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| Recommended
Reading For All Newcomers |
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The Bangkok Guide by ANZWG
The expatriate's primary reference guide.
Contents cover house-hunting (eg. how to spot flooding problems), hiring maids,
hairdressers, doctors, framers, etc. You will turn to its listings time and time
again. Published every two years by the Australian-New Zealand Women's Group.
For more information and a sneak preview of contents, visit www.bangkokguideonline.com.
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| Similar guides are published for
Chiang Mai ("Helpful Hints" by the Raintree
Resource Center) and the Pattaya/Rayong area ("A Guide to Living
in Pattaya and Rayong " by the Pattaya International Ladies Club). |
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The Thai and I: Successful Living in Thailand and
The Thai and I: Thai Culture and Society,
by Roger Welty
No other books so thoroughly prepare you for socializing
in Thailand. From the steps you'll go through at a Thai wedding, what to wear
to a funeral, how to use a squat toilet, and how to correctly sign a Thai check,
these books cover it all. Special chapters cover issues faced by expatriate couples, international parenting and the experience of 'Thai time'. Both fun read, well worth investing in. |
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Very Thai , by Philip Cornwell-Smith
No other author has delved so deeply into the subconcious of Thai popular culture in such an intriguing, eye-opening way. You’ll love the insights gained from reading this best-seller. Fairy lights, streetside shrubbery, and hair dos you may have seen every day but never noticed will take on new meaning. Learn why most Thai noodle shops offer the same pink colored tissues, why cats tails seem to be bent or at best stunted, and what is the Thai sniff kiss. Wonderful photography too! Available at www.riverbooksbk.com. |
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The
Treasures and Pleasures of Thailand (and Myanmar), by Impact Publications
Skip ahead to the How to Shop chapters that make up the bulk of this unique
guide and you'll find invaluable advice on identifying quality in Thai products,
bargaining, and caring for your 'Thai treasures', with special notes on shopping
in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other Thai cities as well as Myanmar. | |
| For the expatriate planning to
purchase high quality Thai furnishings and decorative items, this book comes highly
recommended. For more information and to order, visit
www.ishoparoundtheworld.com. | | |
Magazine
Newcomers should get at least one ‘starter’ copy of Bangkok 101, a monthly travel guide with exceptional photography and listings of the top hot spots in town for shopping, sightseeing, dining and more. For regular reading, we recommend the monthly Big Chilli and biweekly BK Magazine, which offer the most comprehensive reviews of restaurants and clubs, especially what’s new in Bangkok. |
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| Recommended
Reading for Business People | | |
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The Entrepreneur: 21 Golden Rules for the Global Business Manager by William E. Heinecke.
Ignore the title. For you, this is a book about doing business in Thailand. The author graduated from an international high school in Bangkok with two businesses already under his belt. He has since built up an empire. |
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Start
Up and Stay Up in Thailand: Stories, Insight and Advice from Enterprising Expats
by Roy Tomizawa. An enjoyable read with clear messages and classic tales covering
a variety of industries and personalities (some of who you will probably meet).
Available online at www.asiabooks.com.
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Bridging the Gap
by Kriengsak Niratpattanasai
Highly recommended if you will be working with Thais. Unlike those that focus on cultural sensitivities (culture clash), this writer's goal is to share insightful, practical advice on finding common ground and working towards common goals. Available online at www.asiabooks.com. |
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| The Golden
Rules he outlines within could apply anywhere, but the tales that go with them
provide fascinating insights into Thai working culture and where/when you should
adapt or not. An enrichening read. Available online at www.asiabooks.com.
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| Tips for
Non-Working Spouses | | |
| If you are used to working, look
upon your time in Thailand as an opportunity. Most non-working spouses can live
very comfortably within their partners' living allowance and benefits package.
For women, there are numerous clubs and associations
that offer friendship, support, and activities including leadership roles and
volunteer work where you can build on career skills. For men, you're rare but
not alone: Join a sports group and sign up for a photography, web design, or other
classes where you may meet friends (consult your Bangkok Guide). Male or female,
you could consider this 'time abroad' as a chance to futher your education. You'll
find listings for language and art schools in the newspapers. Several Thai universities
have international MBA programs (consult your Bangkok Guide). There's also on-line
degree programs you might be interested in. |
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| An additional book you might want to pick
up is Mai Pen Rai Means Never Mind by Carol Hollinger. This collection
of insights by an American housewife who moved to Thailand years ago is still
a classic. Available at www.asiabooks.com |  |
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For all spouses, we recommend you also consider printing name cards. In Asia, personal name cards are handed out at all kinds of social functions. See our name card page, for a selection of designs and options, including translation and map designs for the back of name cards! |
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| Tips on Finding Work
in Thailand | |
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| Teaching English is an honorable profession
that will make you many Thai friends, but don't expect to be paid well. Research
any school you are considering working at by talking to other foreign teachers
about school policies and daily schedules. | | |
| There are few jobs out there for foreign
'local hires', significantly fewer that sponsor work permits and even less that
pay anywhere near western salaries. Know this going in and open your mind to the
benefits a job in your industry/area of interest could provide in terms of your
career growth later on. Try something new. | | |
| If you want to work for a large company,
sell yourself as a resource to management, instead of applying for jobs via the
classifieds. Analyze your work experience to date and repackage yourself as a
consultant or expert in a particular area, then find out which companies could
benefit from your services. Contract work can often lead to full time employment
in multinationals and/or additional short term contracts. |
| | | Consider
starting your own business. Whether you have always aspired to be a freelance
writer, a clothing designer or an exporter of unique Thai products, there's always
room for more entrepreneurs. If you can give to the Thai economy, by creating
jobs and skill training, even better! You will want to check on what is and what
is not legal first, of course. | | |
| Last but not least, network. To land the
better jobs, you've got to be out there meeting and befriending people. Friends
and acquaintances often know of upcoming opportunities and can offer referrals.
And in Thailand connections are extremely important. See clubs
and associations for leads. |
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