The Land of Smiles attracts people from all walks of life. From tourists and working professionals to retirees and families, there’s something for everyone in Thailand.

Are you looking to jump-start your expat life here? Good news: it is gradually opening up again. After years of COVID-19 outbreaks, job opportunities are on the rise. What’s more, pandemic-related workplace changes, such as the hybrid work model, are likely to carry over to these newly available positions. Without further ado, let’s dive into the best jobs for Thailand expats in 2022.  

Teacher at schools, tuition centers, and cultural organizations  

By far the most common occupation for expats in Thailand, there are plenty of job openings for those looking to teach. However, due to pandemic-related budget cuts in some schools, teaching jobs are increasingly competitive. I will go over the types of teaching positions you can usually expect to find here and their basic requirements. 

 Teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL) are commonly found at tuition centers and cultural organizations, such as the British Council. To qualify for these positions, you’ll need a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline and a TEFL or TESOL certificate. Another way to kickstart your career would be to enroll in a teaching abroad program in your home country and choose to work in the Kingdom. 

Teachers at an international school or local school with an English/Thai bilingual program. If you have your eyes on these opportunities, you’ll need a teaching degree in a wide range of subjects, including English, Spanish, IT, Science, Psychology, etc. International schools also tend to offer a higher salary though it’s generally easier to find employment at local Thai schools. 

Teachers of a foreign language other than English. Are you a native or near native-level speaker of a foreign language (ex. German, French, Japanese, Chinese, etc.)? With a relevant teaching qualification, these roles might be for you. Your options include teaching at tuition centers and cultural organizations, such as Alliance Francaise. 

Employee at an international company

The Land of Smiles is rife with multinational companies and startups, some of which offer positions specifically made for expats. Job opportunities are available in various industries and across skill levels though the market demand differs. 

IT professionals are highly sought after, so job-seeking might come easier if you are, for instance, skilled at Javascript and app development. On the other hand, marketing jobs tend to be highly competitive. 

From my understanding, the quickest way to get your foot in the door is to work for a company in your home country first and look for a chance to relocate to Thailand. Keep in mind that these opportunities are usually available to more senior positions. Alternatively, try applying directly at a company’s Thailand office or to a local English-speaking startup.

Manager in hospitality industry 

Thailand’s focus on the tourism industry means a thriving hospitality industry. Luxury hotels populate the Kingdom, creating plenty of job openings. In particular, hotel chains here prefer to hire expats for high-level managerial roles. 

You’ll need the proper credentials and years of hotel-managing experience to be competitive. Proof of language proficiency or expertise would also be helpful. If you are a culinary professional, being a head chef at hotels or popular restaurants is another option.

Entrepreneur/digital nomad, freelancers 

Perhaps you’re more into starting your own business? As an entrepreneur, your options include starting a Thai-based company and operating an online foreign-based business. For the former, you’re required to register your business locally and hire an accountant to file the taxes. 

Freelancer might be the right career for you if you prefer a flexible schedule and have a specific skill set, such as consulting, graphic design, writing, and more. Most freelancers in Thailand secure jobs and gigs through platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. I suggest taking advantage of Thailand’s numerous beautiful co-working spaces. 

If you’d like to talk more about your health insurance options in Thailand or about securing digital nomad insurance or business insurance, you’re more than welcome to email me at ajarn@pacificprime.co.th or contact my team at Pacific Prime Thailand - a leading health insurance brokerage catering to expats and foreigners in the country.