Who will volunteer to man our overseas companies?

Yet, some say that the investment is small, given the expanded size of company revenues. Listed companies in 2012, for example, showed combined revenues of Bt10 trillion, nearly 100 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product, though they represent a tiny portion of over 600,000 registered companies. 

But despite the “small” sum, Thai companies are expanding fast through mergers and acquisitions, probably too fast for their human resources to catch up with.

A former HR executive of Siam Cement admitted that it was a big headache for the industrial conglomerate to fill its overseas posts with Thai employees. That’s the hard part in fulfilling the company’s aim to expand overseas, given the saturated demand in the Kingdom.

“Nobody wants to go, even if they are single. Those who are married? You need not to ask. They have to seek approval from their wives, who usually say no, particularly if they have children,” he said. 

An overseas posting may be unattractive, as the pay structure is not adjusted in the same way that multinational companies do. Posted in Bangkok, the general manager of a multinational’s branch can afford a luxury apartment that costs up to Bt300,000 in monthly rent, and a salary equal to or exceeding what they are paid in any Western country. But a Thai company cannot be that generous, as the pay package for a Thai expat could cost over Bt10 million a year. 

Thai expats are often offered a higher sum than what they received at home. But upon their return, the normal pay structure resumes. Plus, there is no guarantee what future awaits at home after an overseas posting. 

It was only recently that an overseas posting became an integral part of career development; such a posting is a must in order to advance one’s career. 

Working overseas often means a total change of lifestyle. First, you have to command communication skills in a new language. It is difficult even to send someone to countries where English is the official language. It is even more difficult to find a volunteer for a post in a country that does not use English as the official language. 

The chief of Banpu’s business in Indonesia was reluctant at first to go to a remote island where the company’s mining operation is located. After a year, he grew accustomed to the life. He now can speak Bahasa. 

Somboon Wanichavasin, general manager of Kasikornbank’s Chengdu branch, admitted that working in China requires good command of Mandarin Chinese. Some businessmen in China speak English, but opportunities for the bank lie with those who do not speak English. He has spent the past decade in China. His boss, however, does not want to, even though he has good knowledge of Mandarin. Pipit Aneaknithi, Kasikornbank’s head of China Business Division, was handpicked by the bank’s chairman, Banthoon Lamsam, to lead the division despite his young age.

When thinking through the plan to penetrate the Chinese market, Banthoon hired a professional Chinese master to look at all potential candidates. Pipit passed the test in all regards. His facial features were auspicious, as was his height. He was then persuaded to take private tuition in Mandarin, but was reluctant to leave Bangkok and everything he was familiar with.

Food is a key element of the comfort zone that keeps Thai executives at home. Indeed, where on earth can you enjoy such a wide selection of cuisine? The 20 million people who visited Thailand last year would surely agree that they were dazzled by the choices and tastes here. 

A circle of friends is another thing. Living overseas means you can communicate with friends at home only via the phones and Internet. Another issue lies with Thais’ easy-going lifestyle. If their salary is enough to support a certain lifestyle, they rarely strive to do more for a higher reward.

Of course, living overseas may be exciting for some, but not for all. Imagine a Thai worker in Germany. For someone who is used to drinking water from bottles, it could take time to convince yourself that tap water is drinkable. Most food may not be palatable to Thais, who are used to their own tastes. After work, TV programmes are in German. If you don’t speak the language, how can you enjoy it?

It is always interesting to learn about Thais posted overseas. They can be an inspiration to others, particularly if their experiences land them on the executive ladder. The problem is, they are few in number. Perhaps the job would be more attractive if it included a Thai cook (as an ambassador enjoys) or frequent sponsored trips for their friends. In that case, one isn’t forced to leave the comfort zone. It is the comfort zone that needs to be expanded to accommodate the growing demand for talented volunteers.