Centuries-old traditions harmoniously coexist with contemporary metropolitan lifestyles in the Land of Smiles.
It’s a land that opens doors to opportunities that both locals and foreigners from all over the globe benefit from without compromising the integrity of domestic beliefs and practices.
To hit the point across clearly, we approached a couple of digital nomads currently thriving in Thailand. Their experience is a testament to the country’s nurturing and resilient surroundings—not only made for comfort and convenience, but also for growth.
Freelancer (Product Manager), Content Creator/Influencer, Instagram: @shreyamahendru_ (281k followers)
What do you think Thailand uniquely offers remote workers compared to other Asian or global hubs?
You can work from anywhere, stay connected easily, and still have nature, beaches, and mountains just a short flight away.
Even as a content creator, it became the place where I first picked up the camera. Nobody stared at me or made me uncomfortable. There are always others creating too, and the backgrounds are naturally beautiful.
So, the environment quietly supports your work and creativity without trying too hard.
What do you love most about working and living in Thailand?
Convenience. Everything is extremely easy.
From finding cafés, coworking vibes, food, transport, or an adventure, things just work here. I have travelled on buses and trains all solo, without any help in booking, etc., within Thailand, and all of it was convenient.
I can sit in a small five-seat cafe or a mall lounge and get work done with zero stress. There is community, comfort, nature, and energy. I have never found this mix anywhere else.
I also love the fruits here, the friendliness of people, and the general sense of safety and warmth in the daily rhythm of life.
What do you appreciate about your experience, and what have been some challenges?
Apart from the convenience as mentioned, it feels safe here.
Many nomads underestimate the comfort of being able to walk alone at night, travel with your laptop anywhere, or sit and work in public spaces without worrying.
This leads to how creative the environment makes you feel because Thailand is visually rich and open-minded about creators filming in public; many people find themselves far more productive and inspired than expected.
The friendliness and kindness of Thai people, small interactions, help you settle faster. A simple smile, extra help at a shop, or someone guiding you without expecting anything.
This warmth makes the adjustment much smoother.
There is also the emotional comfort of seeing many lifestyles co-exist. You see all kinds of people here: remote workers, monks, students, artists, families, retirees, creators, and entrepreneurs.
It makes you feel less pressured to “fit in” and more comfortable exploring your own routine.
As for the challenges, you realise how essential the language becomes after a point. Basic daily life is easy, but a deeper connection, local experiences, long-term comfort, and navigating bureaucracy all become easier if you learn some Thai.
Then, the temptation to treat Thailand as a holiday led to many nomads struggling with work discipline because Thailand is fun, and distractions are everywhere.
Finding routine requires conscious effort. We have to learn to say NO at times to fun and distractions as a digital nomad and balance work too!
Have you connected with Thailand’s Indian/South Asian community, and how has that influenced your experience?
I have a few Thai-Indian friends through broader expat communities, but I haven’t fully entered the core Thai-Indian or South Asian community yet.
I actually want to learn more about their history here and how they built their own beautiful identity as Thai-Indians. It’s something I’m still exploring and looking forward to understanding better.
What advice would you give other South Asians considering a move to Thailand for work?
For South Asians moving to any new country, the first shock is usually food.
We all grow up with very specific flavours and comfort dishes, so it can feel overwhelming when you suddenly do not have that around you.
My biggest advice is to find your comfort food early. Explore Indian, Pakistani, Nepali, and Bangladeshi restaurants in your area. Keep a few staples at home.
Once you have that sorted, adapting to everything else becomes much easier.
The second thing is community. Logistics in Thailand are very easy. If you need help, landlords, building staff, neighbours, or even strangers will usually guide you.
But finding your people takes effort from your side. Join online groups, attend meetups, say yes to plans, and make the first move.
You can blend into communities here, but it will not happen if you stay only around expats.
The third thing is building a routine that matches how Thailand works.
Life here has a different rhythm. People eat out a lot, the days are flexible, and work can happen from many places. Once you settle into that flow, things feel natural.
And lastly, respect Thai culture. People value personal space, independence, and letting others live their own way.
Coming from South Asian backgrounds, this level of freedom can feel new. But it is important to respect it.
Give people their space, take care of your own, and enjoy the lifestyle without trying to compare it with home.
If you do that, you will settle in smoothly and actually enjoy your time here.
Digital Entrepreneur – Marketing, Automation, IT Solutions & Remote Services
What first drew you to Thailand as a place to live and work?
I have always wanted to live outside India for several reasons, including cleaner air, healthier food, greater safety, more freedom, and a better quality of life.
I also love various international dishes that consist of different meats, which are not easy to find in India.
Thailand felt perfect for my lifestyle, taste, and the freedom I wanted.
What do you love most about working and living in Thailand?
The culture, nature, and art—Chiang Mai is the art capital of Thailand.
The walking streets, beautiful temples, hiking trails, and the surrounding peaceful environment help me stay productive without burnout.
Most importantly, nobody judges you. You can live your life the way you like.
What’s one challenge you faced early on that you didn’t expect?
Visa and paperwork are always a challenge.
Resident 90-day reporting, re-entry stamps, report to immigration whenever I come back to Thailand, taxes, accounting—I missed many deadlines in the beginning.
Now, I have a one-year visa with a work permit, so things are more stable.
In Thailand, it’s better to pay a little more and reduce stress.
What aspects of life in Thailand do you think digital nomads often underestimate?
Positively, people in Thailand are extremely kind and always ready to help.
Honestly, Thai people are kinder than most Western countries. That’s why I prefer living in Asia over Europe.
On the not-so-positive side, many nomads expect everything to be like the West. Thailand has its own pace, and you must adapt to it.
How has your experience with the local Indian community been?
I am connected with the Sikh and Indian community, including Thai-Indians (mostly Punjabi families) and Indians living here long term.
Being around familiar culture, food, and festivals makes life feel comfortable.
But at the same time, this community also taught me how well Indian culture can blend with Thai values.
It created a nice balance. I feel at home, but I also feel like I’m growing in a new culture.
The support, connection, and shared experiences made my journey in Thailand more enjoyable and stable.
What are your ‘go-to spots’ for working?
In Chiang Mai, I love working in a way that mixes productivity with lifestyle.
The city is perfect for café hopping, peaceful nature walks, relaxing massages, and enjoying sunsets or night markets after work.
I usually work from home or from cafés, and sometimes even from the gym; anywhere that feels comfortable, really.
This balance is what I enjoy the most.
Chiang Mai gives me the perfect work-life balance, where I can stay productive without stress and still enjoy the simple, beautiful things every day.
What advice would you give other South Asians considering a move to Thailand for work?
My advice is to respect the local culture and be open to learning new things.
Thailand has its own way of life, so you need to adjust to it. Learn basic Thai, understand what is polite or not polite here, and follow the local rules.
Many South Asians expect people to speak English or behave like back home, but Thailand is different.
If someone is not willing to adapt, they will find it difficult, and honestly, it’s better to stay in their home country.
But if you are open-minded, respectful, and willing to learn, Thailand will feel like home very quickly.
You will enjoy the people, the food, and the relaxed lifestyle.