Thailand forum

I hate it when people don't put a proper title on their postings..........

In short in Thailand you haven't got a chance unless you have a business or get a job that no Thai can do or are a teacher.

okay good info, thanks for your help exacto

www.ajarn.com is a good starting point for queries like this.

English teaching is the most common job people tend to fall into (assuming they can't find anything better) as the job criteria is often ridiculously low (as is the pay). As exacto says, dive work is another one (though obviously you need to know how to dive). Other stuff like bar work, working in a guesthouse etc, are much less frequent -- mostly because the work is SO badly paid.

Also as KW points out, work in Thailand requires the correct visa, though in many many cases people work without one, often for years and years -- one close friend in Bkk has been working for a multinational firm for the last nine years illegally - he's yet to have a problem, though if he was to be caught I wouldn't want to be in his shoes.

Overall I'd say if you're looking at picking up casual work along the way to prolong your travels, outside of English teaching, you may not have too much luck -- much better off to cash up in your home country and just travel!

Also, like Somtam says, since Thailand is still a relatively inexpensive place to travel (and there is so much fun stuff to do to fill your days on holiday), you might just be better off saving up your money in your home country instead. If you are really itching for that overseas work adventure, depending on where you are from and how old you are, Australia and New Zealand may be a good option to pick up some casual work while and holiday and save a bit extra for your trip to SEA. The last time I was in Australia and New Zealand, I met quite a few young Europeans and North Americans who were working their way around doing seasonal agro stuff and from they told me were even managing to save a few dollars. It isn't glamorous work, but they seemed to like it okay. There is a whole circuit for this type of thing and best to get good info before you start working since not all jobs are equal and some employers do try to take advantage.

By the way, there are TEFL programs in Thailand, if you really feel the need for a working holiday and are looking to get that TEFL certificate. The program I've researched holds classes in places like Chiang Mai, Ban Phe (mainland area across from Ko Samet) and elsewhere. Worth a look anyway. Regards.

Whether its paid or not...you still require a work permit in Thailand.