Thailand takes the crown as the best destination in Asia for digital nomads. We’re not surprised by this. With hundreds of golden temples, stunning landscapes, delicious street foods, and a low cost of living, the Land of Smiles has long been a favourite for expats searching for a second home.
This is not to mention many large cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok boast an established network of digital nomad contacts. But is it easy to become a digital nomad in Thailand?
How can you legitimately stay and work in Thailand, even on a budget? What are the best destinations in Thailand? And what visa options are available for digital nomads?
Welcome to Thailand, wanderlust nomads! This post will answer all of these questions and guide you to the best decision on your journey to live and work as a digital nomad in Thailand.
Between low cost of living and reliable infrastructure, Thailand is a nation of beauty. Photo by PRASERT - stock.adobe.com
Visa Options For A Digital Nomad In Thailand
Recently introduced, the DTV is your best bet for remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads in Thailand. Let’s see what it is about.
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) - Best Option For DN In Thailand
- Duration: 5 years
- Entry: Multiple, 180 days per entry
- Extension: Yes, once every 180 days with 10,000 baht (~£220) fee
- Requirements:
- At least 20 years of age
- Passport or travel documents
- Proof of Purpose of Visit
- Proof of Employment
- Financial proof of 500,000 baht (~£11,000) or more.
- How To Apply: A Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate or online through Thailand’s official e-visa website
- Family and Spouse Included: Yes.
This is the latest and best Thai visa for digital nomads. Designed to attract remote workers and freelancers, the DTV allows holders to stay for up to 180 days per visit with a 5-year visa validity. If you are working for a non-Thai company, you don’t need to apply for a work permit.
On the flip side, DTV prohibits holders from obtaining a Thai work permit and working for companies within the country. And the DTV is terminated if you apply for another visa.
Other Visas To Consider
There are also some other options for a digital nomad Thailand to consider for entry and working in the country. Before the introduction of DTV, the following visas were the best options at the time:
Non-Immigrant B
- Duration: 90 days
- Extension: When the valid period of the visa runs out, many digital nomads can convert it to a long-term visa.
If you want to catch up with your job during your stay, then you can apply for a 90-day non-immigrant B. You can either get a work permit or open a bank account with this visa.
Smart Visa
- Duration: 4 years
- Extension: Yes. Application for extension must be completed and submitted at least 90 days before its expiry for approval.
If you want to be a work-from-Thailand professional, then this visa will grant you up to 4-year permission to stay in the country. Digital nomads can apply to up to 13 S-Curve industries.
Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa
- Duration: 10-years. Divided into two 5-year terms.
- Extension: Not specified.
For those with a plan to relocate to Thailand, the LTR visa, which lasts for up to 10 years, will be the best option. The program is designed for highly skilled foreigners or remote workers for a well-established firm. You can settle and start a long-term living in Thailand for the first 5 years (initial permission from the government) and then extend your stay for 5 more years.
Digital nomads on a budget, welcome to Thailand! IG: @d3jwik
Overview of Thailand As A Destination for Digital Nomads
Is Thailand good for digital nomads? Are you still wondering if Thailand's worth your visit (and your visa application fee!!!)? Here is a summary of why the country is a favourite among digital nomads.
Factors to consider | Thailand |
Monthly cost of living | Extremely affordable. About $800 – $1,150 in many cities. |
Visa | A newly launched Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) allows you to work and travel the country for 180 consecutive days - up to five years. Apply here. |
Taxation | You only need to pay tax residency if you stay 180 days or longer in any calendar year. |
Wifi Connectivity | Strong. Even on isolated islands, the connectivity is still reliable. |
Safety Level | Relatively safe
|
Language Spoken | Mainly Thai and English |
Expat Community | Thailand has a large expat community. |
Cost Of Living
Moving from the US or Western countries to Thailand is a treat to your wallet. Finding a decent studio apartment in the country for around $300/month is easy.
In addition, you will never have to string your budget regarding food. A meal at local restaurants or street food stalls usually rarely costs you more than $2. With only around $70/month, you can also travel like a local and get around town with a rented scooter.
The beauty of Thailand is how it caters to every budget. The barrier entry is low, especially if you stay in the outskirts area. If you are someone who are happy with a one bedroom apartment and cheap local eats, you can live here. Prefer a beachfront property and going out to fancy restaurants and clubs every night? Yes, you can also do that in Thailand.
Beautiful Landscapes For Every Taste
Beach holiday or mountain getaways? It's up to you. Photo by ake1150 - stock.adobe.com
Podcast-worthy landscapes are easy to find across the Kingdom. There's something for every taste. After you leave behind the bustling nightlife of Bangkok, adventure is non-stop with the stunning coastlines of phu*ket, the lush jungles of Chiang Mai, and the sacred temples of Ayutthaya. Thailand is where you shut down your scenic desktop screen, and you can still easily see the real deal from a closer distance and with your own eyes.
Fast Internet And Plentiful Co-Working Space
To stay productive and connected with colleagues and clients, we, as digital nomads, will need a reliable internet connection and modern working space. Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about that as Thailand has the 7th highest internet speed in the world, a report found.
While internet connectivity is still not as high as in countries like South Korea, it can still meet the demands of most remote jobs. Wifit at a random cafe just outside of Bangkok can easily reach 80-100mbps Even on isolated islands like Koh Phangan, people rarely complain about the speed.
Co-working spaces are the beating heart of the digital nomad community, and Thailand offers plenty. Vibrant workspaces like Beachub in Koh Phangan, Kohub in Koh Lanta, or Punspace in Chiang Mai are where you can get your job done and network further with fellow digital nomads.
Large Expat Community
Thailand is one of the most popular countries for expats. In fact, it boasts the largest expat communities in Asia. As of 2023, two million farangs (foreigners) are calling the country home.
Work Permits And Taxes
There is a gray, and sometimes blurring line between working as digital nomads and really making money in Thailand. You better check out the Thai Embassy Detailed list of what is considered “work” to see if you fall into the category. If you’re defined as working in Thailand, then you’ll need a work permit before getting down to the business.
As for taxation, a foreigner is considered a Thai tax resident if he/she stays for a period of 180 days or more within any given calendar year. If you fall into this case, you will have to pay income tax.
The Culture And The People
What’s it like to live in a country with 95% of the people being Theravada Buddhists? Photo by Kalyakan - stock.adobe.com
There’s a reason it’s called the land of smiles. People in Thailand are generous and hospitable. Whether you meet a cashier at 7/11 to a grandma serving you a bowl of noodles, you can always see they're constantly smiling, laughing, and making you feel at ease. Wherever you go, you can expect this kind of welcome in Thailand. Be sure to learn Thai to get to know the people. You may find life long friends during your stay here.
Which Thai City Is Best For Digital Nomads?
Want a fresh start in a new corner of the globe while still feeling homesick sometimes? These cities are expat havens with quality Western restaurants, great co-working spaces, and nightlife that will make you feel like your second home there:
- Bangkok
- phu*ket
- Koh Phangan
- Koh Samui
- Chiang Mai
- Kabri.
Bangkok - Best For Nightlife And Modern Infrastructures
As the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok gets full energy 24/7. The city boasts well-developed infrastructure, which means reliable coworking spaces and internet access. If you're seeking a good time, Bangkok luxury hotels, Michelin-star restaurants, and co*cktail bars are all you need.
There are also numerous social clubs and activities for pastimes such as tennis, theatre, musicals, etc., that make the city a global hub for foreigners. The city is also known for its vibrant and safe nightlife for you to unwind and have some fun.
One surprising fact is expats can live in this cosmopolitan city, with all the convenience and modernity, for a cost that is easy on the wallet. Bangkok is where you can gorge on some of the best plates of Pad Thai for less than $2 from a random street food stall.
Sukhumvit Road is one of the most popular places to stay for digital nomads in Bangkok. The area is within a short distance from “Skytrain” and the MRT underground, and it's also a hub of some of the best condos, cafes, restaurants, and nightlife spots for you to work, play, and grind.
phu*ket - Best For Outdoorsy, Active Lifestyles
There are water sports of all types to try in phu*ket. Photo by Mizkit - stock.adobe.com
Situated in the Andaman Sea, phu*ket is the largest island in Thailand. In fact, it's dubbed the “Pearl of the Andaman” for its pristine beaches (up to 30 beaches), lush landscapes and turquoise waters.
The island is a magnet for digital nomads, thanks to its low cost of living. Many expats report that they can afford a comfortable lifestyle at 30%-40% less than the cost in New York or London.
Known as a recreational paradise, phu*ket gives you a new vibe if you need a refresher. Digital nomads can enjoy a stroll around the historical quarter of phu*ket Town at one moment, and then climb up the hill to marvel at the stunning views of the Big Buddha.
The island is also home to some of the world’s best resorts, golf courses, and wellness retreats. If you want to pamper and reconnect with yourself, then phu*ket is the place!
phu*ket is only a 1.5-hour flight from Bangkok with plenty of ferries to the mainland, just in case you feel itching for a weekend in the big city.
Koh Phangan - Best For Beach Lifestyles
Sitting between Koh Samui and Koh Tao, Koh Phangan is a pretty island in the Gulf of Thailand. The most popular thing to do on the island is, of course, the Full Moon Party, which draws a large backpacker crowd.
But Koh Phangan is much more than an island party. On many hikes to Koh Phangan’s peaks, you can stumble on several hidden waterfalls or a pristine pool.
There are dozens of white sand beaches, from Bottle Beach (our favourite) to Haad Rin for happy hour drinks and sunset walks. Must thing to do before you leave: Rent a scooter for the day to explore every corner of the island.
There are a few co-working spaces like Beach Hub for you to get your work done. Wifi is also pretty good on this small island. So you can otherwise go to several cafes or work right at your homestay when you don't feel like going to co-working spaces.
Koh Samui - Best For Tropical Islands
It's like Hawaii, but in Asia. Many expats come for the sea, sand and sun. The city has the Azure Ocean for you to dip in, palm-lined beaches and year-round tropical weather for any kind of sports activities you have in mind.
The locals are friendly and rarely fuss over the small stuff. Overall, Koh Samui is the kind of place anyone can envision themselves living long-term there.
The cost of living is affordable. At any time of the day, you can treat yourself to tropical co*cktails for less than $3 on your way home from the co-working space.
The only downside (for digital nomads to consider) is the internet speed on the island. Digital nomads on the island will prefer mobile packages to the hotspots.
Koh Samui is a great destination for business owners who run their company from afar (whose jobs won’t require heavy data exchange). Video editors, YouTubers and those doing video conferences, however, might need internet service providers for their work.
Chiang Mai - Best For Cultures And Co-Working Networks
Chiang Mai has been a backpacker destination for decades Photo by artpritsadee - stock.adobe.com
A place where tradition meets modernity, Chiang Mai is a dream come true for digital nomads. Imagine you can take a morning hike in a mountain, spend an entire morning praying at a sacred temple, and end your day with savoury Thai food on vibrant street markets. There are fewer places in the Kingdom where you can do these things at the same time.
Speaking from a digital nomad's angle, the city is known for its fine co-working spaces. It boasts a solid co-working infrastructure. You can find great coworking space scattered in the trendy hub Nimmanhemin, with comfy seats, speedy wifi, and regular networking events throughout the year.
As a past capital of Thailand, the city also offers a glance into the past Thailand with its architecture and history. If you're an outdoor type, Doi Suthep and Doi Inthanon are all landmarks to pay a visit.
Kabri - Best For Urban Escape
Alongside phu*ket and Koh Samui, Kabri is also a world-renowned beach destination. Less developed than the two cities, Kabri is not as much of a hustle and bustle but still has beaches, restaurants, and cafes for you to live and work remotely.
The low-cost living base is also one of its main attractions for backpackers. You can find the majority of digital nomads living in the Krabi district called Mueang Krabi. For rent, groceries and utilities, you may have to spend around $500 to cover the basic living.
When you're not working, you can kayak through huge karst mountains from Ao Nang or enjoy glorious beach getaways in Tonsai and Railay. The island lifestyle in Kabri is also sparkling with private boat tours and snorkelling. There's no shortage of good times there.
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Have A Good Time In The Land Of Smiles!
Once you become a digital nomad in Thailand, enjoy your trip. Maybe, on a lazy beach somewhere in Koh Lanta, you can find yourself checking your emails, sipping on a co*cktail, and reflecting on one of the best decisions you've made in your digital nomad life.
Thanks for spending time until the end of the article. We hope our guide is informative for your digital nomad dream life in Thailand while still enjoyable to read and inspiring enough to unleash your wanderlust. Like and share if you find it useful. See you in our next posts! Happy travel!
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