Hello everyone,
What a long strange trip it has been so far right?
Some background info:
I am 26 now and been a member of this forum for about 8 years and at last I need some real help from you guys. I have been in Thailand 12 times ( every time 2-3 weeks ) so far with my first time in 2001 as a 14 year old and my last time 2 years ago when i was 24.
I might post my big and long Thailand story some time but for now I'll keep it strictly professional.
Well the basic idea is to move to Thailand this year. I have an uncle living in pattaya who owns a hotel+bar but I would like to be working and living in Bangkok. I am actively looking for a job in my sector in Thailand but as I just started today I have no responses yet. I am the owner of a Belgian webdesign&marketing company ( currently I have 2 people working for me ) which is doing good, but the dream has finally taken a decision to move. And ofcourse the long waiting girlfriend is driving me too.
Im sure I will have hundreds of questions but some of the basic ones are :
The visa and work permit
I have read that a non immigrant visa type B is needed for working in Thailand and in most cases is obtained by a company which you'll be working for right? What is the estimate time of approval and the costs involved here?
Living in BKK
As bangkok is the center of business in Thailand I would like to live here. Is the company arranging this normally? And if not, how much should I expect to pay for rent every month for a decent apt/studio.
Salary
I'm fully aware that in most cases a normal Western salary wont apply to a job in Thailand so i'm looking for an estimate to calculate things by. Some info:
I am 26 years old , turning 27 in March
I have studied computer sciences and am very very good in design, webprogramming and marketing.
I have been in a sales position for 8 years now, with management functions for about 4 years now.
I am fluent in English, Dutch and French. I am also taking up Thai lessons as we speak.
The language
I am starting to learn Thai online. Do you guys have some decent resources or can recommend a service/product ( doesn't have to be free necessarily )
The internet nowadays
Besides having a daytime job in Bangkok I would also like to freelance and expand my webshop platform from Thailand, how are fixed and mobile connections now in Thailand and the costs of it?
At last
Can anyone render an estimate of a normal months expenses ( me + girlfriend ) living in BKK?
Thanks alot for the help guys!