NatalieUK
I'm looking for work in Bangkok, Thailand, but speak only English. I picked up a few Thai words on a recent visit, so I'm certain I could learn the language easily. How can I find out about jobs there that would suit me?
I'm looking for work in Bangkok, Thailand, but speak only English. I picked up a few Thai words on a recent visit, so I'm certain I could learn the language easily. How can I find out about jobs there that would suit me?
We admire your sense of adventure in wanting to move to a country where you don't speak the language. We imagine you could pick up Thai easily if you have a facility for languages, especially if you take an immersion class. Some jobs lend themselves to this type of a move more easily than others. For example, there are positions in the computer industry that don't require much speaking, while a job in public relations would almost surely require good language skills.
Assuming you can master the language, your first step should be to understand Thailand's visa requirements and how you can obtain a work permit. You'll be required to have a non-immigrant visa endorsed as a working visa. Only an employer can apply for a work permit on your behalf, which means you must get a job first. Another caveat: You must be in Thailand and have a specific job offer to arrange a work permit. Further, work permits are limited to the occupation and employer specified. If you wish to do other work, you must get a separate work permit. Also, if you change employers, your permit and visa automatically cease to be valid.
The requirements for obtaining a work permit are strict. Employers must show good reason why a job can't be performed by a Thai citizen, and foreign workers must show why and how they're qualified to perform the job. Check with the consular officers in the Thai embassy in London or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for details. We also recommend you speak with a local attorney knowledgeable in visa matters to make sure that you don't experience any unwanted surprises.
Now for the good news. There are resources that can help you get started in your job search. ASIACO.com lists jobs in Thailand and Bangkok.com offers general information and links to Thai job boards. Finally, a good book to read is "At Home in Asia: Expatriates in Southeast Asia and Their Stories" by Harold Stephens, and Mort Rosenblum (Wolfenden, 1995). It describes how some expats managed to live and work in Asia. While it won't necessarily give you specifics on how you can do it, you should find it an inspiring read.