TProphet

The regulations in Thailand have changed 5 times in the last 6 months and nothing is open once you get there. I booked Costa Rica for November. Maybe I'll look at Thailand again sometime in 2024.

Thailand seems to have no knowledge or concept at all of how freelancers, remote workers and startup founders actually work when traveling as "digital nomads." Even Pieter Levels himself (the founder of nomadlist.com) wouldn't qualify under the restrictions that the Thai government keeps putting out. That's why nobody signs up for these visas and the programs are a repeated failure.

What would totally work for remote workers: A no-hassle visa that is easily renewable via a simple, streamlined process for up to 6 months. Reasonable requirements would include health insurance for the stay, a ticket out of the country at the end of your stay, and proof of funds sufficient for the initial length of stay requested. If you can show proof of 6 months' funds, then you can get a 6 month visa. If you only have 1 month's worth of funds, then your visa is good for a month (but you can renew it by showing you have enough for the next month and so forth).

It really doesn't need to be more complicated than that. Freelancers would come in droves, spend money in Thailand and leave after a working holiday. Some who find success and enjoy Thailand and Thai culture may see the advantages of growing their business in Thailand. They would be likely to apply for more formal and permanent arrangements (for which a streamlined process should be available) while the vast majority would return to their home countries or move on to other locations.

Oh, you want to add health checks, police checks, employment contracts (which aren't even a thing with freelancers!) and and and and and--good luck with that, folks. You'll de-risk your way into yet another failed program. No risk no reward. That's startup life!