Kamusta!
I’m starting a blog series entitled “ OFW in Thailand”. I frequently get asked about how my life or work is in Thailand. And so I decided to write a series of posts about it.
I’m going to explain and share as best as I can all these work and life-related queries. I will write not only about my own personal experiences as an OFW but other OFWs as well. However, please keep in mind that every experience is different from one another. The purpose of this series is purely informational which I hope will give insight to all aspiring Pinoys who plan to work abroad.
For the first part, I will answer the question, “Why Filipinos want to work in Thailand?“, and not in the Philippines or other countries.
Here are 5 reasons why a number of Filipinos prefer to work in Thailand.
1. Thailand is still part of Southeast Asia.
It’s relatively near to the Philippines. With just a short plane ride, an OFW can go home and be with his family right away. The fare from Thailand is less expensive compared to when coming from other Asian countries. A round trip ticket would cost 3,500-5000 Baht (about 6,000- 8,000 PHP) during a promo period. Going back to the Philippines is an unquestionable option in times of family emergencies or feeling homesickness. We can also easily invite the family over as an alternative.
2. Low cost of living.
I’m quite positive that other expats in Thailand would agree that the living expenses here are much lower than in other countries in the world. I even read an article that mentioned Thailand in the top 10 cheapest countries to live in and one of the best countries to live after retirement because of the affordability of goods and housing.
3. The third reason is the high demand for employment for Filipinos.
Compared to the processes and qualifications required when applying for a job in the Philippines, getting a job in Thailand is pretty straightforward. Present your resume and diploma, speak English confidently during the interview and show eagerness and determination. These will give you an 85% chance of getting hired. Plus points if you have years of experience. As long as you are determined and not picky to find a job, you’ll get one after only a few days.
Earning and saving money isn’t as hard as when trying to do it in the Philippines. If you want to earn more money, you can find extra sources of income by working part-time jobs. You can work as a tutor, babysitter, maid/nanny, waiter, and even a dog walker. Well, this is only if you’re willing to do these jobs or to work on your rest day.
4. Traveling is accessible and not a faraway dream.
I, for one, dreamed to travel around and working in Thailand made it more reachable. I was able to visit beautiful cities and countries since living in Thailand. The fact that Thailand is an international tourist destination made it similarly possible for people here to travel anywhere around the world. Airplane fares are affordable especially when planning trips around Asia.
5. Thailand is a beautiful and safe country to live in.
It’s beautiful because of its rich culture and unique traditions as well as its breathtaking islands and beaches. It may look like a grand holiday all the time. Everything that you can dream of a perfect holiday is here. Sun, warmth with amazing scenery will leave you to want nothing more.
It’s also a safe country. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not perfect. There are petty crimes here and there but it isn’t as vicious as in the Philippines (in my opinion). People are texting or chatting using their mobile phones anywhere. Thai people wear these flashy pieces of jewelry made of gold and silver while on the bus. Ha! They even leave their bags in restaurants when they have to order or go to the toilet. That is for me showing faith to the goodness of humanity which they do and they are. Thai people are generally friendly, kind and generous people. Really.
That ends part 1 of the OFW in Thailand series. If you would like to add anything or would like to ask me any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment.
Please keep posted for my second part.
Ingat kayo! =)
Are you planning to work abroad too? In which country would you like to work?
Are you an OFW? What are the reasons for working in the country you’re at now?
Please don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE!
Hi Ira.
No. 5 amazed me the most. For someone who passed by Divisoria during my college days, not once did I think of wearing jewelry especially when a quick robbery happened in front of me.
Thailand is somewhat like Canada (where I am living) in the sense that people trust others. Here no one will check if you buy a ticket for train. But there if you get caught, you’ll pay a high price plus the shame.
Do Filipinos have to get a work permit in Thailand?
Thanks for sharing your experience in Thailand. Till the next post.
Well, I was a victim myself when I was in Cebu, three instances or four. I had one time while walking on the street that someone on a motorcycle just grabbed my bag. Whew! It scared me to death.
Though now I heard good news about the crime rate in our country. Hopefully, it’s for the long haul.Hopefully!
Filipinos here in Thailand need a work permit to legally work for a year. We can extend it to another year.
What about in Canada? Do you hold a work permit too?
Hi, I am a 3rd-year college student and it has been my dream to work in Thailand. Your blog ma’am has inspired me the most. I have a question po. What possible jobs could I apply for when I graduate? I am a business student. I am fluent in and I am currently having korean and thai studies aside from my course.
Thank you so much for your comment. My heart swells with happiness when I hear people read my blog & most importantly when I know I inspire some of them to reach for their dreams. That is my main purpose for creating this platform, be an inspiration to my fellow Filipinos. For those who graduated Business courses, they usually work in private/international companies here in Thailand. It will definitely help you a lot if you know the language too. Good luck!
Hi to everyone! I’m Rosellia Zafe from Philippines presently working in Dubai. I graduated College and Caregiver is my Second course. I want to moved in Thailand and work. Very close to Philippines and accessible to my Children studying in the Philippines than here in Dubai. But hopefully I can find a job immediately as I am the only one supporting my Children for their studies and basic needs. Just sharing this to you guys since this is my first time to move.. to see..and to work in Thailand. Sharing second opinion please that I am making the right move and decision. Many thanks..GodBless!
You can work in Canada as an immigrant or temporary foreign worker. All workers must get a work permit. Getting a job in Canada is highly based on the work experience, education, and language.
I came to Canada as a temporary foreign worker then a permanent resident then a citizen in less than a decade.
Temporary foreign workers should focus on getting permanent residency as soon as they qualified because policy may change and fees may increase.
There a few that I know of who missed the chance of staying permanently in Canada because of procrastination.
The websites of Canada is full of updated information for those who wants to live and work in Canada. Do your own research first before looking for an agency because in some cases, you probably can do it on your own.
Wow i wish i could work in thailand. I went thailand many times with my bf. And the word i can say is Amazing! I love everything in Thailand..I love their Food, Places, Thai people and Shopping..my dream is to work in thailand someday! Wish me good luck!
Hi Jasmin,
I agree with you. Thailand has a lot to offer not only to tourists but also to foreigners working here.
I wish you all the luck in finding a job! Aja! =)
Ira
Hi Ira, would like to ask how did you get your work permit in thailand? Also, did you go through agency to find a work there or just go alone and apply walk-in? Thank you.
Hi Shang,
Yes, I do have a work permit in Thailand. It’s a must if you’re legally working here. I heard about agencies but I applied by myself.
Hi ira, is there a possible job for agriculture related graduate? I wish to work in thailand.
Hi Margie, I am not sure about agriculture graduates. I think it will be difficult if you don’t know their language.
No, it’s under the several prohibited jobs for foreigners under the 1979 Immigration Law of the Kingdom of Thailand. Agricultural related jobs are strictly prohibited to Foreigners.
hello IRA,
I am so glad that I came across your site. It’s straight forward and fun. Since you mentioned Cebu, I was just wondering, where in the Philippines are you from?
I just got back from a holiday in BKK in Anantara and I fell in love with Thailand. I am planning to look for a job there and I am on the process of job hunting.
I did learn a thing or two from your post and thank you for sharing!
Hi there!
Thanks for reading my blog. I am from Cebu. I mean, I studied and worked in Cebu. Are you Cebuano too? If you are, kanindot nalang =).
Thailand isn’t hard to love. I hope you enjoyed your holiday. Where else did you go? Did you visit the beach?
Good luck with your job hunting!
Hi Ira,
I would like to know if you have studied Thai language before working there. I am still planning if I would also work there in the future.
Also, would ESL online teaching count as an experience for applying there?
I’m looking forward to your response. Thank you and have a great day.
Hi Sweet,
Yes, I studied Thai language for 6 months, being an important way of communication with the locals who can’t speak English well.
I would say your ESL online will add points to your teaching background. So, you can include that to your resume.
Goodluck,
Ira
Hi Ira,
Can I look for job s and attend job interviews in Thailand with just a tourist visa and after getting hired to process my visa type if ever I get hired? Would it be difficult to find a job if I am an undergraduate (just missed my ojt subject)?
Hello Joy,
I just wanna say, you asked the good questions. =)
Applying for jobs in Thailand while on a tourist visa is certainly a possibility, as well as processing the visa after being employed. But please be aware that this route isn’t “legal” as “tourists” aren’t allowed to seek employment. There are heavy consequences if caught.
On a lighter question, it’s recommended when applying that you should have completed a 4-degree course for easy visa processing and better job offers. However, I want to share that I’ve met people who didn’t graduate from University but work in Thailand.
Hello Ira! Is finding a job for people in the STEM field (science, technology, engineering, and mechanics) considerably okay in Thailand? I’m considering moving to Thailand after two years of work experience (I currently have 10 months). I’m really interested about Thailand. I can even speak, write, and read in Thai.
สวัสดี Jake,
เป็นอย่างไรบ้าง (I hope it’s enough to test your Thai language skills. =) )
I’m not quite certain about people in the STEM field here in Thailand, to be honest. However, I met some Engineers before but they worked in provinces far from Bangkok.
Hi Ira,
I am a fresh grad from USC with a degree in Linguistics and I have plans of working in Thailand. How did you start? Did you study the language first for 6mos then looked for a job?
Hello Mary,
Thanks for your comment. I worked in a private company in my first year in Thailand. I got lucky because the owner of that company also owned a Thai Language School. Learning Thai was important for me in my early years here as I needed it to be able to communicate with my colleagues and basically just everyone in the country.
Hello Ira, thanks very much for this informative blog. I just want to ask if filipino’s aging from 45 and up have an opportunity to teach outhere. Granting they are four year course graduate regardless of the field of study, but fully equipped of experience like working in an International Company.
Thanks,
Hi,
Thank you for your comment.
I can’t really tell if age is an important factor in working here as a teacher. All I can say is when applying online, sometimes the qualification requirements include the age limit. However, I know a few Filipinos 40 years and over who work as teachers in some schools here.
I hope that answers your question po.
Hello Ira,
I am really glad that I was browsing on the internet and clicked your blog. I am an accounting graduate and would like to work in Thailand. Would you mind share to me how can I get there? I mean is it enough to buy ticket and once I get there I can apply jobs right away? Looking forward to hearing from you. Best regards.
Hi Mark,
There are online employment websites that you can check for job applications.
Good luck!
hello, I came across your blog, Thank you this is helpful.
I’m currently offered a job there in a international printing company. To be honest, kinakabahan ako, it;s my dream to also work and live (for a short while hindi naman po forever) experience and live a life PERO ito na po yung opportunity, they offer relocation assistance and all meju yung salary pwd mo kitain sa philippines with a senior position, btw 24 palang po ako. nalilito ako, they want me to start agad .. sabi ko po kasi mag rrender muna ako 1 month dito sa company ko which is btw german and malaki na sya, so stable na kung sa mga pamilyado na.
Hi Gerly,
I’m glad you found my blog helpful. Congratulations on the job offer!
I know this must be a very confusing time for you- making job decisions. Ugh! I’ve been in that situation too.
All I can advise is to take your time weighing different options. Nothing can really help you decide but yourself.
Finally, go with what you think will make you happy. =)
Best wishes,
Ira
Hi Ira, i really find this article so useful. I’m planning to move in and find work in Thailand this year, prolly this July. I’m a teacher by profession, but haven’t really practice the profession yet, since am working in a BPO company for years now. I would like to ask any tips from you on how i can land a job as a teacher. Also, what city is the best place to stay while job hunting. I am currently living here in Davao and YES bisaya sad ko:)
Hi Shenna,
You can either apply online through ajarn.com for teaching positions or take the big move of coming here. Then, once you’re in Thailand, you can apply in different schools. Related working experience is an advantage but not really a must for teachers here. I have always lived in Bangkok so I can’t speak for other cities or provinces. In Bangkok alone though, there are many schools needing English teachers so I’d say Bangkok is the best place.
*wala man ka nag-ingon dayon oe, nag-Bisaya nalang unta ko =)
Hello Ira,
Good day!
Came across your blog and I found it interesting. I am also from Cebu, so mag binisaya lang ko. 🙂
Before ka naka anha sa thailand na hire naka daan sa pinas paka? Ni agi paba kag POEA or ni diretso naka diha? And then diha na lng ka nag process formally e.g. work permit?
Actually naa koy offer to work in thailand pero ang prob kay dinalian kay tungod sa schedule and then ug mo agi pa kog POEA daghan pakayg mga agi.an proseso, malangay ta, ig mag bakasyon nalang ko mo process sa poea puhon kay arun with pay lol..bitaw seriously mao na akong plano.
Hopefully makahatag kag idea.
Hello,
Lahi akoa kay didto nako sa Thailand nakapangita work. So, wala ko ka-agi ug POEA na processing.
Ang company/school na ang nag-process sa akong visa didto, nag-ask lang sila sa akong credentials and documents.
So, dili ko kabalo unsa ang ma-advise about sa imo situation, unsay better option sa imoha. Usually sa akong mag naka-ila,
nag-process gid sila sa POEA, wait sa visa before jud sila nag-adto sa Thailand.
Hi! Joanna here:) I was scrolling and searching to find jobs in Thailand and suddenly your page brought me here. I have read your blog sounds pretty interesting and made me curious. I am currently here Dubai just recently ended my contract and now I’m planning to move in Thailand as a tourist. Now my question is, in your case how did you get your job did you got it in Philippines or you we’re in tourist visa? Would that be possible for me to apply holding a tourist visa? Isn’t it strict over the entire process in immigration before entering? Hope you answers my question it’ll be so much appreciated 🙂 thank you
Hi po! I was searching about Thailand and I saw your blog po. I been planning to work in Thailand this June pa actually, because I met a Thai local sa isang mobile game,hehe and he told me that if you graduated with degree you can have minimum salary there of 25,000 THB. I told it to my family and they like it also, tapos yung ate ko may friend sya dyan, so kinontact nya ito para tulungan ako. She is willing to help me naman, sabi nya sakin October daw po ang perfect month to apply,is it true po? Sabi nya din na ayusin ko muna mga requirements needed sa pagaaply which is CAV,Diploma and TOR na nakared ribbon and I’m almost done. Pero sabi nya pasok ko daw po is Tourist tyaka nya ako tulungan pagdating ko sa Thailand.
Then yung officemate ko,she also have a relative that is working there in Thailand for 3? or 5 years? i guess. So I ask my officemate if i can talk to her relative, luckly pumayag naman sya. She told me a lot of things, mga kalakaran “daw” po dyan. Like,some pinoy daw po na tumatanggap ng mababang offer kaya mahirap na makahanap ng work sa Thailand na may magandang offer. Also, sabi nya pag walang working permit at tourist visa pasok mo, pagnaexpired na yung visa kailngan mo lumipat ng bansa at bumlik uli sa Thailand, kung iisipin mo po sobra nyang hassle.. totoo po ba ito? Di naman po nya ako dinidiscourage pero siguro gusto nya ipaintindi sakin na mahirap po dyan ngayon sa Thailand.
At lastly, yung dati ko po kaofficemate, yung kapatid nya nagtry po magapply this August lang po. At bumalik po sya kasi di nya nga po nagustuhan ang offer. Pero madami po sya din inadvice sakin.
Despite of all the negativity, I’m still looking forward working there in Thailand. Actually your blog help me a lot, nkakagoodvibes sya.At ngayon po try ako mgapply online, goodluck to me.
Everything you said is true. =) There are pros and cons of working in Thailand just like in any other places naman. Siguro, if gusto mo lang talaga, despite sa struggles, kayanin mo naman. Tapos kung okay yung offer or work mo duon, mas maganda. I’m telling you, I started small din sa Thailand, small company lang with small pay and lots of work pero slowly in time, open lang ako sa mga better opportunities until naka-work ako sa may magandang offer and benefits. Ganyan lang man talaga ang trabaho and life in general,dba? =)
So, good luck sayo. Final advice ko lang is you try it, kung ayaw mo or mahirap, uwi ka nalang pero at least diba you tried. =) You’ll never know until anduon ka na. Pero pag-gusto mo naman, then you decide kung mag-stay ka para mag-save up or travel, depende sa goals mo in life.
Hi po, i am planning also to work in thailand,but my concern is my age.but regarding work experience madami npo,i came from dubai last 2016-2017 and qatar 2017-2018,nag work din ako doon. Wla po ba age discrimination po dyan?hindi po ba mahihirapan maghanap ng work pag medyo may edad na.nasa 40 na po ako.
possible po ba makahanap ng work sa thailand kahit di ka nakatapos ng college
Pwede naman,meron naman hindi nakatapos ng college na nagtatrabaho sa Thailand. Pero mas may advantage lang yung may degree.