Readinglamp:

Hello, I just came across your thread. I have plans of going to Thailand.

I'm thinking of going through work. TEFL route. As someone who has been in the country. What advices Can you offer me? I'm thinking of reaching out to a TEFL school in Thailand (SEE TEFL). But I want to get necessary info from people there first.

You are already on the right track (you need not check in with anyone). I can only tell you determination and focus goes a long way, I believe life is all about taking risks in Hopes that things work out. However, teaching job is not a guaranteed thing these days especially for Nigerian passport holders, so be ready to list your plans from A-Z. Best of luck.

Loveworld04:
please I'll like us to relate because I'm planning on coming to Thailand pls I need your guidelines on how to go about it

Hello there, sorry for the late response. It will be helpful to state exactly why you would like to travel to Thailand e.g for tourism, study, etc. My posts are mainly to share my experiences so far in the country, I'm in no way an agent, as I wouldn't even know the first thing it takes to leave Nigeria these days. But I will refer you to the Nigeria Thai embassy website which is pretty straightforward.

Friday trip. Fossils belonging to sauropods from 120 million years ago.

Clear waters today.... Have a blessed week house

Devvagreen:

Great!
Thank you for the thread.
We plan to go for a conference in Thailand in May '24.

Wanted to find about current flight costs, etc.
Thank you very much for your help.

The cost changes with time but May is one of the high season period. I will advise you fly Qatar airways, the most seamless travel experience I have ever had. You can send DM for travel info and dates

Being a while, how is everyone doing? Some photos from my last trip of the month in preparation for the water festival next month.

9jaWarrior:

Better countries like??

You know like the ones that offer better work opportunities than English teaching. And easier to adapt to. But eh what do I know?

NaijaVietnamese:
Now I understand why some people often get pissed off and abandon threads they opened to pass vital information. I might still go that route so that these ones shouting agent will rest.

You are allowed to promote Asia and its culture but only very few Nigerians or any other African make it legitimately in Asia. I have lived in Asia for most of my Adult life and have visited Vietnam multiple times but not in a million years is it better than any western country in terms of opportunity. It's a personal choice to live in Asia but don't get it twisted there are better countries for those who don't have the luxury of spending money without reasonable income in a country where you stick out like a thumb. Asian countries are barely stepping stones to better countries for those who know.

hmmmm!!! those with no means to support themselves shouldn't go this route at all. Asia is not for the weak, as I always tell people asking me to help for Visa every time. If you don't plan to Japa to better country after Asia, you go learn.

johnywhyte:
Hey Man, Saw your post on Thailand since 2013. Are you still in thailand? is there a way to message you directly? I just got an oppurtunity and I would like to talk to you about it.

Hello, yes I still am. Check the email I pasted earlier to reach out.

.

For those who have reached out to me about Tourism in Thailand..... this should be a good read

Passport and Visa: Ensure your Nigerian passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Thailand. Apply for a tourist visa at the Royal Thai Embassy or consulate in Nigeria before your departure.

Flight and Accommodation: Book your flights and accommodation in advance to secure the best deals. Consider staying in reputable hotels or guesthouses that cater to international travelers.

Currency and Money Matters: The local currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). It's advisable to carry a mix of cash and credit/debit cards. You can exchange Nigerian Naira for Thai Baht at local banks or authorized currency exchange centers.

T[b]ransportation:[/b] Thailand has an extensive transportation system, including taxis, tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis, buses, and trains. Bangkok, the capital city, also has a reliable subway and Skytrain system. Research the transportation options in the cities you plan to visit to make getting around easier.

[b]Language: [/b]Thai is the official language in Thailand. While English is spoken in tourist areas, it's helpful to learn a few basic Thai phrases or carry a translation app to communicate with locals.

[b]Local Customs and Etiquette: [/b]Familiarize yourself with Thai customs and etiquette. The Thai people are known for their politeness and respect for others. Remove your shoes when entering temples or someone's home, dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and be mindful of your behavior in public.

[b]Health and Safety: [/b]Prioritize your health and safety while traveling. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses. Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially in rural areas. Follow local laws and regulations, and be cautious of scams or tourist traps.

Cultural Sensitivity: [/b]Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country, and religious respect is important. When visiting temples, dress modestly, remove hats, and be mindful of your behavior. Avoid public displays of affection, as it is considered inappropriate.

[b]Local Cuisine: [/b]Thailand is renowned for its delicious cuisine. Explore local street food markets and try traditional dishes, but be cautious of food hygiene. Stick to eateries with good hygiene practices, and drink bottled water to avoid stomach issues.

[b]Tourist Destinations: [/b]Thailand offers a variety of attractions, from bustling cities to pristine beaches and cultural sites. Popular destinations include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, and Ayutthaya. Research and plan your itinerary based on your interests.

[b]COVID-19 Considerations: Stay updated on the latest COVID-19 travel restrictions and guidelines for Thailand. Check the official websites of the Thai government and the Nigerian Embassy in Thailand for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Remember to stay respectful, open-minded, and flexible during your trip. Thailand is a vibrant and diverse country with a rich culture and warm hospitality. Enjoy your journey and have a wonderful time exploring this beautiful destination!

Princecalm:
what are the job opportunities for someone with an engineering background?

DM

cutieme:

Ok,drop me your email address pls

k- i - l- l- e- r- r- a- y- @- p- r- o- t- o -n- m- a- i- l- .- c-o-m-

cutieme:

Welcome back bro,pls I want to link on how to go about applying for Thailand visa and teaching job over there,thanks.

The best way I know so far is to be on ground to be able to land interviews. You can apply for a tourist visa and within 3 months you should be able to find something. You can send a mail for more detailed explanation.

After almost 3 years off due to work, I'm back on this platform. Feel free to make enquiries. Apologies to the ones I couldn't respond to during my time off.

Joohan:


OP, coming in with visit visa and look for job? Does countries still issue visit visas to Nigerians and what if the visa expires before getting a job.

Can't I just apply for a work visa to avoid story that touch. Secondly, There's this stigma of tagging Nigerians as criminals in Asian countries. Hope that is not rampant over there?

Secondly, I searched for the Thai Embassy, but I don't think it's still in operation. Do they have embassies here in West Africa?

I have seen people do that. But the surest option is the education route (I can't stress it enough: make sure you can support yourself for a while). Applying directly for a work visa would imply you have been offered a job (and as I have stated rarely happens to foreigners outside of Thailand). Unless Buhari decides to demolish the building tomorrow, the Thai embassy is still very much in Abuja (infact other west Africans come there to apply). Like I stated from the beginning of this forum, I just want to make this about my experience not about visa application and requirements.

The downside to living in Thailand is that my favorite pastime (Football matches) come up very late into the night but at least that gives you an excuse to go to the bar and enjoy a good time while watching football games.
As long as you are not involved in any illegal and shady business, you have no reason to be fearful of the police. Majority of my encounters with the police have been very pleasant (key is to respect yourself). I would wake up like 2am pop into the nearest 7/11 to buy myself a few snacks, if I like I could work out in the gym at that time as there are way less people in the gym, overall you can move at anytime without getting harassed or hassled by anyone.
Reputation of course precedes Nigerians wherever we go, so don't be surprised if a few folks make negative assumptions about you, cos if I no go lie anyone here guys don misbehave well well for this place. Thankfully many of our people are proving those negative stereotypes wrong.

Cityboyy:
How can I get information about Thailand student visa? Pls can someone refer me to a thread or link? Are the courses in English?

I have provided some schooling options in a previous comment, the best research is the one you can do yourself with information available on the sites of these schools and also on the Thai embassy website. All courses for international students are offered in English.

Joohan:



I have a degree and a an English teaching certificate (TESOL). Am I going to apply for a work visa or visiting visa. What should be my budget when I'm ready to come over. Thanks for the prompt response

I would say you are at an advantage when it comes to teaching jobs here but getting employment here while currently residing in Nigeria is extremely rare. I would suggest you apply for a visiting visa and look for opportunities here within the 3 months period, but you should have a mind of steel and that naija spirit.

As for budget it might be on the costly side of things given our economy in Nigeria but around 350k for flight, due to the Covid 19 pandemic you might have to self quarantine in a hotel for a period of 14 days ( that's an additional expenses), as regards apartment,you will have to sort yourself out on that, expect to spend nothing less than 50k a month. So all in all, I will say prepare anything up to 2 million naira in hand

Joohan:




For the teaching jobs, do you know the requirements and how much they pay per hr/week.

Many schools will require a teaching certificate (but that also means your pay will be higher), but you can easily get jobs in some places with little to no experience teaching as long as you are able to show them what you can offer.

As for the pay it really depends on factors such as experience, qualifications, abilities, hardwork, kind of school.... But as a novice you can expect to start with something around 25,000 baht monthly (270000 naira). After sometime you can expect to earn up to 35000 to 40000 baht monthly (370000 to 420000 naira). Some good paying schools go from 50k baht to 70k baht ( but that's mostly for people considered native speakers of English). But pay overall depends on your ability to negotiate, if you are too eager to accept any offer you might end up being short changed.

More pics on the road..

For the foodies here,

Venquire:


Spot on. You hit the nail on the head. Thanks.

Are you very fluent in Thai?

What cultural shock did you experience?

What's the standard of living like?

Job opportunities et al

I have learnt enough Thai to get by on a day to day basis. People here love when you take the effort to learn their language, it makes life a lot easier for you. I would say I'm about a year away from fluency.

Biggest cultural shock will be the ladyboy phenomenon (basically transexuals), coming from Nigeria that was a complete shock to me that there were a lot of them around here. But then again they are accepted by the society and everyone just try to get along without judging each other.

The standard of living is pretty decent, here you don't have to go to the extreme to live comfortably coupled with a low cost of living.
I usually suggest if you are going to live comfortably you will need to rent a room in a condominium as opposed to regular apartments( trust me this is the safest choice for Nigerians as it's offers privacy and security). An average condominium will cost up to 8500 baht monthly (around 90,000 naira) included with internet (unlimited) and electricity bills. If you are a student you have the option of living on campus at a very low cost but you will probably have to share space with a roommate.

Feeding for a single man who can cook well and occasionally eat outside shouldn't be more than 25,000 naira monthly... Infact food here is the cheapest I have seen in the world.
Things like transportation are relatively cheap if you know how to navigate around town with the sky train, underground train,meter taxis, and buses.

The major job opportunity as a Nigerian will be teaching jobs. Many Nigerians are into buying of different goods at a cheaper price in Thailand and selling it anywhere in the world. If you have professional experience, you might be lucky to be employed by multinational companies stationed in Thailand. And lest I forget, athletes are highly respected here, so if you are good at any sport chances are you are two times better than any local option available in the sport.

Bangkok sky train... probably the most efficient way to get around town

Venquire:
Nice thread.


What year did you go to Thailand?

How do the locals receive immigrants?

What are the universities one could possibly apply to?

I got here 2013
Actually my first experience interacting with the locals was on the very first day I got there when a young lady came up to me asking if I spoke Thai then proceeded to ask for a selfie.
Many are very open minded to black folks while some due to the negative stereotype of black people from western media are skeptical until they get to know you personally. Overall, I will tell you they are widely accepting people and you should try to learn about the culture so as to fit in better.
There are a few number of great universities you can apply to like Thammsat university, Bangkok university, Rangsit university, Assumption university etc. Just to mention a few. Just do your homework online researching the cost of the degree you will like to apply for, and you should be all good.

As for job opportunities, due to the language barrier and visa status, most Nigerians have limited opportunities. But that of course shouldn't be a turn off as many Nigerians are into their own business of shipping, buying and selling goods around the world, you can always find a good paying teaching job as long as you show you have the ability. I have also seen some doing menial jobs like washing plates in high scale restaurant to get by. Just make sure you stay away from any illegal stuff as I can assure you, it won't end well.

sammysneh:
pabloescobar1 do not get emotional..you must not reply every comment here...you're already derailing this beautiful thread learn to ignore

Thanks, just trying to make sure people get the right kind of information rather than rumours. Let's get on with it

YoungDaNaval:
Let's skip that for another day. I have question for you. It might sound funny though am serious

Yes, let's do that. Sometimes people fail because they fail to prepare adequately before leaving the shores of Nigeria. This is not my advertisement for Thailand, I won't advise anyone who isn't determined and at least able to support him or her self for a while to come here.

YoungDaNaval:
Speaking from experience bro

Then share it with us and let's know.

Ge0grapher:
Bro... Abeg, can one stay back after studies And if yes, for how long...

Probably on marriage or business visa.