123 replies to this topic
Posted 2009-11-20 10:32:17
 Soutpeel, on 2009-11-19 19:21:40, said:
EvilDrSomkid, on 2009-11-19 17:31:27, said: I applied on a position with CUEL a while ago, but no go. Locals only HR said, except "forgot" to say so in the ad on jobsDB. OK, so trying to find something through jobsDB and similar is not going to work. I also applied direct with Chevron. Never got a response, except an acknowledgment email. The so-called expat jobsearch sites do not list my type of work.
I really want to stay in the O&G procurement business. I would consider a (starting) salary of 60k-70k acceptable. Half of what I make now. Big start up costs have been covered already. Apartment, personal stuff moved in, car, bank account.
I think networking would be the way to go, as well, in order to get a position in the first place. Worry about a high salary later.
However, networking from EU is not going to work. I need to hit the hangouts of O&G people.
I realize that running off to Thailand and accepting a low paid job could hamper any future career possiblities, pension plans etc.
What I do for love... 
Soutpeel, sorenson, thaihome, any tips?
Allow me to comment, other guys in the business my have different opinions:
CUEL is generally a no go for farangs these days, however look up the CUEL/Swiber joint venture for future reference.
Chevron does not not take on expats in Thailand, only two ways to get in the door, Chevron staff somewhere else and transfer or alternative is direct contract hire through an Thai agency.
As must already know the O&G buisness works on the buddy buddy network, so you need to build your contact base..
From a practical point of view, you need to get your CV with the Thai body shops who supply expats to companies in Thailand, this is your best chance...send me a PM and will give your the names
Soutie
Agree with Soutie completely. But, one thing, I think you should consider is not limiting job search to Thailand. There is nothing sadder then an expat trying to stay in Thailand at any price. You say you would take one for 60-70k a month. That is very, very sad. What you should be doing looking to get on with one the MNC that does work all over the world, particularly in the ME and Africa now. Get a job with them and you can take a paid vacation in Thailand every 3-4 months and make nice money when you are not here.
TH
Posted 2009-11-20 17:17:40
Staying in Thailand at any cost is not in question. If that is the message conveyed in my first post, then I should have worded it differently.
The topic in this thread was talking about whether western level of salary for expats in Thailand was feasible.
There was some discussion about what would be considered a good level. I would consider 120k to 150k a month a very good level. Others would not go through the trouble for under 200k. They would say 100k would be desparate. For me 100k would be ideal. I do not go on the piss and chase pussy every night. I got all I need at home. 
I would consider 60-70k if it was offered, if it would be a full time permanent position. I would not think it desparate. Getting a foot in the door is the trick.
I have been looking into other parts of SEA. Singapore and Malaysia are viable alternatives for sure. I am with an MNC now, but there are no oppurtunities for me for moving to SEA within the group now.
I am in a position now to to take holidays every 3-4 months to Thailand. However, that will not be healthy for my marriage in the long run.
In any case, thanks for your comments thaihome. 
Posted 2009-11-20 17:35:40
EvilDrSomkid, on 2009-11-20 17:17:40, said: I would consider 60-70k if it was offered, if it would be a full time permanent position. I would not think it desparate. Getting a foot in the door is the trick.
The problem going in too low to get a foot in door, even though a full time permanent position, it will take your years to get your money anywhere decent.
Posted 2009-11-20 17:43:07
Soutpeel, on 2009-11-20 17:35:40, said: EvilDrSomkid, on 2009-11-20 17:17:40, said: I would consider 60-70k if it was offered, if it would be a full time permanent position. I would not think it desparate. Getting a foot in the door is the trick.
The problem going in too low to get a foot in door, even though a full time permanent position, it will take your years to get your money anywhere decent.
And how would you feel working alongside the guys that are getting the 200k++??
Posted 2009-11-20 17:43:59
thaihome, on 2009-11-20 10:32:17, said: Soutpeel, on 2009-11-19 19:21:40, said: EvilDrSomkid, on 2009-11-19 17:31:27, said: I applied on a position with CUEL a while ago, but no go. Locals only HR said, except "forgot" to say so in the ad on jobsDB. OK, so trying to find something through jobsDB and similar is not going to work. I also applied direct with Chevron. Never got a response, except an acknowledgment email. The so-called expat jobsearch sites do not list my type of work.
I really want to stay in the O&G procurement business. I would consider a (starting) salary of 60k-70k acceptable. Half of what I make now. Big start up costs have been covered already. Apartment, personal stuff moved in, car, bank account.
I think networking would be the way to go, as well, in order to get a position in the first place. Worry about a high salary later.
However, networking from EU is not going to work. I need to hit the hangouts of O&G people.
I realize that running off to Thailand and accepting a low paid job could hamper any future career possiblities, pension plans etc.
What I do for love...
Soutpeel, sorenson, thaihome, any tips?
Allow me to comment, other guys in the business my have different opinions:
CUEL is generally a no go for farangs these days, however look up the CUEL/Swiber joint venture for future reference.
Chevron does not not take on expats in Thailand, only two ways to get in the door, Chevron staff somewhere else and transfer or alternative is direct contract hire through an Thai agency.
As must already know the O&G buisness works on the buddy buddy network, so you need to build your contact base..
From a practical point of view, you need to get your CV with the Thai body shops who supply expats to companies in Thailand, this is your best chance...send me a PM and will give your the names
Soutie
Agree with Soutie completely. But, one thing, I think you should consider is not limiting job search to Thailand. There is nothing sadder then an expat trying to stay in Thailand at any price. You say you would take one for 60-70k a month. That is very, very sad. What you should be doing looking to get on with one the MNC that does work all over the world, particularly in the ME and Africa now. Get a job with them and you can take a paid vacation in Thailand every 3-4 months and make nice money when you are not here.
TH
There are many expats in Chevron at the SCB plaza 
Posted 2009-11-20 18:07:44
Soutpeel, on 2009-11-20 11:35:40, said: EvilDrSomkid, on 2009-11-20 17:17:40, said: I would consider 60-70k if it was offered, if it would be a full time permanent position. I would not think it desparate. Getting a foot in the door is the trick.
The problem going in too low to get a foot in door, even though a full time permanent position, it will take your years to get your money anywhere decent.
That's something I have also considered. Its not an amount I am aiming for.
Posted 2009-11-20 18:09:18
PattayaParent, on 2009-11-20 11:43:07, said: Soutpeel, on 2009-11-20 17:35:40, said: EvilDrSomkid, on 2009-11-20 17:17:40, said: I would consider 60-70k if it was offered, if it would be a full time permanent position. I would not think it desparate. Getting a foot in the door is the trick.
The problem going in too low to get a foot in door, even though a full time permanent position, it will take your years to get your money anywhere decent.
And how would you feel working alongside the guys that are getting the 200k++??
If they are doing the same as I, that would suck. I know it all depends on how you get in.
Posted 2009-11-20 18:11:43
TheAceFace, on 2009-11-20 11:43:59, said: There are many expats in Chevron at the SCB plaza
Really, that is very interesting. Care to elaborate by PM?
I live 10 minutes walk from SCB Plaza.
Posted 2009-11-20 18:19:33
Well, good luck to the OP whichever way you play it.
Posted 2009-11-20 18:39:01
EvilDrSomkid, on 2009-11-20 18:11:43, said: TheAceFace, on 2009-11-20 11:43:59, said: There are many expats in Chevron at the SCB plaza
Really, that is very interesting. Care to elaborate by PM?
I live 10 minutes walk from SCB Plaza.
EvilDr....Rather let me elaborate, as pointed out in a previous post only two ways into the abovementioned company in SCB plaza...staff transferred from other operations in the world and generally only on 2-5 year secondment or Direct hire contract through Thai bodyshops the names of which I PM'ed to you..Chevon Thailand to not hire expat staff in Thailand.
I would strongly advise not to go mincing around SCB trying to pick up contacts as it generally will p*ss people off...
Posted 2009-11-20 18:41:50
EvilDrSomkid, on 2009-11-20 18:07:44, said: Soutpeel, on 2009-11-20 11:35:40, said: EvilDrSomkid, on 2009-11-20 17:17:40, said: I would consider 60-70k if it was offered, if it would be a full time permanent position. I would not think it desparate. Getting a foot in the door is the trick.
The problem going in too low to get a foot in door, even though a full time permanent position, it will take your years to get your money anywhere decent.
That's something I have also considered. Its not an amount I am aiming for.
Believe you said you were 37...therefore you are coming up on your highest earning years...therefore you should be aiming for the "amount"
Posted 2009-11-20 20:07:32
Soutpeel, on 2009-11-20 18:39:01, said: EvilDrSomkid, on 2009-11-20 18:11:43, said: TheAceFace, on 2009-11-20 11:43:59, said: There are many expats in Chevron at the SCB plaza
Really, that is very interesting. Care to elaborate by PM?
I live 10 minutes walk from SCB Plaza.
EvilDr....Rather let me elaborate, as pointed out in a previous post only two ways into the abovementioned company in SCB plaza...staff transferred from other operations in the world and generally only on 2-5 year secondment or Direct hire contract through Thai bodyshops the names of which I PM'ed to you..Chevon Thailand to not hire expat staff in Thailand.
I would strongly advise not to go mincing around SCB trying to pick up contacts as it generally will p*ss people off...
SP is right.....are you also based there?
Not sure on the hiring process as I work for a service company for Chevron, what I can confirm is that there are many foreign bodies there, but as SP said...probably sent from other regions to do a 5yr stint before moving on.
Its a tricky business were in, where commonly its who you know and sadly not what you know.
Agree not to walk around there advertising yourself, keep sending the CV's out. Have you tried service companies also??
Posted 2009-11-20 20:36:38
TheAceFace, on 2009-11-20 20:07:32, said: SP is right.....are you also based there?
Its a tricky business were in, where commonly its who you know and sadly not what you know.
Ace...sometimes.... under duress.....typically try to avoid the place like the plague if I can help it.. 
"Who you, not what you know" is generally the only criteria to get you a job in O&G...but knowing what you are doing allows you to keep said job for any length of time.. ....certainly offshore... the wheat from the chaff is separated very quickly indeed in my experience.
Posted 2009-11-20 20:55:16
Soutpeel, on 2009-11-20 14:36:38, said: TheAceFace, on 2009-11-20 20:07:32, said: SP is right.....are you also based there?
Its a tricky business were in, where commonly its who you know and sadly not what you know.
Ace...sometimes.... under duress.....typically try to avoid the place like the plague if I can help it..
"Who you, not what you know" is generally the only criteria to get you a job in O&G...but knowing what you are doing allows you to keep said job for any length of time.. ....certainly offshore... the wheat from the chaff is separated very quickly indeed in my experience.
Know the right people and knowing what you're doing is the right combo in my book too. I will not go "mincing" around SCB plaza (gave me giggle that one). Far too sweaty and humiliating. Not to mention: the D word.
SP, I picked up your advice about Chevron. I believe you. I will follow up on the names you gave.
I will target the agencies and send out my CV. I will aim high.
Posted 2009-11-21 08:03:00
gotlost, on 2009-11-14 18:49:04, said: If you are with a western company that sends you hear then yes, but if you find something hear the salary will be low by western standards. MattFS218, on 2009-11-14 19:37:54, said: The only way to get a western salary in Thailand is to start your own service company selling services to the Western world. Unless you have some skill that no other expat has, it's not likely you will find a western salary here....why would anyone pay you a western salary when you can get below a western salary hiring local or an expat who doesn't demand a western salary. chiang mai, on 2009-11-14 22:05:36, said: If you have marketable skills that are in demand, best best is to seek out a secondment or overseas posting form within the UK/Europe etc, unless you're connected in Asia and known, you stand little chance getting work here, from here, on your own. ozzieovaseas, on 2009-11-16 22:29:44, said: Dude, The hope of even finding a job here is not realistic, so the dream of getting a western salary is just that.
Unless you are an English teacher of course,for which you might get 30-50k baht per month from what i understand.
I quoted the above as a selection of comments that wound me up, typical barstool banter from people with no idea. I will tell you a little bit about my situation.
I had been living here for 2.5 years basically on holiday, when I realised that I was bored, and that the money I had saved was not going to support my holiday lifestyle indefinitely, so I began to RESEARCH what I could do to stay in Thailand. This research process took around 4 months, meeting people in industry, talking with friends, trawling the web etc. etc.
Finally I decided that my best bet would be to try and break into the O&G business, having no experience in this field I new this would be a tough task but set my mind to it. I then spent 6 months and around 1m baht in KL and Singapore studying for various qualifications, and finally hit the job market.
I didn't expect to be working in Thailand initially, I thought I may be on a rotation system spending 6 months here which would suit me. After a few months of knockbacks due to my lack of experience it became quite depressing, and I wondered if I had just wasted 1m baht on my exams. Eventually after 6 months on the market I landed a job in Thailand for a Thai service company to the O&G business, thanks to a tip-off from a contact I made on one of the industry forums - the job was never advertised.
That was about 7 months ago and I am now earning approx double the average western salary with a car, insurance etc, but unfortunately not quite Soutpeel's magic 400k. I spend approx 1 week per month overseas either offshore, onshore, or in other industries such as mining, it is very varied and enjoyable work. I am due a salary review on Jan 1st, my boss (also farang) has intimated this will be a significant raise due to the fact I have procured contracts with 3 multi national oil and gas companies in the last few months, and I am hoping I will hit, or be near to, Souties magic 400k in the new year.
The purpose of this post is not to boast, but to debunk the naysayers such as those quoted above, and to give some hope to those whose same position I was in 2 years ago.
Spend some time to research the market you are interested in, re-qualify if necessary. Then you just need bucketfuls of drive and determination, as many contacts as you can find, online and face to face, and a certain stubborness bordering on arrogance.
There are well paying jobs out there, but they won't fall in your lap, mine took nearly 18 months, alot of study and heartache, and some investment which was recouped in a few short months, but it is achievable. FYI I am 37 now.
Good luck!
Posted 2009-11-21 08:12:44
QED
Nice one and long may it continue for you, I have also advised friends to do what you did and invest in the courses and not give up hope, they are still seeking that magic door opening, but have not give up.
Maybe you could post the links to the industry forums you speak of, so people who are looking can check them out.
May I ask if you did the courses and what your role is now, are you in sales or a contract holder?
Ace
Posted 2009-11-21 08:35:36
TheAceFace, on 2009-11-21 10:12:44, said: QED
Nice one and long may it continue for you, I have also advised friends to do what you did and invest in the courses and not give up hope, they are still seeking that magic door opening, but have not give up.
Maybe you could post the links to the industry forums you speak of, so people who are looking can check them out.
May I ask if you did the courses and what your role is now, are you in sales or a contract holder?
Ace
Ace,
my post was kept deliberately generic to try and maintain anonymity, the advice is valid for any role in any field I believe.
My position is senior managerial for a medium sized company, heading up R&D, on site deliverables, marketing and development. It started as a more technical role but has morphed into this mainly because of my managerial background I guess, and the fact that the company is small enough for me to have autonomy to run my side of the business as I see fit.
If any board members want some further info feel free to PM me
Posted 2009-11-21 10:30:50
QED, on 2009-11-21 08:03:00, said: but unfortunately not quite Soutpeel's magic 400k. I spend approx 1 week per month overseas either offshore, onshore, or in other industries such as mining, it is very varied and enjoyable work. I am due a salary review on Jan 1st, my boss (also farang) has intimated this will be a significant raise due to the fact I have procured contracts with 3 multi national oil and gas companies in the last few months, and I am hoping I will hit, or be near to, Souties magic 400k in the new year.
THB 400k/m...is not a "magic" number its a value to illustate the the average starting salary for expat O&G guys in Thailand.
Typically guys in the game with the right experience/skill set etc etc will be between 400k and THB 1 mil month dependent on the position, again the "average" here being around 500k month ++ ie car/driver, fully comp medical insurance, schooling for kids, if applicable and subsidised/paid for accomdation.
Posted 2009-11-21 10:43:07
Soutpeel, on 2009-11-21 10:30:50, said: QED, on 2009-11-21 08:03:00, said: but unfortunately not quite Soutpeel's magic 400k. I spend approx 1 week per month overseas either offshore, onshore, or in other industries such as mining, it is very varied and enjoyable work. I am due a salary review on Jan 1st, my boss (also farang) has intimated this will be a significant raise due to the fact I have procured contracts with 3 multi national oil and gas companies in the last few months, and I am hoping I will hit, or be near to, Souties magic 400k in the new year.
THB 400k/m...is not a "magic" number its a value to illustate the the average starting salary for expat O&G guys in Thailand.
Typically guys in the game with the right experience/skill set etc etc will be between 400k and THB 1 mil month dependent on the position, again the "average" here being around 500k month ++ ie car/driver, fully comp medical insurance, schooling for kids, if applicable and subsidised/paid for accomdation.
 why can I not find a deal like that  If anyone needs any bodies, Im ya man
Your a lucky man SP, is that per month or only appicable when you have done 28 offshore? i know Im being nosy 
Posted 2009-11-21 11:27:00
TheAceFace, on 2009-11-21 10:43:07, said: Soutpeel, on 2009-11-21 10:30:50, said: QED, on 2009-11-21 08:03:00, said: but unfortunately not quite Soutpeel's magic 400k. I spend approx 1 week per month overseas either offshore, onshore, or in other industries such as mining, it is very varied and enjoyable work. I am due a salary review on Jan 1st, my boss (also farang) has intimated this will be a significant raise due to the fact I have procured contracts with 3 multi national oil and gas companies in the last few months, and I am hoping I will hit, or be near to, Souties magic 400k in the new year.
THB 400k/m...is not a "magic" number its a value to illustate the the average starting salary for expat O&G guys in Thailand.
Typically guys in the game with the right experience/skill set etc etc will be between 400k and THB 1 mil month dependent on the position, again the "average" here being around 500k month ++ ie car/driver, fully comp medical insurance, schooling for kids, if applicable and subsidised/paid for accomdation.
why can I not find a deal like that If anyone needs any bodies, Im ya man
Your a lucky man SP, is that per month or only appicable when you have done 28 offshore? i know Im being nosy
I have two deals/arrangements in place one for offshore another for onshore so to answer your question, it depends what is going on, but both are very good arrangements.. ...certainly will not hear any complaints from me...
Posted 2009-11-21 11:33:09
Soutpeel, on 2009-11-21 11:27:00, said: TheAceFace, on 2009-11-21 10:43:07, said: Soutpeel, on 2009-11-21 10:30:50, said: QED, on 2009-11-21 08:03:00, said: but unfortunately not quite Soutpeel's magic 400k. I spend approx 1 week per month overseas either offshore, onshore, or in other industries such as mining, it is very varied and enjoyable work. I am due a salary review on Jan 1st, my boss (also farang) has intimated this will be a significant raise due to the fact I have procured contracts with 3 multi national oil and gas companies in the last few months, and I am hoping I will hit, or be near to, Souties magic 400k in the new year.
THB 400k/m...is not a "magic" number its a value to illustate the the average starting salary for expat O&G guys in Thailand.
Typically guys in the game with the right experience/skill set etc etc will be between 400k and THB 1 mil month dependent on the position, again the "average" here being around 500k month ++ ie car/driver, fully comp medical insurance, schooling for kids, if applicable and subsidised/paid for accomdation.
why can I not find a deal like that If anyone needs any bodies, Im ya man
Your a lucky man SP, is that per month or only appicable when you have done 28 offshore? i know Im being nosy
I have two deals/arrangements in place one for offshore another for onshore so to answer your question, it depends what is going on, but both are very good arrangements.. ...certainly will not hear any complaints from me...
Let us know if anything comes up
Posted 2009-11-21 23:40:12
QED, on 2009-11-21 02:03:00, said: MattFS218, on 2009-11-14 19:37:54, said: The only way to get a western salary in Thailand is to start your own service company selling services to the Western world. Unless you have some skill that no other expat has, it's not likely you will find a western salary here....why would anyone pay you a western salary when you can get below a western salary hiring local or an expat who doesn't demand a western salary.
I quoted the above as a selection of comments that wound me up, typical barstool banter from people with no idea. I will tell you a little bit about my situation.
I had been living here for 2.5 years basically on holiday, when I realised that I was bored, and that the money I had saved was not going to support my holiday lifestyle indefinitely, so I began to RESEARCH what I could do to stay in Thailand. This research process took around 4 months, meeting people in industry, talking with friends, trawling the web etc. etc.
Finally I decided that my best bet would be to try and break into the O&G business, having no experience in this field I new this would be a tough task but set my mind to it. I then spent 6 months and around 1m baht in KL and Singapore studying for various qualifications, and finally hit the job market.
I didn't expect to be working in Thailand initially, I thought I may be on a rotation system spending 6 months here which would suit me. After a few months of knockbacks due to my lack of experience it became quite depressing, and I wondered if I had just wasted 1m baht on my exams. Eventually after 6 months on the market I landed a job in Thailand for a Thai service company to the O&G business, thanks to a tip-off from a contact I made on one of the industry forums - the job was never advertised.
That was about 7 months ago and I am now earning approx double the average western salary with a car, insurance etc, but unfortunately not quite Soutpeel's magic 400k. I spend approx 1 week per month overseas either offshore, onshore, or in other industries such as mining, it is very varied and enjoyable work. I am due a salary review on Jan 1st, my boss (also farang) has intimated this will be a significant raise due to the fact I have procured contracts with 3 multi national oil and gas companies in the last few months, and I am hoping I will hit, or be near to, Souties magic 400k in the new year.
The purpose of this post is not to boast, but to debunk the naysayers such as those quoted above, and to give some hope to those whose same position I was in 2 years ago.
Spend some time to research the market you are interested in, re-qualify if necessary. Then you just need bucketfuls of drive and determination, as many contacts as you can find, online and face to face, and a certain stubborness bordering on arrogance.
There are well paying jobs out there, but they won't fall in your lap, mine took nearly 18 months, alot of study and heartache, and some investment which was recouped in a few short months, but it is achievable. FYI I am 37 now.
Good luck!
Good to hear you are doing well. Means that it is possible. I do have experience in the O&G business, I should be able to find something.
I do agree with your assessment of the various quoted passages, but referring to the second quote, I was thinking along the lines of setting up my own service company. Not so much because I think its the only way, but because I think its a viable alternative. You take care of your own visa and WP. Being married cuts down the registered capital and number of Thai employees requirements.
It would make it easier for companies to hire you on contract/project basis without them having the hassle of arranging WP. Just a matter of sending an invoice every month.
You still need to market yourself and make contacts.
Posted 2009-11-24 00:07:07
ballzafire, on 2009-11-16 02:16:31, said: tonititan, on 2009-11-14 23:23:59, said: Soutpeel, on 2009-11-14 21:48:26, said: tonititan, on 2009-11-14 20:51:09, said: I agree - it's not impossible to get a western salary, but it's not too likely, unless you're an international school teacher at a top school.  What? I still believe that the biggest chunk of people making western salaries are international school teachers. There are hundreds and hundreds of them.
You call 60-80K baht per month a "western salary" for their level of qualification?
Sorry, but what is your reference country for this assertion?
Most school teachers in the US make around $2,500-3,500/month. So that's 80,000-112,000. Salaries are just very, very low in the US, so they don't seem all that low to americans living here.
Posted 2009-11-24 15:34:10
KarenBravo, on 2009-11-19 12:21:09, said: I would give up my O&G pay if I could stay in Thailand and "only" make US$450 a day.
Let's face it, being offshore isn't that nice, which is why the pay is so good.
ditto.... I worked down in Mataput many moons (years) ago but have never really made an effort to get work here again as I like to switch to 'holiday' mode once i get back to LOS...
I've done my share of "hardship" postings so have enough experience & money to be a little bit choosy where I go now, which is pretty much anywhere if the leave cycle is ok
Edited by William Osborne, 2009-11-24 15:38:20.
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