If you are thinking of purchasing property in Thailand or moving to the Kingdom to permanent residence, you will probably face the issue of finding employment in the country. Are there any restrictions on the employment of foreigners? How does one go about finding a job? You can read about these issues in this article.
Employment issues in the Kingdom are important. First, you need to understand that the Thailand government and laws protect the rights of the local population and maintain a low unemployment level in the country, which is currently below 1.15%. The minimum wage in Thailand ranges from BHT 328 to BHT 354 ($9.6 to $10.45) per day. The amount of wages usually varies depending on the province chosen for life.
There are certain occupations “forbidden” for foreigners in Thailand. To work, you must also have an appropriate visa to Thailand and a work permit. Working in a “prohibited” sector or without a permit is punishable by deportation and a ban on entry into the country for many years. However, there are still foreigners who, at their own peril and risk, conduct illegal labor activities.
Content:
- Forbidden occupations
- Work permit
- What are typical jobs for foreigners in Thailand?
- Where to hunt for a job?
- We will help you buy property in Thailand
Forbidden occupations
These are mostly jobs that do not require a high skill level in employment sectors traditionally set aside for Thai nationals.
The list of forbidden occupations includes:
- Employment in the agricultural sector, animal husbandry, forestry, and fishery
- Construction works
- Wood carving
- Making musical instruments
- Tourism business, tour guiding
- Jewelry
- Sewing clothes and making shoes
- Pottery
- Street hawking
- Front shop sales
- Hairdressing, or beautification
- Printing and publishing business
- Working as a driver of any vehicles except autonomous ones
- And others
Work permit
Procuring a work permit costs the employer a fair amount of money and requires preparing multiple documents. Unethical employers do not want to deal with the documentation and tax payments and offer informal work. As already mentioned, this may result in a Thailand travel ban.
To procure a work permit, an employee must have a non-immigrant visa making them eligible for work. Most often, this is a Non-Immigrant B (Business) Visa.
If you are employed before coming to Thailand, you will need an original letter from the employer and copies of company registration documents and financial reporting to obtain a non-immigrant visa at the embassy. You need to apply for it 30 days before your supposed entry into Thailand.
If you found a job when already in Thailand and you do not hold a non-immigrant visa, you will need to apply for visa status alteration at an immigration office.
When you have the right visa, you may apply for a work permit, which is a small blue book.
The employee must submit the following documents:
- Passport
- TM 6 immigration form
- Education diploma (in some cases, a copy of the diploma needs to be stamped and certified by the embassy)
- Resume with a full outline of previous jobs
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
The employer needs to submit the following documents:
- Business registration certificate from the Department of Commercial Registration
- List of company shareholders from the Department of Commercial Registration
- VAT certificate (PP.20)
- VAT returns (PP.30)
- Tax deduction certificate
- Social benefits payment
A work permit is issued for a job at a specific company with a specific address. If you find another job, the company moves to a different address or you are transferred to another branch; your work permit needs to be re-issued. If you quit your job, you have to submit the work permit book to the Ministry of Labor within 10 days.
You must remember to extend your visa and work permit in due time. Along with all the other foreigners living in Thailand, you will need to submit a 90-Day Report to the immigration authorities. In many provinces, you can now do it online on the official website or via a mobile app.
What are typical jobs for foreigners in Thailand?
It will be easier for highly qualified professionals with a good education and work experience to find a job in Thailand. We have prepared a list of employment areas in Thailand in which foreign citizens can apply their professional skills.
English language tutor
The most popular occupation is an English teacher. Not only native speakers but also any foreigners with higher education and adequate knowledge of the English language can secure this job. A native speaker will make more money than those for whom English is not their mother tongue. You may need a language exam certificate like TEFL. An average teacher’s salary is 25,000 baht ($738) per month. You can find work of this kind in any Thai province. In Bangkok, the selection process is more rigorous and vacancies are fewer.
IT professionals
The IT industry is happy to employ foreigners. This area is now actively developing in Thailand, as new apps are being created, corporate websites improved and online services expanded. Salaries are quite high in this sector. A PHP and Java developer can earn from THB 30,000 ($886) to THB 100,000 ($2,951) per month or more.
Marketing
Foreign professionals are also hired in the marketing field. Salary depends on the company and specific duties.
For example, a sales manager with knowledge of English can earn an average of 35,000 baht per month ($1,033).
Real estate agent
Agencies often need professionals with knowledge of foreign languages to attract foreign customers. You can sell apartments in Thailand and earn an average of 88,500 baht ($2,612).
Hospitality
Employees with knowledge of different languages are also required in hotels. However, foreigners can officially work only in managerial positions with special education. Wages in this case can reach 120,000 to 180,000 baht ($3,542 to $5,313) per month.
Modeling and cinema business
Another popular activity for foreigners is the modeling and film business. In Asia, models of both sexes with a European appearance are in demand. Salaries in this niche can vary quite a lot depending on the studio and the specific project, but most often it ranges from 2,000 to 100,000 baht ($59 to $2,951) or more per shoot.
Self-employment and remote work
A foreigner may open their own business in Thailand. However, the company must be 51% owned by a partner who is a Thai citizen, and there are restrictions concerning the ratio between foreign and Thai workers.
A popular way to make money is remote work for companies in your home country. This way, you do not need to procure a work permit.
If you do find a job in Thailand, the minimum rate is approximately THB 330 ($9.7) per day. Most likely, the salary of a foreigner will vary from 20,000 to 100,000 baht ($590 to $2951) per month, depending on your qualifications.
Where to hunt for a job?
Nowadays, job hunting is mostly done online, just like in all other countries. For instance, there are Facebook groups with job openings for foreign employees and vacancies in Thailand. LinkedIn is also widely used. There are job board websites like Monster, Careerjet, Robert Walters, and Michael Page. You can also apply at an employment agency or arrive in person and ask about a vacancy at a place you like a hotel or a real estate firm.
If you want to work in Thailand and move to the “Land of Smiles,” it is best to start looking for a job before moving, since this may take a long time. Another thing to remember is that you need to know at least one foreign language (English) to work abroad.
We will help you buy property in Thailand
Are you planning to move or expand your investment portfolio? Our experts will help with the search and purchase of an apartment or house in Thailand! Leave a request on the website or contact the manager by phone for detailed advice and selection of a property in accordance with your goals.