The Christmas bonus and the 13-month pay aren't that familiar to be heard here in Thailand. Obviously, because Thailand is a Buddhist country. Although, some people, families, schools, and companies nationwide are celebrating Christmas as Catholics/Christians do.
I had random interviews with ex-pat teachers and other personnel who have been working here in the Kingdom for years and they mostly say that they haven't experienced receiving a bonus or anything extra similar to that kind.
Expat workers in Thailand have their own versions of performance appraisal. The benefits of passing this depend on the needs of the company. If the company is not happy with your service, they might easily tell you these:
1. "You're fired!"
2. "We will not give you a working visa"
3. "The Management has decided not to renew your contract..."
4. "Your performance is telling me not to give you an increase.."
5. "You won't get promoted because of your performance this month.."
Finding a job here is not easy if you don't have any idea how to deal with the local people and foreigners, the work environment, Thai social and cultural aspects, and the nature of the job that you're applying for.
If you're lucky, you will receive this kind of letter below saying that you did a good job! Hence, you will receive a bonus reward equivalent to your one month's salary. Not bad! But it takes lots of time and effort to pass the performance evaluation. It's like passing through the eye of a needle. Or maybe so easy for others. Others may perform very well. However, some companies do not have this kind of benefit.
Take a look at this. I wonder when will I ever get this kind of appreciation from the employer LOL. I admire both my mom and my hubby because they are hard-working and dedicated to their jobs. I wish I could be like them. But, I understand that people are different and they have their own special way of being human LOL.
The letter above was addressed to my hubby. We are so proud of him. He is inspired because he is happy with us. He is such a good person, father, husband, teacher, staff/co-worker, neighbor, son, friend, and most a GOOD MAN. Kudos to my hubby!
Thanks be to God!