There is a growing number of professional people who make their living online, which is a game-changer in so many ways and Bangkok has long been a haven for expats. As far as cities go, Bangkok is like no other and what initially seems like total chaos, actually works! Nowhere else will you find huge skyscrapers next to old Buddhist temples and if you are lucky enough to make your living remotely, here are a few of the reasons why the City of Angels is a wise choice.
- Low Cost of Living – Admittedly, the cost of living has been rising in Thailand, as the country undergoes a transformation from agricultural to an IT hub, yet it is still way cheaper than the US and Europe. For around $250 a month, you can rent a fully furnished studio apartment in a luxury condo development that has a swimming pool, fitness room, convenience stores and manned security.
- Facilities & Amenities – If you are looking for the best fitness in Pattanakarn (known as คอร์สฟิตเนส พัฒนาการ in Thai), there’s a great MMA gym where you can work out or enrol in combat training classes; coffee shops are everywhere and they make for great co-working spaces and you’ll meet lots of like-minded expats. The Thais are service oriented and their hospitality is world famous (Thai massage parlours are almost everywhere) and there are many wonderful parks where you can take a relaxing stroll. The Internet can help you research Bangkok suburbs and a little exploring will reveal the secrets of your chosen area.
- Climate – If you hate the freezing weather, Thailand is a tropical paradise with winter temperatures around 18C, which can rise to over 40C in April and May, the summer months in Thailand. The monsoons start at the end of May and run through to the beginning of November, which heralds the start of the cool winter season that is popular with tourists and locals alike. There are certain areas of Bangkok that temporarily flood when heavy rains arrive, but it usually clears after an hour or two and the sun comes out again.
- Stable Internet – Of course, if you are working online, then you do need a stable Internet connection and Bangkok is up there with developed cities in terms of Internet connections. For around $25 a month, you can have an unlimited data SIM that gives you hi-speed Internet that can easily be connected via the hotspot so you can use your laptop.
Most coffee shops offer free Wi-Fi and when you arrive in Thailand, you can visit a shopping mall where you can obtain an Internet SIM for your smartphone. 5G is already being deployed in Bangkok and this is a major reason why digital nomads like to spend time in this enchanting city.