Jobs in Thailand for Foreigners

This is an overview of jobs for foreigners living in Thailand or who want to move here. It is not a list of job openings. There are numerous jobs sites as well as visa and work permit information sites elsewhere.

Teaching Jobs
By far the majority of foreigners living and working in Thailand are teachers. To be more specific, they are English teachers. Minimal qualifications are a bachelor's degree in English or Linguistics. If the degree is in some other field, some kind of ESL credentials, as well as being a native speaker of English, are required. Those with the required qualifications, or non-native speakers, can get teaching positions, but generally they are not as well paying. Even most native speakers, with the exception of international school teachers, are not paid all that well, and saving money is a problem for many..

Computer and IT Jobs
Probably the next most common occupation for foreigners is in the area of IT. This runs the whole gamut from coders to designers, webmasters and editors.

Writing and Editing Jobs
The Bangkok Post and other media do hire a few writers-editors. Editing assorted papers, articles and books, often for Thai grad students, on a freelance basis is also a way of picking up funds.

Engineering Jobs
Before the Asia bubble burst, there were a fair number of jobs for specialized engineers. The poor economy set that back, but with the recovery moving along, some opportunities are becoming available. Note: Civil engineering work is not permitted.

Entertainment and Jobs in Music
A fair number of musicians earn extra income from playing gigs in Bangkok and other major destinations. I have never known one who made a living at it, but that doesn't mean there aren't any. I did know a magician who picked up a few extra baht here and there by doing magic shows. Finally, major population areas have English language radio that use native speaking DJs.

Culinary Jobs
There are a fair number of foreign cooks in Thailand. Most work at larger four star hotels and make a very decent salary by Thai standards.

Specialized Skills Jobs
Foreigners who are deemed to have specialized skills, like those mentioned above, are allowed to work in Thailand. A few examples of such skills are: Lawyers, pilots, investment experts and others.

Opening Your Own Business
It is possible to own your own business. You can't work in it unless you have a work permit. Succeeding in business is difficult anywhere, but probably more so in Thailand than many places.

Prohibited Jobs
Jobs as laborers, in fields uniquely Thai (producing cultural items) or involving Thai handicrafts are not allowed to be done by foreigners.