Background
Our client is a global engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) company, delivering complex projects across the energy, chemicals, government services, and technology sectors. Their operations spans project management, technical consulting, and integrated solutions for large-scale infrastructure and industrial developments. We have previously partnered with the client in the Middle East and have worked with them since 2012.
The Challenge
The client had no existing physical presence or operational infrastructure in Thailand and therefore required comprehensive local support to establish a temporary base. This included:
- Full-time transportation services, with provision of vehicles and dedicated drivers
- IT hardware procurement, including laptops and peripherals
- Telecommunications setup, such as SIM card provisioning
- Sourcing and procurement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
In addition, the client needed immigration and compliance support for ten existing employees. This covered work permit and visa applications, along with payroll tax registration in Thailand. A critical requirement was to maintain the employees’ status as home-country hires, ensuring they remained enrolled in their local Social Security schemes while operating in Thailand.
Our Solution
NES Fircroft has been established in Thailand for more than 15 years and now operates two offices in Bangkok and Chonburi. With a team of over 30 staff, we manage the daily logistics of more than 400 contractors, including over 100 expatriates. Our longstanding presence has enabled us to develop strong local engineering talent pools whilst also leveraging our global network to compliantly bring in overseas expertise when required.
Our local support spans projects in offshore oil and gas rigs, rail technology, onshore wind farms, manufacturing, chemical plants, and the fabrication of offshore drilling platforms, FPSOs, refineries, and HVDC modules. Our reputation for providing highly skilled talent has also led to Master Vendor agreements with several Thai-based EPCs.
For this client, we delivered a comprehensive “one-stop shop” service that covered all aspects of recruitment, workforce management, compliance, and logistical support.
Key services delivered included:
- End-to-end recruitment and manpower supply: Placing 40+ contractors, with Employer of Record (EOR) support for existing expatriates.
- Immigration and compliance: Managing work permits, visa applications, and payroll tax registration, ensuring full adherence to Thai regulations.
- Medical and insurance support: Coordinating medical check-ups and provided comprehensive insurance coverage.
- CIT and telecommunications: Procuring laptops, peripherals, and managed SIM card provisioning.
- Logistics and transportation: Providing cares and drivers, as well as travel arrangements and accommodation support.
- PPE supply: Sourcing and procuring Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to meet project safety requirements.
- MSP provider: Ensuring reliable, secure, and compliant services across their operations.
Roles recruited included:
- Contracts Engineers
- Electrical Specialists
- Instrument Specialists
- Painting & Coating Specialists
- Piping Specialists
- Planners/Schedulers
- Project Admin
- Project Engineers
- Welding Inspectors
Thanks to our expertise, established talent networks, and more than 15 years of operational experience in Thailand, NES Fircroft is now recognised as the client’s exclusive provider.
The Results
We successfully placed more than 40 contractors in total, including Employer of Record (EOR) services for 10 existing expatriate employees — the majority from the USA, with others from Australia and India, alongside one Canadian, one Irish, and one Indonesian.
The service was delivered smoothly and efficiently, enabling the client to remain compliant, meet deadlines, and maintain a strong operational footprint in Thailand.