- Download our Moving to Thailand Guide (PDF)
Working in Thailand is an easy next step for many, seduced by the country’s sunny shores and a culture that makes foreigners feel at home. The Thai economy has, however, hit rough spots in the face of political instability, although there are some signs of recovery.
While the majority of job opportunities can be found in Bangkok, there are also many expats who choose to work in the surrounding countryside or the picturesque southern islands. This lets them live in natural splendour and enjoy the relaxed lifestyle available to foreign residents.
Job market in Thailand
Most expats working in Thailand work in the service sector, specifically in tourism and teaching. Digital marketing and the IT industry are also growing in Thailand, so expats can also find opportunities in software development and web design roles. Thailand also has strong manufacturing, logistics and communications industries.
Apart from income generated by tourism, Thailand’s economy also heavily relies on exports. It’s one of the world’s largest agricultural exporters of rice, sugar, rubber, and shrimp, and is a leading producer of export cars, textiles, and electronics.
The highest-paying teaching jobs are at international schools in Thailand, while English-language schools are also a popular option. Tourism is another popular source of work for foreigners, particularly for expats living outside Bangkok.
Thai companies prefer locals for professional fields like accounting, engineering and law, especially where local nuances like tax codes or legal requirements are important. On the other hand, multinationals like to hire expats for IT and management roles where international experience counts.
Finding a job in Thailand
Expats with the right qualifications can usually find opportunities online, while many others first move to the country, take a course and then start the job hunt. Expats hired or transferred from overseas tend to make higher salaries than those who find a job in Thailand after they arrive.
You need a work permit to work legally. Your employer handles the application, which takes seven to 10 working days after you get a Non-Immigrant B visa.
Expat Jobs in Bangkok
Work Permits in Thailand
Visas for Thailand
Useful links
Work culture in Thailand
Workdays in Thailand depend on your industry. Tourism and hospitality mean irregular hours and shifts. Office jobs usually stick to set schedules.
The working week in Thailand is officially from Monday to Saturday, although many businesses work until Friday or are only open for half a day on Saturdays. Legally, employees can work up to 48 hours a week. International firms and tech companies now work 40-hour weeks, Monday to Friday.
Hierarchy matters in Thai workplaces. Kreng jai (showing consideration for others’ feelings) means people rarely disagree openly. Junior staff wait for seniors to speak in meetings, but everyone usually gets a chance to be heard. The wai (palms together with a slight bow) is used to show respect for rank.