Job Discussion Forums

tokilicious · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Posts: 33

Hello Everyone,

I have a question regarding other types of employment in Thailand. I am considering teaching there, but I am also a chef by profession. I was wondering what the job market is like for other jobs besides than teaching in Thailand.

I am currently looking for restuarant hotel work and/or teaching, but I'm undecided which I'll do while I'm there.

Basically I need to know how hard or easy it is to find work other than teaching.

Thanks,

Pete

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

It's hard to find work other than teaching...although you might get work as a chef.

tokilicious · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Posts: 33

Would anyone happen to know of friends or family who are in the same situation?

Could anyone give me some insight on the availibility of work in the hospitality, hotel, restaurant industry?

I'm still considering teaching, but I'm looking to do some chef/management work while in Thailand on the side. No pun intended.

Has anyone tried to find work in other fields? If so, please tell me about your expereinces.

Thanks,

Pete

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

It would help if you posted your quals and experience.

Basically while I know a few people that have managed to get work in the hospitality industry it's generally been through teaching, or been sent from abroad especially to work here.

Basically you're to struggle for a few reasons:

In theory you're taking a job away from a Thai.

The minimum wage kicks in (if you want an extended Visa) and hotels are notoriously TIGHT here in regards to what they pay (even when you teach at them they generally pay a few hundred Baht an hour less than most other companies).

As I said finding work here other than teaching is very, very difficult and those that do manage it usually get said job from teaching (and often have a good Thai ability.....you can speak Thai??? As if not it's going to be even more difficult mate...I mean if you can't speak Thai how you going to tell people what to do etc.?).

tokilicious · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Posts: 33

Well, I'm under the assumption that since I'm an native English speaker, that the hospitality industry would be a logical choice. Since the hospitality industry, in general, requires english speakers. For interaction with customers and such. I am Korean American, so I can speak some Korean, not Thai.

As far as qualifications go I have:

Bachelor's Degree with a 3.7 GPA in Compter Science. I refuse to look for another programming job.

3 years experience as a restaurant general manager at a large casual fine dining asian restaurant in Chicago.

14+ years experience in the restaurant industry.

7 years fine dining expereince

4 years cooking chef expereince

Previous expereince owning a small business, while attending college.

Like I said, teaching is still likely to be the focal point. But, I'm looking for other types of work.

How are Thai attitudes towards native english speakers in the Job Market?

Thanks,

Pete

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

tokilicious · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Posts: 33

I have a degree in computer science. Quite Frankly, I refuse to work in a cubicle. That's why I left corporate america. It really sucks.

What percentage educated Thais speak english on a functional level?

I cannot speak Thai, so I'm looking to see what my options are.

Thanks,

Pete

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

tokilicious · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Posts: 33

So out of all the people who HAVE been able to find work other than teaching-in what fields are they in?

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

Off the top of my head:

I know a chap involved in law (fluent Thai though).

Another chap (fluent Thai though) that had a degree in law was working for a real estate company but it did involve some teaching.

Got another mate (fluent Thai) at a Thai comapany (will check to see what they do) again though teaching is involved.

Had another chap (good Thai ability) that was the assistant to the Director of a Thai company (pet farang basically).

Think about it though would you employ someone in a hotel in say America that couldn't actually speak the local language???

I'll try to think of a few more...but this ain't a lot considering I do get to meet a lot of people and this is over a period of 5 years or so.

cameron.mayo · Joined: 13 Mar 2006 Posts: 81

here's one for a chef:

http://www.stickmanbangkok.com/jobsofferedBangkok.htm

tokilicious · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Posts: 33

I've seen that one already. Smile

laben18 · Joined: 06 Aug 2003 Posts: 84 Location: The parking lot.

i met a farang here who is an executive with accor hotels

boy he had a good gig (but probably works hard and has to do reports, attend meetings, respond to SMSs and answer the phone)

young guy too; canadian i think

u might want to try getting to Thailand through the "back door" recruit with a big hotel chain with locations here, do your time, and come to Thailand over time