Expat Jobs in Thailand

[cluster 14]

Hey guys

 

Been doing a bit of day dreaming lately, including some big picture thoughts!

 

I am in my mid 40's and starting to think about the last half of my life, which is bloody scary!

 

Would like to change things up & considering all the options, including a complete change of lifestyle.

 

Rather than move to LOS and run a bar, I am thinking about staying closer to my skill set of sales/admin etc.

 

Had a quick search on the net and came across jobsforfarangs.com several listings that are interesting, which leads me to a few questions.

 

Has anyone had any experience with this website..... are they reputable?

 

Not many jobs showing salary - a few saying 15,000 baht. I am guessing this would be a weekly wage. Less than half what I earn here, but no doubt living in LOS is way less expensive. Is living on 15,000 baht in either Bangkok or Pattaya achievable?

 

Any other advise from any experienced expats appreciated.

 

Cheers

 

Cluster

Edited January 15, 2013 by cluster

[BigusDicus 9,881]

Might be monthly!

[jacko 8,822]

Slightly aside, but I read on Stickman how there is a new breed of Expat in Thailand these days.

Have a read......Stickman

 

I would think most are sent here from their home company for assignment.

 

Salaries in Thailand are normally listed in baht/month, 15,000 pcm is certainly NOT enough, wherever. But there may be commissions on top of that in your game.

 

Good Luck

[cluster 14]

Slightly aside, but I read on Stickman how there is a new breed of Expat in Thailand these days.

Have a read......Stickman

 

I would think most are sent here from their home company for assignment.

 

Salaries in Thailand are normally listed in baht/month, 15,000 pcm is certainly NOT enough, wherever. But there may be commissions on top of that in your game.

 

Good Luck

 

Thanks for the Link Jacko - a good read. I would say at mid 40's I fall into the old expat rather than new expat category though!

 

Yes there may be commissions as you say. Most jobs listed did not display a salary. Do you have any idea of the average "white collar" wage..... on 15,000THB a month it would seem impossible to maintain any type of lifestyle.

 

Cheers

 

Cluster

[jacko 8,822]

Thanks for the Link Jacko - a good read. I would say at mid 40's I fall into the old expat rather than new expat category though!

 

Yes there may be commissions as you say. Most jobs listed did not display a salary. Do you have any idea of the average "white collar" wage..... on 15,000THB a month it would seem impossible to maintain any type of lifestyle.

 

Cheers

 

Cluster

Well by new it means new to Thailand, but perhaps you know that.

 

I can't really help much as I have retired out here.......... but you would need a 100k salary or income in my mind.

Many are sent here on assignment, as per my game on an engineering project.

Others come here on holiday, fall in love (with the place or a local lass), and come back with some savings and start up a business.

 

Risky thing to be doing at your age..... mid 40s are when you should be at the height of your earning power and packing it away. I am thinking some go home with their tail between their legs. You would be taking a risk, but it works out for some.

 

My personal opinion, Thailand is a place to retire to for farangs, not do business, but times are changing here and Thailand is moving in the direction of say Singapore...where Expats are very common. I hope other BMs who do work out here can have some input, but many are bar owners.

[cluster 14]

My personal opinion, Thailand is a place to retire to for farangs, not do business, but times are changing here and Thailand is moving in the direction of say Singapore...where Expats are very common. I hope other BMs who do work out here can have some input, but many are bar owners.

 

I tend to agree with you Jacko, so living & working in LOS is still a dream at this stage. I am making my 3rd trip to LOS later in the year & will attempt to do some "research" while I am there..... If I don't get otherwise distracted - hahaha

 

Cheer

 

Cluster

[bigmick 840]

Most of the positions in Thailand are "assignment" positions which means they have an expire date, usually not more than 4 years as the labor office do not want to issue work permits for these type of positions for more than this time. From what i see the Thais need good engineering people, apart from not being able to park a car straight, they are not good at any kind of engineering either. Pretty much all of the people i know who live here - work offshore or work outside of Thailand for a month or two then come back for a month or two. Actually working in Thailand will require a company, usually a Western company to offer you a position that comes with the "expat package" (housing/transport/insurance etc) and these type of positions are usually advertised in house first before they go national.

 

I would suggest you look at what type of companies you know that you are most suited to and then send them your resume and a covering letter. It is not easy and can be a long road, but you need to be patient and be persistent if this is what you really want.

 

Good luck

[cluster 14]

Most of the positions in Thailand are "assignment" positions which means they have an expire date, usually not more than 4 years as the labor office do not want to issue work permits for these type of positions for more than this time. From what i see the Thais need good engineering people, apart from not being able to park a car straight, they are not good at any kind of engineering either. Pretty much all of the people i know who live here - work offshore or work outside of Thailand for a month or two then come back for a month or two. Actually working in Thailand will require a company, usually a Western company to offer you a position that comes with the "expat package" (housing/transport/insurance etc) and these type of positions are usually advertised in house first before they go national.

 

I would suggest you look at what type of companies you know that you are most suited to and then send them your resume and a covering letter. It is not easy and can be a long road, but you need to be patient and be persistent if this is what you really want.

 

Good luck

 

Thanks Bibmick

 

This is a quality response!

 

Thinking about Singapore now, perhaps more opportunity & better pay available?

 

Cheers

 

Cluster

[teelack 9,645]

Haave run into someone in the hospitality industry. This at least usually provides you with accommodation and food as well as using any language skills that you might have.

[CheshireTom 1,377]

By the time you complete a 4-year degree course in hotel management or whatever, AEC will be in place - that'll mean the 600 million ASEAN nationals will be in front of of you for any jobs.

[teelack 9,645]

By the time you complete a 4-year degree course in hotel management or whatever, AEC will be in place - that'll mean the 600 million ASEAN nationals will be in front of of you for any jobs.

 

I didnt realise that the OP had stated his qualifacations but perhaps you know more that the rest of us.

[Grandpollo 366]

The URL is www.jobs4farangs.com not how posted. Few jobs post salary and many don't post location (other than hotel jobs at the Savoy in London UK).

 

And you have to pay to get the info. Seems dodgy.

[CheshireTom 1,377]

I didnt realise that the OP had stated his qualifacations but perhaps you know more that the rest of us.

 

I was following on from the person, i.e. you, that suggested a job in the hospitality industry was the way to go. I am aware of what sort of management level you need to be in to satisfy the requirements laid down in the Alien Employment Act and how that translates to the hospitality industry i.e. free scoff and lodging is irrelevant as far as securing a work permit goes. How about you? Have you ever taken the time to actually read the Act?

Edited January 16, 2013 by CheshireTom

[BigDUSA 71]

You might want to consider teaching English as a second language. Check out ajarn.com

[teelack 9,645]

I was following on from the person, i.e. you, that suggested a job in the hospitality industry was the way to go. I am aware of what sort of management level you need to be in to satisfy the requirements laid down in the Alien Employment Act and how that translates to the hospitality industry i.e. free scoff and lodging is irrelevant as far as securing a work permit goes. How about you? Have you ever taken the time to actually read the Act?

 

Talking out your arse as usual. I have been an international recruitment consultant and realise that there is always a way around the acts of individual countries. As I said, neither you or I have any idea what the mans quals are however I would remind you that Asia is full of expat people who have specific skills that are wanted, accepted and indeed needed in developing countries. Just because there are laws to stop people from working in specific markets there are also a great need for some skills. I dont need to read the acts pertaining to immigration to get a role. That is the job of the employer! Why the fuck would I want to read it? I think you only respond because your bored rather than having something appropiate to say.

 

Incidentally the free accommodation and food issue is a trade off in some markets for lower salary package, but then again you probably knew that as you seem to know everything about everything and enjoy putting anyone else down who dares have an opinion. Dream on and keep wasting your time trying to introduce new threads into existing ones because you lack the ability to start them.

[Bullfrog 2,224]

 

And you have to pay to get the info. Seems dodgy.

 

Agree

[CheshireTom 1,377]

Talking out your arse as usual.

 

You're the one that admits to being completely ignorant of the contents of the relevant Employment Act.

 

I have been an international recruitment consultant and realise that there is always a way around the acts of individual countries.

 

That'll require you to familiarise yourself with the laws before you can suggest a way around them. Have you ever set foot in a Thai Labor Department?

 

As I said, neither you or I have any idea what the mans quals are

 

But you saw fit to recommend employment in the hospitality industry. That's what I responded to.

 

I would remind you that Asia is full of expat people who have specific skills that are wanted, accepted and indeed needed in developing countries. Just because there are laws to stop people from working in specific markets there are also a great need for some skills.

 

Since I am an expat in Asia, there's a fair chance I might just realise that.

 

 

I dont need to read the acts pertaining to immigration to get a role. That is the job of the employer!

 

Funnily enough, The Alien Employment Act pertains to Employment, not Immigration.

 

Why the fuck would I want to read it?

 

You might have at least realised that it's about Employment. Personally speaking, I thought the title was a bit of a give away.

 

Incidentally the free accommodation and food issue is a trade off in some markets for lower salary package, but then again you probably knew that as you seem to know everything about everything and enjoy putting anyone else down who dares have an opinion. Dream on and keep wasting your time trying to introduce new threads into existing ones because you lack the ability to start them.

 

Yes, I do know that. I also know how "trading-off" against a higher salary can have unforeseen negative consequences in Thailand.

 

BTW, the closing sentence of the Op was ... "Any other advise from any experienced expats appreciated".

[teelack 9,645]

Like I said as you know everything about everything there is nothing to add.

[teelack 9,645]

Hey guys

 

Been doing a bit of day dreaming lately, including some big picture thoughts!

 

I am in my mid 40's and starting to think about the last half of my life, which is bloody scary!

 

Would like to change things up & considering all the options, including a complete change of lifestyle.

 

Rather than move to LOS and run a bar, I am thinking about staying closer to my skill set of sales/admin etc.

 

Had a quick search on the net and came across jobsforfarangs.com several listings that are interesting, which leads me to a few questions.

 

Has anyone had any experience with this website..... are they reputable?

 

Not many jobs showing salary - a few saying 15,000 baht. I am guessing this would be a weekly wage. Less than half what I earn here, but no doubt living in LOS is way less expensive. Is living on 15,000 baht in either Bangkok or Pattaya achievable?

 

Any other advise from any experienced expats appreciated.

 

Cheers

 

Cluster

 

Can I suggest that you take the following steps:

 

1. Research the Internet for companies that are working within your areas of expertise for vacancies.

 

2. Check the major recruitment consultancies for vacancies and remember that this should be a free service to the candidate.

 

3. Always try first for international (Western) companies as they have the expertise with immigration procedures and understand the needs of expats.

 

4. It is now possible to interview on Skype etc but if possible obtain a number of contacts, set up meetings and visit them whilst in the country.

 

5. Create a quality CV.Have available at all times including scans of degrees, diplomas etc. Keep available on the Internet, as a hard copy and on a memory stick.

 

6. Try to locate a recruitment consultant who works in the area that you are interested in. If they perceive that you have value they will look for roles for you. Always let someone else do the work espescially if they have more contacts and expertise that you have.

 

7. No international company will advertise a vacancy without them having done the homework regarding the relevant legislation regarding the obtaining of visas, competetive salary structures, expat packages and a whole raft of other items.Many larger organisationss have their own in-house recruitment people but they often sub contract to international recruiters.

 

8. Finally, except in certain key industries do not expect to get rich quick ( a lot of people get dismayed because they are basing their expectations on the key skills areas that they have read and heard about). Like every other employer they are trying to get a job done at the best price and many of the positions are time based and they will get rid of you the minute that your part of the contract ends. For many people having an expat position can look good on the CV but is just as often a change of environment and pace and an opportunity to enjoy the country.

[CheshireTom 1,377]

A more accurate summary of the changing face of the expat in Asia ... the days of the locals hunting down the paleface and paying him silly money are long gone - except for a couple of specialised fields. The situation in the Asean nations won't get any better.

 

 

 

 

[bigmick 840]

Interesting article Tom, but complete bollocks. I have worked all over the place and i have never found a local national from the country i work in that is any good at anything. In the middle east they prefer expats because we know how to manage companies and operations better than anyone else. In Asia its the same, Asian countries do not like to admit it, but we are far superior with expertise and knowledge of business management and engineering/operational project management. Why are there so many openings for expats in Singapore/Malaysia/Vietnam etc.

 

Lets face it, Somchai just has not got the education and Asian people cant see any further than the end of each day

[CheshireTom 1,377]

Interesting article Tom, but complete bollocks. I have worked all over the place and i have never found a local national from the country i work in that is any good at anything.

 

That must be frustrating for you in Thailand. Anyway, I did say, "except for a few specialised fields" ...

Lets face it, Somchai just has not got the education and Asian people cant see any further than the end of each day

 

The point of the article wasn't that the locals were suddenly top-drawer, but that the expats were more likely to be Asian nowadays. The construction of Suvarnabhumi and the proposed construction of the high-speed rail network are prime examples.

Edited January 17, 2013 by CheshireTom

[bigmick 840]

That must be frustrating for you in Thailand. Anyway, I did say, "except for a few specialised fields" ...

 

 

The point of the article wasn't that the locals were suddenly top-drawer, but that the expats were more likely to be Asian nowadays. The construction of Suvarnabhumi and the proposed construction of the high-speed rail network are prime examples.

 

Not frustrating for me, i have work in the Middle East, i dont think i could work in Thailand, too many distractions

 

Yeah, the airport was the most corrupt building site in the world at the time - priceless. Just look at the great job they made of the taxi way and the unfinished interior. Good example of Thai management. The rail network is turning out to be the same.

[aussielongboat 20]

Interesting article Tom, but complete bollocks. I have worked all over the place and i have never found a local national from the country i work in that is any good at anything. In the middle east they prefer expats because we know how to manage companies and operations better than anyone else. In Asia its the same, Asian countries do not like to admit it, but we are far superior with expertise and knowledge of business management and engineering/operational project management. Why are there so many openings for expats in Singapore/Malaysia/Vietnam etc.

 

Lets face it, Somchai just has not got the education and Asian people cant see any further than the end of each day

 

Cultural imperialism at its finest.

 

What about china and the Chinese people?

Are they "any good any anything" except having the rest of the planet in their debt.

 

The economist article is right on the money.

[bigmick 840]

Cultural imperialism at its finest.

 

What about china and the Chinese people?

Are they "any good any anything" except having the rest of the planet in their debt.

 

The economist article is right on the money.

 

The Chinese own most of the world because the rest of the world have been buying their cheaply made crap for years and now cannot afford not to.

 

The Chinese are the best business people in the world with more and more millionaires there than any where else - good luck to them.

 

As to the article, it is clearly about cost saving so they dont have to pay for the best expertise money can buy, and they say they "prefer" the Asian who was educated in the West. I dont think they are making the best decision as they are thinking they will get the Asian candidate who has the Western education, but sadly and from what i have seen, the Asians are still Asians and most of the time have no expertise/knowledge of management.

 

Asian companies will make great profits, but will always need the experience of Western Expats to succeed