Alec Peeples taught himself web design and now works for a production studio in Bangkok. His route in shows how foreign developers get hired in Thailand, what they earn, and where freelancing stands now that the DTV exists.
The following post is a chapter from our book, Working in Thailand: How to Ditch the Desk, Board the Flight, and Land the Job, written by Patrick Taylor and Karsten Aichholz.
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Our premium subscribers get access to this book for free, including interviews with people in seventeen professions. They shared what they did to successfully get a job here, the requirements, and what to expect.
Key Takeaways
- Web development is one of the more realistic ways into working in Thailand, and most of the skills can be self-taught.
- Real experience and a portfolio count for more than a tech degree, and Alec got hired with a degree in music.
- Speaking Thai helps.
- Many developer jobs come through personal contacts, so networking matters as much as job boards.
- Alec sees THB60,000 a month as a common starting salary, with the people he knows earning anywhere from THB50,000 to THB200,000.
- Freelancing for Thai clients still needs a work permit, but the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) now covers remote work for employers and clients outside Thailand.
- A job with a Thai company means set hours and less say over your projects, in exchange for a steady salary and a work permit.
The Web Developer
Unless otherwise noted, all quotes by Alec Peeples, web developer.
Web development is an increasingly common career pursuit for those keen to work in Thailand.
It requires skills that can be, for the most part, self-taught—all that’s required is a laptop, an internet connection, a few tutorials and dedication.
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