How to Work Remotely in Thailand

Looking to work remotely in Thailand? We share everything you need to know to be a digital nomad in Thailand; from where to live to the cost of living.

After living in Thailand for 4 years, we can honestly say that living and working in Thailand is like a life hack. You get the best of both worlds; life is laid back and relaxed but the cost of living means you can save money.

There’s no doubt that Thailand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Its vibrant culture, affordable cost of living, lip-smacking Thai food, stunning beaches, 1430 breathtaking islands to be explored, and electrifying nightlife attract millions of wanderlusters and tourists each year. 

Besides attracting tourists, Thailand is also an upcoming destination for digital nomads and remote workers. Remote workers are coming to Thailand in hordes to work out of Phuket or Bangkok. 

How to Work Remotely in Thailand

Visa’s in Thailand

On July 15, 2024, Thailand launched the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) to lure freelancers, remote workers, and digital nomads to live, work, and travel in the country for up to 180 days per entry. The document is valid for five years, ideal fo those who want to work remotely in Thailand.

As a remote worker, freelancer, or digital nomad, you can apply for this visa if you are at least 20 years old and are from one of the 93 eligible countries. This is a fairly new visa, so the rules and exactly what you need will vary depending on which embassy you visit.

Generally, however, applicants need to submit their passport or travel document, their current location, and proof of salary slip in the last six months. You will also need evidence of financial stability, a foreign employment contract, a professional portfolio, and/or an employer’s business license. It is also possible to obtain this visa if you join Thailand’s soft power activities, such as cooking, Muay Thai boxing, or short-term education courses. 

The fee for the Destination Thailand Visa is 10,000 Thai baht, and you must show proof of funds that are equal to approximately 500,000 Thai baht. 

While it is easy and affordable to acquire this visa, the drawback of the digital nomad visa or DTV is that DTV holders cannot acquire a work permit or work for a Thai company. 

Besides DTV, another option for digital nomads and remote workers is the 90-day Non-immigrant Visa. 

In case you wish to stay in Thailand longer, you can apply for the Long-term Resident Visa. This visa lets you stay in Thailand for ten years but of course, it is much harder to obtain an LTR visa because the eligibility criteria are quite restrictive. 

What do you need to work remotely in Thailand?

There are a few things you may want to consider before planning to work remotely in Thailand.

• Proxy configuration and VPN 

Working out of cafes and co-working spaces in Thailand is the popular norm among remote workers and digital nomads, and Thailand has stepped up to the demand.

Most cafes, restaurants, and co-working spaces have access to high-speed Internet. However, when browsing on public Wi-Fi, you must be wary of your privacy and security. Getting a proxy on iPhone or other devices can help you stay protected when working with shared internet.

Additionally, you can consider using a VPN; we always use a VPN when working outside of our apartment but you can also use this to access region-locked content. For example, us Brits love using a VPN to access UK online channels.

• Tools for collaboration and communication 

Collaboration and communication tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Dropbox, and Google Workspace are excellent for staying in touch with colleagues and clients and sharing files back and forth with ease.

With these tools, you can seamlessly collaborate with your team, even if you are working across different time zones, perfect for those wanting to work remotely in Thailand.

• Productivity applications 

Asana, Trello, and other similar productivity applications are perfect for keeping track of deadlines and tasks to ensure you never miss any important date or notification. We use Asana to keep track of our projects and workflow and love the free version for small teams.

• Portable Wi-Fi and charger 

While in most of the major Thai cities, there’s no problem with Internet connectivity, there might be power outages. Also, if you are traveling to remote areas of the country or plan to work remotely out on one of the islands, it might be a good idea to carry a portable Wi-Fi device and a charger.

This will ensure your work is never disrupted but can also be a great backup during long travel days or time away from your home.

• Utilize accommodation, transportation, and travel planning applications 

Websites Agoda, Airbnb, and Booking.com can help you find affordable and flexible accommodation that suits long-term remote work. However, it is worth noting that some apartments in Bangkok and Chiang Mai ban Airbnb, so double-check your chosen place permits before booking.

If you are looking to rent, you can use apps like RentHub, DDProperty, or Realtor.com.

For public transport in Thailand, you can use ViaBus or 12Go. While ViaBus gives information regarding bus timings and routes, 12Go is an all-in-one application you can use to book ferries, trains, buses, taxis, and also flights. 

When in the cities, download the GRAB app to book taxis and motorbike taxis, while both Grab and Food Panda offer food and grocery delivery.

Best Cities to Work Remotely in Thailand

To be honest, it is tough to pick a handful of Thai cities and call them the best because they each have their charm. Also, it depends on your preference and the kind of work environment you are seeking when looking to work remotely in Thailand.

However, as a remote worker, we can assume you are looking for cities offering the right infrastructure and amenities, along with an affordable cost of living.

Here are the popular choices:

Bangkok 

Bangkok is the vibrant capital city, and it has been recognized as one of the top workation destinations in the world; ideal for those wanting to work remotely in Thailand. The city offers the perfect mix of relaxation and work for digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers. 

This has been our home for 4 years, so we may be biased, but it does have a bit of everything; trendy cafes, local pubs, vibrant rooftop bars, quiet pools, affordable cost of living, and delicious food. We love the Thai cooking classes in Bangkok and make use of the many unique cafes in Bangkok.

Bangkok is also home to numerous co-working spaces as well as a fantastic Internet infrastructure and convenient public transport; making it ideal for those wanting an easy, digital nomad lifestyle. Plus, the malls like MBK shopping mall, are home to all the electronics you could need to work remotely in Thailand.

We have a full website all about our experiences living in Bangkok and exploring Thailand, so make sure to read up on tips before you go: That Bangkok Life.

Chiang Mai 

Chiang Mai is known as the digital nomad capital of Thailand because it offers numerous co-working spaces, a low cost of living, and a strong expat community. It has reliable Internet, a laid-back lifestyle, and affordable housing; often voted as one of the best places to live in the world.

There’s also a wide range of cafes and networking events that specifically cater to digital nomads and remote workers, plus plenty of things to do in Chiang Mai, to keep you busy on your days off.

The weather is cool and comfortable during the dry season, but the hot season can be daunting. 

Phuket 

Are you seeking a blend of beach life with work? Look no further than Phuket.

This paradise offers a coastal lifestyle with excellent co-working spaces and plenty of things to do in Phuket for fun weekends and evenings.

Although the cost of living is slightly higher than in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, the island provides a vibrant digital nomad community and the opportunity to unwind by the ocean after work. 

Koh Samui 

Koh Samui is well-known for its picturesque beaches and a slower pace of life; often referred to as one of the most beautiful places in Thailand.

It is perfect for remote workers wanting a relaxed working environment. Here, you will find various beachside co-working options and reliable Internet. 

What is Thailand’s cost of living?

Generally, the cost of living in Thailand is affordable and tends to be lower than in countries such as the USA, the UK, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and most of Europe. However, it is more expensive to live in Thailand if you are coming from countries like Russia, India, and South Africa. 

On average, a single person pays around 20,000 Thai baht per month before rent and this amount can go lower or higher depending on the type of accommodation, entertainment options, and the location. 

The rent also varies depending on location. For example, renting in the heart of Bangkok may set you back by 18,000-20,000 baht per month while renting in Chiang Mai will set you back by 11,300 baht per month. 

Do your research before moving to Thailand. 

Weather in Thailand

The climate can impact your productivity and comfort. The dry, cool season from November to February is the most pleasant but the hot season from March to May and the rainy season from June to October is challenging. 

Temperature can soar above 35 degrees Celsius during the hot season and the rainy season witnesses flooding in certain areas. It is essential to work out of a good co-working space or rent an apartment where you’ll be safe from the heat and air. 

What are the challenges of working remotely in Thailand?

• Internet connectivity 

Most major cities have reliable Internet connections. However, speeds may vary in rural areas. 

• Time zone difference 

When coordinating with colleagues or clients in Western countries, you might need to adjust Thailand’s time zone (GMT +7). 

• Visa regulations 

It can be complicated to manage long-term visas without proper documentation and they might be expensive. However, the new DTV visa aims to make things simpler for digital nomads and remote workers. 

• Language barriers 

While English is spoken in urban areas, language barriers might still present minor challenges when dealing with customer service or administrative tasks. It is recommended that you learn a few common Thai phrases and use translation apps. 

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Thailand offers an alluring balance of work-friendly infrastructure, affordability, and a rich cultural experience, making it a top choice for digital nomads. With the new DTV visa, more remote workers can enjoy an extended stay in this vibrant country.