VECavé
1/19/2017 04:56 EST
Hi!
My husband and I are looking at moving to Thailand with our daughter from South Africa in the next year. Currently I am looking for jobs for both my husband and I and would really appreciate it if anyone could point me in the right direction or can put me in connection with people? We will first move to Hua Hin where my father lives as a start up but do not mind moving to a different area if no jobs are available in Hua Hin. I am a Debt Collector at the moment but will be more than happy to take up a different position if required and the same goes for my husband who is currently an Operational Manager. Should further information be required or if anyone has helpful tips then please contact me?
Thanks!! Vicky
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ken24
1/19/2017 06:46 EST
There are strict laws as to what foreigners can and can't do as to working in Thailand. Very few jobs qualify. The job has to be one which a Thai cannot do, such as teach English... after that, if you are brought here with a multi-national company, they will get you a work permit. If you have nothing lined up or no specific skill that a Thai cannot do, you will not be able to work.
sorry, it is not easy.
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VECavé
1/19/2017 07:00 EST
Thanks for letting me know Ken, I am currently doing massive research into the whole job thing with Thailand and seeing what is available...
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ken24
1/19/2017 07:44 EST
If you want a decent salary, probably your only chance is to link up with a multi-national who employees people in your field. I would expect this to be difficult as many want to live and work here.
You sound way overqualified to teach English. Most of those posts are taken by young college grads taking a gap year.
On a far riskier front is starting your own business which would also likely mean getting out of your field and it is a minefield if you don't know the language and customs.
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swegolf
1/19/2017 08:00 EST
Unfortunately you will have a very difficult time finding gainful employment. Even as a multi-lingual westerner your top pay would be lucky to be 20,000 Bhat per month. Your best opportunities will come from owning your own business or in import/export. Thai's won't give you a job that they could give to a Thai even if their they are less qualified. Sorry but it's better you know now.
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VECavé
1/19/2017 08:02 EST
I will definitely look into the multi-national companies. Teaching would not be my first go to and my husband is also over qualified for a teaching post being an Operational Manager so I will need to do quite a bit of hunting :) thanks so much for the feedback though- really appreciated! As for starting up a business- we do have a few ideas but I have heard of all the obstacles regarding starting up in Thailand (I think this will be more of a long term goal then)
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VECavé
1/19/2017 08:04 EST
Hi swegolf
Thanks for the heads up- surely my husband would be able to get into import/export as an Operational Manager? He was a Fleet Administrator before the promotion- would that not help?
Thanks!
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caughtintheact
1/19/2017 09:05 EST
The Thai Legal and Business Guide http://bia.co.th/003.html - will inform you about much of what you will need to know.. Chapter 19 explains all about work permits.
Teaching English or other subjects here is sometimes looked down upon, but it is better viewed viewed as a stepping stone rather than a career.
Some foreigners attend universities here as sudents, and by so doing you can make excellent contacts . There are some good bachelor's and masters degree programs.
If you can latch onto jobs with multinational companies before you come here that could be ideal, but be sure to conduct due diligence on any offers. People are known to have been scammed into coming here on he promise of a job that did not exist.
If you PM me with an email address I will email you my Do's and Don'ts document for Thailand which will help you in getting oriented. And by the way, what industry is your husband in. Knowing that will aid in providing contact information or company names that might have openings.
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hawkesk
1/19/2017 16:24 EST
Having lived in Thailand over ten years, I would HIGHLY recommend you come to Thailand for as long as you can afford AS A TOURIST, have a look around, and try to get work while you're here. I was a database manager for 14 years and would NEVER be able to get a job here (by law) unless I created my own business, and that's difficult and dangerous to do. These are just about the most xenophobic folks on the planet and will thwart you every chance they get. They want you to come, spend your money, then go away. Teaching is the only stable position you will find here, overqualified or not. Join ThaiVisa.com and look around there, too. Many good folks eager to help you in your quest. Don't become another statistic . . .
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VECavé
1/25/2017 06:26 EST
Hi Hawkesk
Thanks for your feedback. I have been a tourist in Thailand a few times although not over any long period. I am aware of how difficult the job market is here which is why I am looking into all of my options. I am sorry to hear it was so difficult for you but thanks for giving me a heads up anyway
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hawkesk
1/25/2017 07:06 EST
It's not been difficult. In fact, I LOVE teaching. It's really the only job available unless you join a larger international company. Good luck!
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Allianz CareGet QuoteAllianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.
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swegolf
1/25/2017 07:06 EST
Well thank you. But I'm retired and have been on several extended holidays of a year or so there. I have friends that own restos, bars and bakeries. Very few exceed anything more than a moderate success. Military liason is a good option as is embassy employment. Some have tried golf travel guide or dive tourism approach with success.
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VECavé
1/25/2017 07:08 EST
That's great! I will look into teaching at a later stage if need be but I hear it is a good career to have there...
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VECavé
1/25/2017 07:08 EST
That's great! I will look into teaching at a later stage if need be but I hear it is a good career to have there...
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hawkesk
1/25/2017 16:27 EST
I've lived here over 10 years and here's the bottom line - You NEED a foundation such as a pension or a good chuck of money you can depend on. Work in Thailand should be looked on as an "in addition to" source of income. Tourism is highly volatile. Five years ago, Russians were quite prevalent, then the oil industry plummeted and gone were the tourists. As well, Chinese tourists started flocking, but then it was discovered that they stayed at Chinese-owned hotels and only purchased at Chinese-owned businesses. Tour guides of ANY sort are highly scrutinized and sometimes unfairly targeted by Immigration. The point is teaching is the only stable job available unless you are connected to a large international company.
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swegolf
1/25/2017 19:58 EST
Thailand isn't the utopia everyone thinks it is. Hawkesk is right. Thailand is the last place you would want to be stuck without money....besides Manila.
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VECavé
1/26/2017 05:53 EST
Hmmm it seems like there is no way to stay in Thailand then? I understand how difficult it is to get a job and get started up but could it not be more of a possibility with me having my dad as a connection there who obviously will also have people to introduce us to there? From what I remember living overseas as a child connections are very important to have as a foreigner... I stayed in Kazakhstan first which I think was a whole lot more difficult to live in back then as apposed to Thailand... I am not looking to move to Thailand with stars in my eyes and I certainly do not think it is the perfect place to be- no country is perfect :) I do want a better future for my daughter, husband and I though and unfortunately South Africa is not the country it used to be... I love all of the feedback from everyone but some pros added to the cons of moving there would be really appreciated. Do not want to scare my husband off of the idea of moving to another country :D
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VECavé
1/26/2017 05:53 EST
Hmmm it seems like there is no way to stay in Thailand then? I understand how difficult it is to get a job and get started up but could it not be more of a possibility with me having my dad as a connection there who obviously will also have people to introduce us to there? From what I remember living overseas as a child connections are very important to have as a foreigner... I stayed in Kazakhstan first which I think was a whole lot more difficult to live in back then as apposed to Thailand... I am not looking to move to Thailand with stars in my eyes and I certainly do not think it is the perfect place to be- no country is perfect :) I do want a better future for my daughter, husband and I though and unfortunately South Africa is not the country it used to be... I love all of the feedback from everyone but some pros added to the cons of moving there would be really appreciated. Do not want to scare my husband off of the idea of moving to another country :D
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swegolf
1/26/2017 06:13 EST
It depends upon your citizenship to some degree. There are problems since the military takeover of the government and its getting worse not better unfortunately. Thai's are tone deaf. Countries are beginning to restrict movement of Thai's into European countries, the US, Japan and other places simply because Thailand is becoming an increasingly hostile environment. Embassies are getting increasing reports of hostilities against whites. Muslims have infiltrated from the south and hostile actions are commonplace against whites. Bands of young Thai men are armed and apparently immune to prosecution unless videos leak to the world outside. Many whites have been robbed, killed stripped naked then thrown off rooftops and declared suicides with slit throats. Want some pros? Move to Vietnam. We moved to Nha Trang. It's fine.
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VECavé
1/26/2017 06:18 EST
That's troubling to hear- I have been trying to keep up with the news in Thailand when I get the chance and there is not any mention of these problems- like you said though video evidence is needed... Never thought of Vietnam how is it there? I thought these problems were only in certain areas of Thailand though and not everywhere? We are South African citizens so I suppose that does not help a whole lot if they have specific targets...
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VECavé
1/26/2017 06:18 EST
That's troubling to hear- I have been trying to keep up with the news in Thailand when I get the chance and there is not any mention of these problems- like you said though video evidence is needed... Never thought of Vietnam how is it there? I thought these problems were only in certain areas of Thailand though and not everywhere? We are South African citizens so I suppose that does not help a whole lot if they have specific targets...
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swegolf
1/26/2017 09:36 EST
Sorry there's no easy way to break that kind of news. I can see in the thread where it was mentioned but when you have a dream it's difficult to absorb bad news. Nha Trang isn't bad. In fact it's nice. People are subdued. It's by the ocean. It has ups and downs but overall it's 2/3's the cost of TH and has everything. I can only speak for Nha Trang but Vietnam is the most congenial of ASEAN countries and we have been to all of them.
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