Work in Thailand

Do you dream of living and working in Thailand? View our guide and apply today. Explore one of the world’s friendliest and most accommodating countries. It is easy to understand why Thailand has been named the Land of Smiles since there are so many things to grin about in this beautiful country.

Jobs in Thailand for Foreigners and English Speakers

Reasons to Work in Thailand

Thailand is home to some of the best islands, beaches, natural wonders, architecture, monuments, and relics.

Additionally, you will taste some of the most savory foods, shop at some of the most colorful markets, and share laughs and stories with some of the friendliest people on the planet.

Take advantage of holiday breaks and visit neighboring countries to gain new perspectives from other cultures.

How to Work in Thailand

Working in Thailand is easier than you might think, well at least compared to a lot of countries in Asia anyway. Thousands of people are employed by local and international companies in areas like tourism, hospitality, IT and business.

If you like the idea of going backpacking or taking a gap year in Thailand one of the best ways to live here is taking a TEFL certification and teaching English. Although generally unpaid, volunteer work in Thailand can be a really amazing experience.

Industries

The main industries which help drive the economy of Thailand are manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade sectors and the travel and tourism industries.

Jobs for Students and Graduates in Thailand

If you are a student or graduate looking to work in Thailand there are openings available, lots of local and international companies have offices here. If you are lacking experience you might want to consider internships in Thailand.

Working in Thailand FAQ

Here are some important things to know before moving to Thailand.

Visas
Working in Thailand requires a work permit. Your employer is responsible to apply for your work permit.

Language
Although most jobs advertised internationally are in English, it will still boost your job prospects to know at least basic Thai. You could take Thai courses in Thailand with a local language school.

Working Condition
• Maximum of eight hours per day and 48 hours workweek.
• Maximum of seven hours per day and 42 hours workweek if the work is considered hazardous.
• At least an hour rest for employees working for at least five hours.
• Employees are entitled to at least one rest day.
• Overtime pay is one and one-half of the workers’ normal rate

Overtime
An employee normally cannot be required to work overtime. Rather, the employer must receive the employee’s prior consent. The employee’s consent is not required if the nature of the work requires continuous performance to prevent damage to the employer or when the work is urgent.

An employee who works overtime is entitled to overtime pay at one and one-half his normal rate. Certain types of employees are considered “exempt” and not entitled to overtime pay. These include employees who have authority to act on behalf of the employer with regard to terms of employment, hiring, firing or fixing rates of pay; employees performing work of a nature that requires performance away from the work place and for which definite work hours cannot be fixed; and other specified types of employees.

It is important to note that the Thai Labor Law does not appear to exempt certain management, professional and other types of “skilled” or “white-collar” employees who are often thought to be exempt from overtime pay. The focus of the overtime exemption is on management employees who have supervisory authority. An employer in Thailand should take special care in assuring that it complies with the overtime requirements for all of its employees.

Salary and Benefits

Salary
Under the Labor Protection Act of Thailand, the employer are entitled to pay the wages or salary of an employee at the place of work except only if the employee agrees to another place or method of payment.

Thus, employers who pay salary using automatic deposit into employees’ bank account must first obtain the permission of the employees. The workers cannot be compelled to accept salary in this method. Phuket and Bangkok and its surrounding prefectures have different minimum wage in. The minimum wage in Pucket is 181 baht while Bangkok and its surrounding prefectures is 183 baht.

Annual Leave
Workers who have worked for at least one year are entitled for a minimum of six days paid annual leave each year.

Sick Leave
Workers are granted for a minimum of 30 days paid sick leave each year. If the employee who took his sick leave for three consecutive working days can be required to provide a physician’s certificate proving the illness.

Maternity Leave
A worker who is an expectant mother will be granted a minimum of 90 days maternity leave. She is also entitled to be paid for 45 days of the maternity leave. The remainder of the leave can be unpaid depending upon the employer’s policies.

Cost of Living in Thailand

Foreigners cannot own real property in Thailand, therefore they can only rent an apartment. Apartment rental in Thailand varies in where it is located. If you prefer to visit or even live in the main city, it is expected to be more expensive, for example, living in Bangkok in more costly that living in Chiang Mai.

Cost of living in Thailand can be breakdown as follows (for Bangkok-based):

Apartment rental
3,500 Baht per month for a room with fan), hot water, small balcony, tile floors, super-clean, actual wood and bamboo furniture or 15,000 Baht per month two rooms or maybe more, perhaps a shared swimming pool and use of other facilities and you can live quite a comfortable lifestyle.

Food
Since most apartments have no cooking facilities, your 30 or 40 baht per head for a hearty meal of rice or noodles at a street food stall. But if you still prefer to cook your own food, you should allot 200 Baht a day for your grocery allowance.

Bills
Your electricity bills depend on your lifestyle, 4000 baht and up if you have a larger place and use your aircon a lot. But it could be as low as 1000 Baht per month if you have a simple way of life. Water bills can be about 300 Baht per month.

Communication
Mobile phones are very cheap, some offers good GPRS internet access. Cell phones with contract are only available for those with work permits or long term residency. The Internet could be as low as 1000 Baht per month and 2000 to 3000 baht per month if you want fast access to the Internet at home using a landline with ADSL.

Transportation
About 40 Baht for taxi fare and additional charge every few hundred meters, 20 baht bus fare, regardless of the distance, .

Miscellaneous
500 – 600 Baht for 100 items of laundry (washed and ironed), per month or per piece
100 – 150 Baht for Movie
20 – 30 for DVD daily rental
6,000 Baht for lease and installation of box plus 1,600 Baht per month for UBC cable service which includes CNN, BBC, Cinemax, ESPN, HBO, National Geographic channels.

What to Know Before Moving to Thailand

Since you are the new comer in Thailand, you must be the one to adjust with their culture, do not expect them to adjust for you. Thus, it is important to know basic information of your destination country to avoid disrespect with their customs and traditions.

Greetings
First thing first, how do Thais greet? Handshake is the most common way of greetings in other foreign countries but not in Thailand. Thais do not shake hands instead they ‘wai’. Wai is a gesture made by placing your hands together in front of your face a bowing a little.

You are not supposed to wai to a child instead a younger person should wai an older person first. However, these rules are possibly a little more flexible as far as a foreigner is concerned, the Thais you wai will generally very much appreciate you delving into the local custom and practice.

Religion
Thailand is a country rich in culture, almost 95% of Thais are Buddhist so Buddha are sacred images for them regardless of its size or condition. Also, be very careful if you want to take photos of Buddha, some images are so sacred hence they do not allow taking pictures of it.

It is a must to dress politely when visiting temples or any religious shrines. Some large temple will forbid you from entering if your attire is considered inappropriate. Wearing shoes inside a temple where Buddha images are kept is prohibited, you are also advised to take your shoes off before entering someone’s home.

Other Tips:
• Respect the royal family past or present, criticism of the king and royal family is against the Thais’ law.
• Thais consider the head as highest part of the body so touching or any gesture towards the head is entirely unacceptable.
• Do not use your feet when pointing to something and do not point the palms of your feet at anyone.
• Do not shout and show annoyance, these are signs of lack of discipline.
• Public display of affection; kissing, cuddling and the likes are frowned upon.
• Do not smoke in the street, it is illegal – a fine of 2,000 Baht awaits you.
• Avoid littering – same fine applies.
• Avoid purchasing of wild animals whether protected or not, aside from the moral issues, punishments are very harsh.
• Buddhist monks are not allowed to touch or be touched by a woman or accept anything offered by a woman. If a woman wants to give something to a monk, it must be given to a man first or it can be put in a piece of cloth, then the monk will drag the cloth closer to him them pick up the item.

Etiquette
Most senior business people in large or international companies will speak English, but it is not common in smaller companies. It is essential to make appointments for business meetings and to exchange business cards.

Punctuality is also very important (although the visitor is quite often likely to be kept waiting after arrival), so the Bangkok traffic must be taken into consideration when going to appointments. Thai hosts are quite likely to give small gifts to visitors, so it is a good idea to reciprocate with a typical national gift of one’s own.

Visitors should never get angry or raise their voice if things are not going according to plan, as this will mean the loss of face on both sides. Much more progress will be made by remaining calm. Meetings often take place over lunch and these are generally held in a Thai restaurant.

Clothing
Thai business people are quite formal in their dress but, because of the extreme heat, it is quite acceptable and practical to dispense with the wearing of a suit jacket.

Working Hours
Office hours are usually 0800-1700 Monday to Friday. There is a large expat community in Bangkok, as well as a big after-work drinking scene.