How to Live as a Digital Nomad in Thailand

[CharlieH]

 

Thailand is a great place for digital nomads, offering the perfect balance of work and play. With its affordable living, fast internet, and plenty of coworking spaces, it’s a top destination for remote workers. Whether you prefer the buzz of Bangkok or the serenity of Phuket’s beaches, there’s something for everyone here. Plus, Thailand is home to a supportive expat community, making it easy to network and settle in.

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

The DTV is an excellent choice for digital nomads. It offers flexibility, allowing stays of up to 360 days per year with multiple entries. 

The cost is affordable at around 10,000 baht (roughly US$275) per year. Applicants must be at least 20 years old, have proof of employment with a non-Thai company, and show 500,000 baht in liquid assets.

Smart Visa

The Smart Visa caters to skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs. While not specifically for digital nomads, it offers several categories for workers in high-demand fields. 

Smart "T" (Talent) Visa: For highly skilled professionals in science and technology. Applicants must have expertise in a targeted industry and earn between 50,000 and 100,000 Thai baht per month. This visa doesn’t require a work permit and allows family members to stay in Thailand.

Smart "I" (Investor) Visa: For investors looking to start or invest in businesses in Thailand’s key industries.

Smart "E" (Executive) Visa: For executives working in targeted industries or investment-related companies in Thailand.

Smart "S" (Startup) Visa: For entrepreneurs starting a tech-based business. Applicants may need a startup plan, an incubator program, or minimum funds, depending on the visa duration (6 months, 1 year, or 2 years).

Smart "O" (Other) Visa: For spouses and children of Smart Visa holders.

Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa

The LTR Visa is aimed at high-income professionals, retirees, and skilled workers. It offers a 10-year renewable stay with tax benefits and an easier immigration process. For remote workers with high salaries, it also allows the ownership of land in Thailand, making it an attractive long-term option.

Best Cities for Digital Nomads

 

Thailand has several cities that cater to digital nomads, each with its unique charm and lifestyle.

• Bangkok: A fast-paced city with modern coworking spaces and a thriving business environment, ideal for remote professionals. The city offers good public transport and a vibrant expat community.

• Chiang Mai: Known for its affordable cost of living, Chiang Mai has a laid-back atmosphere, great weather, and a strong digital nomad community.

• Phuket: A beach paradise with modern conveniences. It’s great for digital nomads who love nature but still want access to urban amenities.

• Koh Phangan: A peaceful island with a growing digital nomad community. It offers a slower pace of life for those looking to balance work and leisure.

Cost of Living

Living in Thailand as a digital nomad is affordable. Accommodation ranges from $300 to $1,500 per month, depending on the location. Street food is inexpensive at around $2 per meal, while restaurant meals cost between $5 and $10. Coworking spaces usually charge $50 to $200 per month, depending on the city.

 

Health Insurance

Having health insurance is crucial for digital nomads. SafetyWing is an excellent choice, providing global coverage that includes emergency medical care, lost belongings, and adventure sports. Prices range from $60 to $120 per month, depending on the plan.

Tips for Digital Nomads in Thailand

• Choose the right visa: Pick the visa that fits your work situation, whether it’s the DTV, Smart Visa, or LTR Visa.

• Use online banking: Services like Wise or Revolut help you manage money while avoiding high bank fees.

• Join networking groups: Networking is key for expanding business opportunities and meeting other nomads.

• Get health insurance: Make sure you have reliable health insurance, such as SafetyWing, to cover any emergencies or healthcare needs.

Thailand offers an ideal environment for digital nomads, with affordable living, great internet, and a supportive community. By choosing the right visa, managing your expenses, and getting proper health insurance, you can enjoy a stress-free life in Thailand while working remotely.

 

 

 

 

Original article by The Thaiger

[DrJack54]

Very good option especially for the "online work" category 

Minimum age is 20 so available to folk not married and under 50

So great option. 

Ran into 26yr old UK guy who works completely online for UK employer.

He obtained DTV eVisa in UK.

 

Here is good link providing details.

 

https://dtv42.com/

[BrandonJT]

Didn't they kill off the Smart visas with the new updates to the LTR?

[PB172111]

IMHO the DTV is a good way for the DN’s to be dragged into the tax system.

[Tuvoc]

On 2/19/2025 at 5:21 PM, DrJack54 said:

 

Ran into 26yr old UK guy who works completely online for UK employer.

He obtained DTV eVisa in UK.

 

 

As an actual employee on the payroll, that would be pretty rare. Even when an employer allows 100% remote working, they will not allow that to be carried out abroad for any length of time. Mine certainly didn't. During Covid when I was living in the UK our offices were closed for a year, I was there with my manager's permission, but HR did not know. When HR found out, I was told to return before I hit the 180 days which would have triggered Thai tax residency. In the case you mention above, I imagine he is probably working as an independent contractor, being paid on invoice.

[StayinThailand2much]

On 2/19/2025 at 9:39 AM, CharlieH said:

Applicants must be at least 20 years old, have proof of employment with a non-Thai company, and show 500,000 baht in liquid assets.

 

Do many 20-year old (Thai) digital nomads have 500,000 baht in liquid assets? Also, what, if they don't exactly have a formal contract with a non-Thai company? 🤔 

 

Also, what sense does it make that the upper age limit is 50? Once the digital nomads turn 50, they have to look for greener pastures? 😆 

[StayinThailand2much]

On 2/28/2025 at 2:55 PM, Tuvoc said:

As an actual employee on the payroll, that would be pretty rare. Even when an employer allows 100% remote working, they will not allow that to be carried out abroad for any length of time.

 

Spot on!

[Packer]

Most online workers I know here don't have a formal contract with one company, but freelance with different clients and companies. 

[Yellowtail]

 

 

1. Be a digital nomad 

2. Move to Thailand

3. Don't die

[StayinThailand2much]

5 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

 

 

1. Be a digital nomad 

2. Move to Thailand

3. Don't die

 

4. Get a formal contract with an offshore employer and a DTV

5. If (4) doesn't apply, get a tourist visa and 'stay under the radar' 😆 

[ThreeCardMonte]

Stay home.  Get a real job.  Take holidays as needed.

 

If not you’ll have nothing when older complaining on AN.

 

Six months to a year year maximum as you’re “searching “ for yourself.

 

Not sustainable long term.

[Yellowtail]

I I were a digital nomad making big money, I would just spend the dough and get a Thailand Elite Visa.

[BrandonJT]

8 hours ago, StayinThailand2much said:

 

Do many 20-year old (Thai) digital nomads have 500,000 baht in liquid assets? Also, what, if they don't exactly have a formal contract with a non-Thai company? 🤔 

 

Also, what sense does it make that the upper age limit is 50? Once the digital nomads turn 50, they have to look for greener pastures? 😆 

If they don't have the money then they don't get the visa, it's not complicated.

If they are a freelancer they can write themselves a contractor, since they are self-employed.

And there is no upper age limit. Maybe at some embassies, but anyone over 50 qualifies for non-O visa.

[StayinThailand2much]

57 minutes ago, BrandonJT said:

And there is no upper age limit. Maybe at some embassies, but anyone over 50 qualifies for non-O visa.

 

Wouldn't they need a work permit then, or be prohibited from working?

[proton]

9 hours ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

Stay home.  Get a real job.  Take holidays as needed.

 

If not you’ll have nothing when older complaining on AN.

 

Six months to a year year maximum as you’re “searching “ for yourself.

 

Not sustainable long term.

 

Mostly lay abouts doing tik tok and You Tube rubbish 😉 

[BrandonJT]

5 hours ago, StayinThailand2much said:

 

Wouldn't they need a work permit then, or be prohibited from working?

DTV does not give a work permit. If the person got a non-O they could do what everyone did long before the DTV existing.  Work remotely and not advertise the fact. They don't care as long as you're not serving Thai clients or working for a Thai company. 

[Rob Browder]

22 hours ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

Stay home.  Get a real job.  Take holidays as needed.

 

If not you’ll have nothing when older complaining on AN.

 

Six months to a year year maximum as you’re “searching “ for yourself.

 

Not sustainable long term.

Stay home.  Live "hand to mouth" there - competing with infinity people from the 3rd World on "visas" used to Replace You - instead of doing the same work freelance, while saving and investing by living in Thailand where it is much less expensive = Die poor.

[Rob Browder]

13 hours ago, StayinThailand2much said:

Wouldn't they need a work permit then, or be prohibited from working?

You do not need, and cannot get, a work-permit to work for non-Thai companies.  With a DTV, working remotely for (a) foreign company(ies) is now no longer a "legal grey area," as it was in the past.

 

If working for a Thai company, then one can and must get a work-permit to work legally here. 

[ThreeCardMonte]

32 minutes ago, Rob Browder said:

Stay home.  Live "hand to mouth" there - competing with infinity people from the 3rd World on "visas" used to Replace You - instead of doing the same work freelance, while saving and investing by living in Thailand where it is much less expensive = Die poor.

If living “hand to mouth “ at home chances are extremely high you will live “hand to mouth “ in Thailand like so many digital nomads do.

 

Best to get a real job.  
 

While I understand “But I want to live in Thailand NOW”

Economically not the best move.  Most wind up broke asking the “Bank of Mommy and Daddy “ for a ticket home.

 

On top of making a TG pay for their dinner.

 

[Rob Browder]

28 minutes ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

If living “hand to mouth “ at home chances are extremely high you will live “hand to mouth “ in Thailand like so many digital nomads do.

If they are, then they are being stupid with their money, or don't make much - a problem not limited to those working online.  When I see people talking about their "cost of living here" as multiples of mine, I know they have some sort of money-spend addiction - bar-girls, booze, fine-wine, "fancy big condo," or something.  If they can afford it, it's fine - but, if not ...

 

I saved most of my now-savings after I left the USA, to spite living dirt-poor to save every penny, when there.  It's not like the good old days any more, before the mass-immigration got going, and flooded labor markets.

 

32 minutes ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

Best to get a real job.  

In the USA, 3/4 of Americans with STEM degrees cannot get work in their fields.  And, most of those who do, meet "diversity goals" for the company. I don't have the correct "attributes" to help them keep Blackrock et-al happy with their hires.  I considered dressing in-drag, to get past HR, but no way I could keep up an act like that daily.   

 

Yeah, just forget my degrees/experience and get a "real job" as  manager at a fast-food joint or something, since the big companies have/are mass-firing highly-qualified people like me, to hire less-qualified foreigners on "work visas," who will accept peanut-pay + work overtime for free - anything to avoid returning where they came from (where wages / living-conditions are even worse).

 

I wish I had come here much sooner.  So much better here.  It is very sad that I wasted all those years working there for near-zero gain, instead of here.  I deeply regret not knowing about this option sooner.

 

[ThreeCardMonte]

2 minutes ago, Rob Browder said:

If they are, then they are being stupid with their money, or don't make much - a problem not limited to those working online.  When I see people talking about their "cost of living here" as multiples of mine, I know they have some sort of money-spend addiction - bar-girls, booze, fine-wine, "fancy big condo," or something.  If they can afford it, it's fine - but, if not ...

 

I saved most of my now-savings after I left the USA, to spite living dirt-poor to save every penny, when there.  It's not like the good old days any more, before the mass-immigration got going, and flooded labor markets.

 

In the USA, 3/4 of Americans with STEM degrees cannot get work in their fields.  And, most of those who do, meet "diversity goals" for the company. I don't have the correct "attributes" to help them keep Blackrock et-al happy with their hires.  I considered dressing in-drag, to get past HR, but no way I could keep up an act like that daily.   

 

Yeah, just forget my degrees/experience and get a "real job" as  manager at a fast-food joint or something, since the big companies have/are mass-firing highly-qualified people like me, to hire less-qualified foreigners on "work visas," who will accept peanut-pay + work overtime for free - anything to avoid returning where they came from (where wages / living-conditions are even worse).

 

I wish I had come here much sooner.  So much better here.  It is very sad that I wasted all those years working there for near-zero gain, instead of here.  I deeply regret not knowing about this option sooner.

 

Pity

 

I never had those problems.