A working break – Spotlight on Thailand

Business Practice tips

Etiquette is an important consideration in every culture. The Thais like to greet everyone with a smile and expect formal dress and respectful conversation in all business transactions. The religious holidays are similar to English bank holidays, and are colloquially known as ‘Buddha days’. Little work is done, and it is expected that nobody jumps red lights, rides a motorcycle without a helmet, or speeds for the whole day – quite a contrast to the usually hectic pace of life in the cities.

Types of Employment

Teaching English is by far the most common type of employment and there are plenty of vacancies. No teaching qualifications are required and nor is any knowledge of the Thai language. If you are fluent in English you will get by in the major cities without trouble, but will probably learn to order delicious food like ‘Pad Thai’ in no time. Thai schools are much more formal than English ones and the most important qualities a teacher needs are empathy and imagination. An average salary is 20,000 TBt per month (about £400), which is more than enough to rent a fully furnished flat and eat out every night if you so wish. There are a wide variety of other jobs from financial sales to acting in adverts (see related links), but these tend to be occasional or commission based. Bar work or promotional jobs are normally poorly and sometimes erratically paid, and we would advise against intending to fund yourself in this manor.

Getting there and around

Bangkok and Chiang Mai are the major centers for work and can be flown to direct for around £500. Once there, Tuk-Tuks are cheaper than taxis and faster than buses. These three wheeled open sided machines are exhilarating (unless you are nervous in the hectic traffic) and cost around 50 TBt (£1) for a half hour ride, although it is usually advisable to negotiate the price before beginning the journey. If you do wish to hire a car we would recommend that you arrange to do so through a reputable worldwide firm on the internet before traveling.

When to go

The dry season is November to February – the best months to get out of the UK. However Thailand is a wonderful destination all year round as it is still warm during the monsoons, only raining for an hour or two in the afternoon and drying up soon afterwards.