I am often asked, and you can see the same questions on various forums, “Can I work in Udon Thani”, or “Where can I find a job in Udon Thani”. The simple answer is yes (but it is not easy to find a suitable job), and teaching English and I will explain why this is my answer every time....
Unlike Bangkok, Udon Thani has precious few factories, or anywhere anything is actually manufactured. This, in tandem with the immigration rules of Thailand does not leave a great deal of scope for the ferang to work in Udon Thani. For example, you cannot work in the construction industry, nor can you work in a shop, which are the two principle work opportunities in the region. There are about a further 20 job types where ferang are not permitted to undertake employment.
This really does only leave two options and they are to either start up your own business or to go in to teaching English. This article covers the teaching prospects in Udon Thani, of which there are 3 basic options.
In any event, if you are looking to make a nice living in Thailand, it is going to be tough. As an employee, it is not usually possible to make 40,000 a month, which is the funding, required to obtain a 1-year non immigrant O visa on the basis of marriage!
Unlike Bangkok, Udon Thani has precious few factories, or anywhere anything is actually manufactured. This, in tandem with the immigration rules of Thailand does not leave a great deal of scope for the ferang to work in Udon Thani. For example, you cannot work in the construction industry, nor can you work in a shop, which are the two principle work opportunities in the region. There are about a further 20 job types where ferang are not permitted to undertake employment.
This really does only leave two options and they are to either start up your own business or to go in to teaching English. This article covers the teaching prospects in Udon Thani, of which there are 3 basic options.
- Teach English at a government run school – It is possible to gain employment as an English teacher in a government school but opportunities are very limited (it would appear), and the pay is not especially attractive, with about 20,000 baht being at the higher end of the pay scale. You must have a degree (in any subject) to be considered.
- Teach English at a private school – Udon Thani has a number of private schools where employment opportunities do exist, and are better paid with30,000 baht being about average. You must have a degree (in any subject) to be considered.
- Start your own English School – In some respects, this can be the easiest option but there are some significant drawbacks. In order to do this, you need to have a business operating and as you cannot own more than 49% of a business, you need a Thai partner. Alternatively, if you have a Thai wife, and you trust her enough, she can open a business in her name only. However, if she employs you, by the law, you still need to jump through the various hoops to obtain a work permit. You could try and teach without any official paperwork completed, and you may ‘get away’ with it for a while but you do leave yourself wide open to repercussions from Thai immigration, should anyone choose to report you. On the plus side, you do not need a degree, as it’s your or your wife’s business, and you make up the rules.
In any event, if you are looking to make a nice living in Thailand, it is going to be tough. As an employee, it is not usually possible to make 40,000 a month, which is the funding, required to obtain a 1-year non immigrant O visa on the basis of marriage!