Moving to Thailand from South Africa

Hello. I might be able to give some guidance and some strong advice here. Firstly, great idea in getting a TEFL certificate. Im an English teacher here in Thailand working in government high schools up and down the country. There are many placements here in Thailand for English teachers new and experienced. Thailand now recognise the importance of having quality foreign teachers here to teach English and are now focused on improving the standard.  You can get more information from my new group on Facebook. Teach in Thailand. I recommend you check that out as it has information on recruitment, government schools, teacher members and covers all working legal issues for the teacher.

Investing here. It can go very good or it can go very bad. Do your due diligence and leave no stone unturned. I have heard of many restaurants opening and then suddenly closing due to the sudden lack of customers and its simply because a new establishment opens in the next Soi. It's very very competitive here. Don't forget that there is great food to be had here of the thousands of street sellers and costs hardly anything. It's a saturated market in most places to have a restaurant. Beware.

All the best

Seems like a lot of steps in such a short time.

I'd be very cautious in regards to investment in any business and a business requiring investment that is doing very well is not so much heard of anywhere unless of course it was to develop exponentially like a franchise.

Tefl idea sounds good, it provides a steady income, a work permit and to those that enjoy teaching, reward.

Establishing yourself here in any way is not easy, perhaps it would be better to take one step at a time.

Thanks guys!

By the way, I know of a mover in Chiang Mai. He's an Aussie who I believe had this business in Australia and is now doing it in Chiang Mai Thailand. I believe he's been here for something like 7 or 10 years. It's called Siam Move-Management Service, on line of course. His prices might be Farang Thai or Thai Farang but he is experienced and seems to have a satisfied clientele. I don't work with him or get any commissions for referrals. I'm simply passing along the information. You can use it as a referent point. Since he speaks English he more completely understands what you are saying. (I can't count the times a Thai says they understand and then demonstrate that they do not.)