Finding a dive job in Thailand

[blueflipper]

I have been part of an internship in Thailand to become a OW Instructor.

I would love to stay in Thailand for a bit longer, but obviously need to move on and find a job.

Problem is that I have heard that it is completely impossible to obtain a work permit here, which I completely understand as the Thai people preserve their jobs for the Thai people.

Some people say that there are dive operators out there that basically offer you a chance to do your MSDT etc. in exchange for work, but with some commission earning potential on the side etc.

I am worried about these sort of deals as nothing seems to be on a contract etc.

What can I do if I would like to work in Thailand for say about six months to a year???

Is there any employers looking for Dive Master and Instructors???

Thanks

Blueflipper

 

[namabiru]

Hmmm... you know, we're thinking along the same track right now in terms of employment, but I'm one step down as I haven't gotten the certifications yet.

Actually, you may look at this site: http://www.learn-in-asia.com. It's for Mermaids in Phuket. It's just that in the FAQ they answer this. In Thailand, it's apparantly illegal to offer a course in exchange for work, as it's deemed illegal employment, so you may come up against a brick wall.

Does your particular OW internship LDS have any contacts in Thailand they can hook you up with? Or would your shop in particular hire you?

 

[blueflipper]

Thanks for the reply, but you will not believe this. I am currently actually sitting right infront of Mermaids. A.K.A Learn in Asia.

They don't hire people on a permanent basis as they have so many interns going through the programs and Intructors doing MSDT's that they don't require anyone else.

I will speak to them to see if they have any contacts on any of the surrounding islands etc. but I must say in the time that I have been here you see very little jobs in Thailand because of the whole work permit issue.

We have a notice board here with many jobs, but none in Thailand.

Even if they did hire people, I would still prefer to go to another part of Thailand like Phuket, Krabi etc. as the diving is much better there and also just to see as much of Thailand as possible.

Good luck with your certifications and the upcoming Grad School countdown.

 

[Ex-Aquanaut]

Bluefiipper,

Sorry to hear you are having problems finding work. From what I read on the Learn-in-Asia site, I thought they had some a job placement service?

Here at Aquanauts, 100% of our interns who wanted work are now working in the industry. And we offer the kind of advice and counseling you are asking about. I'll give you some info here, but come down to Soi 6 and talk to us and we can give you some more assistance.

Basically, you cannot work LEGALLY in Thailand without a work permit. But work permits are definately NOT "impossible" to get. It's simply a matter of MONEY. You need to set up your own company and then you obtain a work permit through that company. Reputable laywers and accountants will do this for about 70,000 baht.

The alternative is to find work in Phuket, which has a pilot program available where work permits can be had for a couple thousand baht a month, but are only good in the Phuket area. With it you can freelance at any Phuket shop.

Good luck in your endeavors,

 

[The Chad]

I co-teach a class tommarow the other inst. did all his stuff in Thailand last year. I'll pick his brain for you and let you know if he has anything good to sugguesst

 

[stephhhhh]

Did you try http://www.diversjobs.com/

Or did you go to Koh Phi Phi, I remember all of the dive centers were run by western people. You also have Koh Tao which is well known for diving!

good luck

 

[String]

To stand a MUCH higher chance of employment there or elsewhere, you need to learn a 2nd language. German is always useful.

 

[stephhhhh]

True! Germans are EVERYWHERE in the dive industry!

 

[The Chad]

Checked w/ the other inst. today and alrady forgot the name of the place he did is owsi, dm at...wanna say it was paridise or dream something. Anyways said it was owned by an American guy. He said it was hard to get a job as they hold out for Thai ppl. Someone mentioned in an eariler post about getting an atty. forming a corp with a Thai person and then getting into it. As far trading classes for housing and class for work he said they do that but its an under he table kinda thing. Wish I could help you more if you want me to ask him any more specific questions let me know and I'll see what I can do.

 

[blueflipper]

Thanks everyone for all the info.

It has been very helpfull and I have in the mean time gotten into contact with a few people who have first hand experience through this site.

Please continue with suggestions.

Regards