News Forum - Common jobs for foreigners in Thailand 2022

[Thaiger]

Thailand is a great place for everyone, from families to backpackers to retirees and those who want to work here. There are a lot of people who have fallen in love with the country and never left. After two years of pandemic, Thailand is slowly opening up and we believe that once the dust has settled, there will be plenty of new opportunities available for those who want them. Popular job hunting websites like LinkedIn and JobsDB will get your foot in the door, giving you a good idea of what’s available for your specific skillset and expertise. Most of […]

The story Common jobs for foreigners in Thailand 2022 as seen on Thaiger News.

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[Thommo]

13 minutes ago, Thaiger said:

Thailand is a great place for everyone, from families to backpackers to retirees and those who want to work here. There are a lot of people who have fallen in love with the country and never left. After two years of pandemic, Thailand is slowly opening up and we believe that once the dust has settled, there will be plenty of new opportunities available for those who want them. Popular job hunting websites like LinkedIn and JobsDB will get your foot in the door, giving you a good idea of what’s available for your specific skillset and expertise. Most of […]

The story Common jobs for foreigners in Thailand 2022 as seen on Thaiger News.

Read the full story

Not much news about today !

[Noble_Design]

A lot of foreigners work in the numerous factories in Thailand and most of them are transferred from their home country's operation to here. Passing by the Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate I saw Borg-Warner which manufacturers transmission (and turbos?) so there must be some Americans there, Taiwanese in Maxxis tires, Chinese in Linglong GWM MG-CP, Japanese in so many factories Toyotas Hondas Nissans etc.

I would say the bulk of them are in the factories but we don't see them much since they don't work in the city.

[H-Rock]

I think this information is partially correct. Moreover, Thailand is a hostile and cumbersome to place to work and retire. The world as many better cheap, warm, and lazy destinations. The Thai government wants rich and successful expats, not people like us who can't make it in the West and, thus, are looking for greener grass in the 3rd world.

"News of the plan to invite wealthy foreigners comes as the government attempts to revive the economy. They are one of four groups of foreigners the government hopes will help boost Thailand's financial standing - The government aims to attract more than a million qualified foreign nationals over the next five years, beginning next year." - Bangkok Post [4]

According to Thai labor law, the Labor Protection Act B.E 2541 (1998) expats/foreigners/immigrants are not able to work a job that a Thai is able to do. Basically, this limits you to only Teaching English (30K/mo) or giving SCUBA lessons (20K/mo). 

Those two jobs are the reality for most low-wage/low-skill Westerners seeking to escape the Western rat trap.

It's not possible to build a career (hotel manager, sous chef, digital nomad) if you don't already have the skills because, just like in the West, businesses want people who can do the job right on the first day and it's illegal to volunteer or intern when your work permit says you are a teacher or scuba instructor. Businesses are only given a few work permits. The law forces them to hire Thais. 

As for starting your own business - you CAN do it, BUT the law makes it too risky.

Unless you want to marry a Thai to start a business, you'll need a Thai national to be your business partner and they must own 51% or more of the business.

Thai laws ALWAYS are biased towards nationals which is why most all successful expat entrepreneurs in Thailand started a business with a Thai wife. Laws are a suggestion in Thailand. It's not like the West. 

Finally, what about being a digital nomad? Well - to work legally in Thailand, you need a special work permit. You cannot get tourist visa's again and again. Immigration won't let you.

For a SMART visa (to legally work in the country), you'll need to be making a high salary. So don't think you can save some money then come to Thailand to start a blog website or a YouTube channel. You have to already be high income and successful [1].

The fact of the matter is that Thailand is a country for only Thais. They want the money of foreigners, but they don't want us to live here in my opinion by the looks of their Anti-Foreigner Immigration and Employment laws.  

If you are looking to retire, keep in mind that Bangkok is sinking, you can't drink the water in Thailand (plastic bottles forever), the air is toxic [3] in Thailand due to extreme levels of exhaust from burnings, factories, and vehicles, Foreigners pay more at hospitals [2] and 

"For everyone - Foreigners are required to check in with officials every 90 days to ensure no one overstays -- a move that makes no sense to most people because that is the purpose of having visa renewals.

Aside from unnecessary restrictions, there are also reports of corruption in the immigration system. Many foreigners said they had issues renewing their annual visas, saying bribes had to be paid to officials. And these are just some of the issues -- other foreigners have things much worse." - Bangkok Post

 

It's just not worth it. And most importantly - politics. If you guys are tired of "Big Government" in the West, then why come to Thailand - a Military Dictatorship that experiences coup d'etats every 10 years?

Thailand is very politically unstable country. 

Final Comments: Thailand is a fantastic country to visit; but think twice about living here because the law is against you. You can't even own land/house here without marrying a Thai. You're better off living in Mexico where you can own land. 

 

1. https://smart-visa.boi.go.th/smart/

2. https://thethaiger.com/news/hua-hin/final-arguments-tuesday-on-dual-pricing-suit-against-health-ministry

3. https://www.iqair.com/th-en/thailand

4. https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/2184123/foreign-expats-lot-a-mixed-bag

[Soidog]

2 hours ago, H-Rock said:

I think this information is partially correct. Moreover, Thailand is a hostile and cumbersome to place to work and retire. The world as many better cheap, warm, and lazy destinations. The Thai government wants rich and successful expats, not people like us who can't make it in the West and, thus, are looking for greener grass in the 3rd world.

"News of the plan to invite wealthy foreigners comes as the government attempts to revive the economy. They are one of four groups of foreigners the government hopes will help boost Thailand's financial standing - The government aims to attract more than a million qualified foreign nationals over the next five years, beginning next year." - Bangkok Post [4]

According to Thai labor law, the Labor Protection Act B.E 2541 (1998) expats/foreigners/immigrants are not able to work a job that a Thai is able to do. Basically, this limits you to only Teaching English (30K/mo) or giving SCUBA lessons (20K/mo). 

Those two jobs are the reality for most low-wage/low-skill Westerners seeking to escape the Western rat trap.

It's not possible to build a career (hotel manager, sous chef, digital nomad) if you don't already have the skills because, just like in the West, businesses want people who can do the job right on the first day and it's illegal to volunteer or intern when your work permit says you are a teacher or scuba instructor. Businesses are only given a few work permits. The law forces them to hire Thais. 

As for starting your own business - you CAN do it, BUT the law makes it too risky.

Unless you want to marry a Thai to start a business, you'll need a Thai national to be your business partner and they must own 51% or more of the business.

Thai laws ALWAYS are biased towards nationals which is why most all successful expat entrepreneurs in Thailand started a business with a Thai wife. Laws are a suggestion in Thailand. It's not like the West. 

Finally, what about being a digital nomad? Well - to work legally in Thailand, you need a special work permit. You cannot get tourist visa's again and again. Immigration won't let you.

For a SMART visa (to legally work in the country), you'll need to be making a high salary. So don't think you can save some money then come to Thailand to start a blog website or a YouTube channel. You have to already be high income and successful [1].

The fact of the matter is that Thailand is a country for only Thais. They want the money of foreigners, but they don't want us to live here in my opinion by the looks of their Anti-Foreigner Immigration and Employment laws.  

If you are looking to retire, keep in mind that Bangkok is sinking, you can't drink the water in Thailand (plastic bottles forever), the air is toxic [3] in Thailand due to extreme levels of exhaust from burnings, factories, and vehicles, Foreigners pay more at hospitals [2] and 

"For everyone - Foreigners are required to check in with officials every 90 days to ensure no one overstays -- a move that makes no sense to most people because that is the purpose of having visa renewals.

Aside from unnecessary restrictions, there are also reports of corruption in the immigration system. Many foreigners said they had issues renewing their annual visas, saying bribes had to be paid to officials. And these are just some of the issues -- other foreigners have things much worse." - Bangkok Post

It's just not worth it. And most importantly - politics. If you guys are tired of "Big Government" in the West, then why come to Thailand - a Military Dictatorship that experiences coup d'etats every 10 years?

Thailand is very politically unstable country. 

Final Comments: Thailand is a fantastic country to visit; but think twice about living here because the law is against you. You can't even own land/house here without marrying a Thai. You're better off living in Mexico where you can own land. 

1. https://smart-visa.boi.go.th/smart/

2. https://thethaiger.com/news/hua-hin/final-arguments-tuesday-on-dual-pricing-suit-against-health-ministry

3. https://www.iqair.com/th-en/thailand

4. https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/2184123/foreign-expats-lot-a-mixed-bag

Can’t really disagree with any of that. There will be the usual Thai apologists who say it’s no worse than Sudan or Vietnam or some other 3rd world place, thereby missing the point. But the essence of what you say is absolutely correct

[oldschooler]

3 hours ago, H-Rock said:

I think this information is partially correct. Moreover, Thailand is a hostile and cumbersome to place to work and retire. The world as many better cheap, warm, and lazy destinations. The Thai government wants rich and successful expats, not people like us who can't make it in the West and, thus, are looking for greener grass in the 3rd world.

"News of the plan to invite wealthy foreigners comes as the government attempts to revive the economy. They are one of four groups of foreigners the government hopes will help boost Thailand's financial standing - The government aims to attract more than a million qualified foreign nationals over the next five years, beginning next year." - Bangkok Post [4]

According to Thai labor law, the Labor Protection Act B.E 2541 (1998) expats/foreigners/immigrants are not able to work a job that a Thai is able to do. Basically, this limits you to only Teaching English (30K/mo) or giving SCUBA lessons (20K/mo). 

Those two jobs are the reality for most low-wage/low-skill Westerners seeking to escape the Western rat trap.

It's not possible to build a career (hotel manager, sous chef, digital nomad) if you don't already have the skills because, just like in the West, businesses want people who can do the job right on the first day and it's illegal to volunteer or intern when your work permit says you are a teacher or scuba instructor. Businesses are only given a few work permits. The law forces them to hire Thais. 

As for starting your own business - you CAN do it, BUT the law makes it too risky.

Unless you want to marry a Thai to start a business, you'll need a Thai national to be your business partner and they must own 51% or more of the business.

Thai laws ALWAYS are biased towards nationals which is why most all successful expat entrepreneurs in Thailand started a business with a Thai wife. Laws are a suggestion in Thailand. It's not like the West. 

Finally, what about being a digital nomad? Well - to work legally in Thailand, you need a special work permit. You cannot get tourist visa's again and again. Immigration won't let you.

For a SMART visa (to legally work in the country), you'll need to be making a high salary. So don't think you can save some money then come to Thailand to start a blog website or a YouTube channel. You have to already be high income and successful [1].

The fact of the matter is that Thailand is a country for only Thais. They want the money of foreigners, but they don't want us to live here in my opinion by the looks of their Anti-Foreigner Immigration and Employment laws.  

If you are looking to retire, keep in mind that Bangkok is sinking, you can't drink the water in Thailand (plastic bottles forever), the air is toxic [3] in Thailand due to extreme levels of exhaust from burnings, factories, and vehicles, Foreigners pay more at hospitals [2] and 

"For everyone - Foreigners are required to check in with officials every 90 days to ensure no one overstays -- a move that makes no sense to most people because that is the purpose of having visa renewals.

Aside from unnecessary restrictions, there are also reports of corruption in the immigration system. Many foreigners said they had issues renewing their annual visas, saying bribes had to be paid to officials. And these are just some of the issues -- other foreigners have things much worse." - Bangkok Post

It's just not worth it. And most importantly - politics. If you guys are tired of "Big Government" in the West, then why come to Thailand - a Military Dictatorship that experiences coup d'etats every 10 years?

Thailand is very politically unstable country. 

Final Comments: Thailand is a fantastic country to visit; but think twice about living here because the law is against you. You can't even own land/house here without marrying a Thai. You're better off living in Mexico where you can own land. 

1. https://smart-visa.boi.go.th/smart/

2. https://thethaiger.com/news/hua-hin/final-arguments-tuesday-on-dual-pricing-suit-against-health-ministry

3. https://www.iqair.com/th-en/thailand

4. https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/2184123/foreign-expats-lot-a-mixed-bag

Thailand IS stable under form military rule. Also Safe, Warm, Cheap, Simple. Avoid ALL Trouble.

Do NOT concern yourself with Politics, Culture, Govt.
Just “ interface” minimally when required …  visas, driving License, Housebook, people.

There are effectively NO RULES here which is good for farangs ! Everything can be bought & routine problems overcome. Another Reason I’m here …. 

Was very unstable under previous civilian politicians who were an absolute selfish disgrace. 

You can own property in your name but land “ownership” requires leasehold or complex / pricey  Thai company.

Teaching English & Scuba Instructor are not low skill due to high foreign qualifications required. 

Cartel Mexico & Islam Sudan mentioned here are complete shitholes. Extremely Dangerous for Whites.

Foreigners MUST really carry Private Insurance here. At least Accident Insurance & Low Cost ( High Deductible) Medical Insurance, to limit Any Massive Bills. Govt Hospital Tariff ( Uninsured) typically one third / one quarter Private Rates. Very Good for Emergency / Broken Bones / Skin Cancer / basic stuff.

Forget this Dual Pricing complaining nonsense. Farangs can’t expect to be paying 30 baht per treatment ! System fair here & public hospital tariffs are cheap. 

Bangkok or CM are the LAST places here I would Retire. Tropical Island Lifestyle Only.

[Benroon]

3 hours ago, H-Rock said:

I think this information is partially correct. Moreover, Thailand is a hostile and cumbersome to place to work and retire. The world as many better cheap, warm, and lazy destinations. The Thai government wants rich and successful expats, not people like us who can't make it in the West and, thus, are looking for greener grass in the 3rd world.

"News of the plan to invite wealthy foreigners comes as the government attempts to revive the economy. They are one of four groups of foreigners the government hopes will help boost Thailand's financial standing - The government aims to attract more than a million qualified foreign nationals over the next five years, beginning next year." - Bangkok Post [4]

According to Thai labor law, the Labor Protection Act B.E 2541 (1998) expats/foreigners/immigrants are not able to work a job that a Thai is able to do. Basically, this limits you to only Teaching English (30K/mo) or giving SCUBA lessons (20K/mo). 

Those two jobs are the reality for most low-wage/low-skill Westerners seeking to escape the Western rat trap.

It's not possible to build a career (hotel manager, sous chef, digital nomad) if you don't already have the skills because, just like in the West, businesses want people who can do the job right on the first day and it's illegal to volunteer or intern when your work permit says you are a teacher or scuba instructor. Businesses are only given a few work permits. The law forces them to hire Thais. 

As for starting your own business - you CAN do it, BUT the law makes it too risky.

Unless you want to marry a Thai to start a business, you'll need a Thai national to be your business partner and they must own 51% or more of the business.

Thai laws ALWAYS are biased towards nationals which is why most all successful expat entrepreneurs in Thailand started a business with a Thai wife. Laws are a suggestion in Thailand. It's not like the West. 

Finally, what about being a digital nomad? Well - to work legally in Thailand, you need a special work permit. You cannot get tourist visa's again and again. Immigration won't let you.

For a SMART visa (to legally work in the country), you'll need to be making a high salary. So don't think you can save some money then come to Thailand to start a blog website or a YouTube channel. You have to already be high income and successful [1].

The fact of the matter is that Thailand is a country for only Thais. They want the money of foreigners, but they don't want us to live here in my opinion by the looks of their Anti-Foreigner Immigration and Employment laws.  

If you are looking to retire, keep in mind that Bangkok is sinking, you can't drink the water in Thailand (plastic bottles forever), the air is toxic [3] in Thailand due to extreme levels of exhaust from burnings, factories, and vehicles, Foreigners pay more at hospitals [2] and 

"For everyone - Foreigners are required to check in with officials every 90 days to ensure no one overstays -- a move that makes no sense to most people because that is the purpose of having visa renewals.

Aside from unnecessary restrictions, there are also reports of corruption in the immigration system. Many foreigners said they had issues renewing their annual visas, saying bribes had to be paid to officials. And these are just some of the issues -- other foreigners have things much worse." - Bangkok Post

It's just not worth it. And most importantly - politics. If you guys are tired of "Big Government" in the West, then why come to Thailand - a Military Dictatorship that experiences coup d'etats every 10 years?

Thailand is very politically unstable country. 

Final Comments: Thailand is a fantastic country to visit; but think twice about living here because the law is against you. You can't even own land/house here without marrying a Thai. You're better off living in Mexico where you can own land. 

1. https://smart-visa.boi.go.th/smart/

2. https://thethaiger.com/news/hua-hin/final-arguments-tuesday-on-dual-pricing-suit-against-health-ministry

3. https://www.iqair.com/th-en/thailand

4. https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/2184123/foreign-expats-lot-a-mixed-bag

Bizarre post - why would ANY country want to make their country attractive for low skilled workers just because they can't hack it in their own country ? This all comes back to outdated western entitlement syndrome again where generally none too bright under achievers from the West, who haven't achieved a great deal in their lives prior, feel Thailand (or any other country) should feel honoured to host them with their 40,000 baht a month fortune!

Millions don't have a problem getting through the immigration hoops, but because a handful do, that's a big deal ? (see earlier 'none too bright' reference)

The UK has recently made it all but impossible for low skilled workers to live or even get to the UK but Thailand is the devil incarnate ? Ever tried getting a green card in the states ?

As always if it's too difficult for you, go elsewhere but if you struggle here, you're going to struggle in most places I reckon else you would already be there right ?

[HiuMak]

Thailand is not a place to work and earn big money while you are young and full of energy.

More like a place to go slow, settle in and semi-retire