit Thani for teaching.

[robsamui]

The whole job structure here is fragile. The vast majority of advertised jobs are in the hotel and catering industries - and these are specialised.

There is virtually nothing being generally offered other than this - it's a tiny island with thousands of Thai people to make up a general labour force.

There are only two ways for you to go, either be employed by someone or offer your own services. Either way if you're looking at a stay of more than a few months you need to have a work permit - and if anyone offers you employment without this you'll know they are pulling a fast one and the whole thing is dodgy.

Those farangs I know and have heard about who have started their own business have had it really hard in the beginning - needing a solid supply of reserve capital to keep them funded until things began moving. And if you form your own company and go that route then it's just about vital to have a Thai partner (romantic or otherwise) to steer you through the mess of red tape and daily commerce, as it's 99% Thai people you'll have to deal with administratively.

From the sound of it you have nothing to offer in the way of skills that are in demand on a small island with a huge tourist industry - being able to make films doesn't score a lot of points . . . you'd probably stand more chance picking up a few quid now and then as a DJ or even a magician. But they're hardly regular paid-up and legit jobs.

Plus you might be a bit taken aback by what such jobs as English teaching are paying. Even a full-time job with visa and WP in a big BKK international school pays little more than 35K baht or so a month.

Unless you've got experience of pub or bar management or have worked in the catering industry, then there's little on offer on a legit basis. And you might also want to keep one thing in mind . . .

Just about everyone I've known who has come here like you, then got themselves a job sorted out, have ended up hating it all. This isn't Europe, people often work 7 days a week and there's no such thing as 'weekends' in Thailand, let alone 4 weeks a year paid vacation. It's a very different thing to have the leisure of a holiday on a tropical island - and having to work seven days a week on a tropical island (and probably some evenings too). You'll be too knackered to enjoy those palm-fringed beaches and miles of blue sea - you'll probably never even get time to see the sea, not in daylight, anyway.

Best plan is to do what hundreds of others do. Work like crazy for six or seven months and save every penny. Then come her on a double-entry tourist visa (180 days) and rent a little house. That way you'll never lose the illusions!

R

As always - Rob is worth listening to and pretty well spot on. Just a couple of points to add.

Teachers' salaries are a fair bit more than that now Rob - epecially in Bangkok.

I bow to that - but not so much more!

I started a business here 12 years ago. I started making money about 3-4 years ago - BUT my objective was to live here first, make money second. Quality of life etc. Yes, I work 7 days a week, and I rarely have a holiday, but I live every day to the max and I do not need anything more than I have.

Way to go . .

One major advantage - I do not pay rent. I bought land and built a house. That requires capital of course.

Money money money . . .

At this point in my life (I am 62) I do not want to live any where else in the world.

YAAAAAAAAA

For me, Samui is the dog's bollux - warts and all.

YAAAAAAAA

I pay my taxes, have a WP and a valid visa and I employ 9 Thai staff. Life is not really that difficult. I do not have to do the border bounce. A shxtty day here is still better than a good day in my home country (and I love my country).

YAAAAAAAA #3

When I started the business here - I had zero relevant experience, other than life skills, but hard work usually pays off. You WILL need a financial buffer though.

So - listen to Rob, do the graft in your own country to start with and rack up the money. Eventually, the time spent there can reduce and the time spent here can increase. It is not easy - but it is well worth it.

Most importantly - do your homework about running a business as a foreigner in Thailand. Get to understand the true culture of Thais. The only area where I disagree with Rob is that I did not have a Thai partner to start with.

And therefore you had to suffer . . . because . . .

My first two lawyers ripped me off, and so did my first accountant. But now I believe that I have the best accountant on the island - and I do not use lawyers. Life is Bril.

YAAAAAAAAAAA in general.

I'd like to meet you sometime . . . beer in the offing . .

OFFTOPICIKNOWSORRY

R

Edited June 24, 2013 by robsamui

[BigC]

if i was you i would try an advice consultant.

Thailand is very hard to make money unless you already have it to open a business. It is also very easy to lose all your money should you take a wrong short cut, get ripped off, dont research the business properly.

Try sunbeltasia.com there are loads of businesses for sale. good luck

[mjj]

Thanks for the advice guys, it's appreciated.

I now have a few things to ponder whilst I go to the in-laws tomorrow - no Internet!!! Yikes!

Tropicalevo, it sounds like you have worked very hard and good luck to you.

However, I think it may be time for you to take it easy, say, just working weekends?? All you have to do is employ someone to do the weekdays and I know just the person.......... :-)

[AngThong]

I guess online income isn't your thing, otherwise that's probably the most obvious way to make a living.

[wasas]

The whole job structure here is fragile. The vast majority of advertised jobs are in the hotel and catering industries - and these are specialised.

There is virtually nothing being generally offered other than this - it's a tiny island with thousands of Thai people to make up a general labour force.

There are only two ways for you to go, either be employed by someone or offer your own services. Either way if you're looking at a stay of more than a few months you need to have a work permit - and if anyone offers you employment without this you'll know they are pulling a fast one and the whole thing is dodgy.

Those farangs I know and have heard about who have started their own business have had it really hard in the beginning - needing a solid supply of reserve capital to keep them funded until things began moving. And if you form your own company and go that route then it's just about vital to have a Thai partner (romantic or otherwise) to steer you through the mess of red tape and daily commerce, as it's 99% Thai people you'll have to deal with administratively.

From the sound of it you have nothing to offer in the way of skills that are in demand on a small island with a huge tourist industry - being able to make films doesn't score a lot of points . . . you'd probably stand more chance picking up a few quid now and then as a DJ or even a magician. But they're hardly regular paid-up and legit jobs.

Plus you might be a bit taken aback by what such jobs as English teaching are paying. Even a full-time job with visa and WP in a big BKK international school pays little more than 35K baht or so a month.

Unless you've got experience of pub or bar management or have worked in the catering industry, then there's little on offer on a legit basis. And you might also want to keep one thing in mind . . .

Just about everyone I've known who has come here like you, then got themselves a job sorted out, have ended up hating it all. This isn't Europe, people often work 7 days a week and there's no such thing as 'weekends' in Thailand, let alone 4 weeks a year paid vacation. It's a very different thing to have the leisure of a holiday on a tropical island - and having to work seven days a week on a tropical island (and probably some evenings too). You'll be too knackered to enjoy those palm-fringed beaches and miles of blue sea - you'll probably never even get time to see the sea, not in daylight, anyway.

Best plan is to do what hundreds of others do. Work like crazy for six or seven months and save every penny. Then come her on a double-entry tourist visa (180 days) and rent a little house. That way you'll never lose the illusions!

R

As always - Rob is worth listening to and pretty well spot on. Just a couple of points to add.

Teachers' salaries are a fair bit more than that now Rob - epecially in Bangkok.

I bow to that - but not so much more!

I started a business here 12 years ago. I started making money about 3-4 years ago - BUT my objective was to live here first, make money second. Quality of life etc. Yes, I work 7 days a week, and I rarely have a holiday, but I live every day to the max and I do not need anything more than I have.

Way to go . .

One major advantage - I do not pay rent. I bought land and built a house. That requires capital of course.

Money money money . . .

At this point in my life (I am 62) I do not want to live any where else in the world.

YAAAAAAAAA

For me, Samui is the dog's bollux - warts and all.

YAAAAAAAA

I pay my taxes, have a WP and a valid visa and I employ 9 Thai staff. Life is not really that difficult. I do not have to do the border bounce. A shxtty day here is still better than a good day in my home country (and I love my country).

YAAAAAAAA #3

When I started the business here - I had zero relevant experience, other than life skills, but hard work usually pays off. You WILL need a financial buffer though.

So - listen to Rob, do the graft in your own country to start with and rack up the money. Eventually, the time spent there can reduce and the time spent here can increase. It is not easy - but it is well worth it.

Most importantly - do your homework about running a business as a foreigner in Thailand. Get to understand the true culture of Thais. The only area where I disagree with Rob is that I did not have a Thai partner to start with.

And therefore you had to suffer . . . because . . .

My first two lawyers ripped me off, and so did my first accountant. But now I believe that I have the best accountant on the island - and I do not use lawyers. Life is Bril.

YAAAAAAAAAAA in general.

I'd like to meet you sometime . . . beer in the offing . .

OFFTOPICIKNOWSORRY

R

maybe you have met before? Edited June 24, 2013 by Rooo
quote

[I Like Thai]

Approach some hotels and travel agents. Then with your media skills, you could produce specific video adds for them. Using your knowledge of the island you could produce videos specific to what you think will attract tourists. You will be doing this from local knowledge, which may have an edge over a BKK agency production. Use these to organise package holidays aimed at specific tourist types.

[notmyself]

I guess online income isn't your thing, otherwise that's probably the most obvious way to make a living.

It's not only about online.

[AngThong]

I guess online income isn't your thing, otherwise that's probably the most obvious way to make a living.

It's not only about online.

No one suggested it yet, I thought I might. Some loudmouths make a reasonable living off posting garbage on Youtube - go figure.

[notmyself]

I guess online income isn't your thing, otherwise that's probably the most obvious way to make a living.

It's not only about online.

No one suggested it yet, I thought I might. Some loudmouths make a reasonable living off posting garbage on Youtube - go figure.

Cooking channels do well and so long as you avoid copyright music in the background, you will be fine. Still, not much money to be made unless you keep it updated weekly or twice weekly really. Do a vlog.. build it and they will come.

[AngThong]

I guess online income isn't your thing, otherwise that's probably the most obvious way to make a living.

It's not only about online.

 

No one suggested it yet, I thought I might. Some loudmouths make a reasonable living off posting garbage on Youtube - go figure.

Cooking channels do well and so long as you avoid copyright music in the background, you will be fine. Still, not much money to be made unless you keep it updated weekly or twice weekly really. Do a vlog.. build it and they will come.

Yes, that's the kind of thing I was thinking of. I know a few people who seem to be able to live off diet controversy - this diet guru vs. that diet guru sort of crap. They do several updates a week, building up a following and flaming diet wars so they get more views through controversy.

Weird species, our branch of monkeys.

[notmyself]

Yes, that's the kind of thing I was thinking of. I know a few people who seem to be able to live off diet controversy - this diet guru vs. that diet guru sort of crap. They do several updates a week, building up a following and flaming diet wars so they get more views through controversy.

Weird species, our branch of monkeys.

True. Give the OP a chance to use their profession.

[BigC]

Thanks for the advice guys, it's appreciated.

I now have a few things to ponder whilst I go to the in-laws tomorrow - no Internet!!! Yikes!

Tropicalevo, it sounds like you have worked very hard and good luck to you.

However, I think it may be time for you to take it easy, say, just working weekends?? All you have to do is employ someone to do the weekdays and I know just the person.......... :-)

i know what you are sugesting. running a business out here even with staff you have to be on their case 24/7 or they shall mess up a cup of tea plus with thai staff and these new labour laws don;t help. allot of thais just simmple dont want to work and want everything for nothing which leaves u the burmease to fill the gap.

Getting quality staff out here can be a nightmare. ony from my own experience. theyu seem to startoff alright then the quality gets worse and they want more money. if you shout at them for making too many cock us then leave completly.

just rememeber that when hiring people if you do decide to set up a business.

Be friendly but firm.

Also with these new labour laws unless you use loops wholes in the system it is very hard to savive as a forand employing thai staff i think mjnnimu u need is 5 plus a salary of 9 k per month. crazy! if you employ a forang you share capital has to e 2 million baht per forang and they need a wage of 50 k per month.

there are ways round this of coarse but that is where a lawyer or an accountant comes in.

[pokerspiv]

Offshore, Fly In/Fly Out work is the most realistic option. You won't be here all the time, but you'll have all your time to yourself when you are here, and your employer will pay the cost of flying you to and from Samui.

[mjj]

Again, thanks for the replies.

ATM I'm looking into working online and pursuing options teaching on Samui, either corporate or schools.

I've been sent a link to a media company on the island that I will also pursue. If I can be settled here, I am pondering making a documentary and no, it won't be about the seedy side of Samui.

I've been offered jobs teaching in Saudi, which is a good earner, but I just can't bring myself to leave my family for a minimum of 3 months.

I'm not expecting to earn big on Samui, just enough for us to have a decent lifestyle for our standard. I'm not a mama noodle kind of guy, but I don't frequent expensive restaurants either.

[oldsailor35]

Buy a bar, there must be something in it as thousands have done it .

And they all seem to able to retire early.

Edited July 2, 2013 by oldsailor35

[Evergreen]

Offshore, Fly In/Fly Out work is the most realistic option. You won't be here all the time, but you'll have all your time to yourself when you are here, and your employer will pay the cost of flying you to and from Samui.

That's all fine and well saying oh just go work offshore.....but you need the relevant qualifications/experience for working offshore, they don't just hire anyone, and by the sounds of the OP he does not have this.

[pokerspiv]

OP should just kill himself then I guess.

You need qualifications for any job. I thought that was obvious, which is why I didn't type it. I'll make sure to write a full essay next time.

Edited July 8, 2013 by pokerspiv

[ongchart]

Where are you from? I am sure there are interesting products in your home country that are in demand in Thailand, or vice versa, there are Thai products that you think have a sale potential im your home country. I am from another Asian country and I make a living buying food products from Europe and selling to a distributor in Bangkok. I also exprot Thai OTOP products to Australia and Europe. These deals started small but they grow exponentially over time as long as you can keep your customers. One of our European products have just started selling in all 7-11 stores in Thailand. You can make a living as a trader, but you need to understand the markets where you buy and sell. Its the best business to be in as the startup cost is your time spent, and some traveling expenses.

[Tropicalevo]

OP should just kill himself then I guess.

You need qualifications for any job. I thought that was obvious, which is why I didn't type it. I'll make sure to write a full essay next time.

I am with you in principal - but my my business is cleaning toilets! (Amongst other things.) Is there a qualification for that? (Other than working hard.)