As the country has an estimated population of 69.80 million, jobs in Thailand are in high supply for those having the professional expertise and experience. To be eligible, all you need is a work permit, a valid visa and an employment offer.
For a foreigner seeking work in Thailand, the person will be subjected to the Alien Employment Act. This Act requires the person to have a work permit that is issued by the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour. Foreigners are allowed to work in Thailand. However, factors like national security and the requirement and role of alien labour in the development of Thailand is carefully considered. Thailand always gives priority to Thai nationals in employment.
Corporate placements at international companies in Thailand can see salaries ranging from 200,000 to 400,000฿ per month, and as starting up your own business in Thailand has proved to be tricky, business owners can see a monthly salary starting from 80 to 100,000฿.
The average salary for teachers in Thailand depends on the type of teacher you are. ESL teachers can earn anywhere between 35000 - 40000฿ per month, semi-qualified teachers can expect 50,000 - 80,000฿ while qualified teachers can earn 80,000 - 180,000฿ on a monthly basis.
Working without a work permit in Thailand is risky, as it leads to getting caught and deported. Thai officials are always on the lookout for foreigners who work under the table without valid documents and permits. These illegalities are detected and reported to the immigration policy, which leads to severe cases.
‘Work’ in Thailand is a broad term that compromises mental as well as physical activities and labour. It also covers all kinds of employment, be it full time, part-time, internships, volunteers or regular employees. As such, even foreign volunteers and charity workers need a work permit in Thailand.
One of the advantages of working in Thailand is the lower cost of living. Studio apartments or local houses, foods and other expenses in Thailand are considerably small, and people can have an affordable life in this country. Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Phuket are some of the prime destinations where people with professional expertise look for employment. As the footfall of tourists and foreigners are high in these cities, so is the chance of jobs for foreigners higher.
Some of the most popular field of jobs in Thailand include the following: