Job Discussion Forums

[strider42]

Should I bring my suit for home, or are new clothes very cheap and it would be better to have a new one in local style anyway for interviews?

[Jaime1]

you can buy a suit here for 1000 Baht. Leave clothes behind. You can buy anything here. Use the space and weight for more important things.

[perfectweapon]

Agree

[roamingteacher]

Not if you're female! I'm returning to Thailand - or at least hoping to - and I'll be having a massive shopping spree before I go...unless I lose half my body weight, which would leave me with a rather large head, but able to get clothes easily in BKK...

[Asher]

Suits and dress shirts can be tailor made very inexpensively. I will say that when I was in Bangkok a few weeks ago, I had a very hard time finding anything ready to wear at the mall that would fit me (33-34 waist)...the pants were always too long.

I will say that I only spent one day out of a week shopping for clothes, so YRMV. I'd be curious where most long term residents shop in Bangkok for clothes, actually.

[perfectweapon]

The only thing I would tell anybody to bring would be underwear, and lots of it. The stuff they have here is not too good.

I do shopping at Zeers Rangsit, and yes it is nothing but computers, but just inside the perimeter on the right side they sell clothes. I buy my shirts there and it only costs 200 baht, and the same shirts at Future Park Rangsit cost 1200 baht. The only difference is the wrapping. I also do shopping at Future Park a little expensive, but not bad. Then I go to the open markets not bad stuff. Taywin shoes are not to bad the last pair I had lasted four years.

[roamingteacher]

Probably quite helpful if people indicate if they're male or female on this thread...would certainly help me! Ta

[perfectweapon]

I am a male, but the underwear refers to both genders.

[MaiPenRai]

Clothes and appearance are very important in Thailand. If you are planning on working, your clothes may be more important then your abilities, at least in initially getting the job.

There is NO need for a suit, but if you wanted one, be prepared to pay more than 1000 baht at a tailor. Depending on the quality of the material, collared shirts will cost 500-1000 baht, trousers will be 700-1500 baht and a complete suit would probably run at least 2000 baht and I would bet more in most cases.

Its true that collared shirts are avilable at markets or Tesco type stores for 100-500 baht, but you get what you pay for. Ask yourself if you would buy your dress shirts at Walmart back home.

When buying any clothes at THai prices, you must also be Thai size:

Males - over 6 feet (180 cm) tall may have problems finding trousers and
dress shirts that fit properly
- shoe size over size 11 (Euro 45) will have difficulties finding shoes

Females - if you are "larger", you will have difficulties with all of your
clothes. I don't know sizes, but an average Thai woman is
about 5'2" and weighs about 100 pounds.
- well-endowed women will also find it hard to find bras for Thai
prices

Of course if you are willing to spend a little (still less than back home in most cases), you will be able to find any clothing you need in Bangkok or Pattaya or other tourist areas.

Personally I have never had a problem with underwear in Thailand, but Thai socks are cheap and cheaply made (they dont last more than a few months for me). Again, thicker and higher quality socks can be found for a little more money.

I would reccommend bringing underarm deoderant as it can be very hard to find high quality "pit-stick" and there is not much variety. If you do find it, it will probably be expensive.

[RebelGirl26]

[littleone]

I've been told to teach I will be to be in 'business formal' attire. Is a skirt, blouse and sandals acceptable?

I'm 5'1 female size 8-10. I'm assuming I'll be better off waiting till I get to BKK...

[roamingteacher]

Best ask your employer. It was fine for me, but many say no open toes. And in my humble opinion, you are not best leaving it til BKK - but others will disagree. Your height will give you an advantage in picking up bits and pieces but more formal attire is unlikely to be as cheap as the casual clothes you can buy, and your salary will be considerably less than your native country.

[yeuxbleu]

I am planning on moving to Thailand in September. I have many visible tattoos. In general, does anyone know how foreign English teachers with tattoos are accepted? Or not accepted?

[MaiPenRai]

Most schools will not want teachers with tatoos showing, BUT I don't see why you can't cover your tatoos with a long-sleeve shirt and long trousers (skirt). Unless you have tatoos on you face, you should be able to cover them when teaching. You just might not be that comfortable having to be completely covered when at work.

[Pauleddy]

MPR is right.

Tattoos here are associated with low-life motorbike boys (and the like)...although some people have special lucky/religious tattoos...mainly poor people but even some monks. In saying this, it is now more fashionable for some trendies to have a single piece...like an ornate shoulder or leg piece.

Thailand is very UNpolitically correct, and discrimination is common. I have never seen "professional" people (doctors, teachers, officials) with tattoos. All schools and unis want teachers to be clean-cut and wholesome.

However, I knew one western guy with multiple artwork. He wore a long-sleeved shirt every day, and never wore shorts (even on camps and sports day). Nobody found out.

Eddy