Job Discussion Forums

PKB · Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Posts: 88 Location: USA

I assume that tutoring outside of the regular contract teaching is the most common way to supplement an income in Thailand. But I was just wondering if anyone had found any other decent ways to make a few baht. And what types of obstacles do entreprenuers have to deal with? (Business regulations, crime rackets, bribes, etc.)

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

I find the Germans can be of assistance if you're willing to debase yourself in ways you wouldn't (or in my case didn't) think were possible.

Seriously though other than tutoring there's not tons of money to be made on the side. Unless you have money to invest in a business etc. Or get lucky. Modelling and acting are two I can think of?

PKB · Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Posts: 88 Location: USA

Haha. Ok. Yeah, I do entertain the idea of investing in a business, but the possibilitity of weak property rights, uncertain courts, organized crime etc. makes me very hesitant. I doubt I would do anything other than teach, but I just wanted to see if other were able to create a succesful venture.

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

I know a few people with legit business/office work, but even these have generally been obtained via teaching. Also a good command of Thai IMO can help with these kind of jobs. You basically end up being an on the call teacher (or shall we say staff trainer) as well as a proof reader, e-mail checker etc. One chap I know just went out door knocking at companies and got it that way. I've known two other people that kind of ended up as the Directors assistant (pet farang?). They're definitely out there, but it's finding them and get your foot in the door. Quals can matter (or not), but like I said I think a reasonable Thai ability is a big advantage. My mate just for a job at a restaruant (sp?)/bar in Samui. I don't know how common this is (and strictly speaking it will be hard to get 100% legit to do it, although they seem to turn a blind eye in places like that...I wouldn't think about doing it in Bangers). I had another friend involved in some kind of property selling or something, although this seems to have gone boobs up now!

Good luck.