Job Discussion Forums

[Gstyles]

Hey there,

I'm just wondering what the cost of living is like in Thailand. I heard an average salary is close to 15,000Bhat? I'm currently teaching Taiwan to save up money, but I'm getting interested in Thailand. Whats the scene like in Thailand?


Thanks

[WorkingVaca]

The average salary is closer to 20,000 baht, but it's still not enough to make teaching there worthwhile financially. Any money left over at the end of the month will be spent on any traveling you want to do incountry--forget seeing anything outside Thailand unless you're willing to spend the money you bring with you. Go there for the food and slow pace of life, and ONLY if you're sincere about teaching Thai people. Education standards are much lower than what you've gotten used to in Taiwan.

[Gstyles]

[Joachim]

Basically, anyone who has studied English for a year or two qualifies as an English teacher in Thailand, so Thai teachers who have only the vaguest grasp of the language and make critical errors are teaching chilkdren and passing on their mistakes.

The vast majority of Thai people cannot afford additional English tuition, so the standard of English is much lower than that I have encountered elsewhere in Asia, even in the muslim countries.

People who work a lot with tourists tend to speak it better, but then they are constantly exposed to more "correct" structure and pronunciation.

Class sizes are also huge, so you'll need a lot of patience if you want to teach children there. However, it is remarkably easy to find a job - when I was hunting in Bangkok I was offered 8 jobs in 4 days.

It might be a little harder outside Bangkok though, although there are International Schools in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phuket, they will pay you a higher salary and give you more holiday.

On average, in bangkok, if you have a degree you can expect to earn between 28000THB and 35000THB per month

[sigmoid]

I'd say average salaries range from 20K to 40K, about US$500 - 1000. The cost of living in Thailand isn't really low unless you have very low expectations i.e. you live really cheaply. 40k is probably enough, but anything less than that and you're going to feel the pinch.

As Joachim mentioned jobs are ridiculously easy to come by, but usually not the kind of jobs you want. Most people who are here are leaving and the government is trying to make it harder to work here legally in a misguided attempt to increase quality. New regulations are supposed to take effect in June I think, but nobody's really sure what's going to happen with new work permit and visa regulations and minimum salaries. Visa and work permit fees have already been recently increased.

[Gringo Greg]

15k a month is what the Thai slave bosses want to pay you. Only a fool would take that wage. I think the bare minimum outside Bangkok is about 20k a month with accomodation provided, 23 to 24k w/o accomodation. Increase that figure by at least 5k a month if you are living in Bangkok. A smart teacher won't take less than 25k a month. I am currently making 27k a month in a rural area.

Cost of living is low, but not that low. Don't let them fool you, you will be broke the day before payday.

[champagne charlie]

Gringo's right: shady schools will tell you how cheap it is to live out in the sticks to justify their lousy salaries. Don't fall for it.

A good rule of thumb is you will need at least 20K AFTER all your living expenses are covered to have a fairly comfortable lifestyle. Increase that figure if you want to save anything (depending on if you're a homebody-if you don't go out much, it's possible to save).
Simply estimate your monthy living expenses (apt, utilities, meals and sundries, etc) and add 20K. You'll have a pretty good guess at how much salary you'll need.

[Talkdoc]

Hey Guys:

I could use some help. A university in Thailand has informed me that I am on their "short list" for a full time position as a language/linguistics professor.

I have a PhD in a related field and am being asked to teach 20 hours per week and to keep office hours for another 20 hours, Tuesday - Saturday.

They want me to tell them how much I expect to be paid. I have 20 years of university teaching experience. What is a reasonable salary for this type of full time position?

Thank you in advance.

Doc

[sigmoid]

[Talkdoc]

Sigmoid - Thank you! That was extremely helpful.

Doc

[sigmoid]

Actually, I've been thinking and 80K may be unrealistic
and if it's a job you really want because of the great location, you may need to accept less. It all depends on what kind of school it is and what you're willing to settle for.

Still, for 40 hours you should get at least 60,000 baht, but even that may be difficult.

[Talkdoc]

[Hed_Kandi]

I highly suggest that if you are going to be teaching English and you want to live a decent life, I would suggest signing a contract for no less than
35000 Baht a month. And most schools won't pay that amount.[/url]

[Rice Paddy Daddy]

Hi, Talk Doc!

How did you make out?
Did you get your Baht 60,000?
Still here?

[cujobytes]