Pros Of Living In Thailand
Below are some of the major benefits of residing in Thailand, which make it a preferred choice among remote employees and ex-pats.
Incredible Cuisine
Thailand’s cuisine is acclaimed for its delicious taste, ranging from dishes with spicy noodles to desserts like sweet mango sticky rice.
Pad Thai, the country’s signature dish, is made by stir-frying noodles, chopped vegetables, meat, and beansprouts together in a pan.
For an authentic Thai dish, simply include a touch of spicy tamarind sauce, crushed peanuts, a squeezed lime, and top it with an egg. Other delectable options include red Thai curry and fried rice.
Throughout the country, there are various modern vegan cafes, ice cream parlors, and beachside restaurants available that offer a blend of local and western cuisine, perfect for those seeking a fusion of tastes.
Mexican cuisine, American classics, and Indian delicacies are only a few examples of the diverse range of international dishes you can indulge in.
Varied Landscapes
Thailand boasts a wealth of sights to behold, from lively and bustling cities like Bangkok to tranquil islands graced by palm trees and home to only a handful of locals – catering to all preferences.
To catch a glimpse of the north’s misty mountains with distinct layers, visit Chiang Mai.
Those who desire to view spectacular beaches and towering limestone formations will find any of the Thai islands ideal. Bangkok, the country’s capital, is a blend of old and new and is rich in cultural establishments such as temples and palaces.
Living in Thailand comes with a significant benefit of diverse landscapes. In case you become bored with one climate, you can easily switch to another.
Friendly Community
Thailand earned the moniker of “Land of Smiles” due to the extremely amiable and hospitable locals, making it one of the primary advantages of residing there.
If Thai is the only language that many Thai residents speak, then you’ll become acquainted with them through their boisterous laughter and friendly grins, as they are keen to communicate with you using incomplete English.
This amazing country is home to numerous expats, and you’re bound to connect with plenty of individuals who share your interests and way of life.
You’re likely to engage in a conversation with a stranger, whether it’s within your building complex, a shared workspace, or during a tour.
Low Cost Of Living
Irrespective of your location in Thailand, you will discover that it is an economical country. By consuming local food and residing in an apartment rather than a villa, you can comfortably sustain a life with less than $1,000 per month.
A meal in a conventional restaurant will cost you roughly $2, and for less than $7 per day, you can rent a scooter. You can also decrease this expense to approximately $4 by renting for an extended period.
Expect to spend a budget of approximately $1,500 per month if you plan on participating in tourist activities such as boat tours or diving trips, indulging in beach clubs, and occasionally dining on western cuisine.
If keeping a tight budget is a priority, it would be wise to explore Chiang Mai, Bangkok, or Chiang Rai as your chosen destination due to the comparatively lower cost of living on the mainland in comparison to the islands.
Great Accommodation Options
Although hotels in Asian countries are typically stunning and frequently lavish, it is advisable to lease an apartment or villa instead if you reside in Thailand. In Asia, the issue is frequently that the quality of housing falls short of western standards.
In Thailand’s various digital nomad hubs, there are many choices available for accommodation, ranging from small one-bedroom apartment buildings to larger villas with five bedrooms and a personal pool, as well as various other options.
These accommodations offer the usual conveniences like a well-equipped kitchen and laundry facilities, along with extra perks not found in one’s country of origin.
On-site amenities like gyms and spas, frequent cleaning, and the option to have breakfast delivered to your apartment may all be included.
Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Phangan boast a variety of cost-effective and state-of-the-art alternatives for digital nomads and telecommuters.
A one-bedroom apartment in Koh Phangan will cost more than $350 while Chiang Mai offers cheaper budget accommodation for under $300. Apartments on Phuket island may be slightly pricier compared to other islands, but the rates are still reasonable at around $400.
It is recommended to reserve a hotel for a week or two upon arrival in Thailand, even though it is possible to arrange long-term lodging beforehand.
You can use this time to explore the surroundings and inspect the properties that interest you. Additionally, it is typical for landlords to offer a reduced price for renters who physically visit and rent an apartment.
Cons Of Living In Thailand
Fortunately, there are numerous advantages to residing in Thailand, though there are some aspects to consider before making travel arrangements and obtaining a passport.
Unreliable WiFi
As a remote worker or digital nomad, the speed of WiFi will be of great significance to you. Although you might be self-employed and thereby have the flexibility to set your own work schedule, it may also be the case that you work for an organization that mandates your attendance in virtual meetings and video calls at designated times.
You may come across certain places in Thailand that might not be suitable for you, if that is the situation.
Nomad-friendly destinations typically offer fast and dependable WiFi, but certain isolated towns and islands may encounter inconsistent internet service that can be disrupted by inclement weather.
Although using a mobile WiFi hotspot can usually resolve this problem, it is important to remember that it is one of the drawbacks of residing in Thailand.
Extreme Weather
Living in Thailand has its advantages and disadvantages, and the weather is no exception. The country’s tropical climate means that it has distinct wet and dry seasons.
Thailand usually experiences long, sunny, and hot days, but the intense heat and humidity can be overpowering for some individuals. The rainfall in Thailand is substantial when it occurs.
In the wet season, you can expect frequent heavy rainfall, although it usually doesn’t last long. It’s important to keep in mind the intensity of these showers when planning your day outdoors.
If you are experiencing excessive exposure to the sun, the cooler weather in the northern regions from November to February might provide some respite.
No Digital Nomad Visa
Thailand is preparing to introduce its own visa intended for digital nomads, taking a cue from countries like Georgia and Croatia. The visa is expected to simplify the lives of those who choose to work and live remotely in Thailand.
Currently, a lot of nomads have to make periodic border runs to extend their visas. Though it’s a straightforward process, it can consume a lot of time and money, and may also be a source of irritation.
Thailand allows citizens of more than 60 countries to enter visa-free for a maximum of 30 days. But if you plan to extend your stay for up to 90 days, it is advisable to obtain a tourist visa.
You will be given a 60-day stay in Thailand, which can be extended once for a maximum of 30 days. You can opt for either a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, depending on your desire to travel within the country.
Changing Digital Nomad Trends
Between 2020 and mid-2022, the Digital Nomad community in Thailand has experienced a significant decline due to the country’s stringent Covid entry regulations and delayed reopening initiatives. As a result, Thailand failed to capitalize on the influx of affluent Digital Nomads, who were compelled to work from home in high-paying corporate roles or manage lucrative businesses. In contrast, small Caribbean islands were prompt in seizing this novel subclass of digital nomads by introducing digital nomad visas.
The individuals who were budget-conscious digital nomads and frequented Thailand, Bali, Vietnam, and the Philippines were adversely affected, while Portugal, Georgia, and Mexico were the primary beneficiaries due to simpler entry regulations and living costs that were equally low.
Thailand offers a wide variety of visas and opportunities for digital nomads to reside in the country from 30 days to 20 years. These options differ in terms of cost, prerequisites, intermediaries, and bureaucracy. We can begin by examining the possibilities of tourist visas.
Current Thailand Tourist Visa Options For Digital Nomads
30-Day Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme
If you are a citizen of one of the 64 listed countries, then the simplest and costless method to visit Thailand for tourism purposes is available to you. You won’t need to submit a visa application to enter the country if you meet the requirements. To view the complete list, please click here.
- Costs: Free
- Maximum duration: 30 days – The 45 day limit was only available till the 31 March 2023 and has not been extended.
- Can be used without any limitation by flight and 2 times a year for overland or sea crossings.
- You will need an outbound confirmed flight.
- This visa exemption can be extended at the immigration office for another 30 days at a cost of 1,900 THB.
15-day Visa on Arrival
Thailand provides a Visa on Arrival (VOA) or E-Visa on Arrival (E-VOA) for 18 countries, as shown in the complete list provided. It is worth noting that these countries are not part of the visa exempt list but can still apply for visas upon their arrival.
- Costs: 2,000 THB (for E-VOA there is an additional 500 Baht service fee)
- Maximum duration: 15 days – The 30 day limit was only available till the 31 March 2023 and has not been extended.
- You will need an outbound confirmed flight.
- This visa can be extended at the immigration office for another 7 days at a cost of 1,900 THB.
Thai Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV)
- Costs: $30-$50
- Validity: 3 months for a single entry visa – your arrival must be within 3 months of issue date.
- Maximum stay: 60 days.
- Extension: 30 days at the discretion of the immigration officer with a total stay of no longer than 90 days. The fee for the extension is 1,900 Baht. For more info check: www.immigration.go.th
- You will need an outbound confirmed flight.
- Once your 60 or 90 days (with extension) have been used, you can reapply by doing a visa run.
- You can apply at Thai embassy or via e-visa (more on that in this article).
Thai Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV
You can enter Thailand multiple times with the Tourist Visa for a duration of 6 months, but your stay cannot exceed 60 days per visit. Once the METV is granted, the countdown for your 60-day access begins.
You can prolong your stay in Thailand for an additional 30 days at immigration (for a fee of 1,900 THB) after the initial 60-day period, making a total of 90 days before departure is required. The convenience of this visa is that reapplication is unnecessary if you return to Thailand while the METV is still valid.
If utilized theocratically, the METV has a validity of 9 months. If you arrive in Thailand on the final day of your METV validity, you will be granted a 60-day stay, which can be prolonged for a further 30 days at the immigration office. Therefore, you could potentially use the METV for 6 months plus 2 months upon entering on the last day of validity, in addition to the 30-day extension, resulting in a total of 9 months.
Purchasing the METV costs a significant amount of money, at $200, and is solely accessible from your country of residence. For most digital nomads, the SETV, which is priced at $30-$35, may be a better financial option. However, frequent travelers who desire a greater degree of flexibility may find the METV suitable. Additionally, the METV allows for easy border runs, which is particularly useful if one’s location is near a border.
- Costs: $200
- Validity: 6 months and the window is activated upon issuance.
- Maximum duration: 60 days without the extension.
- Extension: 30 days at the discretion of the immigration officer with a total stay of no longer than 90 days. The fee for the extension is 1,900 Baht.
- You will need prove you have some savings.
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