Thailand is a beautiful country in Southeast Asia with tons of aesthetic sceneries, amazing people, and a thriving economy. Due to the appeal of this country, it doesn’t come as a surprise that lots of foreigners are looking for opportunities to come into Thailand to work.
However, there is always a challenge with knowing the Thai language. So, can you work in Thailand without knowing the Thai language? Yes, you can work in Thailand without knowing a single word of the Thai language. The authority of the country issues visas and work permits to foreigners that don’t know the Thai language. In fact, there are numerous individuals from English and non-English speaking countries that are currently working in Thailand without speaking or understanding the Thai language. Additionally, some Thai citizens speak some degree of English language; hence, you can communicate with such people.
Can you work in Thailand without knowing the Thai language?
However, getting a job in Thailand without knowing the Thai language is not as simple as it may sound. Basically, most jobs will be more targeted at individuals that speak the Thai language. Hence, you may struggle to find any well-paying job in Thailand if you don’t speak the native language.
What kind of job can you find in Thailand without speaking the Thai language?
If you want to work in Thailand without speaking the Thai language, you have a limited opportunity to find a job. Factually, you will hardly be employed in any role that requires you to deal with Thai people as many natives don’t speak English or any other foreign.
Nevertheless, you can find the following job without speaking the Thai language:
- Teaching job
Of course, this is the most common option that you have if you don’t speak the Thai language. Fortunately, numerous teaching opportunities are available in the country, especially if you understand the English language. This is because lots of Thailand’s citizens are interested in learning foreign languages like English; hence, you will likely find a job everywhere. Besides, the teaching environment in most language schools is conducive for the teachers.
Unfortunately, English-teaching jobs don’t pay much in Thailand. You will likely make enough to take care of your day-to-day living expenses in Thailand, but nothing more than that.
Nonetheless, you can work with a language school and combine it with private language lessons. It is also possible to work in a state-run school as well as a language school. While this may require you to do a lot of work, it may be worth it in the long run.
It is important to note that you cannot teach in Thailand without getting a TEFL certificate. You may even need to submit this certificate before getting your visa and work permit.
- Multinational companies
Thailand is one of the industrial hubs of SE Asia. So, it is not strange that several multinational companies are found in the country. As expected, lots of these multinational organizations have numerous foreign workers that only speak English without any understanding of the Thai language. There are also many Japanese companies with Japanese-speaking staff.
Therefore, you can work seamlessly in a multinational company without knowing the Thai language. In fact, the Thai language will not be one of the requirements to get a job in any of these companies. Luckily, working with most multinational companies in Thailand will pay you lots of money.
So, you may want to start looking for jobs with multinational companies on LinkedIn and other online job boards now.
- The hospitality industry
Since Thailand is a tourist destination for many westerners, its hospitality industry is booming. So, if you have the right skillsets to work in this industry, you can find a job there without speaking the Thai language. Some of the professions for foreigners include guest relations staff, musicians, chefs, etc. Most of these roles don’t require you to communicate with natives. Hence, your lack of understanding of the Thai language cannot hinder you.
- Owning a business
If you are an entrepreneur, you can work in Thai without understanding the Thai language. For example, you can conveniently open and operate a restaurant in Bangkok without speaking the native language. While operating your business, you may not have to communicate directly with any local as your staff can do so.
In addition, you can operate marketing consultancy, good exportation, and lots more without knowing the Thai language. However, you must understand that the competition for most of these businesses is high. So, you must be ready to offer amazing services and products.
- Working as a freelancer
Are you a travel blogger or graphic designer? Do you work as an e-commerce expert or a nomadic freelancer? If yes, you can work from anywhere around the world, and Thailand is not an exception. Factually, you don’t need to know the Thai language as long you have the right skillsets.
Notably, various online marketplaces make it easier for you to get a job from any part of the world. Some of the online marketplaces include Upwork.com, Fiverr.com, and Indeed.com. Therefore, you may want to look for suitable jobs on these sites as you work in Thailand without knowing the Thai language.
Having mentioned these selected jobs, there are more jobs you can never do in Thailand if you don’t understand the native language. This shows that your employment options are limited if you want to work in Thailand without understanding the Thai language. Besides, your day-to-day living may be somewhat difficult as you will struggle to use the transportation system, get food, visit restaurants, etc. if you don’t speak the Thai language.
Therefore, if you want to work and live in Thailand and enjoy your stay, you are advised to learn the Thai language. Even if you only learn the language for basic survival skills, it will make a big difference in your experience of the country.
Conclusion
Again, it is possible to work in Thailand without knowing the Thai language. However, you will enjoy the country and your work more if you can learn the Thai language.
