We are living in a digital world, which you probably know, and that means digital entrepreneurs can live anywhere on the planet, as long as they have a stable Internet connection. There are many reasons why Bangkok is the top destination for Western businesspeople, and we present a few compelling reasons to relocate to Bangkok if you work online.
- Cheaper living – Bangkok is much cheaper than any Western city, so much so that a digital professional can have a high standard of living and still manage to save money! You can rent a luxury condo for $300 per month, which would be impossible in Europe or the US, while transport, food and clothing are all very affordable. You can eat out every single night, and it won’t burn a hole in your pocket!
- Bangkok is a travel hub – If you are planning to tour Southeast Asia for a few months, you can leave most of your gear at a Bangkok storage facility, where self storage prices are very affordable. An established facility offers security and 24/7 access, which is essential. There are cheap flights to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, or you can travel by road and see more of the beautiful nature. Secure storage can be found with a Google search, and you can book your space online and turn up at any time.
- Cheap & reliable Internet connectivity – Thailand has 4 main Internet Service Providers (ISPs), namely True Corporation, DTAC, AIS and 3BBB, all of which offer great packages to suit every lifestyle. Coverage is nationwide, so you can stay on a beach in Krabi and still enjoy high-speed Internet. As an example, you can have an unlimited data SIM card for your smartphone at a speed of 4 Mbps, and this costs around $30 per month. You can hotspot your laptop, and then you can work at any location.
- Great climate – If you live in Europe or North America and you hate the freezing winters, why not relocate to the tropical paradise of Thailand for a few months, returning when temperatures finally reach 15ᵒ C? Many digital nomads flee their native country in September or October to spend a few months in the vibrant city of Bangkok. Temperatures are pleasant from November to February, then March and April are the hot months, with humidity at 100%. The rains begin in June and last until the end of October (longer in the South). This is the low season when prices drop in the major tourist areas.
- Meet like-minded professionals – Bangkok is a magnet for digital entrepreneurs and industry professionals who work on a freelance basis. You can certainly meet middle management in social environments, and who knows? If, for example, you need to pull together a team of front and back-end developers for a mobile app project, look no further than the City of Angels. They tend to hang out in the same places, and joining one of their Facebook groups would give you all the info you need.
Bangkok is an amazing city that has much to offer the foreigner who is looking for a high standard of living at an affordable price. You certainly won’t regret your decision to live in Thailand for at least a few months, while many digital professionals live year-round in the capital. Do some online research and find out about long-term visas and work permits; with a little planning and preparation, your transition will be smooth as Thai silk!
