Pattaya for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers

People often ask whether Pattaya is a good base for working online. Here's my view.

Is Thailand good for remote work?

Anywhere in Thailand is a good place to be a digital nomad. The cost of living is low, and the internet speed and general online infrastructure are very good. There are plenty of remote workers in Pattaya, Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

So I wouldn't choose between them for your work. You can work from anywhere. Choose on lifestyle.

Why Pattaya over Bangkok or Chiang Mai?

For me, Pattaya has the best of both. Chiang Mai is a very good city, but there are no beaches. Bangkok is a very good city too, but it's busy. Pattaya is a blend of city life and beach life, and for me and a lot of other people, it's the perfect mix. (I compare the two cities in more depth in Pattaya vs Bangkok.)

In my experience it's also cheaper than both, though that will depend on how you live.

Where do remote workers work?

Nearly always from their condo. There are a few coworking spaces in Pattaya, but most people just work from home.

Where should you stay?

Again, I'd choose your area for the lifestyle, not the work. But if you want to be around other remote workers, Pratumnak has a lot of them. For more on the areas, read the best area to live in Pattaya.

Is it lonely?

I'd expect it to be less isolating than back home. In the West, the weather can keep you indoors, and remote work is isolating too. Here, everyone's out because of the weather, and everyone eats out.

So a typical day is working alone in your room, but still getting out. Pattaya is very sociable, and it's easy to make friends. You don't need a coworking space to start a conversation. Just go to a restaurant. Sport is another good way to meet people, as I've written about in staying fit and active in Pattaya.

My advice

Do it, depending on what you earn online. I can't think of a better country than Thailand for remote workers. There's now a visa option for remote workers, the Destination Thailand Visa, the cost of living is much lower than most places, and you have the weather. I think it's a great place to be a young digital nomad.

For the work side, read working remotely in Pattaya. For the visa details, read visas in Pattaya, and for costs, Is Pattaya Expensive?