Here’s my experience working remotely in Bangkok for a month

Singapore passport holders do not need a visa to enter Thailand for tourism purposes and can stay in the country for up to 30 days. During this time, foreigners can continue working for your existing company as long as you’re not competing with Thai citizens for work. However, if you’re planning to work with Thai clients or expand your business within Thailand, you’ll require a Thai Work Permit from the government.

As of July 1 2022, foreigners can easily enter Bangkok by either showing proof of vaccination or providing a negative PCR or professionally administered ART result within 72 hours of travel. Masks are still required at indoor spaces like the airport and malls but you can go mask-free outdoors.

Speaking from personal experience, I highly recommend getting an insurance plan that covers Covid-19. Two of my friends ended up catching Covid in Bangkok and had to quarantine in their hotel for 7 days, cancelling their plans to head down to Phuket for the second leg of their trip. Should any medical (or other) emergencies take place during your trip, the hotel staff are the best people to ask for help as they’re able to speak English and provide translation.

Spending a month overseas is an expensive affair, regardless of where you’re headed. With a total budget of $6,000 in mind, here’s how I split my expenses for the month.

Round-trip flight to Bangkok: $250
Travel insurance: $100
Accommodation: $3,000
Food and beverages: $1500
Transport: $300
Shopping and leisure activities: $850

From budget-friendly areas like Ari and Khao San to expat-heavy neighbourhoods like Thonglor and Ekkamai, there are plenty of great areas to stay in Bangkok. My advice would be to pick a location based on what you want to do most frequently. For example, my priorities were that I had to be within walking distance to lots of food options and close to the gym I was planning on frequenting.

While Airbnb and hostels are popular choices for cheaper accommodation (from $40 a night), I opted to book a service apartment for its added conveniences, cleaning services and safety.

>I stayed at Staybridge Suites in Thonglor (from $100 a night) as it met my criteria of having a washer-dryer as well as a microwave. There’s also free breakfast daily and a co-working space on the second floor with an unlimited supply of coffee and tea – a must for every remote worker.

But if your accommodation doesn’t have a dedicated workspace, parking yourself at a café is a great alternative. Most cafés in Bangkok come equipped with high-speed 5G Wi-Fi and electrical sockets – a word from the wise, remember to bring along your travel adaptor.

If you require a more conducive environment with phone booths to take Zoom calls then Bangkok’s co-working spaces are your best bet. Co-working spaces like The Hive offer a hot desking day pass at ‎$13, which entitles you to the space from 9am to 6pm.

You’ll never be short on dining options in Bangkok. A streetside snack can cost anywhere from $2 to $8 for a bowl of beef noodles or a plate of basil chicken rice but if you’re looking to dine in the luxury of an air-conditioned establishment, prepare to spend at least $20 for a meal.

Bangkok has an incredible fine-dining scene, with more young chefs pushing Thai cuisine forward with modern recreations of classic dishes – expect to spend anywhere from $150 to $250 if you’re looking to treat yourself.

Drinking, on the other hand, is far less expensive in Bangkok than in Singapore. The average price of a cocktail is $16, even at world-renown and award-winning bars.

If you don’t plan on leaving your hotel room or apartment, Grab Food or Lineman will be your best friends. These apps offer a plethora of dining options at your fingertips and delivery fees often cost around $2. It’s a great way to try popular street stalls without having to brave the queue.

On average, a half an hour Grab ride to anywhere in Bangkok will set you back between $8 to $10. Just be sure to call for a car early as drivers can take up to 15 minutes to get to your pick-up destination. While Thai taxi drivers don’t have the best reputation, things have improved in recent years and you stand to save more if you hail a cab from the street. Before you get in and shut the door, ask your driver to use the metred rate. If they refuse then send them on your way – that’s probably not a cab you’d want to get into anyway.

For the brave, getting a Grab bike is one of the cheapest and quickest ways to navigate Bangkok, costing an average of $2 a ride. Most locals take the BTS to the station closest to their destination and then proceed to hop on a bike to avoid the long walk in Bangkok’s muggy heat. However, helmets often aren’t provided so I wouldn’t recommend this mode of transport to the faint of heart. The tuk-tuk is a fun and novel way to get around the city but you pay a premium and it’s mainly used by tourists.

Use your downtime after work to relax and recharge. You could get a Thai massage, shop to your heart’s content at one of Bangkok’s many malls or explore Bangkok’s vibrant night market scene.

If you’re looking for more places to explore, make friends with the people you come across at the gym, café or bar by telling them you’re new to town and looking for recommendations. Everyone I asked was always more than willing to share and would offer to take me to their favourite haunts.

Bangkok is a digital nomad’s dream and even a month won’t afford you enough time to check out all the city has to offer. Take things easy, go with the flow and enjoy your time abroad! Just don’t forget to report in at work every now and then.

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