Thailand at a Glance

Expat Business Info Thailand

There are many business opportunities available in Bangkok.

Working in Thailand lets you participate in one of the most dynamic economies in South East Asia. Recovering from the economic crisis, Thailand offers many opportunities to expats. InterNations offers an insight into working in Thailand as well as advice on work permits, business etiquette, and more.

Chambers of Commerce

If you would like to work in Thailand without the prospect of a traditional intra-company transfer, there are several ways to go about finding a job.

First of all, your home country’s chamber of commerce is a good way to start. Some chambers of commerce have online job markets where member companies advertise vacancies or where you can upload your own CV. If they don’t have a job market on their website, they may often have one in a monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly publication.

Furthermore, a chamber of commerce also tends to offer business workshops or seminars where you can brush up your qualifications and meet contacts from the South-East Asian market. These can include lectures on intercultural communications, business visa information luncheons, updates on Thai tax law etc.

Online Job Search

If you shouldn’t find an opening for the job of your dreams via a Chamber of Commerce, you can also fall back on other resources:

Check the online job markets of Thailand’s two biggest English-language papers, the Daily Xpress and the Bangkok Post.
Explore the vacancies on commercial job websites such as Monster Thailand.

In addition to your professional expertise, work experience, and fluent English skills, some smattering of Thai (the more, the better!) and intercultural experience (especially in SouthEast Asia) are huge bonuses when you go looking for work in Thailand.

Approaching an Employer

Since personal contacts and relationships are essential in Thailand’s business world, you should phone the company directly and find out who exactly will be handling your application. If you call them to politely express your interest and ask a few systematic questions about the vacant position, you may leave a good impression.

It’s also important to get the pronunciation of your Thai contact’s name right and ask them for the correct spelling. If you forget or ignore that, you might be labeled as an ignorant or arrogant foreigner. Paying attention to such details is essential in developing intercultural sensitivity.

Once you have succeeded in your job search, you will need a non-immigrant visa from the category B (business & employment). Have a look at our article on moving to Thailand for more information. Please note, though, that there are different regulations for EFL teachers applying for a B visa. If you are interested in teaching English in Thailand, contact the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate for further visa information.