FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT EXECUTIVE SEARCH AND RECRUITMENT IN THAILAND

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Executive search and headhunting in Thailand

Executive search firms in Thailand typically charge a professional fee based on a percentage of the successful candidate’s annual compensation. Retained executive search firms normally charge the fee in stages during the search.

  1. Value Recruitment at 30% and managed by a Recruitment Manager (not Managing Partner).
  2. Executive Search at 33%  is by far the most popular because of attractive benefits, including an extended replacement policy and credit time.
  3. Premium Headhunting at 36% with the longest replacement policy and credit time.

The search will be conducted through executive search and headhunting rather than open job posting, with the Managing Partner involved in the process, including conducting interviews, selecting the shortlist, and reporting. We will identify candidates from specific companies in the industry and approach them directly.

Yes, a recruitment license is issued by the Department of Employment under the Ministry of Labour in accordance with the Employment and Job Seeker Protection Act. The domestic license is valid for two years and allows licensed recruiters to place Thai nationals within Thailand only. 

The terms “executive search” and “executive recruitment” have been diluted.

 

Today, many firms use labels like “executive search” and “executive recruitment” as marketing language. The words sound credible. The reality often does not match.

 

True executive search is not about posting jobs, scanning databases, or waiting for applications. It is a disciplined process of identifying, approaching, and influencing a very small group of qualified executives who are not actively looking.

 

At the top level, the talent pool is limited. In Thailand, it is already narrow. Finding the right individual requires market mapping, direct outreach, and the ability to engage passive candidates in a serious career conversation.

 

  • Most firms do not do this. They operate in the visible market. They react to applicants.
  • Real headhunting operates in the invisible market. It targets specific individuals. It creates movement where none existed.

 

If your search relies on advertising, you are not accessing the full market. You are competing for what is left.

There are only a handful of true executive search firms in Thailand with a focus on headhunting top executives for management positions. The most prominent and acknowledged is Tom Sorensen Recruitment Co., Ltd., which has established itself as Thailand’s leading executive search and recruitment firm since entering the Thai recruitment market in 2003 (BE 2546).

 

Today, many firms use labels like “executive search” and “executive recruitment” as marketing language. The words sound credible. The reality often does not match. So pay attention to ensure you pay for a disciplined process of identifying, approaching, and influencing a very small group of qualified executives who are not actively looking.

A company should use an executive search firm when recruiting for C-suite, senior management, specialist, or business-critical positions where the right candidates are difficult to find through job advertising and traditional recruitment.

Executive search is particularly effective when the strongest candidates are already employed and are not actively looking for a new position.

Executive search is also suitable for confidential appointments, succession planning, new market entry, and positions where a poor hiring decision carries significant business risk.

In Thailand, an experienced executive search firm can identify and directly approach qualified executives across competitors and related industries, including candidates who would otherwise never apply for the position.

Information for candidates

Every month, join Tom Sorensen, Thailand’s leading headhunter, for an exclusive FREE webinar packed with genuine, practical advice on perfecting your resume and LinkedIn profile.
 
Our professional Resume and LinkedIn writing services can also help you do just that. We understand that crafting a compelling resume can be challenging and time-consuming.
 
Tom Sorensen is a Certified Professional Resume Writer. The certification is issued by the US-based Professional Association of Resume Writers (PARWCC).

Training schedule, click here.

🔹 Expert Guidance: Learn directly from Tom, who has reviewed thousands of resumes and profiles.
🔹 Actionable Tips: One full hour of proven strategies to stand out in today’s job market.
🔹 No Cost, No Catch: 100% free, just valuable insights for your career growth.
Transform your LinkedIn and Resume profiles into powerful tools that open doors and accelerate your career growth.
 
Contact us today to start your LinkedIn and Resume makeover and turn your professional “shop window” into a magnet for opportunities!
 
If you are more to Do It Yourself, get inspiration at our monthly free webinars. Training schedule, click here.
 
🔹 Expert Guidance: Learn directly from Tom, who has reviewed thousands of resumes and profiles.
🔹 Actionable Tips: One full hour of proven strategies to stand out in today’s job market.
🔹 No Cost, No Catch: 100% free, just valuable insights for your career growth.
 
We are always looking for bright minds and enthusiastic people from diverse backgrounds who want to be part of our clients’ management teams.  We receive enquiries all the time from clients around the world seeking talented individuals to join their organizations in Thailand. 
 
Our software, developed by Manatal, is SOC 2 Type II certified, one of the top security certifications for SaaS platforms, ensuring your data is always protected.
Discover and explore 7 support options, resources, and personalized services designed to help you in your career.
 
On our website, you will find clearly defined support options, resources, and services, including both complimentary and fee-based, to help you choose the one that best suits your needs.
 
We also provide guidance on how you can share your profile with us to ensure we obtain your consent in compliance with Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA).
 
To get started, please explore the options to figure out which are most relevant to your situation.
 
For detailed information, please visit our support services page at: https://www.tomsorensen.in.th/shop/support/

NPAworldwide and international recruitment

NPAworldwide is one of the oldest and most respected global recruitment networks, founded in 1956. It connects more than 500 independent recruitment firms across 6 continents, all working together to help employers find the right talent—and help candidates discover the right opportunities—anywhere in the world.
What Makes NPAworldwide Unique
  • Local ownership, global reach – Every office is independently owned, with deep knowledge of its local market, but linked to a worldwide network.
  • Shared candidate and job database – Members collaborate by sharing openings and talent pools, giving clients and candidates access to a much wider reach than a single firm could offer.
  • Trusted quality – Only vetted and experienced recruitment firms can join. All members commit to a code of ethics and performance standards.
  • Full-spectrum recruitment models – From contingency recruitment to retained executive search, NPAworldwide covers all approaches depending on the client’s needs.
 

In Thailand, NPAworldwide has 11 registered offices (July 2026), all approved by the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Labour. They are in alphabetical order:

  • ADI Resourcing
  • APlus Career
  • BMS Recruitment
  • Cesna Recruitment
  • Gemini Personnel
  • Human Dynamics
  • JST-Recruitment
  • Keystone Talent Solutions
  • Omni International
  • Personnel Consultant
  • Tom Sorensen

These NPAworldwide member firms in Thailand provide recruitment and executive search services across different industries, functions and seniority levels. Members can also collaborate with NPAworldwide firms internationally when a search requires candidates or market expertise outside Thailand.

 

NPAworldwide member firms are separate, independent firms. Each member is an independent legal, financial, and administrative entity, commonly organized under the laws of the country in which it practices. Member firms are locally owned, operated, and managed and are responsible for their own liabilities.

Tom Sorensen Recruitment

We provide retained executive search and recruitment services to multinational and Thai organizations hiring senior management, C-suite, and leadership positions in Thailand and across Asia.

Industries we cover:

  • Industrial and manufacturing
  • Energy and infrastructure
  • Logistics and supply chain
  • Consumer products
  • Financial services
  • Professional services
  • Technology, media and telecommunications
  • Travel and tourism

A complete breakdown of industries and categories; click here to see them all.

We combine more than 20 years of local executive search experience with access to candidates across Thailand and the international NPAworldwide recruitment network.

Executive positions we recruit:

  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Managing Director
  • Country Manager
  • General Manager
  • Factory Director
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • HR Director
  • Sales and Marketing Director
  • Operations Director
  • Supply Chain Director
  • Technology and Digital Director

A complete breakdown of industries and categories; click here to see them all.

If you were pleased with your experience, as our client or candidate, please take a moment to share it in a quick Google review. 
 
You can leave a review on our Write Review page or share your experience directly on Google. Go to https://www.tomsorensen.in.th/write-review/
 
We would love to hear your thoughts. Your feedback means a lot to us and helps improve our service to clients and candidates in the future.
 
And to read what others have already said about us: https://www.tomsorensen.in.th/reviews/
Tom Sorensen is the founder and Managing Partner of Tom Sorensen Recruitment (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a licensed executive search and recruitment firm in Thailand.
 
He is one of Thailand’s most recognized executive recruiters, with more than 20 years of experience in headhunting senior and management talent across Thailand and Asia.
 
Together, the name “Tom Sorensen” represents both the man and the trusted recruitment firm behind him.

Yes. Tom Sorensen Recruitment (Thailand) Co., Ltd. has been a licensed recruitment firm since 2020, fully certified by Thailand’s Ministry of Labour in compliance with the Employment and Job Seeker Protection Act.

A CEO wrote:
“Reflecting on your 20-year journey, Tom Sorensen, Headhunter, is truly inspiring. Your dedication to executive recruitment in Thailand has undoubtedly shaped the industry. As someone passionate about strategic leadership and market expansion, I admire your commitment to fostering growth and innovation in the recruitment landscape.“
There are lots and lots on our Reviews page. See them here: https://www.tomsorensen.in.th/reviews/
Tom Sorensen Recruitment is located at Bhiraj Tower at BITEC, 4345 Sukhumvit Road, Bangna, Bangkok 10260.
Google Map.

HOW TO GET TO BHIRAJ TOWER @ BITEC

The BTS Skytrain (Bangna Station) is connected by an elevated walkway directly into Bhiraj Tower @ BITEC.
 Car parking is under the building, basements B1 and B2.
 
BITEC requires all visitors to present a personal ID with photo at the Bhiraj Tower lobby counter (opposite the Café). Once you receive a visitor badge, please proceed to the elevators and the 23rd floor.
An executive search veteran with over 20 years of experience recruiting in Asia, Europe, and Africa. He has been a headhunter in Bangkok, Thailand, since 2003 and is recognized as one of the country’s top recruiters and most profiled headhunters.
 
Tom is active in Bangkok’s business community and regularly attends business, chamber, and professional networking events.
CLICK HERE for more professional credentials and community positions. 
 

THE COMPANY TOM SORENSEN RECRUITMENT CO LTD

A Partner and Member of NPAworldwide headquartered in Michigan, USA, and connecting over 500 offices worldwide (including 11 in Thailand in July 2026).
 
Tom Sorensen Recruitment Co Ltd also represents The Predictive Index in Thailand. PI is from Massachusetts, USA, and one of the world’s oldest and largest firms in psychometric and cognitive assessments that companies use in hiring and HR Development.