An American model who worked Bangkok contracts from 2008 explains how agencies scout and place foreign models, what a shoot actually pays, and why you still need a work permit to take the job.
The following post is a chapter from our book, Working in Thailand: How to Ditch the Desk, Board the Flight, and Land the Job, written by Patrick Taylor and Karsten Aichholz.
Premium members of the ExpatDen get the full Working in Thailand series, including interviews with people in seventeen professions in Thailand. They shared what they did to land a job here, the requirements, and what to expect.
Key Takeaways
- Most foreign models in Bangkok arrive through an agency, often after being scouted at home, and live together in an agency apartment.
- Pay swings hard: Andi earned about US$120 for a full day of catwalk work and US$3,000 for eight hours on a hair-dye commercial.
- Commercial work pays better than glossy magazines.
- Bookings are uneven, and some models went home owing their agency for flights and rent.
- Andi considers an agency cut below 35% fair.
- Modeling needs a work permit like any other job, and working without one means a fine of THB5,000 to THB50,000 plus deportation.
- Pick a smaller, reputable agency, be polite at castings, and put the work ahead of the party scene.
The Model
Unless otherwise noted, all quotes by Andi (last name withheld for privacy), model. Her answers describe modeling in Bangkok between 2008 and 2010.
What’s the most dangerous situation a model can expect to find themselves in?
A snapped stiletto heel on a high catwalk?
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