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Visa Options And Accommodation For Digital Nomads In Thailand

Thailand has always beckoned travelers with its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and delicious Thai cuisine. It emerged as the go-to destination for digital nomads because of the cheap cost of living, comfortable weather, friendly people, fast Internet, and, of course, stunning landscapes. It is also easy to travel in Thailand, exploring cities and islands. For traveling locally, you can refer to SiamTickets and easily book tickets for buses, ferries, trains, and flights. 

The affordability and ease of living have made digital nomads flock to Thailand for several years now. If you are a remote worker or a freelancer considering coming to Thailand to set up your online shop, here’s what you need to know about the visa options available and accommodation in Thailand. 

Thai Visa Options For Digital Nomads 

The visa regulations for digital nomads in Thailand are still evolving. However, these are the most popular options:

Tourist visa (single entry or multiple entry)

Single entry tourist visas offer a stay of thirty days, with a possible single 30-day extension. Multiple entry visas are valid for six months, allowing multiple entries within the validity period. However, each stay must not exceed thirty days. 

You can travel to Thailand with a tourist visa and work online legally. But make sure you look into a work permit. 

Long-term resident visa (LTR visa)

Launched in September 2022, this visa program offers a 10-year residency with multiple entries. It is mostly intended for business people and rich digital nomads. To obtain an LTR visa, the applicants must meet stringent criteria, including proof of income exceeding $80,000 annually, health insurance with the coverage of $50,000 or more, and five years experience in your field of expertise. 

The LTR visa offers certain benefits, like digital work permit, the elimination of re-entry permit, fast service at the airports in Thailand, no taxes for income from abroad, etc. 

This visa is ideal for high-earning digital nomads seeking a long-term stay in Thailand. 

Smart visa 

The smart visa program in Thailand was launched to attract ambitious and educated people from all over the world to live and work in Thailand. The visa is valid for four years, with multiple entries allowed. To obtain this visa, applicants need proof of employment with a minimum salary of $8,000 per month, health insurance, and Thai work permit sponsorship from their employer. 

The visa is suitable for digital nomads employed by registered companies overseas who can secure work permit sponsorship. 

Destination Thailand visa (DTV)

Introduced in 2024, the destination Thailand visa specifically caters to digital nomads. It offers a 5-year multiple entry visa with 180-day stays per visit. This visa has been officially introduced for freelancers and remote workers. It is a non-immigrant visa, allowing extended stays within a five-year period with a new multiple-entry visa. This is great news for those who do not meet the requirements for a long-term resident visa. 

To apply for this visa, you must at least be 20 years old, and either be self-employed or work for a business outside of Thailand. The application fee for this visa is 10,000 baht. 

Important note: Visa requirements and regulations in Thailand are subject to change. Always verify the latest information from official Thai government sources like the Royal Thai Embassy in your country or the Thailand Immigration Bureau website. 

Accommodation Options In Thailand 

Thailand Offers A Diverse Range Of Accommodation Choices To Suit Every Budget And Taste. Some Popular Options For Digital Nomads Are:

• Co-working hostels – Perfect for budget-conscious nomads who crave a social atmosphere. These co-working hostels offer shared workspaces, comfortable beds, community events, and high-speed Internet. 
• Serviced apartments – Serviced apartments are a step up from hostels, offering private apartments or rooms with amenities like housekeeping, laundry service, and even on-site pools or gyms. 
• Digital nomad retreats – These are specialized co-living spaces that cater specifically to remote workers, often offering high-speed Internet, shared workspaces, and networking opportunities. 

Of course, you have luxury hotels and condominiums that are easily available for your stay. 

The best locations to stay in Thailand depend on your preferences. However, the popular choices among digital nomads are:

• Bangkok – This is the bustling capital city, offering a dynamic lifestyle and endless opportunities for exploration and entertainment. The average price for a 1-bedroom here is between 13,750 to 20,600 baht. Check out my Bangkok itinerary here.
• Chiang Mai – This is known as a digital nomad hub because of its laid-back atmosphere, affordability, and vibrant art scene. The average accommodation costs are 7,000-8,000 baht. Check out my Chiang Mai itinerary here.
• Phuket – Island getaways like Phuket are perfect if you are seeking a tropical paradise with co-working spaces and remote work options. The accommodation costs in the Phuket province is 13,750 to 20,600 baht. 

Other popular destinations are Krabi Province, Pattaya, Surat Thani, Samut Prakan Province, and Mueang Nonthaburi. 

So, are you a digital nomad? Thailand is waiting with open arms to welcome you!