Tourism Jobs in Thailand

Travel and tourism jobs in Thailand are perfect for those seeking work abroad. Although teaching English is the most popular job, there are possible options outside of teacher life. Whether you go extreme as a scuba instructor or clean hostels in exchange for accommodation, expat jobs in Thailand come in a variety of industries. Remember to stay open minded, flexible, friendly, and embrace the experience. But first, location— Thailand has an abundance of landscapes for anyone seeking the tropics.

Bangkok. With over eight million people, this is a great location for those who love a busy city. Markets, food, temples, and nightlife will greet you at every street corner. You can work by day and stuff your face while shopping in Rot Fai by night. Also, Bangkok is affordable! Rent is almost 50% cheaper than large cities in the states. Bangkok offers big city living without the big city costs.

Chiang Mai. Not so keen on the busy city life? Head north to Chiang Mai, an outdoorsy heaven and home of Khao Soi. Chiang Mai has an even lower cost of living than Bangkok. There are lush backdrops of rolling hills and 300 plus temples to explore in your free time. Aside from Thailand tourism jobs you can start up your own biz and connect with the digital nomads from around the world who are addicted to this city.  

Phuket. Grab your sandals and swimsuit and head south to the islands. Work in Phuket, the main hub, or explore beyond toward Koh Samui, Phi Phi, or the Simian Islands. Whether you instruct yoga on the beach or work at a bar, you will be able to live off of very little. All the while you will have plenty of time to check off your book list, learn Muay Thai, or just relax and watch the sunset.

Cost of living + expected salary. Although you likely won’t be making the size of a western paycheck, tourism jobs in Thailand will provide a living wage. You can expect to make enough to get by, but don’t count on saving a ton. An average salary in Bangkok is about 25,000 Baht (just under $1,000). With that said, the cost of living is cheap! Daily expenses such as meals will be about $2 while transportation is $1. As a general rule while traveling, it is good to have an emergency savings. If worried about funds, check out FundMyTravel to grab some cash before you head overseas.

Accommodations. Renting an apartment is the best type of long term accommodation. Rent is usually month to month and apartments tend to come furnished. Bangkok will be more expensive with the low end rent ranging from $400-$600 per month while other areas around Thailand can be half the price! If you are iffy about settling for an apartment, you can stay in hostels for a few bucks a night until you find what is right for you. In Thailand, it is common to find accommodation after arrival so that you can “shop” for the right place and see it in person before committing. 

Visas. To stay in Thailand more than thirty days, you will need to get a tourist visa which can extend to both 60 or 90 days. This is useful if you plan to to hunt for expat jobs in Thailand. Once hired, you will need to get a work visa as it is illegal to work on a tourist visa alone. If you find tourism jobs in Thailand before take off, make sure your employer provides the work visa. Check the GoAbroad embassy directory for more information on proper visa procedures. 

Safety. Thailand is known to be an overall safe country. Just like anywhere you travel, be aware of your surroundings. The main issue you will need to watch for is petty theft such as tuk tuk or taxi scams and pickpockets. Since you will be an expat pro while working abroad, you will find ways to not get scammed and know how to avoid sticky situations. When renting an apartment, try to avoid the ground level, don’t leave valuables out in the open, and lock your bags if you are staying in a hostel. Keep in mind that good and bad happen everywhere! It’s about how you decide to handle situations when traveling to new countries.

Travel and tourism jobs in Thailand will change your world. Whether you are cleaning up elephant poop or working in customer service at a front desk hotel, you will be constantly meeting people and learning something new each day. It’s easy to just get a “normal” job at home and fall into routine. But if you have the chance to grab expat jobs in Thailand, take it! With the low cost of living, you can learn to live simply. Enjoy the slow paced life of Thailand while working abroad. 

Thailand has everything! Want to hike? Yes! Lounge on a beach? Check. Shop in a huge city? Done. Eat burgers? Well, don’t do that, go for the local food, but it’s still a possibility! You will also have access to all of SE Asia just next door. Although you are diving into a completely new culture, you can still get everything you need. Make sure to remember to befriend the locals, indulge in homestays, and eat loads of street food. You’ll find that living in Thailand will be easier than you imagined.

No matter your professional background, Thailand tourism jobs will give you a unique experience that you can carry with you for life. Working abroad, in general, teaches you patience, customer service, and a set of diverse skills. Thailand offers the friendliness, tropical weather, and is in the heart of SE Asia, so you can keep exploring. Working tourism jobs in Thailand and you will be able to conquer anything. 

If you’re ready to apply for jobs in the land of smiles, check more info on working abroad in Thailand!