Jobs in Thailand for Foreigners
For foreigners looking for jobs in Thailand, job opportunities may be quite scarce but there is a silver lining. People who have lived here long enough will probably tell you that networking is one of the best ways to land a job.
Living and working in Thailand can be quite rewarding in many ways. As more foreigners are coming to Thailand, Bangkok is slowly becoming a melting pot of cultures that every piece of the world has formed a small foreign community here. I even remember meeting someone from Liechtenstein. How cool is that ?
If you have just arrived in Thailand and are looking for a job, there are a number of ways to look for it. First, let me outline some of the jobs that are relatively in demand and seen as more suitable for foreigners that can either be due to the lack of language skills or knowledge. Some may be more unconventional than others but all providing some insight into the world of job seeking in Thailand.
These are the following jobs in Thailand that are relatively in-demand and deemed more suitable for foreigners:
English Teacher
Thailand will and always has been on high demand for English Teachers, particularly native English speakers or near-native English speakers. When applying for English teaching jobs, be mindful of posts that say they prefer native English speakers from the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, etc. Employers sometimes get frustrated when they receive a barrage of applications so they can be highly selective. But fret not, Thailand has a high demand for English teachers, with persistence there is something for everyone.
Subject Teacher/Early Childhood Teacher
If you have a knack for teaching, brush up on those English skills, coupled with knowledge of your subject area (Maths, Sciences, Art, Sports, etc.) will definitely come in handy.
Hotel Relations Manager
Some hotels hire foreigners in areas like public relations and corporate sales. If you have had previous work experience in the hotel industry and in cases, you speak another language that caters to their target market, you can find positions in this area. Pattaya, for example, is a city with a relatively large Russian community. Russians working in hotel relations serving Russian customers in Pattaya are not uncommon.
Tour Guide/Tour Agency Officer
Being a foreign tour guide was once said to be prohibited for foreigners unless you find a job at big travel companies. Although on the lay low, many foreigners still find jobs in this area.
Call Center Agent
As long as you speak proper English, you can find job opportunities in several discreet call centers in Bangkok, Chiangmai and Phuket. The operative word being "discreet". Although not recommended, this is just to say this can be an option.
Diving Instructor/Dive Master
Who wouldn't love the sea, sand and the sun? Dive masters recommend coming before the high season starts and go from one dive center to the next and ask for work.
Real Estate/Facilities Manager
Small yet upscale properties in one of many Thailand's island destinations look for a Facilities Manager to take care of their very few but good paying guests. This job may pay well but are those type of jobs where you had to be there at the right time, have to be connected or at least know the property owner as he won't be around most of the time.
Chef/Cook
Many foreign-managed restaurants and hotels are in need of these specialized positions, especially if it's a cuisine-specific establishment (Middle Eastern cuisine, European food, etc.)
Musician
Many hotels, cocktail bars and restaurants need talented musicians to especially entertain the crowds during high season. Filipino musicians may have already marked their area but it's still an opportunity for everyone with talent and musicality.
Web Design/Web Marketing Specialist
Online and social media marketing, graphic and web design, are among the hot jobs in Thailand at the moment. Today, any company in any industry need an online presence or already have one but needs to make it better.
Are there any other jobs for foreigners in Thailand that should have been included? Let us know your thoughts.
