Your guide to outsourcing staff from Thailand as a Canadian businesses

Thailand has become a popular outsourcing destination thanks to a robust workforce and growing economy. Global staffing solutions have expanded into the country, leveraging Thailand's competitive advantage in terms of cost-effectiveness, strategic location, and a friendly business environment.

This article will examine some of the top staff outsourcing companies in Thailand, guide you through some best practices for hiring remote workers, and explore some cultural differences you should be aware of.

We'll also cover how a Wise Business Account can help manage cross-border payments more efficiently when dealing with Thai outsourced staff.

Staff outsourcing companies in Thailand as a Canadian business

For Canadian businesses looking to outsource talent from Thailand, there are several reputable staffing agencies that specialize in providing skilled professionals across various sectors.

Recruiting with Michael Page in Thailand from Canada

Michael Page is a renowned global recruitment agency with a strong presence in Thailand. Canadian businesses looking to outsource or recruit talent from Thailand can leverage Michael Page’s expertise and extensive network.

With years of experience and a deep understanding of the local market, the agency can be a pivotal partner for companies expanding into or launching operations in Thailand.

They are known for industries like:

• Finance & accounting
• Banking & financial services
• Digital
• Executive search
• Engineering & manufacturing
• Human resources
• Information Technology
• Marketing
• Procurement & supply chain
• Sales

Michael Page claims to receive 90% of its business through referrals¹, showcasing its highly regarded reputation. On Google, its Thailand branch has a 4.9 / 5 rating, with nearly 700 published reviews.

Employers can request a call from their recruitment team to start the process of outsourcing staff in Thailand.

Hiring with Manpower in Thailand from Canada

Manpower is a highly regarded global leader in workforce solutions and staffing services. For Canadian businesses looking to hire in Thailand, Manpower offers a wealth of resources and a deep pool of talent to meet diverse staffing needs.

Their experience in the Thai market can be instrumental in overcoming any cross-cultural or logistical challenges often encountered when hiring abroad.

They advertise their staffing solutions for industries like:

• Banking & finance
• FMCG & retail
• IT & tech
• Manufacturing
• Health care & life science
• Engineering
• Transport & logistics
• Energy

Manpower has over 100,000 clients and has been rated one of the world’s most ethical companies for 14 consecutive years². Operating in 75 countries, it has over 600,000 associates and a long history of satisfied customers.

They have a perfect 5-star rating on Google for their head office, though there are seven different Manpower branches in Thailand. To get in touch, send in a simple requisition form, and their recruitment experts will find the staffing solution that works for your company.

Hiring with RGF International Recruitment from Canada

RGF International Recruitment, the global arm of Recruit Group, is one of Asia's leading recruitment agencies. With a strong presence in the Thai market, RGF offers a bridge for Canadian companies looking to hire or outsource staff in Thailand.

They place more than 10,000 employees every year and have two offices in Thailand—Bangkok and Chonburi³. For everything from startups to Fortune 500 companies, RGF offers a unique perspective of different Asian cultures and workforces.

Its mission is to provide “opportunities for life,” giving employees more than just a temporary position. Though it has a 4.1 / 5 rating on Google, RGF has a long-standing reputation as one of the go-to staff outsourcing companies in Thailand.

Hiring in Thailand with JobsDB by SEEK

JobsDB is one of the most prominent online employment marketplaces in Asia, offering a broad range of recruitment services in Thailand.

As part of the SEEK family, an Australian company renowned worldwide for its innovative job-matching technologies and services, JobsDB connects employers with top candidates.

Their expertise includes some niche industries like:

• Sport & recreation
• Mining
• Farming, animals & conservation
• Insurance & superannuation
• Government & defence

JobsDB claims to be the top choice among Thai job seekers, with over three million candidate profiles for employers to search⁴. They have a 4.5 / 5 Google review rating and provide up-to-date hiring advice for companies outsourcing in Thailand.

New employers can post a job for free or use their AI-powered Talent Search function to find qualified candidates.

Things to note before outsourcing work to Thailand from Canada

Outsourcing to Thailand can be a strategic move for Canadian companies looking to expand their operations, access skilled labor, or reduce costs.

However, there are several things to keep in mind before proceeding.

Hiring practices in Thailand

Recruitment in Thailand starts with a broad search through online job portals, recruitment agencies, and university job fairs. Due to language differences, resumes and interviews may be conducted in Thai, English, or both, depending on the candidate's level of expertise.

It's recommended to clarify job descriptions and requirements thoroughly and to be prepared for a hiring process that might be longer than usual due to language, time zone differences, and local hiring practices.

Thai hiring is heavily influenced by connections and relationships (similar to terms like “wasta” in the Middle East or “guanxi” in China)⁵. It can be difficult to secure top candidates without the help of top staff outsourcing companies.

Cultural differences between Canada and Thailand

Thailand's work culture is distinct from that of Canada, and understanding these differences is essential for a harmonious business relationship. “Saving face” is an important aspect of Thai culture, so communication tends to be more indirect⁶.

Thai people often avoid confrontation and may communicate disagreements subtly rather than directly. Moreover, hierarchy plays a significant role in Thai workplaces, and respect for seniority is expected.

Understanding local customs, holidays, and business etiquette is also important to ensure respectful interactions.

Work ethic

Thailand's workforce is generally known for having a strong work ethic, with an emphasis on teamwork and collectivism. Punctuality, respect, and politeness are highly valued in the professional setting.

However, task execution and time management may vary from what Canadian businesses are accustomed to, so setting clear expectations and maintaining open communication lines is key.

Compliance with legal requirements

When outsourcing to Thailand, it’s vital to ensure compliance with all local laws and regulations. This includes:

• Taxation
• Employment contracts
• Working conditions

It's recommended to consult with legal experts who are well-versed in Thai law to ensure all contracts and business practices abide by local legislation.

Payment cycle for Thai employees

The payment cycle in Thailand typically runs monthly, which is different from the bi-weekly standard often found in Canada. It is important to align with the local norms concerning payroll to ensure timely and correct payments to outsourced employees.

Labour laws for outsourcing work to Thai employees

Thai labour laws provide specific protections to employees, which include minimum wage requirements, working hours, overtime compensation, and severance pay.

When employing outsourced workers, you may also need to consider their entitlements to annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays. Additionally, regulations concerning foreign workers and outsourced labor must be strictly followed to avoid legal complications.

Currency conversion when paying salaries from CAD to THB

When paying outsourced employees in Thailand, Canadian businesses need to convert Canadian dollars (CAD) to Thai baht (THB). This process can often be complex and costly due to the various fees and exchange rates applied by banks and money transfer services.

Many financial institutions may promote low or zero transfer fees, yet the exchange rates offered are typically not the most competitive, resulting in higher overall costs.

Additionally, international money transfers typically pass through the SWIFT network, which may involve intermediary banks. Each of these banks can levy their own fees, further inflating the overall cost of the transaction.

Advantages of using Wise

Wise offers a more transparent solution to manage international payroll. Here's how Wise can benefit your business when paying salaries from CAD to THB:

• Mid-market exchange rates: Wise offers the mid-market exchange rate, which is the most transparent rate available⁷, without commissions or currency conversion fees.
• No hidden fees: Unlike banks, Wise clearly outlines the fees before you make a transfer. This transparency ensures no surprises and allows businesses to understand the full cost upfront.
• Batch payments: With Wise, you can set up batch payments of up to 1000 transfers at a time, greatly simplifying the payroll process for businesses with multiple employees in Thailand. This feature saves time and effort, making international salary payments as straightforward as domestic ones.

There is a minimal one-time fee of 42 CAD to get started, and transfer fees are modest and significantly lower than those associated with traditional banking systems.

Wise uses two-factor authentication (2FA), 3D secure online payments, and biometric recognition to protect your money and data. Our dedicated anti-fraud team ensures both you and your employees in Thailand are safe.

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most updated pricing and fee information.

To sum it up

Staff outsourcing companies in Thailand offer Canadian businesses an excellent opportunity to leverage a highly skilled and cost-effective workforce. With the right partner, you can navigate the cultural nuances and legal intricacies to find valuable team members.

Wise can help solve the challenges of currency conversion and payment by providing low, transparent fees and accurate exchange rates.

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Sources:

1. Michael Page
2. Manpower Thailand
3. RGF International Recruitment
4. Seek
5. The Nation
6. Negotiating International Business
7. Wise

Sources verified on: 17 April 2024