What visa for Digital Nomad in Thailand?

According to a new study, Bangkok is the world’s second best city for digital nomads to work because of its mix of accommodation, WiFi hotspots, transportation, and cuisine.

Bangkok was ranked second only to Lisbon, Portugal, according to a study conducted by the UK-based The Instant Group. Bangkok’s ranking was attributed to good local food, the availability of over 15,000 high-speed WiFi hotspots, good transportation options, and the cheapest accommodation available globally, with an Airbnb costing an average of £27 (1,174 baht) per night.

Affordability, weather, broadband speed, scenery, and transportation are all important factors for flexible nomadic workspaces, and Bangkok excels in all of these categories.

Many major tourist destinations were ranked low on the list, including London, Paris, and Venice, which all appeared far below several unexpected winners like Thessaloniki, Gothenburg, and San Jose.

Meanwhile, more than half of the top 60 cities in the study are in Asia. According to the study, cities such as Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Hong Kong provide travel experiences, scenery, and food, as well as connectivity, infrastructure, and a manageable cost of living.

Singapore had the fastest average broadband speed in the study, at 256 Mbps, while Jakarta has over 97,000 WiFi hotspots throughout the city.

In 2021, there will be 35 million digital nomads worldwide.

A digital nomad is someone who works from home, either full-time or part-time, while exploring new areas. Digital nomads frequently work from public libraries, coworking spaces, and coffee shops, connecting their computers, cellphones, or tablets to Wi-Fi hubs or hotspots.

As a digital nomad, you have the freedom to design your own work schedule, free of the traditional nine-to-five routine. This way of living also allows you to travel the world.

It’s easy to see why so many new and seasoned digital nomads are flocking there (and even going back). Here are a few of the reasons why Thailand is so popular among digital nomads, remote workers, expats, and vacationers.

1. Beautiful scenery and weather:
Thailand has some of the most stunning beaches, forests, and parks in the world. You will be surrounded by sandy beaches and sparkling waterways, or you will enjoy views from mountaintops while breathing in fresh air. You won’t have to worry about frost because it’s a tropical nation!

2. Affordability of Living:
If you know where to go and how to spend your money, living in Thailand is pretty reasonable. A dish of Pad Thai costs 40 THB ($1.30), while a two-hour train ride costs 100 THB ($3.30).
Expect to pay between $800 to $1,500 per month for meals, transportation, and other expenses.

3. Tourism that has matured and convenience:
Thailand is a developed country with a large number of visitors, expats, and digital nomads. Expect convenience and safety as this area combines metropolitan life with traditional culture. You have quick Internet access, 24 hour convenience stores, fast food places, malls, markets, and a wide variety of meals from local to Western cuisines.

4. Yummy Food and Drinks:
Thai food provides a wide variety of meals that you will like! It’s all colored with spices and veggies, with selections ranging from full-meat to vegan. Pad Thai, Khao Pad, Tom Yum Goong, Thai curries, and so much more are available. Don’t forget about the wonderful locally brewed coffee, which will undoubtedly wake you up.

5. Incredible Thai Culture and Heritage:
Thailand has a rich culture from which you may learn a lot. Visit the temples and historical sites, and immerse yourself in Thailand’s beauty that extends beyond its beaches and city life. You’ve gone to a new nation to learn about their culture, so immerse yourself in it!

6. Locals are friendly:
The Thai people are quite friendly, with many individuals beaming at you as you go down the street (as long as you smile first). If you’re polite and try to greet them in Thai, they’ll be more than obliging and welcoming when you need help!

There are many gorgeous spots to visit in Thailand, but which ones are ideal for digital nomads?

Here is the top five places that feature everything a tourist or digital nomad may want:

Chiang Mai is a famous location for digital nomads and travelers from all over the world. It is currently renowned as a digital nomad hotspot, with several coworking spaces and digital nomad groups, as well as educational courses on how to make money as a digital nomad!

This attractive city is located in northern Thailand, and while it is smaller than Bangkok, it is nonetheless a busy location. It’s cheap and simple to locate lodging, and there are plenty of bazaars, restaurants, and nightlife options for fun and exploration.

Phuket is Thailand’s most popular tourist destination, with several stunning beaches and expensive resorts. It is a contemporary metropolis for those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of life. There are several coworking spaces, tourist sites, marketplaces, and delicious food to be discovered.

You may also visit Koh Lanta, which is known for its beautiful beaches and natural beauty. This is the location of Ko Hub, a coworking and coliving place that has helped Koh Lanta become famous among digital nomads.

Koh Phangan was formerly a trendy island with beautiful beaches. It is currently famous for its party scene and yoga retreats! So you may spend the day relaxing and feeling free, then go to the clubs at night. It’s an ideal location for any digital nomad!

Koh Samui is another popular tourist destination, and there are a few hidden treasures on the island to avoid the masses. Depending on your lifestyle and budget, both Koh Phangan and Koh Samui include exquisite resorts as well as comfortable huts where you may work and explore around.

Bangkok is Thailand’s capital city, and it is just what you’d expect: large, raucous, congested, and a lot of fun! Though it is Thailand’s most costly city, it is ideal for digital nomads who want to remain in the city for a few months.

Bangkok is quickly becoming the country’s digital nomad center, due to its massive city life, luxurious condominiums, easy public transit, and convenience, as well as up-and-coming areas like Thong Lor and Ekkamai. In addition, compared to Western countries, you may enjoy city life without spending a fortune.

The following visas can be appropriate for digital nomad:

1. Tourist Visa (TR)

2. Business Visa (B)

3. Digital Nomad Smart Visa

In Thailand, the Smart T Visa is the best visa choice for digital nomads and remote professionals. If you work for a Thai firm, have a minimum contract period of one year, and a monthly income of at least THB 100,000 ($3,200 USD), you have a good chance of receiving a Smart T Visa. Even better, your company should be able to assist you in obtaining this visa.

To be eligible, digital nomads must have an employment contract with a foreign business that lasts at least one year from the date of application. If they are working overseas or in Thailand, foreign freelancers and remote employees should be able to fulfill this criteria.
A Smart Visa is also a good option if you wish to work or start a business in Thailand, as you may remain for up to four years. Another piece of good news is that the Thai government is now looking at relaxing the conditions for the Smart Visa. They are thinking of shortening the contract obligation from a year to six months.
It is also needed that the firm for which you work is in one of the following industries:

Thailand’s Smart Visa is considerably more than a conventional Visa T. It is divided into the following categories:

1. SMART Visa “T” for foreign professionals

2. For international investors, the SMART Visa “I”

3. “E” SMART Visa for foreign executives

4. SMART Visa “S” for international entrepreneurs in the technology sector

5. “O” SMART Visa for family members (dependants, spouse, and children)

Essentially, if you are a highly skilled worker, investor, executive, or startup entrepreneur looking to work and/or invest in one of the approved areas, you are eligible for a Thailand Smart Visa.

Type S Smart Visa

Smart Visa S is another option for long-term residence in Thailand for digital nomads. It is a 6-month visa created for foreigners who aim to establish a startup firm in Thailand or engage in startup promotional activities. It is renewable for a period of up to two years.

This visa is popular among entrepreneurs since it does not require a work permit to establish a firm. However, in order to be eligible for this visa, applicants must demonstrate a plan to establish a startup in Thailand in one of the categories listed above.
Alternatively, candidates must be involved in a startup-promoting activity or an activity comparable to a startup camp that has been approved by government bodies such as the Board of Investment and the National Innovation Agency.

Living and working in any country necessitates the payment of taxes. Taxes are paid by all Thai residents. If a digital nomad stays in the nation for more than 180 days in any tax calendar year, they are deemed “residents.”

Even non-residents who remain in Thailand for less than six months must pay taxes on income generated in Thailand. Please keep in mind that the first 150,000 baht ($4,600) is tax-free.

Thailand’s income tax for citizens, like US taxes, applies to worldwide income. As a result, Thai residents must pay income tax on earnings in Thailand as well as money transferred into the nation from outside sources. As a result, if you do not want to pay taxes on your overseas income, you should not send it to Thailand.

Rent is likely to be your largest expenditure in Thailand, particularly if you reside in a big city like Bangkok or a tourist area like Phuket or Pattaya. Indeed, many expats spend more than 30% of their monthly salary on rent alone.

Expect to hear varying responses when you ask fellow foreigners how much they pay for rent. Some people spend more than 50,000 baht per month in rent, while others pay less than 30,000 baht. There are also individuals who earn approximately 15,000 baht per month and those who earn less than 5,000 baht per month.

In other words, the cost of monthly rent varies greatly depending on criteria such as location, kind of home, and amenities provided.

If you wish to reduce your rent costs, consider answering the following questions:

1. Where do you wish to reside in Thailand? Are you interested in relocating to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Hua Hin? Or do you like to live on the fringes of the city? Do you prefer to settle in Isarn or another province?

2. Would you prefer to live in a condo or a townhouse? Do you want a studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, or four-bedroom apartment? Do you want a completely equipped flat or will you furnish it yourself? Is there a gym or a swimming pool? How distant is the residence from the main thoroughfares?

Air conditioning accounts for a significant portion of Thailand’s power costs. Do you want to reduce your electricity bill? Then remember to turn it off before going to bed.

If you live alone in a condominium and leave the A/C on every night, your monthly bill should not exceed 1,500 baht.
If you live in a house and use two A/C units every night, your monthly electricity bill should be around 2,500 baht.
Finally, if you reside in a three-bedroom property with four A/C units operating around the clock, your bill may be between 5,000 and 8,000 baht.

Water is quite inexpensive in Thailand. Your monthly water cost should not exceed 100 baht if you live alone.

You may enjoy high-speed internet at home at 200 mbps speeds for roughly 600 baht each month.

It should be noted that this internet connection is high enough to stream shows and movies in HD or 4K on Netflix and other streaming services.

This is about what many people in Thailand pay for decent-to-excellent internet speeds. It’s the starting point for your home internet, and the speeds are more than adequate for your everyday needs.