In-demand Expat Careers if You’re Considering Working in Thailand

Wondering if it’s hard to find a job in Thailand? The kingdom is regarded as the second-biggest economy in Southeast Asia and is teeming with international corporations and manufacturers that are open to employ both local and foreign applicants.

Just like finding jobs in other countries, the first step is to establish a connection with people through social media groups or by attending relevant events. You can find recruiters and job vacancies through different platforms including LinkedIn, ThaiNGO, Careerjet, Michael Page, and more.

Aside from cultivating a wide network of contacts, having a unique skill or professional experience is the key to land a job in Thailand. Speaking of which, we’ve listed some of the most sought-after jobs in the kingdom that might suit you.

Teacher

During the academic year 2020, alongside the coronavirus outbreak, the number of teachers in Thailand was recorded at 660,000, a decrease from 2019 figures.

Literacy rates and educational opportunities differ greatly between socioeconomic groups in Thailand, particularly between the upper middle class and those living in rural areas. Over the past few years, Thailand has continued to expand its access to basic education in an effort to narrow down this educational opportunity gap.

Considering English as the universal language, the demand for licenced English teachers in Thailand is high. Aside from academic purposes, Thais who operate a business need to learn to communicate using English due to the huge number of tourists who visits them.

Teachers play an important role in helping to solve the problem of low English proficiency, which might give an unfavourable impression as more tourists would likely prefer vacation spots where they can communicate clearly with locals.

IT Practitioners

The global trend and growth factor of digitisation continue to evolve. In 2022, Thailand is projected to be digitised by 61% as more companies in Thailand incorporate cutting-edge technology into their operations. Hence, more programmers, data scientists, and high-skilled IT workers are needed in the digital sector.

For instance, financial institutions implemented the use of artificial intelligence through chatbots, cloud computing, and e-procurement to optimise their services and strategies.

Real Estate Agent

According to an online website salary explorer, the average income of a real estate agent in Thailand ranges from THB43,300 to THB138,000 (may vary depending on the agent’s level of experience).

The advantage of working as a real estate agent is that you don’t work for anyone. If you are an expat, you do not need to have a license, attend a seminar, or receive training as long as you have the appropriate visa and a working permit.

Real estate agents in Bangkok are categorised into three types, namely independent agents, hired agents, and sole agents. To have a competitive advantage, real estate agents must be extremely knowledgeable in the properties they are selling.

Most tourists might be interested in investing properties in Thailand because of its touristic destination, which makes it an ideal investment with a potential rental return of seven to nine percent.

Digital Marketing and E-commerce

Working in an international or multinational company in Thailand is one of the ideal jobs for expats. Industry professionals, like digital marketing roles, are coveted for both local and foreign applicants.

According to JP Morgan, the value of Thailand's online commerce market has now reached US$26.2 billion after years of consistent growth in online shopping. Some e-commerce and marketing positions available this July 2022 are Key Account Manager, Customer Care Associate, E-business Content Specialist, E-commerce Marketing Specialist, and more.

Hotel Manager

If you have proven experience in hotel management, you may explore Thailand’s hospitality industry for high-level managerial roles.

As one of the leading tourist attractions in Southeast Asia, Thailand is jampacked with large hotel companies and luxurious accommodations.

Because managerial positions require a certain level of English fluency, it is likely that the kingdom will seek applicants from outside the country to fill those roles.