₦airaland Forum

Horlaytan19:
Thank you very much for this information.

It's the student not allowed to work that's bothering me. I got a partial scholarship and don't have enough fund for the remaining balance. It would have been good if they allow working.

Do you have idea/information about any organisation that provides loan to foreign students to study in Thailand?
I don't want to miss the opportunity but at the same time don't have enough fund to cover the remaining tuition.

Thank you for your time.

I personally don't know of any organization that offers loans to foreign students outside of Southeast Asia. That being said, a clearer picture of how many percent you got off on scholarship and the province the college you are applying to is located in will be essential. The administrators in the schools can be lobbied to provide temporary opportunities that fit well with your schedule.

Horlaytan19:
Good day bro,
How are you?

Please I got admission to a university in Thailand. I would like to know the necessary steps to take to obtain visa. And how is life generally as a foreigner in Thailand. Are students allowed to work while studying? Or how do foreign students take care of expenses while in the country? Do you think Thailand is a good place for a Nigerian to study?

Thank you.

Good day, for up-to-date information about visa requirements, I suggest visiting the Thai Embassy in Nigeria website. The complicated part is the NDLEA requirement, which takes a bit of time, so I will get started as soon as possible to make the resumption date. To answer your questions. 1) How is life generally as a foreigner in Thailand? Life in Thailand, as anywhere in the world, is what you make of it. As far as Thailand is concerned, before travelling to the country, it's best to do a little bit of research through internet sources. I have shared some of my experiences in Thailand on this platform. The people are kind and welcoming, especially when you show an appreciation for their culture. There is loads of beautiful scenery, amazing cheap food, and a very safe place for foreigners who respect the laws of the land. 2) Are students allowed to work while studying? Legally, in Thailand, you are not allowed to work on a student visa, and doing so comes with possible deportation. Unless you have your own business, which can be an export business or one that you are controlling back home while living in Thailand, the main job available to any foreigner is a teaching job, and I guess you can imagine that will be difficult to pull off when you are expected to attend classes, especially as an undergrad. 3) How do foreign students take care of expenses while in the country? Foreigners studying in Thailand, outside of obtaining a scholarship to study in the kingdom, are expected to self-fund (that is, money sent from their home country). 4) Is Thailand a good place for a Nigerian to study? In my experience, I will say yes. But again, you have to do what's in the best interest of your long-term goals; the classes are conducive to learning with world-class professors from all around the world (seeing as it's an international program). Your chances of furthering your studies (master's degree/PHD) anywhere in the world are significantly higher, as many of the institutions have partnerships with European and American tertiary institutions. While the job opportunities awaiting you in Thailand after graduation might be limited to teaching jobs at first, you can boost your chances by learning the language and integrating well into the society. There are many of Nigerian descent that has made Thailand their home and are going about their businesses in a harmonious society.

MrNovo:
Thailand has 5 years DTV nomad visa, where longest tourist visa for Vietnam is 90 days. Though student visa may be another pathway but it comes with heavy additional cost.

The DTV nomad visa isn't all that it's cracked up to be. As usual, it's a half-baked Thai government rollout without clarification to the public about what the visa entails. DTV holders are still considered tourists, therefore can't legally open a Thai account. A lot of them found themselves in limbo just this last week when the government ordered banks that have been opening accounts for them to immediately restrict those accounts. With the DTV, the holders still have to do a border run every six months (exit and re-enter the country), given that most DTV holders are from countries that are visa-exempt, it just seems like a scam from the government to tax them on income.

Monwase:
I was in Thailand just last month and I Saw many of our black brothers and sisters, on the streets of Bangkok, with no tangible sources of income. Most are into shaddy street deals. Ladies market the 'only' resource as usual.
Thailand is a beautiful country but only for tourists. It's not a good place to hustle. It's good for those willing to study as well. But the question is what next after study or how do you survive during the course of your study? It's low on budget, no doubt.
There are many poor people there too, with many riding Tuktuk. It's not easy there my fellow country people.
Some travel agents have tricked some of our people there. There weeds, alcohol, prostitution are traded on the street 24/7. It is indeed a busy country but not for hustlers. Sabai sabai

100% Agreed. My primary purpose in creating this thread and updating it sporadically over the last four years is to share my experience of living in Thailand. As I have said previously, for everyone following, I can offer tips on universities and the best areas to stay if your main goal is to pursue a degree in Thailand or explore the country. For the hustle part, except you are creating your own business (with proper documentation) or get employed by a school or in some rare cases you get employed by a multinational company, there isn't much to do here than to get your degree and hope you get something lined up or "JAPA" to a first world country. In fact, as a rule of thumb, if you are migrating anywhere outside of America and Europe, you need to do ten times the research and not believe the word of someone you think has made it in the said country. There has recently been an increased influx of Africans (especially Nigerians), who have done very little research other than that they will be getting on a flight to Bangkok, only to arrive in the hands of evil men who will exploit them. As for anyone coming to do illegal hustle or "street hustle", just remember nothing lasts forever, and when it's your time to pay the piper, your hailers will become your mockers.

Brightpure:
Hello! I am an English Teacher and equally a Barista. I am a Nigerian and currently lives in Oman. I am planning to relocate to Thailand cos of Oman visa suspension on Nigerians. I was planning to bring my family in Oman...until another 6months suspension. I want to relocate to Thailand so that I can bring them in. Is Thailand worth the move? Do Thailand give citizenship to foreigners after staying for sometimes? Are there child benefits when one gives birth?

Hi, Mr.Bright. I won't recommend relocating to Thailand in your case especially as a family man. Of course there are English teachers of Nigerian origin in Thailand but it's a very uncertain situation without a solid job offer prior to moving to Thailand, you will have to job hunt as a Nigerian teacher in a country that largely favors western teachers. And as for citizenship, its 99% impossible for foreigners as you will have to have lived and worked in the country for an extended period of time, learn and write the language, pass a written and oral exam and give up any citizenship you have prior. A check in the community you live in will be conducted to make sure you are of reputable character. Not really worth the hassle if you ask me. As for child benefits? None whatsoever especially if your spouse isn't a citizen. It's a nice country if you are into business (especially exports) or you work offsite and looking for a relatively cheap and beautiful place to live in but other than that the opportunites are mainly geared towards thier citizens and in some cases expats (especially ones with a stronger passport)

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.