Working in Bangkok

Working in Bangkok can lead to a life of luxury for those that have organised jobs before moving to Bangkok, but for those arranging upon arrival – the job search can be difficult and often results in positions with less pay.

Bangkok has always relied on strong foreign investment to buoy its relatively stable economy. A political environment marked by sporadic uprising and revolt has repeatedly scared off and then beckoned back foreign business and its employees. Yet many international companies have made their home in Bangkok, and many more have located branches in the city to take advantage of Thailand's economic centre. The financial sector is the largest industry in Bangkok, but expats come searching for jobs in a variety of fields – including, teaching English, working for export/import companies, management and manufacturing.

In general, well paid expat positions are given to employees hired from overseas or who have been relocated to Bangkok within their company. Expats hired from within Bangkok have a much lower salary. Often relocation packages include help with accommodation and sometimes luxuries like a car and driver. Thai businesses will be familiar with western style etiquette and handshakes often replace the traditional greeting of a wai (palms pressed together).