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Department of Linguistics

T&I Labour Market in Thailand

By Pothsirin Doungcharern and Sirorat Prasertwong

This study investigates the labour market for translators and interpreters in Thailand.

Professional status

There are more part-time and full-time freelance translators and interpreters among the respondents to the questionnaire we sent out. This reveals that Interpreters and Translators as career choices in the country are mostly Part-time Free-lance Interpreters and Translators.   They see Translating and Interpreting more as a free-lance and part-time job rather than a full-time career.

Figure 1

Figure 1 shows that there are more Part-time and Full-time Freelance Translators among the respondents followed by Part-time Free-lance Interpreters. 

Gender

Figure 2 shows that the majority of respondents were female freelance translators as the percentage was more than eighty five percent. About half were full time and the other half were part time. A small number worked as in house translators and free lance interpreters.

Figure 2

Experience

This study showed that the overwhelming number of respondents, around seventy five percent, had experience of working from 1 to 5 years. The rest of them had been working for more than ten years.

Is it possible to work as an interpreter/translator without having a degree or a specialized language qualification in Thailand?

This study showed that the vast number of respondents were of the opinion that it was indeed possible to work as an interpreter/translator without having a degree or specialized language qualification in Thailand. However, most believed that skill and experience were essential qualities.

What types of translation/interpreting courses are available in Thailand?

This study showed that a small number of respondents were unaware of courses offered, most respondents were of the opinion that various courses were offered by universities and colleges in Thailand. Many thought that a Masters degree was indeed a suitable degree and there are some courses on translation and interpreting taught at Mahidol University and Chulalongkorn University.

How do people studying translation and interpreting in Thailand meet the requirements of professional translators/interpreters?

This study showed that most respondents were of the opinion that a combination of courses offered by universities and colleges and experience was necessary.

Is the profession regulated by an institution/ association and how can you become a member of the community of translators/interpreters?

This study showed that most respondents were not in any associations. However, some of them considered that The Translators and Interpreters Association of Thailand or TIAT, was rather important in regulating the profession but it was not compulsory.

Does NAATI accreditation from Australia have any recognition in Thailand and is accreditation authority established?

This study showed that most respondents were unaware whether NAATI accreditation from Australia has any recognition in Thailand and is accreditation authority established.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of working as a freelance translator/interpreter in Thailand?

This study showed that most respondents were of the opinion that various advantages were present including freedom to choose your own hours, set your own prices; but some respondents felt that a structured working environment would offer security etc.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of working as an in-house translator / interpreter (agency, corporations, etc.) in Thailand?

This study showed many respondents were of the opinion that the advantages would be a stable income and that they did not need to negotiate with clients because agencies will undertake this part. However, they might not be able to choose their assignments.

Are there any established rates for translation/interpreting work in Thailand and how are these rates regulated, if at all?

This study showed that most respondents were of the opinion that rates were unregulated and not established. Two respondents mentioned that the rates for translation might be 100-300 baht per one page, although, it could not be considered as reliable data.

Which areas of the interpreting/translation market are growing and which are shrinking? Is it necessary to specialize in a certain area?

This study showed most respondents were of the opinion that there were various markets to be grown and shrink. It mostly depends on period of time and rate of work for each type of market as well as the ability of translators and interpreters.

What is the process you need to follow in order to get a job as a freelancer?

This study showed that most respondents were of the opinion that various matters are necessary. They start by introducing themselves to agencies or clients and negotiate for their assignments and rates as well as other conditions and/or a work contract. In addition, the code of ethics was mentioned and the principle such as accuracy, punctuality and professional conduct were listed.

How do you come into an agreement with a client? Are there any contracts that specify the rights of the client and that of the translator/interpreter?

This study showed that most respondents were of the opinion that informal agreements were desirable. Interestingly, there were no exact agreements or contracts especially for translators / interpreters who work in Thailand. They come up to an agreement with their clients by talking through the phone or email. 

What are the characteristics and abilities of translators/interpreters that may determine the success rate in getting jobs and/or higher or lower income?

This study showed that most respondents were of the opinion that various qualities were necessary, for example, delivery on time, accuracy and quality of work, observing clients' expectation, observing deadline and competency

Discussion

This study raises significant questions regarding the nature of work and the labour market in the translation and interpreter careers. There are three aspects that will be focused on in this part including the issues of obtaining a degree and related knowledge for translators / interpreters, rates regulation and the establishment of association.

The study demonstrated that a University degree is essential; however, it does not necessarily need to be a degree in language. A degree of law, economics, and computer science would be growing in the future. Other areas of knowledge should be given consideration as the labour market of this career has been broadly expanding. Apart from fluency in a second language, people who are going to enter this labour market should have other knowledge which can enhance their career.

The respondents in this study did not reflect on the matter of rates as much as we anticipated them to do. There were only two respondents who stated that the rates of translation might be 100-300 baht per one page. This information could not be considered as representative data to examine the current trend of this labour market. Considerably, in our opinion, respondents did not provide this kind of information because it is in our Thai culture that people do not like to talk about working rates and/or money they earn.

A further consideration in analysing the results is the establishment of associations and organisations which should be set up more in Thailand. Recently, there is only one formal association in Thailand which is The Translators and Interpreters Association of Thailand or TIAT. Having a formal association might advantage people who are working in a translation / interpreting industry. Thus, this issue should be concerned and developed in Thailand in order to expand the labour market.

Conclusion

The labour market for translators and interpreters in Thailand is largely unregulated at the moment. The income of translators / interpreters mainly depends on the amount of work and their professional conduct. The result of study implied that a stability of the rates for a translator / interpreter in Thailand seems not good. While this labour market has been recently expanding, there is no regulation of rate set and this is quite fortunate for people who are working in this industry. Several Thai Translators services may be found online through http://www.thai-english-translation.com/ and Express Phuket. They are nonetheless in demand especially in the light of the recent disasters especially the December 2004 Tsunami onslaught that needed the aid of workers internationally, thus deeming it necessary for Translators to be present while they recover from the entire ordeal (Tang, 2004). 

Additionally, in order to be a successful translator / interpreter, one needs to have a wide range of knowledge in several areas and should be able to deal with business independently. Translators / interpreters should not only be good in the target language but also in other fields such as IT, law, and business. These abilities can give translators / interpreters a chance to satisfy the demand of the Thai labour market. 

Bibliography

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