Nomad's Handbook: Tips to Being A Digital Nomad In Thailand 2024

Thailand takes the crown as the best destination in Asia for digital nomads. We’re not surprised by this. With hundreds of golden temples, stunning landscapes,  delicious street foods, and a low cost of living, the Land of Smiles has long been a favourite for expats searching for a second home.

This is not to mention many large cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok boast an established network of digital nomad contacts. But is it easy to become a digital nomad in Thailand?

How can you legitimately stay and work in Thailand, even on a budget? What are the best destinations in Thailand? And what visa options are available for digital nomads?

Welcome to Thailand, wanderlust nomads! This post will answer all of these questions and guide you to the best decision on your journey to live and work as a digital nomad in Thailand.

Between low cost of living and reliable infrastructure, Thailand is a nation of beauty. Photo by PRASERT - stock.adobe.com

Visa Options For A Digital Nomad In Thailand

Recently introduced, the DTV is your best bet for remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads in Thailand. Let’s see what it is about.

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) - Best Option For DN In Thailand

• Duration: 5 years
• Entry: Multiple, 180 days per entry
• Extension: Yes, once every 180 days with 10,000 baht (~£220) fee
• Requirements: 
• At least 20 years of age
• Passport or travel documents
• Proof of Purpose of Visit
• Proof of Employment
• Financial proof of 500,000 baht (~£11,000) or more.
• How To Apply: A Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate or online through Thailand’s official e-visa website
• Family and Spouse Included: Yes.

This is the latest and best Thai visa for digital nomads. Designed to attract remote workers and freelancers, the DTV allows holders to stay for up to 180 days per visit with a 5-year visa validity. If you are working for a non-Thai company, you don’t need to apply for a work permit.

On the flip side, DTV prohibits holders from obtaining a Thai work permit and working for companies within the country. And the DTV is terminated if you apply for another visa.

Other Visas To Consider

There are also some other options for a digital nomad Thailand to consider for entry and working in the country. Before the introduction of DTV, the following visas were the best options at the time:

Non-Immigrant B

• Duration: 90 days
• Extension: When the valid period of the visa runs out, many digital nomads can convert it to a long-term visa. 

If you want to catch up with your job during your stay, then you can apply for a 90-day non-immigrant B. You can either get a work permit or open a bank account with this visa. 

Smart Visa

• Duration: 4 years
• Extension: Yes. Application for extension must be completed and submitted at least 90 days before its expiry for approva