The tropical island of Phuket is very popular among foreigners who are looking to integrate Thai culture and the beach into their everyday lives. As an expat, you will need to follow the same visa regulations and procedures as you would elsewhere in the country, even though the laidback vibe of Phuket is quite different compared to cities such as Bangkok. If you want to find a job in Phuket, you will need to be able to offer skills that aren't available locally.
Types of jobs available in Phuket
Phuket is more than just a tourist destination. It's also where thousands of expats go to find work each year. Below is a list of popular jobs available to non-Thais on the island.
Teaching
Teaching English is one way to earn an income in Phuket, as long as you have a degree and at least a TEFL or CELTA. Pay is quite low in this field if you work at government schools, but it does increase at international schools. Generally, you have to work around 20 classroom hours per week, so you will have plenty of time to cruise around the island on your motorbike and soak up the sun on the beach. Offering private tutoring is also a great way to earn extra income. If you have a lot of teaching experience and hold a teaching degree, you'll increase your chances of landing a job at one of the international schools in Phuket. They are likely to pay more than what you'd receive in a government school or language center.
IT
If you want to find a better-paying job, then you will need to be able to offer skills and experience that are difficult to find locally. Phuket is rapidly developing and has become a key tourist hub in the country. Consequently, there are a growing number of businesses operating on the island, and various skills, such as computer programming, are now in higher demand. The tourism industry is also burgeoning, and many foreigners find work in this sector. Your wage may still be a lot less than it would be in your home country, but the cost of living in Phuket is likely also to be considerably lower. Lying on the beach with friends doesn't cost a penny.
Scuba diving instructor
If you love scuba diving and already have your PADI qualification, you could further your underwater education by training to become a diving instructor when you are in Phuket. Instructors earn enough to get by, and accommodation and food are sometimes included. Instructors may make around THB 40,000 to THB 60,000 per month.
Real estate managers
As a result of all the condominiums being built in Phuket, there are an increasing number of openings for foreigners in the real estate market. Companies like CBRE and Absolute consider hiring foreigners, especially those with multiple language skills, to sell timeshares and manage developments. Depending on qualifications and experience, jobs in this field can range from riding around the island on a motorbike trying to recruit potential purchasers to business development and operational management positions.
Hotel and bar manager
In Phuket, there are many hotels that need English-speaking staff. If you have hotel management experience, it's better to contact high-end and five-star hotels, as they pay well and offer other perks.
Job-hunting in Phuket
If you are already in Phuket, it's worth looking through the job section of the island's English-language website, The Phuket News, for vacancies. It is published every week and will save you from sifting through the national newspapers for jobs that are likely to be based in Bangkok.
Job websites like JobTopGun, JobBKK, and JobsDB are also worth browsing. To stay up-to-date with opportunities, it's also a good idea to follow Facebook pages like Jobs Phuket Search.
If you would rather have face-to-face contact during your search, contact a recruitment agency or get to know the foreigners running hotels, bars, or restaurants on the island to see if they have any positions available or any advice to share.
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