Welcome to one of the friendliest countries for digital nomads, remote workers, IT Services and export-manufacturing companies. Read how you can work and live in Thailand.
Not all hotels are the same, to be sure. Here in Thailand, not all hotels can offer extended stay accommodations to foreigners. Licensing is categorized by the number of rooms, services, amenities on the property, and percentage of foreign ownership. If you have travelled at all within Thailand you know the word “resort” is very loosely used, when “flop-house” is more fitting. Do not panic, the options for comfortable, and reasonably priced lodging.
More generations are embracing foreign travel for retirement, business, education, entertainment, enlightenment or exploration of the possible. The world has shrunk in scale by means of fast transportation, and the fear of the unknown is destroyed by the power of high-speed access to information. When unsure about a recipe, equation, or home remedy we can watch a myriad of videos for comprehensive understanding.
With one click any person reading this can locate quality properties that offer long term stay in Bangkok. When we do, we can see pictures and videos of the property, building, rooms, amenities and even a street view for quick identification upon arrival. If you are just arriving you will need a residence confirmation for your arrival card.
Hotels will ask for your passport, to make a copy for reporting with the appropriate documentation to immigration. They do not need to hold your passport, if they do not have a copier, I recommend finding a simple copy shop nearby so you might retain your original document.
The luckiest professions in software development, cyber-security, accounting, design, engineering, teachers, traders, journalists, and marking specialists are enjoying a digital nomad lifestyle in Thailand. Thailand has a new Discover Thailand Visa (DTV) that offers a one-time renewable 6-month visa providing one year to do your research into where you will call home.
There are difficulties when shifting your work beachside. The glare on the screen is challenging, the white noise of waves will ease you into the most serene nap, and a steady flow of snacks will dirty your fingers. These challenges and more await you, but accomplishing any task worth doing comes with sacrifice. I am willing to fall upon the sword of this new life/work balance.
Thailand has seen the light of foreign investments for decades and new incentives from the Board of Investment (BOI) will interest any company looking to produce exportable products, and financial and IT services from here. The Kingdom has invested heavily in all modes of logistics to accommodate expansion in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) of Rayong and Chonburi provinces.
Bangkok has been dethroned as the #1 area for foreign investments. I have lived here, continuously, for over a decade, and never needed the “border-run” process which so many uninformed foreigners are told is the best way for long-term stay here. Get smart. Go directly to the BOI, or immigration landing pages and see what programs apply to you.
Thailand wants to diversify its foreign investment portfolio to resist fluctuating global markets of sales and tourism sectors. Tech companies are particularly welcome. Only you can decide to ditch the status quo of yesteryears and embrace the future from where you are most comfortable for your family, health, and soul.