Digital Nomad Visa Guides
Digital Nomad Visa Guides Digital Nomad Visa Guides for Asia Thailand Digital Nomad Visa Guide (2024)

Thailand Digital Nomad Visa Guide (2024)

The Kingdom of Thailand offers not 1 but 3 visa types that digital nomads from all over the world can apply for. 

Depending on your income and preferences, you can choose among the following visas: 

  • Destination Thailand Visa (DTV),
  • Smart Visa, and 
  • Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR).

They all have some unique advantages as well as some distinctive requirements that not everyone can meet. 

To help you decide whether Thailand is your dream destination and what type of visa is best for you, we have conducted research and found out more about:

  • Types of digital nomad visas in Thailand, 
  • Rules and procedures you’ll need to follow when applying for a digital nomad visa, 
  • Advantages and disadvantages of living in Thailand, 
  • Best destinations for digital nomads in Thailand, and 
  • Tips and further reading suggestions for digital nomads who choose to settle in Thailand.  

Let’s start!

Thailand Digital Nomad Visa Guide - cover

Table of Contents

Quick digital nomad visa facts for Thailand

Here are some quick facts about digital nomad visas that will help you see if Thailand has a visa type you like. 

Thailand visa questionsThailand visa answers
Does Thailand have a digital nomad visa?There are 3 types of visas suitable for digital nomads in Thailand: 
– Destination Thailand Visa, 
– Smart Visa, and
– Long-Term Resident Visa.
When was Thailand’s digital nomad visa introduced?– Destination Thailand Visa — July, 2024
– Smart Visa — February 1, 2018
– Long-Term Resident Visa — September 1, 2022 
Who can apply for Thailand’s digital nomad visa?People from all over the world can apply for Thailand’s digital nomad visa, as long as they meet the criteria mentioned later in the guide.
How much does Thailand’s digital nomad visa cost?– Destination Thailand Visa — ฿10,000 (~$275.6) per year
– Smart Visa — ฿10,000 (~$275.6) per year
– Long-Term Resident Visa — ฿50,000 (~$1,377.5) in total
Thailand’s digital nomad visa length? – Destination Thailand Visa — 5 years
– Smart Visa — 2 years
– Long-Term Resident Visa — 5 years
Minimum stay requirement?The minimum stay requirement is not specified. However, you are obliged to report to the Immigration office annually if you are a Smart Visa or Long-Term Resident Visa holder. 
Possible to extend a visa?– DTV — Yes, for 180 more days.
– Smart Visa — Depending on the Smart visa type you hold, you can extend it for up to 4 more years. 
– Long-Term Visa — Yes, for 5 more years.
Minimum income requirements? – DTV — Not specified yet.
– Smart Visa — Depending on the Smart visa type you want, requirements are from ฿50,000 to ฿200,000 (~$1,475–$5,900) per month. 
– Long-Term Resident Visa — ฿2.692.040 (〜$80,000) a year.
Processing time for visa application?– Destination Thailand Visa —  N.A.
– Smart Visa — 30 working days 
– Long-Term Visa — 30 working days 
Can I apply with family members for a digital nomad visa?Yes, but only with your spouse and children. 

What to expect as a digital nomad in Thailand?

An increasing number of digital nomads choose Thailand as their new home, and below, you can see a detailed analysis of why they do that.

However, before we get into the finer details, let’s check some basic information about what to expect as a digital nomad in the Kingdom of Thailand. 

Thailand digital nomad FAQThailand digital nomad answers
Average Internet speed: 230.98 Mbps (median download speed)
198.64 Mbps (median upload speed)
Best coworking space (highest Google rating and number of voters):The Great Room Gaysorn Tower — Coworking Space and Hot Desking Bangkok (4,9 stars from 218 votes)
Friendly to foreigners: Yes, people in Thailand are used to tourists and digital nomads from all over the world, so you shouldn’t have any problems. 
The most popular place for digital nomads in Thailand:Bangkok
Weather in Thailand’s most popular place for digital nomads (Bangkok):– Average annual temperature — 29°C (84.2°F)
– Coldest month average temperatures (December) — 26°C (79°F);
– Hottest month average temperatures (April) — 31°C (87°F)
– The rainy season is between July and October. 
Type of climate:Tropical 
Annual air quality average:– US AQI 74 (Moderate quality)
– PM 2.5 — 4.7x the WHO annual air quality guideline value (Unhealthy for sensitive groups)
Average cost of living: – Single person: ฿20,534.7 (〜$570.64) per month (without rent)
– Family of 4: ฿73,417.5 (~$2,147.78) per month (without rent)
Coworking space cost: ~฿2,980—฿9,150 (~$82.43—$254.27) per person per month
Crime rate:38.11/100 (considered low)
Interesting fact for digital nomads:According to some predictions, Thailand’s digital market will be worth around $16.89 billion by 2030.

What types of digital nomad visas does Thailand offer?

Thailand has been actively trying to attract foreigners to work and live in Thailand ever since they introduced the Thai Elite Visa in 2003.

The first attempt was so fruitful that the Thai Elite Visa became one of the most popular visas for digital nomads. If you’ve read about Thailand’s digital nomad visas in the past, chances are this type of visa has come up as the most obvious choice.

However, the Thai government discontinued the Thai Elite Visa in October 2023, and, in 2024, a new type of visa was introduced — The Destination Thailand Visa.

Before this, the Thai government had also introduced 2 other types of Thailand visas for digital nomads.

As a result, digital nomads who want to come to live and work in Thailand can choose among the following 3 types of visas in 2024: 

  • Destination Thailand Visa,
  • Smart Visa, and 
  • Long-Term Resident Visa. 

Without further ado, let’s see what these 3 Thailand visas have to offer to digital nomads.

Type #1: Destination Thailand Visa

Destination Thailand Visa or DTV is a new type of visa aimed at digital nomads looking to work and travel at the same time — aka have a “workation”.

Launched in 2024, this visa doesn’t just cater to digital nomads. It’s also a good pick for people who plan to: 

  • Take up Thai boxing or cooking classes, 
  • Participate in sports training, 
  • Undergo medical treatments, 
  • Take short educational courses or seminars, or 
  • Join artistic or musical festivals.

Here is the basic information about this new type of visa:

  • Visa duration — 5 years.
  • Visa type — Multiple entry visa.
  • Length of stay per entry — Up to 180 days.
  • Extendable — Yes, once per year for a period of 180 days. This means you can stay for a maximum of 180+180 days per year (so, 360 days). After that, you have to leave the country and enter it again for another period of 180+180 days.
  • Obtainable from — A Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate or online through Thailand’s official e-Visa website.
  • Minimum age for the primary visa holder — 20 years old.
  • Option to include family — Available for the spouse and children.

With the main info covered, let’s take a look at the requirements for the Destination Thailand Visa:

  • You must be at least 20 years old.
  • You must pay the visa fee (around ฿10,000 (~$291.90) but it depends on the country you are applying from). 
  • You must prove that you possess at least ฿500,000 (~$14,628.44) in your bank account to support your stay in the country.
  • You must provide proof of employment with a registered non-Thai company.

The required documents may vary based on your purpose of travel, but the main ones will remain the same or very similar. We will cover this in detail later, in the “What documents do I need to apply for Thailand digital nomad visa?” section.

For this visa, you need to ensure you meet the requirements and have the required documents ready before starting the application process.

Also, one more important thing to keep in mind is that you cannot apply for this visa if you’re already in Thailand — you can only apply outside of Thailand.

Type #2: Smart Visa

The main aim of the Smart Visa program is to attract educated and ambitious people from all over the world to work and live in Thailand. 

There are 5 types of Smart visas: 

  • Smart T Visa, for professionals in targeted industries,
  • Smart I Visa, for investors, 
  • Smart E Visa, for executives,
  • Smart S Visa, for startup entrepreneurs, and 
  • Smart O Visa, for Smart Visa holders’ family members.

For digital nomads, Smart T and Smart S visas are probably the best options, depending on whether they want to work for someone or develop their own startup.

So, let’s check them out.

Smart T Visa

The Smart T Visa is ideal for digital nomads who have found a well-paid job in a Thai company or a company that cooperates with local entities in Thailand.

If you want to apply for a Smart T Visa, you’ll need to meet the following criteria: 

  • Work for a Thai company, a company that cooperates with a Thai entity, or a Thai startup,
  • The entity for which you work for has to be endorsed by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency and the National Innovation Agency,
  • Earn ฿100,000 (~$2,778.9) or more per month if you work for a Thai company or a company that cooperates with a Thai entity,
  • Earn ฿50,000 (~$1,389.45) or more if you work for a Thai startup, 
  • Have a contract for at least 1 year with a Thai company, a company that cooperates with a Thai entity, or a Thai startup, and 
  • Have experience in the industry recognized by the Strategic Talent Center from Thailand. 

Having a Smart T Visa brings you a few useful perks: 

  • You don’t need a work permit, 
  • You don’t need a re-entry permit, 
  • Your spouse and children are allowed to stay in Thailand for as long as you work there, 
  • Your spouse does not need a work permit to work in Thailand, and 
  • You have access to the fast-track service at the airports. 

Bear in mind that you will not be able to apply for a Smart T Visa if you work for an international company that does not collaborate with any Thai companies. 

Smart S Visa 

The Smart S Visa is the perfect option for all startup entrepreneurs who want to live and work in Thailand.  

You can get a Smart S Visa for a period of 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years, depending on the requirements you and your startup meet. 

For digital nomads who are still planning their startup, the only option is to apply for a 6-month Smart S Visa.

To get a 6-month Smart S Visa, you need: 

  •  A startup plan ratified by credible Thai agencies like the National Innovation Agency, and 
  •  Proof of health insurance that’s valid for as long as you stay in Thailand. 

On the other hand, if you’re a digital nomad and entrepreneur who is applying for a 1-year Smart S Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You have attended an accelerator or incubation program certified by credible Thai agencies or have secured joint venture funding,
  • You have at least ฿600,000 (~$16,673.39) in your bank account for at least 3 months before applying,
  • If your spouse or children are coming with you, you’ll need an additional ฿180,000 (~$5,002.02) per family member in your bank account, and 
  • You have health insurance valid for as long as you stay in Thailand (including health insurance for your family members if they are coming with you). 

Finally, if you opt to apply for a 2-year Smart S Visa, you need to fulfill the following conditions: 

  • You have set up a startup recognized by credible Thai agencies, 
  • You are a director of a startup or own at least 25% of the company’s capital,
  • You have at least ฿600,000 (~$16,673.39) in your foreign or Thai bank account for at least 3 months,
  • If your spouse or children are coming with you, you’ll need an additional ฿180,000 (~$5,002.02) per family member in your foreign or Thai bank account, and 
  • You have health insurance valid for as long as you stay in Thailand (for yourself and any family members that are coming with you).

The holders of the Smart S Visa have the same benefits as the holders of the Smart T Visa.

Type #3: Long-Term Resident Visa

Thailand introduced the Long-Term Resident Visa program in September 2022. It is mostly intended for more well-off people, which makes it the least attractive option to average digital nomads.

Still, some digital nomads might find the LTR Visa to be the perfect fit, so let’s take a look at the requirements:

  • Have a personal income of $80,000 a year (during the past 2 years), or have a minimum of $40,000 of yearly income during the past 2 years along with:
    • Your own intellectual property/Master’s degree and above, or
    • Being a receiver of Series A financing of no less than $1 million.
  • Have 5 years of work experience in your field of expertise (performed within 10 years of application date), 
  • Work for a public company registered in the stock market or a private company that has had a revenue of at least $150,000,000 during the past 3 years, 
  • Have health insurance with the coverage of $50,000 or at least a $100,000 deposit in your foreign or Thai bank account that has been there for at least 12 months before your application date, and 
  • If you’re bringing your spouse and children to Thailand, you either need proof that they have health coverage in the amount of $50,000 or that you have at least a $25,000 deposit per family member on your foreign or Thai bank account (that has been there for at least 12 months before your application date).

When you get the LTR Visa, you get to enjoy the following benefits: 

  • Fast service at all airports in Thailand, 
  • No re-entry permit is needed, 
  • Digital work permit, 
  • No taxes for income from abroad, and
  • Help with registering. 

What documents do I need to apply for Thailand digital nomad visas?

All 3 Thailand digital nomad visas have their own requirements, which means you need different documents to apply for them. 

Let’s take a look at what they are.

What documents do I need for a Destination Thailand Visa? 

For Destination Thailand Visa you will need to submit the following:

  • A valid passport or travel document,
  • A standard passport photograph,
  • Documents showing your current location,
  • Evidence of financial assets*:
    • Amount of no less than ฿500,000 (~$14,628.44) (differs from embassy to embassy, different for each country);
    • Bank statements, payslips, or sponsorship letters that act as evidence you have enough financial means to support yourself;
  • Proof of purpose of your visit:
    • Workcation (if you’re a digital nomad coming to Thailand to work) — Employment contract, employment certificate from your country, or a professional portfolio showing your freelancer work;
    • Thai Soft Power (if you’re coming to Thailand to attend a festival, course, treatment, etc.) — Proof of confirmation to attend a specific activity or a letter of appointment from a hospital or medical center;
    • Dependent of the Primary DTV Holder (if you’re a family member of a digital nomad who’s applying for the visa) — Proof of relationship, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or certificate of adoption.

*An important notice from thaiembassy.com states:

“Though the specifics are not clear as of yet, it’s certain that you must show that you have enough liquid assets to support yourself during your extended stay in Thailand. The minimum for this is ฿500,000 ($14,628.44), but as you must apply for this visa from outside of Thailand, the embassy or consulate you apply through may demand to see a higher amount and will have their own set of criteria for how much evidence is required to demonstrate this.”

Since many details are yet to be determined and revealed to the public, we advise you to write to your local embassy and check if you’d be eligible to apply for this new type of visa.

As for the application process itself, you can apply for a DTV online or at your local embassy or consulate. However, citizens of some countries are required to apply in person.

However, this information is not easily available online, so your best option is to contact your local embassy or consulate in order to be certain.

Also, keep in mind that, regardless of the way you apply, your application will still go through your local embassy. So, it’s necessary to check your local embassy’s unique requirements for each type of visa before applying.

What documents do I need for Smart visas?

After meeting the requirements we already mentioned and having the appropriate documentation required for Smart S or Smart T Visas to prove it, you’ll get to the second phase of application where you need to send other documents.

To obtain any of the Smart Visas, you’d need to submit the following documents: 

These documents have to be submitted at Thailand embassies, consulates, or The Immigration Bureau in Bangkok. 

What documents do I need for LTR visas?

To get the LTR Visa, you need to submit the following documents:

  • A copy of the identification page in your passport, 
  • A standard passport photograph, 
  • Your CV, 
  • Proof that you have 5 years of experience in the related field, 
  • Health insurance with coverage of no less than $50,000 or evidence that you have social security that can cover potential medical expenses or evidence that you have had at least $100,000 in your bank account for the last 12 months, 
  • Proof that you are employed that includes specifics such as your position, income, and contract term, 
  • Bank statements for the last 12 months, 
  • Bank statements showing you have earned at least $80,000 or $40,000 per year in the last 2 years,
  • A completed employment certificate (WP.46) (in case you need a Thai work permit), 
  • A criminal record certificate, if necessary, and 
  • Proof that you have a Master’s or higher degree, evidence of owning intellectual property or of receiving funding of no less than $1,000,000 (only applicable for those applying with an income of $40,000 per year).

Bear in mind that you can submit a document proving you have paid for health insurance coverage in the later stages of your application as well. 

As long as it is before the notification letter is issued, you are fine. 

Who is eligible to apply for Thailand’s digital nomad visa?

You are eligible to apply for Thailand’s digital nomad visa, as long as you:

  • Are not a resident of Thailand, 
  • Meet the criteria we mentioned above (such as financial or other specific requirements such as age, etc.), and 
  • Have provided adequate documentation.

On the other hand, there are many conditions you need to fulfill before you can obtain the Smart and LTR Visas. 

In any case, it is paramount that you check all the documentation before you apply for the visa to ensure no procedural mistakes ruin your chances. 

Are you eligible if you are a United States citizen?

Yes, as a US citizen, you are eligible for the Thailand digital nomad visa, as long as you provide all of the required documentation. 

Are you eligible if you are a US Green Card holder?

Yes, as a US Green Card holder, you are able to apply for a Thailand digital nomad visa. 

However, think carefully before applying because spending more than 1 year outside the US will lead to your Green Card expiring. And, as you probably know, getting another Green Card isn’t an easy process. 

Are you eligible if you are an EU citizen?

Yes, as an EU citizen, you are eligible for a Thailand digital nomad visa. 

As long as you provide the required documentation and meet the criteria, you can choose the visa type you prefer and apply for it. 

Are you eligible if you reside in any other country?

Yes, you are eligible to apply for Thailand digital nomad visa even if you reside in any country other than the US or EU countries. 

However, it’s important to check if you would automatically lose residency in your current country of residence if you apply for a Thai digital nomad visa. 

Can I work remotely in Thailand on a tourist visa?

No, it is illegal to work remotely in Thailand on a tourist visa. 

If you want to go to Thailand and work, pick either one of the digital nomad visas we mentioned or an alternative type of visa, such as a Non-Immigrant B Visa.

How do I get a digital nomad visa for Thailand?

After you have collected all the necessary documents, it is time to submit your application. 

You can do it online by visiting the official websites of each visa: 

If you don’t want to apply online, you can also visit one of Thailand’s embassies and submit your application in person.

Also, if you’re going the online application route, bear in mind that documents necessary for the second phase of application for a Smart Visa have to be submitted at the Thailand consulates, embassies, or The Immigration Bureau in Bangkok, as we stated above.

Important notice before applying

According to the Thai e-Visa official website, e-Visa applicants are no longer required to submit their passports and supporting documents in person at the Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate-General. 

However, it is important to note that you are only able to apply for an e-Visa if you are currently not in Thailand and are from or residing in one of the countries where e-Visa services are available.

From the Thai e-Visa official website:

“After your e-Visa application has been approved, you’ll receive a confirmation e-mail that you must print out and present to airlines and Thai Immigration Officials when traveling to Thailand. For more information, please scroll down to the ‘Am I eligible to apply online?’ section [on the official Thai e-Visa website].”

Until recently, before applying, there was an option to check whether you can apply from your country and the country you are currently located in (which, for many digital nomads, are usually two different things) on the Thai e-Visa official website.

However, that link no longer works, so we highly suggest checking the specific details of applying from your country, with your nationality, and in the context of your specific situation as a digital nomad with Thailand’s embassy in your country.

Which Thailand visa type is best for digital nomads?

All things considered, the best visa type for digital nomads is the Destination Thailand Visa because it is tailored specifically to digital nomads. However, the $3,500 minimum monthly income requirement could be a big challenge for some.

If money is a non-issue, and you earn $80,000 or more per year, you can apply for an LTR Visa too, due to the great benefits it offers. Reminder: you can also apply with a $40,000 minimal annual income if you meet the specific requirements for the LTR Visa for that situation.

Finally, if you have a good business plan for creating a successful startup, a Smart S Visa might be perfect for you. It’s projected to follow the trajectory of your startup’s growth and help you create a successful enterprise.

Costs you need to consider as a digital nomad in Thailand

On average, life in Thailand is not so expensive for digital nomads, as prices are mostly lower than in North America and Europe. 

Depending on the city you live in, around ฿36,870.04 (~$1,024.58) should be enough to cover the basic costs of accommodation, groceries, utilities, and transportation.

Of course, if you enjoy going out to clubs, bars, or restaurants often, your expenses might be higher. 

Bangkok, as the capital, is the most expensive city in Thailand. However, during the tourist seasons (from November to February), expenses in cities such as Phuket and Pattaya might become slightly higher, as well. 

Now, let’s see in detail what costs you need to consider as a digital nomad in Thailand.

Expense #1: Аccommodation

Great news — in Thailand, a single digital nomad can find a studio or 1-bedroom apartment for an amount that wouldn’t be enough to buy monthly groceries in some European countries. 

Here is the list of average prices for 1-bedroom apartments in the most popular cities for the digital nomads in Thailand that confirms that: 

Place in ThailandAccommodation costs
Bangkok฿15,000–฿40,000 (~$416.83–$1,111.56)
Phuket province฿12,000–฿30,000 (~$333.47–$833.67)
Chiang Mai฿10,000–฿20,000 (~$277.89–$555.78)
Krabi province ฿15,000–฿22,000 (~$416.83–$611.36) 
Pattaya฿15,000–฿25,000 (~$416.83–$694.72)
Samut Prakan province~฿25,000 (~$694.72)
Mueang Nonthaburi ฿10,000—฿40,000 (~$277.89—$1,111.56)

Expense #2: Groceries

In 2022, due to inflation, prices of some goods in Thailand have surged and become similar to those in Europe. However, recently we’ve been seeing the opposite trend — prices have been falling for the past year as Thailand has been experiencing negative inflation.

So, many goods are a lot cheaper than you might expect.

Here is a detailed list of prices of some most commonly bought groceries: 

GroceriesGrocery prices in Thailand
Loaf of fresh bread, 500g (1.1 lb)฿46.68 (~$1.29)
Water 1.5 l (50.7 fl oz)฿16.7 (~$0.46)
Milk 1 l (33.8 fl oz)฿60.06 (~$1.66)
Chicken breasts 1 kg (2.2 lb)฿92.08 (~$2.55)
Cheese 1 kg (2.2 lb)฿621.92 (~$17.20)
12 eggs  ฿71.33 (~$1.97)
Apples 1 kg (2.2 lb)฿95.12 (~$2.63)
Potatoes 1 kg (2.2 lb)฿50.07 (~$1.39)

Expense #3: Utilities

The prices of utilities in Thailand are moderate, if not low, for digital nomads who come from well-developed countries.

If you spend around 100 kW/h of electricity per month, you’ll have to pay approximately ฿322.76 (~$8.93). You can calculate your monthly electricity costs by multiplying these tariffs with your estimated power consumption.

Electricity bills can be higher if you use air conditioning often during hot summer days or chilly nights in the monsoon season, as most Thailand apartments do not have heating systems installed. 

Another expense you’ll have to take into account is the water bill. 

An average person spends around 144 liters of water per day, which is about 4.3㎥ of water per month. Converted into money, this means you’ll have to pay between ฿50 and ฿200 (~$1.38–$5.53) for your monthly water usage. Of course, that number can change, so make sure you keep an eye on the current water prices in Thailand.  

The third bill that comes to the address of every Thai resident every month is the one for garbage. The waste disposal fee can be anywhere from ฿20 to ฿80 (~$0.58–$2.32), depending on where you live. 

Of course, if you come to Thailand with your family, you can expect all your bills to be higher. 

Here are the detailed prices of utilities in Thailand: 

UtilitiesCosts of utilities in Thailand
Electricity bill ฿2.34 (~$0.065) per 1 kWh
Water bill Between ฿50 and ฿200 (~$1.38–$5.53) per month
Waste disposal feeBetween ฿20 and ฿80 (~$0.55–$2.21) per month

Expense #4: Gas and public transportation

Although we do not recommend you drive too often in Thailand, due to the high number of road accidents (18,000 fatalities each year), you may find yourself wanting to travel somewhere by car. 

To help you with expense planning, we prepared a list of current petrol prices in Thailand:

GasGas costs in Thailand
Diesel ฿36.74/l (~$1.01/l)
Gasohol 91฿38.48/l (~$1.06/l)
Gasohol 95฿38.85/l (~$1.08/l)
Gasohol E20฿32.94/l (~$1.00/l)

When it comes to public transportation, you’ll have plenty of options:

  • Taxis, 
  • Buses, 
  • MRT (Mass Rapid Transport) subway in Bangkok, 
  • Baht buses, 
  • Ferry boats, or
  • Tuk-tuks.

However, public transportation is not the same in every city — some cities do not have subways or organized city bus systems.

Bangkok, as the capital, has the best-developed public transportation system. 

Here are the prices of public transportation in Bangkok:

Public transportPublic transport costs in Bangkok
Taxi  Starts at ฿35–฿40 (~$1.02–$1.16) and has a rate of ฿2 (~$0.058) per kilometer
Bus – For buses with air conditioning: ~฿12 (~$0.35) per ride (depends on distance traveled)
– For buses without air conditioning: ~฿8-10 (~$0.23-$0.29) per ride (depends on distance traveled)
MRT subway฿17 (~$0.49) per ride
Tuk-Tuk ฿50–฿200 (~$1.45–$5.81) per ride (depends on distance traveled, but you can negotiate the price with the driver)

In Pattaya, Krabi, and Phuket provinces, as well as in other coastal cities, you’ll most likely use ferry boats and river taxis for transportation to nearby islands or cities. 

Here are the means of transportation in other Thailand cities and their ticket/ride prices:

TransportationTransportation costs in Thailand
Taxi  Starts at ฿40 (~$1.11) and has a rate of ฿6 (~$0.14) per kilometer
Public bus (in Chiang Mai)฿30 (~$0.83) per ride 
Ferry boat (Bangkok to Phuket/Phi Phi/Krabi, etc)฿300–฿1200 (~$8.3–$33.20) depending on the distance
River taxi~฿15 (~$0.41) but can vary depending on the distance
Tuk-Tuk฿30–฿60 (~$0.83–$1.75) per ride

Expense #5: Bars and restaurants

The prices in bars and restaurants in Thailand are reasonable. 

Taking into account how good Thai food is, we may say that they are even lower than they should be. 

Thailand is well-known for its street food. You can have local fast food noodles, salads, rice, fried chicken/squid, and curries for between ฿50 and ฿150 (~$1.38–$4.15) per meal. 

If you want to go to restaurants, be prepared to pay around ฿100 (~$2.77) per meal. Of course, if you go to some more exclusive restaurants or eat international specialties, you can expect higher prices. 

Also, keep in mind that the portions in Thailand are pretty small by European and American standards. 

If you decide to go for an espresso after your meal, you’ll pay between ฿34 and ฿52  (~$1–$1.5) for it. 

For those who like to end the night with an alcoholic beverage, the prices in bars/clubs are the following:

DrinksDrink prices in Thailand
Beer 0.5 l (16.9 fl oz)฿80–฿140 (~$2.21–$3.87)
A bottle of good wineAround ฿700 (~$19.36)
Shot of vodka฿150 (~$4.15)
Glass of whiskey฿150 (~$4.15)
Shot of tequila฿145 (~$4.01)

Bear in mind that prices in bars vary depending on the location. Therefore, prices in, for example, Chiang Mai might be much lower than in Bangkok, Phuket, or Pattaya during tourist season. 

Expense #6: Coworking spaces

Since Thailand has become a hotspot for digital nomads, there are more and more coworking spaces available all around the country. Naturally, Bangkok has the most coworking spaces, while it seems there’s a lack of them in the Krabi province and Pattaya. 

The average price for a desk in a coworking space in Thailand is between ฿2,980—฿9,150 (~$82.43—$253.11) per person per month. 

Expense #7: Internet 

Although the average internet speed in Thailand is good, some cities still have slightly slower internet speeds than expected. 

Therefore, the only solution for digital nomads is to buy a strong and fast internet package that will enable them to work without any connection failures. 

The average price of an 60 Mbps internet package with unlimited data is around ฿584.15 (~$16.16).

Do digital nomads pay taxes in Thailand?

Yes, digital nomads pay taxes in Thailand. 

Personal income tax depends on the amount you earn.

Here is a table where you can see how taxation works in Thailand. 

Net Income in ฿Personal Income Tax (PIT) Rate
฿0–฿150,000 (~$0–$4,340)0%
฿150,001–฿300,000 (~$4,341–$8,672)5%
฿300,001–฿500,000 (~$8,673–$14,454)10%
฿500,001–฿750,000 (~$14,455–$21,681)15%
฿750,001–฿1,000,000 (~$21,682–$28,908)20%
฿1,000,001–฿2,000,000 (~$28,909–$57,817)25%
฿2,000,001–฿5,000,000 (~$57,818–$144,544)30%
Over ฿5,000,001 (~$144,555)35%

The laws are ever-changing, and taxation of digital nomads may still be a gray area in many countries with a lot of expats.

On one hand, according to the law up to 2024, an individual was only considered a tax resident if they remain in Thailand for 180 days or more during a calendar year. 

On the other hand, according to thaiembassy.com, due to updates to Thailand’s Tax Code in 2024, all foreign income of tax residents in Thailand is subject to income tax, regardless of when/if it was brought into the country.

To add to the confusion, you also may be exempted from paying taxes if your country has a Double Tax Agreement with Thailand, which prevents income from being taxed twice.

However, if you get an LTR Visa, you would not have to worry about taxes at all, because, with the LTR Visa program, you should be able to receive, send, and raise money from abroad whenever you want, without fear of taxation.

Because of the ever-changing and unclear situation regarding taxation of digital nomads in Thailand, we highly advise you to check this with your local Thai embassy or consulate, as well as with a local Thai tax specialist before arriving in Thailand, just to be entirely sure about all tax implications. This way, you can plan your earnings and expenses accordingly.

Documents required for paying taxes in Thailand

There are a few documents you need for paying taxes in Thailand. 

At the end of each year (or whenever you terminate your contract), you’ll receive a document called 50 Tawi (withholding tax certificate) from your employer. 

This document states how much money your employer has paid for your personal income tax and social security.

That is crucial information because you’ll have to write the same amount when you fill in your personal income tax return.

If you have additional sources of income, you’ll have to fill in a slightly different personal income tax return.

Finally, if you plan on leaving Thailand, you’ll have to request the so-called Tax Clearance Certificate before your departure, as evidence that you have paid all the necessary taxes.

What are the benefits of being a digital nomad in Thailand?

Thanks to Thailand’s digital revolution, a lot of Thai people have come back to their native country, but also, a plethora of digital nomads have chosen Thailand as their destination. 

Here are some of the most attractive benefits of being a digital nomad in Thailand. 

Benefits of being a digital nomad in Thailand

Benefit #1: Acceptable safety

Overall, Thailand is a safe country. 

Thai people have a long tradition of welcoming foreigners, so they are used to different cultures and races. We doubt anyone would have any problems there as long as they obey the law and respect the local culture. 

According to available data, the crime index in Thailand is 38.11/100 which is generally considered low. It’s actually lower than in many US states or European countries. 

Just like in many other tourist places, the majority of crimes in Thailand are tourist scams and offenses against property, such as bag snatching or pickpocketing. 

So, keep your valuables out of sight in big cities such as Bangkok. 

If you like to party, watch out for drink spiking, especially in coastal towns. 

Thai police do their job properly (in most cases), especially if the victims are foreigners. 

They really care about their image in the eyes of foreigners, so they do everything in their power to prevent any crimes. So, even if you do end up being a victim of petty theft, they’ll make sure your stolen goods are returned.

Violent crimes rarely happen in Thailand. That is because Thailand has pretty strict laws, and a perpetrator of such crimes might face heavy repercussions. Even when violent crimes happen, they seldom involve foreigners.

Benefit #2: High-speed internet service

According to various sources, Thailand has one of the fastest fixed broadband internet services in the world. 

The Ookla’s internet speed ranking puts Thailand in 8th place with a median download speed of 230.98 Mbps.

Moreover, Thailand’s government does everything it can to further develop internet service by adopting new policies and plans for improving fixed broadband internet connections all over the country.

Therefore, if you opt for a Thailand remote work visa, you won’t have to worry whether you’ll be able to work from there or not — Thailand has and will have reliable and fast internet.

Benefit #3: Vibrant social life

Social life is one of the main benefits of living in Thailand. 

From day one of your arrival, you will notice how polite and friendly the Thai people are — complete strangers will often greet you in the street with a traditional salute called “wai”.

Since they are so sociable, don’t be surprised if some of your Thai colleagues or friends invite you to their houses sooner than you expect. 

If your idea of fun is to eat out with your friends, you’re in the right place — Thailand is famous for its cuisine. Noodles, soups, salads, and curries are just some of the wonderful dishes you can have either in luxurious restaurants or worldwide famous fast foods. 

On the other hand, if you want to eat international food, you can always have a meal in one of the various Turkish, French, Italian, Belgian, or German restaurants. 

Finally, we know that many digital nomads are especially interested in Thailand’s nightlife. And we understand why — there is something for everyone. 

You can go to regular pubs and bars, or you can try something new and visit the buzzing seaside nightclubs and bars.

Whatever bar or club you choose, we are sure you’ll have a good time. 

🎓 Pumble Pro Tip

While staying in Thailand, you will meet and work with various interesting people from all over the world. Therefore, we recommend you check some basic rules of communication in diverse workplaces:

Benefit #4: Amazing architecture 

Once your hunger is satiated, you might like to take a stroll. We recommend you do, because Thailand and Bangkok especially have some amazing places worth visiting.

If you are in Bangkok, visiting The Grand Palace and Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall is a must. Afterward, you can continue your stroll and visit various religious and historic sites, parks, and museums. 

One of the museums that has caught our eye is the so-called Jim Thompson House, where you can find various exhibitions and get to know Thai culture better. 

Benefit #5: Low living costs

Overall, the cost of living in Thailand is lower than in the US and many European countries, and that is yet another reason why many digital nomads chose to apply for a Thailand remote work visa. 

However, food and accommodation prices in Thailand’s most attractive cities for digital nomads such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai, have been on the rise in 2022, but are expected to remain flat in 2024.

Because of the high inflation rate in 2022, the prices of some groceries like bread and milk have become equal to or even more expensive than the prices of the same goods in Europe or the USA. However, as of November 2023, there’s been a noticeable decrease in prices.

On the other hand, in Bangkok, the most expensive Thai city, the accommodation prices have remained almost intact over the past couple of years. 

You can find a solid 1-bedroom apartment in an urban area (not too close nor too far away from the city center) for between ฿10,000 – ฿30,000 (~$276.63–$829.88). 

Rent prices in some summer resorts and touristy cities like Pattaya and Phuket can be slightly higher, but still, you can find some hidden gems for the same amount of money as in Bangkok. 

When you add other costs for utility bills, internet, transport, and other pleasures, you see that one needs around ฿37,019 (~$1,024) for a comfortable lifestyle.

Benefit #6: Great healthcare system

According to the available data, Thailand spends around 4.9% of its GDP (around $25 billion) on the healthcare system.

Constant investments in the healthcare sector make Thailand’s healthcare system one of the best in Asia and equal, if not better, than many Western countries. 

Most Thai citizens have universal healthcare coverage and can get treatments in state-of-the-art hospitals if needed.

On the other hand, digital nomads who opt for Thailand long-term visas, such as Long-Term Resident Visas or Smart S Visas, must purchase private health insurance.

Private health insurance enables digital nomads to go to both private and public hospitals. However, most expats opt to go to private hospitals in big cities, because there is more English-speaking staff. 

In any case, we hope you’ll never need services in the Thai healthcare system, but if you do, don’t worry, you’ll be in safe hands.

Benefit #7: Breathtaking summer holiday resorts 

One of the main reasons digital nomads want to get a work visa for Thailand is the beauty of the country itself. 

Amazing landscapes, beautiful beaches, and breathtaking summer holiday resorts will leave you in a dilemma about what place to go to see first. Even in the coldest months like January and February, you can enjoy swimming, thanks to the average sea temperature of between 27℃ and 30℃ (80.6℉—86℉). 

We highly recommend visiting Phuket and its neighboring town Krabi. They are 2 of the most popular summer holiday destinations in Thailand.

On the other hand, if you are not willing to spend much money, or simply do not enjoy glamorous destinations such as the 2 mentioned above, check out places like Koh Yao Noi, Similan Islands, and Koh Samui.

Wherever you go, we believe you’ll have a good time and understand why around 40 million tourists visited Thailand in the year before the pandemic.

What are the drawbacks of being a digital nomad in Thailand?

Although Thailand looks like an ideal destination for digital nomads, those familiar with the situation in the country know there are disadvantages to living there too.

After diligent research, we made a list of the drawbacks of being a digital nomad in Thailand. Let’s take a look.

Drawbacks of being a digital nomad in Thailand

Drawback #1: Bureaucracy 

Although Thailand’s legal and bureaucratic systems are still not quite efficient, its future is becoming more promising for potential investors.

On the other hand, according to the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), the country still has a long way to go until it develops an efficient system that will cut red tape and serve its citizens. 

Until the reform of the bureaucratic system, a digital nomad who has a work visa for Thailand needs to get used to the following:

  • Lack of cross-agency teamwork, 
  • Ineffective e-service and e-government platforms, and 
  • Centralized system — some business ventures in rural areas might have to wait for the “green light” from the capital.  

These things can be frustrating and significantly slow down every process of getting public service or registration.

We hope new progressive laws and regulations are underway, because bureaucratic reform is pivotal for Thailand’s future.

Drawback #2: Potential political unrest

You do not want to end up in prison in Thailand. Therefore, be careful not to get involved in or caught at the scene of mass protests that are common in big Thai cities.   

Namely, in recent years there have been a few protests mostly because of: 

In most cases, the results of protests are: 

  • A vast number of arrested activists, 
  • Political unrest, and 
  • Harsher laws against dissenting voices. 

Due to the often tense political situation and the suffering of those who fight against oppression, Freedom House has labeled Thailand as a “Partly Free” country.

However, there are no recordings of foreigners or expats getting arrested during the recent political unrest. 

As long as you don’t do anything illegal, stay out of trouble, and do not comment negatively about the Thai political system or royal family, you will have no problems with the authorities.

Drawback #3: Tourist scams

You could easily get robbed in Thailand if you are not careful. 

Unfortunately, some of the locals spoil the picture of good and welcoming Thai people by earning money through tourist scams. 

Naturally, after spending some time in Thailand, you’ll begin to notice when someone is trying to trick you and get your money. 

However, during your first months as a digital nomad, it would be best to follow these instructions and avoid becoming a victim of tourist scams:

  • Do not buy any kind of cheap gems that you could resell in your native country for a high price. Most of them are copies and worth nothing.
  • Do not believe the claims that there are “one-day-government-sponsored sales” in gem or jewelry shops. The Thai government and the royal family do not sponsor any shops, so do not fall for those claims. 
  • Always give precise instructions to the tuk-tuk and taxi drivers. If you do not do so, they might take you somewhere you do not want and ask for more money. 
  • If you want to rent scooters, cars, or jet skis, check if the rental company is reputable.  
  • Do not donate or lend large sums of money to unknown people. 
  • Always check the exchange rate if you want to pay with foreign currency or change it to bahts. 

Drawback #4: Unpredictable weather (during some periods) and bad air quality 

Weather in Thailand is both an advantage and disadvantage, depending on the season.

For most of the year, the weather is amazing and one of the main reasons why many tourists come to Thailand.

However, during some parts of the year, the weather can be unpredictable and cause a lot of trouble. 

From September to November is the typhoon season, which brings heavy wind and rainfall that can cause floods and other inconveniences.

Also, do not be surprised if a beautiful sunny day gets quickly spoiled by a torrential downpour that might occur from time to time between May and October. 

To be sure that the weather would be on your side, we recommend you check reliable weather forecasts often. 

Although weather can be unpredictable, it is not as huge a problem as air pollution. 

Thailand has been fighting unhealthy levels of PM2.5 concentration in the air for a long time.

Unfortunately, it looks like it is losing the battle at the moment because the pollution levels are so high that sometimes the authorities advise citizens to work from home and leave their homes only if necessary. 

Therefore, if you choose to live in the central and northern parts of the country, prepare yourself for bad air quality, especially during the dry season — from December to February. 

The only options during the peak of air pollution are to:

  • Stay at home, 
  • Wear a mask when you go outside, or 
  • Find accommodation in some other part of Thailand that has better air quality. 

Drawback #5: Locals’ English proficiency

English proficiency is not one of Thai people’s stronger sides. 

In the 2023 English proficiency rankings, Thailand took 101st place — meaning the Thai people have a very low English proficiency level.

As a result, you might find yourself in a pretty difficult situation during everyday communication with people who do not speak English, whether it’s face-to-face or in virtual communication. 

If you do not use body language and alternative ways of communication properly, you may encounter communication breakdown frequently, leaving you and your plans between a rock and a hard place. 

To avoid miscommunication and frustrations, we recommend you slow down your speech and use appropriate gestures that can replace words whenever you see fit or resort to a translation app. 

Also, if you want to live in Thailand for a long time and get along with the locals, it would be great if you could learn at least some Thai phrases and sentences. 

🎓 Pumble Pro Tip

Using emojis is a great way to clearly state what you think while communicating with people who do not speak English. However, even emojis’ meaning varies from culture to culture. To make sure your message will be clear enough to others, check out our article: 

5 Best destinations for digital nomads in Thailand

Is there such a thing as the perfect city? We sincerely doubt it. 

However, every city has its own magic that can make you fall in love with it — and trust us, Thailand has plenty of such cities to offer. 

Here are 5 cities that we believe would be the perfect destinations for digital nomads in Thailand.

5 Best destinations for digital nomads in Thailand

Bangkok — The most popular city for digital nomads in Thailand

Population: 10,720,000

City area: 606 mi² (1,569 km²)

Time zone: UTC +07:00 (ICT)

Average internet speed: 244.71 Mbps (median download speed), 209.66 Mbps (median upload speed)

Average cost of living: ฿23,307 (~$644.73) per month for a single person (without rent); ฿83,307.8 (~$2,438.75) per month for a family of 4 (without rent)

Average cost of rent: ฿15,000–฿40,000 (~$414.94–$1,106.5) per month

Biggest advantage: Metropolis where you have everything you need

Biggest drawback: Air pollution

Since the Asian economic boom in the 80s, Bangkok has become one of the world’s most attractive cities for expats. 

Thailand’s capital has various attractions you can visit — from temples and palaces to modern shopping malls and Michelin-star restaurants. 

What’s more, various Bangkok districts have become hotspots for digital nomads and expats in general, due to their mix of modern amenities and cultural riches. 

Sukhumvit area is the true representative of contemporary Bangkok due to its rapid gentrification and the fact that more and more foreigners find accommodation there.

Overall, the prices of 1-bedroom apartments are between ฿15,000–฿40,000 (~$414.94–$1,106.5) per month in the city area. 

If you want to save up a bit, you can venture into areas further from the city center, where you can find apartments for as little as ฿8,000–฿16,600 (~$222.31—$461.30) per month. 

When it comes to groceries, you will need to spend around ฿8,881.74 (~$246.81) per person per month. 

Bangkok is not only rich in culture but also the restaurant and bar scene. Don’t miss out on trying amazing Thai specialties in local restaurants or street food stalls that are so good that some of them have earned Michelin stars. 

Unfortunately, there are drawbacks to living in Bangkok as well. 

The main disadvantages are air pollution and huge traffic jams. Worst of all, there seem to be no solutions for these problems in sight. 

Where to work in Bangkok

There are around 160 coworking spaces in Bangkok. According to Google ratings and the number of voters (4.9 from 217 votes), it seems that The Great Room Gaysorn Tower – Coworking Space & Hot Desking Bangkok is the best place to work.

Phuket province — The best summer holiday resort in Thailand  

Population: 416,582

City area: 210 mi² (543 km²) (with all islands)

Time zone: UTC +07:00 (ICT)

Average internet speed: 205.55 Mbps (median download speed), 157.29 (median upload speed)

Average cost of living: ฿22,550 (~$623.51) per month for a single person (without rent); ฿78,596.6 (~$2,301.31) per month for a family of 4 (without rent)

Average cost of rent: ฿12,750–฿30,000 (~$351.81–$827.78) per month

Biggest advantage: One of the most beautiful destinations in the world 

Biggest drawback: Dangerous roads

Phuket is a province in the south of Thailand that consists of 33 islands among which the largest is the one called — you’ll never guess it — Phuket.  

Although it doesn’t have too many residents, during summer holidays it has millions of guests from all over the world, so it can get quite crowded. 

However, the beauties of the Phuket islands, wild nightlife, and the relatively low cost of living make it perfect for digital nomads who have acquired work visas for Thailand. 

On average, you will need to spend around ฿18,605.26 (~$514.44) per month for a 1-bedroom apartment on Phuket island. 

When we combine the cost of the apartment with the cost of utilities, groceries, and transportation fees (around ฿22,550 (~$625.52)), we get to the amount of around ฿41,155 (~$1,135.58) — which is how much you’ll spend per month for basic needs. 

Phuket is well-connected to other cities and countries, due to its international airport through which millions of people go to their favorite destinations. 

The biggest disadvantage of Phuket is its dangerous roads. Namely, they are so narrow and full of potholes that we recommend you avoid driving whenever possible. 

In addition, a lot of people lose their lives due to careless driving, so if you have to drive in Phuket, do it with extra caution. 

Where to work in Phuket

Work on beaches, in parks, and in bars! Seriously, it is so beautiful there that you should spend as little time as possible inside. If you opt for a coworking space, Grind Time Coworking Space in Phuket seems like the best choice (it has a rating of 4.9 from 139 reviews).

Chiang Mai — The best for digital nomads on a budget

Population: 1,198,000 (expanded city area)

City area: 15,53 mi² (40,22 km²)

Time zone: UTC +07:00 (ICT)

Average internet speed: 252.92 Mbps (median download speed), 225.28 Mbps (median upload speed)

Average cost of living: ฿18,364.6 (~$506.7) per month for a single person (without rent); ฿65,196.6 (~$1,908.73) per month for a family of 4 (without rent)

Average cost of rent: ฿10,000–฿20,000 (~$275.9–$551.85) per month 

Biggest advantage: Low cost of living 

Biggest drawback: Air pollution

Chiang Mai is located in the northern part of Thailand. It was described as a diamond in the crown of Thailand by King Rama V, which aptly summarizes the importance the city has for the Thai people.

As a digital nomad in Chiang Mai, you can enjoy various historical sights, museums, nearby national parks (such as the Doi Inthanon), festivals, and crazy nightlife. 

Therefore, Chiang Mai is the perfect combination of Thailand’s past and future — the future in which Thailand strives to be one of the most progressive countries in Asia.  

Another advantage of Chiang Mai is that you can rent a huge apartment or even a small house for almost the same price as you could rent a 1-bedroom flat in Bangkok.

The most attractive area for digital nomads in Chiang Mai is the Nimman area. 

It is close to the city center, has a lot of bars and restaurants, and coworking spaces and shopping malls are nearby. 

Also, if you like a more direct approach to seeking accommodations, there is the Facebook group where you can find accommodation in Chiang Mai and maybe get in touch with other digital nomads who live there currently.  

Regarding drawbacks, there is one, and it is huge — air pollution. 

Although pristine nature and national park Doi Inthanoon are nearby, Chiang Mai is still affected by air pollution due to large wildfires and large agribusiness conglomerates, which burn the waste from crops. 

Where to work in Chiang Mai

Due to pollution, there will be times when it would be best to stay indoors for some time. Therefore, it is important to pick a good coworking space near your apartment. According to Google ratings, Alt_ChiangMai – coliving & coworking space is the best choice (it has 4.9 stars from 156 votes).

Krabi province — The best for digital nomads who enjoy working outdoors 

Population: 473,738 

City area: 1,818 mi² (4,709 km²)

Time zone: UTC +07:00 (ICT)

Average internet speed: 149.95 Mbps (median download speed), median upload speed N.A.

Average cost of living: ฿22,095.3 (~$639) per month for a single person (without rent); ฿70,055.03 (~$2,026) per month for a family of 4 (without rent)

Average cost of rent: ฿15,000–฿22,000 (~$413.9–$607.04) per month 

Biggest advantage: Low cost of living

Biggest drawback: Lack of coworking spaces

Krabi province is located on the western coast of Thailand. 

It is one of the most popular tourist destinations, but it is also emerging as the newest digital nomad hotspot.

As far as we can see, digital nomads in Thailand prefer to live in the main Krabi district called Mueang Krabi.

You can find an apartment there for as little as ฿12,000 (~$331.1) per month or even less (if you aren’t too picky). 

When you add the expenses of utilities and groceries to the average cost of rent, you’ll have to spend roughly ฿33,533.87 (~$970) per month for basic living expenses. 

Along with the turquoise sea and natural beauty, the low cost of living makes Krabi one of the most promising provinces for digital nomads in Asia. 

However, Krabi province is still tourist-oriented, so it lacks coworking spaces and bars where you can work without being disturbed by noisy music and tourists. 

Also, occasional power outages may happen in Krabi, so be prepared for that as well. 

Although it has disadvantages, Krabi is a charming place, and it is a question of time before it becomes as popular as Phuket. 

In addition, Krabi is one of the rare cities in Thailand that is actively combating the effects of pollution by turning to 100% renewable energy.

Where to work in Krabi

There are very few coworking spaces in Krabi. KoHub, a coworking space in Sala Dan, seemed to be a perfectly fine choice among the existing spaces.

However, as of 2024 when this article was updated, KoHub has been temporarily closed. The only suitable alternative we found was Krabi Love Wellness Coworking in Ao Nang, rated 5.0 (but only by 7 users).

Pattaya — The best place to live in Thailand for expats

Population: 199,532 

City area: 20,6 mi² (53,4 km²)

Time zone: UTC +07:00 (ICT)

Average internet speed: 57.2 Mbps (median download speed), 25.4 Mbps (median upload speed)

Average cost of living: ฿20,135 (~$555.58) per month for a single person (without rent); ฿72,373.0 (~$2,113.08) per month for a family of 4 (without rent)

Average cost of rent: ฿15,000–฿25,000 (~$413.89–$689.82) per month 

Biggest advantage: Low cost of living 

Biggest drawback: Overtourism 

If you’ve been dreaming about a city that is a mix of Bangkok and Phuket, you don’t have to dream anymore — it already exists and it is called Pattaya. 

Just 2 hours away from Bangkok, Pattaya is the most attractive city on Thailand’s east coast. 

It was the third most visited city in Thailand before the pandemic, with almost 10 million foreign tourists who stayed for at least one night there. 

One of the main advantages of life in Pattaya is cheaper accommodation than in Bangkok or Phuket. For around  ฿18,000 (~$496.67) per month, you can live in a beautiful 1-bedroom apartment in the center of Pattaya.

Groceries are slightly cheaper than in Bangkok, so you’ll spend approximately ฿2,020 (~$55) per week, or ฿8,082 (~$223) per month, per person. 

Pattaya has really come a long way in the past few decades — from a small fishing village to one of the most vibrant cities in Thailand. 

Nowadays, many nomads and expats pick it as their new home because they can enjoy the same things as they would in Bangkok, but without traffic jams and for a slightly lower price. 

From amazing bars and clubs to intact beaches and nearby villages where you can go for a weekend getaway if you get bored of the city itself, Pattaya really has a lot to offer.

Where to work in Pattaya

Unfortunately, there are not many coworking spaces in Pattaya, but we still managed to find one that might be a good choice according to Google ratings — Grind Time Coworking Space – Pattaya (Pratumnak) has 5.0 stars based on 67 reviews.  

Tips for digital nomads in Thailand

For people coming from the West, Thailand can be full of culture shocks. 

Therefore, if you are planning to live there for some time, it is best to go prepared. 

Here are our tips that might help you settle better. 

Tip #1: Avoid driving 

It is really dangerous to drive in Thailand because the roads are bumpy and drivers are often careless. 

The fact that in early 2023, 540 drivers lost all of their 12 points on the first day of the application of the new points-based system best describes how crazy driving can be in Thailand.

Of course, a car might sometimes be your only transportation option. Still, be very careful when driving in Thailand.

Tip #2: Check air pollution levels often

We have mentioned above how polluted Thailand really is, which is why we advise you to check air pollution levels often. 

If you see that air pollution is above average, stay home and avoid going out. 

Tip #3: Be careful when you go out clubbing 

Great nightlife and people who earn money via tourist scams are not such a good combination. 

Therefore, if you have a couple of glasses more during the night, be extra careful not to end up robbed via some of the abovementioned tourist scams. 

Further reading for digital nomads in Thailand

Here are some additional sources we recommend you check before or after you get to Thailand: 

Transform your digital nomad journey to The Land Of Smiles

If you’re looking to run your business from far, far away, you’ll need to do it with reliable tools. A proper tool can help you be as productive as if you were working on site in your home country — but with all the benefits of traveling and experiencing a whole new world.

For that — Pumble has got your back. 

Pumble is a team communication app that will improve your workation and make not only team communication but also collaborating from thousands of miles away a mere tropical breeze.

It offers a wide range of features designed to enhance team connectivity and boost your productivity. These features include:

Kick back, take a sip of your favorite cocktail, and rest assured that all of your team’s communication and collaboration efforts are in great hands.

Get started with Pumble

Thailand digital nomads visa guide disclaimer

We hope this Thailand digital nomad visa guide has been helpful and that you enjoyed reading it. Throughout the guide, we have given you various links that might lead you to new interesting data or simply to articles that will expand your knowledge on various Thailand-related topics.

Please bear in mind that our article has been written in Q3 of 2024, so any changes that are made in the Thailand digital nomad visa procedures or laws after that time have not been included. 

Before you start the application process, we advise you to consult with certified representatives, lawyers, and institutions that can provide you with all the information needed. 

Pumble is not responsible for any negative responses, losses, or risks incurred, should this guide be used without further guidance from legal and other official advisors.

References:

Explore further

Chapter 1

Digital Nomad Visa Guides for Europe

Digital Nomad Visa Guides for Europe
Chapter 2

Digital Nomad Visa Guides for Asia

Digital Nomad Visa Guides for Asia
Chapter 3

Digital Nomad Visa Guides for the Americas

Digital Nomad Visa Guides for the Americas
Chapter 4

Additional Materials for Digital Nomads

Additional Materials for Digital Nomads

Free team chat app

Improve collaboration and cut down on emails by moving your team communication to Pumble.

FREE FOREVER • UNLIMITED COMMUNICATION

Learn more Arrow Right Primary
Download Arrow Right Primary
Pumble chat app
SEE HOW IT WORKS (0:39)
Closing video