Remote Work from Thailand โ a Guide for Those Who Want to Combine Travel and Work
Internet
Internet connection in big cities and tourist areas is usually reliable. Worth checking actual speed at the hotel/apartment before committing to a long stay.
Workspaces
Chiang Mai is known as an informal remote work hub, with many coffee shops and co-working spaces. Phuket offers a combination of work and beach.
Visa for a Long Stay
If planning a stay longer than the regular visa exemption, worth checking in advance with an official source which visa type suits you โ this changes and shouldn't be relied on from old information.
Gear and Infrastructure for Efficient Work
Before booking accommodation for a long stay, ask the host for a real speed test, ask about backup during power outages, and make sure there is a comfortable desk and chair. A SIM or eSIM with data as a backup helps when the internet goes down โ more in SIM and internet in Thailand. It's also worth carrying noise-cancelling headphones, a power bank and an extension cord.
In the big cities and leisure hubs, coworking spaces and cafรฉs with fast internet are common. Before choosing, check recent reviews and opening hours.
Time Zones, Working Hours and Lifestyle
The time difference between Israel and Thailand is between four and five hours, depending on summer and winter time, so Thai mornings suit working with Israel in the afternoon. Someone working with Europe will find a smaller overlap. Set a routine: early morning for work, and afternoons for the sea or leisure, to prevent burnout.
The feeling of 'permanent vacation' can blur the line between work and leisure. So try to keep fixed days and fixed hours, and give yourself room to travel on weekends.
Accommodation for a Long Stay and Budget
For stays of a month or more, renting an apartment or a room in a serviced building usually works out better than nights in a hotel, and sometimes you can get a discount for a long stay. Many hotels offer lower prices when you book many nights, and you can search for accommodation on the page for Chiang Mai or Phuket. Think also about laundry, transport and food costs, and see the budget estimate in the daily budget.
Real data ยท Agoda
Real data ยท Agoda
Real data ยท AgodaVisa, Tax and Legal Aspects: What's Important to Check
Not every type of stay is suitable for work, and the rules on long-stay visas change. So if you plan to stay beyond the regular period, check the options with an official source or a qualified adviser, and don't rely on old information. It's also worth checking the tax implications in your country of residence. The visa renewal guide describes the reality on the ground, but the site does not provide legal advice.
Community, Loneliness and Health Insurance
Remote work can be lonely, so it's worth looking for coworking spaces, meetups of travelers and remote workers, and activities such as sports or a cooking class. In Chiang Mai and Phuket it's easy to find such communities. In addition, private hospitals in Thailand are high-standard but expensive, so international health insurance for a long stay is very important, and you should make sure it covers a prolonged stay and not only a short trip.
Keep reading
Plugs and chargers in Thailand: what you actually need to pack.
Apps to download before you fly: what to install before you land.
Was this guide helpful?