The digital revolution has created a new breed of person; enter the digital nomad, a person who is not tied to any geographical location and can therefore reside anywhere on the planet. This brings with it an unprecedented level of freedom and independence that digital nomads can enjoy, and with that in mind, here are a few reasons why remote workers choose Bangkok as their base.
- Cheap accommodation – For a few hundred dollars a month, you can enjoy a luxury lifestyle in a 5-star condo development, with swimming pool, fitness room and private parking. Upon arrival in Bangkok, book a few nights at a Sukhumvit Soi 11 hotel and explore the various areas of the city where you can live. There is currently an excess of furnished condo units on the market and this means low rentals.
- Broadband Internet – A person who works online cannot be without a reliable, high-speed web connection and Thailand is on a par with western cities when it comes to IT infrastructure. The major ISPs in Thailand include AIS, DTAC, True Corporation and BBB, all of which offer a range of packages to suit the user. Costs are low and coverage is nationwide, allowing you to visit the mountainous north or the tropical beaches in the south of Thailand.
- Great climate – Most digital nomads fly to Thailand before the winter hits their homeland; why live in a freezing climate when you don’t have to? The rainy season happens to start just as the European winter ends, which is perfect for the remote worker who can go home when temperatures are comfortable. Click here for an interesting article on why you need to treat yourself from time to time.
- Great nightlife – Bangkok has a reputation for the best nightlife in the world, which means you can party all night long and sleep in until midday. Whatever your style in music, it will be represented in Bangkok clubs and while many expats will deny it, the main reason for choosing Bangkok is the nighttime entertainment. There are a few expat circles that you can join and hook up with like-minded people who are also digital nomads.
- Low cost of living – The cost of living in Thailand is much lower than in Europe and this is an attractive proposition. Reducing your living costs is always a good move and regardless of your lifestyle, you will spend less money than in your home country. Start with a short holiday; acquire a tourist visa and spend about one month exploring Bangkok, which should be enough to convert you to living in Bangkok.
Check out the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s website for up-to-date information about visas and places of interest, then join a few Facebook expat groups to find out more about living and working in the Land of Smiles. While you might not fancy living in Thailand all year round, you can escape the winter and manage your business online.