Ciao amici,

Earlier this week, I posted a question on X and was blown away.

100+ comments with tons of interesting insights.

Here was my question:

As an OG digital nomad and global citizen, Thailand has always been on my radar.

(If you’re a freedom-seeker yourself then you’ve most likely looked into moving or visiting there at some point!)

But it just seemed that more people were talking about it recently than ever…

And I wondered why.

Well, if you don’t ask you don’t get.

I asked and was surprised at how much of a hot topic Thailand seems to be!

So here are the key takeaways from the 100+ comments about moving to Thailand:

1. Thailand is cheap but in many cases…better?

One of the key features is the cost of living – this is well known.

But many said that it’s also better than other options (incl. my friend).

So what are the key features?

• Great amenities and facilities
• Incredible food
• People are honest and happy (The Land of Smiles!)
• Safe and low homelessness
• Cheap (but excellent) massages
• Thriving hub for indie hackers, digital nomad and the crypto community
• Highly tax efficient with the right set up

Overall, Thailand in many ways could far exceed other top expat locations like Dubai and Indonesia for the reason that it’s not only cheap but provides the similar and sometimes better key features.

Of course the rest is then up to personal lifestyle choice.

But it seems for many that Thailand has the ultimate set up!

2. Chiang Mai is top of the list after Bangkok

This city came up many times in the comments and also in conversations I’ve had with friends moving to Thailand.

Despite being more peaceful than Bangkok, it seems that you don’t lose out on much when it comes to infrastructure and community.

It also looks beautiful.

BUT…

3. Air quality a problem in certain months

This was mentioned several times.

Air pollution becomes a severe problem in the mountains due to burning practices and the smog being swept into the city.

The worst is between February to April.

From March to April this year, Chiang Mai experienced severe PM2.5 pollution, ranking as the worst in the world in early March according to IQAira.

So it’s quite a serious issue to take into account, though the situation seems to slowly be getting better over the years.

4. New Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

The reason for the revival in interest in Thailand could have something to do with new DTV released in July of this year.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Designed for digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers, and those interested in Thai soft power activities It allows long-term stays for work and travel (“workcation”).

Visa Details:

- Duration: Valid for 5 years

- Entry Type: Multiple entries

- Stay Duration: Up to 180 days per entry

- Extension: Possible for an additional 180 days (subject to extra fee)

Eligibility:

- Minimum age: 20 years old

- Financial requirement: Proof of at least 500,000 THB in bank account

- Applicable to 93 foreign nationalities

Application:

- Can be obtained from Royal Thai Embassies/Consulates or online through Thailand’s e-visa website

- Application fee: 10,000 THB (may vary by embassy)

A very interesting new option for many!

5. The seedy side is unignorable…

Essentially, IFYKYK.

If you don’t, well…

Whilst this side of Thailand, especially Bangkok, will almost certainly always exist and attract a certain crowd, the continuous developments seem like they could overshadow these features.

6. Potential tax haven for expats

As per current fiscal regime, foreign income not remitted in the country is taxed 0!

From January this year, there have been new tax regulations to note and so this situation could continue to evolve .

It's important to keep on top of these matters so I'll be sending you any and all key updates!

But for now, with offshore banking and avoiding direct transfers to Thai accounts, Thailand should maintain its tax haven status for most expats and nomads looking to move there.

7. Freedom

Interestingly, a few people mentioned this.

It seems there are several factors that create this atmosphere.

High quality of life for cheap is enough to make anyone happier and feel freer!

That along with the hot climate, beautiful nature and culture…

I guess this all leads many to feel a sense of freedom that doesn’t exist in their countries of origin.

But overall, Thailand also just seems to be a very happy place!

Of course Thailand isn’t a new discovery at all – for digital nomads, it has been one of THE hotspots for a long time.

But there does seem to be some movement towards there recently.

Three friends of mine, all of whom have no connection to each other nor have the same lifestyles, have made the move from Dubai to Thailand.

I imagine the trend extends beyond them as well.

As Thailand continues to develop, I believe it will continue growing into a serious contender in Asia and also globally for expats and global citizens.

A close friend of mine lived in Thailand for 6 months. He eventually chose Singapore to settle for work and with his family and has been living there now for many years.

But perhaps in the near future, that choice would’ve been less clear and a tougher one to make.

If you're currently living in Thailand, moved there recently or considering moving there then please share your thoughts and experiences by replying to this email!

I'll be diving more into the tax and visa situation in the coming weeks so stay tuned for that as well.

In the meantime, have a splendid Saturday!

Ciao for now,

Ale