I just graduated with a B.A. in Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley and will be moving to Bangkok, Thailand with my husband, who is being transferred by his company. What are the opportunities in Bangkok for someone in my field? How do I get the appropriate work permit? I would love to learn more about tropical architecture and methods of construction. And how are female architects seen there? Thanks for any help you might give me on this topic!
2006-10-23 18:55:43 · 4 answers · asked by gnogni 2 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Thailand
You need a licence for being an architect here. I have seen some western architects here but mostly just conslutant i think. You can get a work permit once you are hired by a legal firm here and most likely they should provide you with work permit stuff.
Not many female architects here to be honest, likely to be a job for men... but im sure you probably can get in some touches with people here for job opportunity.
2006-10-23 22:53:52 · answer #1 · answered by enslavergirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many foreigners who are building here and there is a boom amongst small developers in resort areas. You might be best advised to try and find some work independently amongst foreigners, but be aware of the many difficulties of working with Thai laborers - there are many cultural differences that you should be aware of first.
We had a good builder who wanted to please us - and so, he said yes to everything... it would have been impolite to say otherwise.. And workers do not always have a scope on Western concepts. When I showed-up at the house, they were putting screens on the interior doors, from the bedroom to the hallway as opposed to the exterior doors.. - You know, stuff that might confound most.. - The electrical wiring is on the exterior of the wall - I requested interior - they put it exterior - when I mentioned the oversight, they explained that "upcountry" the electricians are not very good and so it will be easier when there is a problem..
You need to be easy going here and accept certain things - - well, I can go on all day - - but hope this helps
2006-10-24 09:35:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are certain professions in Thailand which are restricted for foreigners, and architectural work is one of these categories. Legally this means that you cannot get a work permit to work as an architect as a foreigner in Thailand. In reality it means that if a company wants you badly enough, they will find a way around that problem by calling you a manager or something like that.
It is only your employing company that have to power to apply for your work permit - it is not something you can do in advance of getting employment.
That said, good luck and I hope you can sort something out.
2006-10-25 01:25:15 · answer #3 · answered by Andrew 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to tell you that you have not much chnace here to get a job. I live in Thailand for 2 years now as my husband (like yours) was trabsfered here. If you are not Thai or have a transfer place there is no chance to get a job here. And you are a woman. Thai people don't like to give people tp other countries and have no respect for women. Sorry!!!!
2006-10-25 00:49:06 · answer #4 · answered by sand 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋