From mountain villages to beachfront cafés, Thailand is redefining what remote work looks like — and inviting the world to come along for the ride.
In a major push to welcome digital nomads, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has just launched the “LOCO(AL) Working Space” campaign, transforming three of the country’s most iconic regions — Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket — into immersive co-working destinations. But this isn’t just about fast Wi-Fi and coffee refills. It’s about giving remote professionals a sense of place, culture, and belonging while they work.
In Chiang Mai, that could mean answering emails from a wooden terrace overlooking rice paddies, or taking Zoom calls just steps from a Karen hilltribe village. In Bangkok, some workspaces are tucked into old alleyways lined with temples and art galleries — a far cry from glass-and-steel office towers. Down south in Phuket, you can type away on your laptop with your toes in the sand on Ko Lon or Ko Naka Yai.
“We’re not just building co-working spaces. We’re creating a new way to experience Thailand,” a TAT spokesperson said. “We want remote workers to feel like they’re part of the local rhythm.”
The campaign is part of a bigger trend: Thailand is going all-in on becoming a top choice for remote professionals worldwide. It’s upgrading infrastructure, simplifying entry requirements, and offering flexible long-term visas to support the growing digital workforce.
Since May 1, 2025, all foreign arrivals must fill out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) — a new online form that replaces the old TM6 paper slip. It’s faster, paperless, and fits the needs of modern travelers. Meanwhile, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) allows digital nomads to stay up to 180 days (with one extension), valid for multiple entries over five years.
And the world is paying attention.
With remote work here to stay, countries worldwide are racing to capture the attention of digital nomads.
In a recent ranking by QR Code Generator, Bangkok was named the best city in the world for American digital nomads — ahead of Lisbon, Medellín, and even Bali. The city scored high for internet speeds, cost of living, healthcare access, and that hard-to-define mix of energy and comfort that makes you want to stick around.
Other Thai destinations are seeing a similar boom. Koh Samui, once a backpacker paradise, is now quietly becoming a haven for remote workers and expats looking for a slower pace of life. A recent Business Insider story featured eight professionals who have made the island home — running businesses, raising kids, or just enjoying the balance between productivity and peace.
“We came for a few months and just never left,” one entrepreneur told the magazine. “There’s no stress. It just works.”
Staying connected is also easier than ever. With eSIM-ready data plans, digital nomads can skip the SIM card swap and connect to Thai networks instantly — a simple, flexible solution for those bouncing between Southeast Asia’s best spots.
Cafés with fiber-optic internet, 24-hour co-working lounges, and “workation” packages in boutique hotels are now common across the country. Whether you’re deep in the jungle or in the middle of the capital, you’ll likely find a power outlet, a quiet seat, and a decent latte.
With remote work here to stay, countries around the world are racing to win over the digital nomad crowd. Thailand’s approach — mixing rich culture, reliable infrastructure, and generous visa options — puts it miles ahead in the region.
Whether you’re co-working beside a rice terrace, setting up shop in a historic Bangkok alley, or squeezing in a swim between client calls on a southern island, Thailand is making its message loud and clear: If you’re a remote worker, this is where you want to be.
