Thailand is a large country in Southeast Asia that is quickly becoming a hot spot for digital nomads – thanks to its low cost of living, and expat community.
The digital nomad scene in Thailand is growing rapidly, with new co-working spaces popping up all the time.
Thailand should definitely be at the top of your list if you’re looking for an affordable place to live in Southeast Asia as a digital nomad.
But, what is the visa situation?
Can you just pack up your bags and move to Thailand without any hassle?
Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.
In this guide, we’ll explore digital nomad visas in Thailand and what are your options if you wish to stay longer than 30 days.
Wondering if you need a visa for Thailand? Check on iVisa.
Visas In Thailand
Thailand offers several different types of short-term and long-term visas to travelers wishing to visit the country.
Digital Nomad Visa
There is no such thing as a digital nomad visa in Thailand at this time.
Visa On Arrival
The easiest way to enter Thailand to get is the visa exemption, which is available to citizens of 64 countries worldwide. This means you can visit Thailand without any visa for 45 days.
You can also extend your visa for another 30 days at any immigration office in the country. This visa is for tourism purposes.
Tourist Visa
This is a 60-day multiple-entry visa that can be extended for another 30 days.
Non-Immigrant Visa
This is a 90-day single-entry visa that can then be extended by doing a visa run to a neighboring country.
One-Year Non-Immigrant Visa
This is a multiple-entry visa that allows you to be in Thailand for one year. This visa only permits you to stay 90 days at a time, therefore you must leave and return every 90 days. You must apply for this visa at your nearest consulate or embassy before traveling to Thailand.
For all of the above visas, you will need to apply at your nearest consulate or embassy before traveling to Thailand. The prices of these visas and the time it takes to process vary by visa and country.
As Thailand is becoming popular amongst digital nomads, we hope to see a digital nomad visa in the future.
Best Places To Live In Thailand As A Digital Nomad
There are a few places that stand out as the best places to live in Thailand for digital nomads.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second-largest city, but it couldn’t be more different from Bangkok’s hustle and bustle. Set against a backdrop of mountains, Chiang Mai oozes tranquility and peacefulness that you wouldn’t expect to find in an Asian city.
Moreover, life certainly moves at a slower pace here compared to other Thai towns.
Many believe Chiang Mai to be the best place to live in Thailand for expats, digital nomads, and retirees. The friendly locals, the impressive selection of food and coffee, and the vibrant nightlife are just a few aspects that make Chiang Mai one of the best cities in Thailand.
Chiang Mai is also one of the cheapest places to live in Thailand as an expat. You’ll find affordable long-term rentals and overall, the cost of living is cheaper than on the Thai islands.
On top of this is the neverending nature surrounding the town, which makes for relaxing weekend trips. What’s more, there is still a rich Thai culture despite the large expat community.
In recent years Nimmanhemin (or Niman for short) has become the hipster district of Chiang Mai.
Long-term expats and digital nomads have settled here. This has resulted in the pop-up of many trendy coffee shops, upmarket boutiques, and quirky coworking spaces.
Koh Phangan
Located on the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Phangan is the fifth-largest island in the country. The center of the island is a vast tropical jungle, while the majority of the coastline consists of stunning beaches.
Koh Phangan is mostly known for its famous full-moon beach parties and hippy history. However, this tropical paradise has become a hub for yoga-loving, spiritual-seeking expats and digital nomads, making it one of the best cities to live in in Thailand.
The west coast of the island is home to various vegan restaurants, yoga schools, and beach bungalows.
Being a relatively small island far from the mainland, Koh Phangan is not the cheapest place to live in Thailand.
Even so, its strong spiritual community means you’ll never be short of yoga classes, meditation sessions, ecstatic dances, and much more!
Phuket
Although technically an island, the size of Phuket makes it feel more like a Thailand beach city. But that doesn’t make it any less of a blissful paradise.
The southern tip of Phuket could well be the best place to live in Thailand for expats. Here you will find Rawai and Naiharn, small beach towns with a strong ‘farang’ (foreigner) community.
While many expats choose to base themselves here, Phuket may be the best place to retire in Thailand. This is due to the comfortable and convenient lifestyle.
You’ll find supermarkets stocking imported food, shopping malls with western brands, and restaurants of all cuisines.
It’s also a great place to keep fit. Phuket is home to some of Thailand’s best Muay Thai gyms and wellness resorts, as well as a big selection of fitness centers and yoga studios.
Bangkok
If you love the busy city life but not the high price tag it often comes with, Bangkok is for you. While it may not be the cheapest place to live in Thailand, for a big city, it’s a very affordable place to root down for a while.
The modern, multicultural city is often claimed as one of the best places to live in Thailand for expats because of its diversity and inclusive culture.
The gleaming skyscrapers, trendy rooftop bars, and Michelin-starred restaurants may make Bangkok seem like any other capital city. However, Thai culture is still well and truly alive here.
There are stunning temples to explore along with enormous local markets to wander around to remind you that you are in southeast Asia.
According to InterNations, Bangkok has the world’s largest expat community, with over 3.5 million foreigners residing there.
Koh Lanta
Located in the Krabi province, Koh Lanta is a small island on the Andaman coast. The island is actually two islands.
The one in the south is popular amongst tourists and nomads, while the one in the north is more exotic and quiet.
Koh Lanta is mostly known for its boho and quiet vibes. While you can still find beach parties in Koh Lanta, it’s less of a party island than Koh Phangan.
Many people go to Koh Lanta because they’ve heard of Kohub – one of the best coworking spaces in the world.
You’ll find plenty of restaurants on the beach as well as beach bars which makes it a great spot to live in Thailand.
You’ll find a nice community there too, but many people are staying there temporarily – mostly between January and March.
Cost Of Living In Thailand
The cost of living in Thailand is very reasonable, especially when compared to other Southeast Asia countries.
For example, a meal at a restaurant will cost around THB 50 – 200 (approx USD 1-5). Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Chiang Mai is around THB 20,000 (approx USD 530).
Of course, the cost of living will vary depending on the city you choose to live in. Some parts, like Koh Phangan, are more expensive than others.
But overall, Thailand is a very affordable place to live.
Final Thoughts On Thailand For Digital Nomads
Thailand is a great country for digital nomads, thanks to its low cost of living, beautiful scenery, and friendly expat community.
There are several cities that stand out as the best places to live in Thailand for digital nomads.
Each city has its own unique atmosphere, and there’s something to suit every taste.
So, if you’re looking for a place to live and work on your next digital nomad adventure, Thailand is definitely worth considering.
Unfortunately, there’s no Thailand digital nomad visa for the time being. However, there are other options available.
As Thailand is becoming more popular amongst digital nomads, we hope to see a digital nomad visa in the future. For now, though, Thailand is a great option for those looking for an affordable and beautiful place to live in Southeast Asia.
Not sure if Thailand is the right destination for you? Read one of the following guides:
Do you have your travel insurance?
- ☑ SafetyWing offers affordable travel medical insurance. Prices start at $45.08 / 4 weeks.
- ☑ Created by nomads, for nomads.
- ☑ Covers quarantine and Covid-19.
- ☑ You can pay per month, and stop at anytime.
