While most businesses have opted to return to the pre covid normality of working in the office, a select group of employees are increasingly deciding to work remote and are more focused on achieving the ideal work life balance.
With companies adopting their internal policies to accommodate to the new norms of working from home or remotely employees are faced with the options and freedoms to choose exotic work locations in which to base themselves.
Working in Thailand as an foreigners can be enticing prospect especially for the adventurous minded individual! So why should someone give consideration to working remotely in Thailand?
1.Exploring the culture
Thailand is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning temples and year round festivals. Being an expat based in Thailand gives an individual the opportunity to experience the warm Thai hospitality first hand, learn the traditions and make new meaningful connections with locals.
2.Abundant natural beauty and exploring nature
Thailand boasts some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, including pristine beaches, tropical forests, remote jungles and mountains in which one can immerse themselves in or take their leisurely pace to explore over time.
Outdoor activities are plentiful to indulge in ranging from deep sea diving to adventurous hiking expeditions or just exploring the national parks. Of course island hoping has its traditions dating back many years including the infamous full moon parties in the south of Thailand.
3.Low cost of living
Working in Thailand comes with the added advantage of being based in a country where you can live a very fulfilling life on a shoe string if you so choose to do so. While inflation has gradually driven up prices, there costs to grab a bowl of noodles or a plate of rice with several assorted condiments is still extremely cheap when compared to most western countries.
Housing options can vary from the economical options of setting oneself up in a small apartment to splurging on a more luxurious set up still why not blowing the budget. Transportation is also very affordable with Thailand boasting home to the world’s cheapest taxis and if you base yourself in the city then the BTS and similar rail lines are all well connected and can save you a bundle on transport.
One thing foreigners who want to work in Thailand do need to pay attention to is healthcare. Having a recognized health insurance plan before you settle into Thailand is highly recommended as this will save you any hassles should you need to go see doctor or be admitted to hospital. The cost of medication is very reasonable in Thailand and most pharmacies have the ability to dispense most medications typically only accessible via a prescription from a doctor in the west.
Thailand also offers a whole range of International Schools to suit families wanting to relocate. This makes the move even easier when you give consideration to the fact that children’s education can
4.Visas/Work Permits
Naturally when considering working in another country one needs to consider the legalities and necessary visas and relevant work permits required. Thailand is no different and offers a range of visa options depending on your circumstances.
However while the government is trying hard to accommodate the so called “digital nomads” with visa options in practice there is still a long way to go in terms of being able to secure one of these new visa categories.
By far the most common acceptable visa status someone needs to work in Thailand is the Non-B Work Visa which is only obtained through having a sponsoring company in Thailand to apply for this work visa on your behalf. There are companies that offer the EOR or Employer of Record Service that allows a person to essentially employ themselves under a registered company in Thailand providing this type of service.
It is important to note that a Work Visa and Work Permit go hand in hand they are administered by the Immigration Department and Labor Department respectively and one must have both in order to legally work in Thailand and be fully compliant.
Related articles: What’s an Employer of Record Service (EOR), Can benefit your company’s Set up in Thailand?5.Infrastructure in Thailand
Thailand offers a well developed infrastructure with modern facilities and plenty of serviced offices or co-working spaces where working remote is made very easy by having conveniently located serviced office and virtual office spaces along the main transportation network like the BTS.
6.Lifestyle Flexibility
I guess the greatest benefit to working remote and choosing a country like Thailand to call your “home” is that you have the flexibilities that come with working remote. You get to choose your work schedule to a degree that conforms with your employer taking into account time differences etc. This allows you to enjoy and live life to the fullest while still being productive.
Getting out of the busy cities and the commuting stress is another reason why more and more people are choosing to work remote. They are able to achieve a more balanced lifestyle and ensure their mental well being is being looked after.
While working in Thailand foreigners can gain a true cultural immersion experience typically not possible when taking short trip holidays. Learning a new language, learning to cook local dishes, experience a deeper understanding of local customs and traditions are all part of the lifestyle benefits afforded to those choosing this working arrangement.
7.Personal Growth
On a deeper level working abroad in a country like Thailand can have a very meaningful and rewarding impact on a person as they are able to grow personally through the experience especially over extended periods. The ability to overcome adversity, enhance problem solving skills and foster personal growth and independence. One can also make meaningful connections with other foreigners and professionals from various backgrounds and industries through which life-long friendships can be developed.
Working in a different country can also provide you with a broader global perspective and deepen one’s appreciation for differences in culture, religion and politics making you a more tolerant and open-minded person. This can have the flow on benefits of becoming a more employable person in the minds of future employers.
In conclusion
While working remote in a country such as Thailand has many advantages as outlined above, considerable time to plan and research should be taken to familiarizes oneself with understanding the relevant logistics from visa requirements to housing options, tax implications and legal aspects and whether one will have the self-discipline to succeed in this type of work arrangement over an extended period of time.
Once sufficient consideration has been given to all these aspects than by all means an expat should be able to smoothly transition to a successful working experience in “The Land of Smiles”.
Markus’s corporate HR experience allows him to quickly focus on the pain points of business leaders and HR leaders alike.