Working UK hours in Thailand around January time - thoughts?
Discussion
Hi,
My Job
WFH on a small team covering Europe side but with a global team
Technical cybersecurity work
It's easy most of the time but intense when something goes wrong and cliends need help
I have a 40" widescreen, plus a 27" portrait one next to it
Stand up desk
Top end keyboard/mice
I basically have a nice set up for intense/technical and complicated work
Remote Work
I can't stand the UK weather during most of the year with it being dull, wintery, rain, dark, etc. It's more than just annoying to me as it causes a bit of depression and low moods.
I have a job where I can work anywhere - my Director doesn't care.
Locations & Options
Looked at options including:
I thought about Spain initially however, it's quite expensive for what you get. I have a big budget but it's just doesn't seem to stretch far. I also don't know where to go... I've heard mixed things about Malaga/Torremelinos/Balemedina.
Air BnB is also really mixed bag.
Thailand
I then thought about this. I've never been (which may be a silly idea for this reason alone). However the money goes far and I would maybe go for 4-6 weeks, taking 1-2 weeks off within that period.
I'd have to work the afternoon into the evenings due to timezone issues. THere is an element of flexibility but I'd probably still need to be online until 10pm on weekdays, midnight if on-call.
Everyone says Chiang Mai is great for remote workers.
The money, say about £5k gets you a decent place for 4-6 weeks, with pool. Often there's nice big tables to work on, sometimes a desk. Just a really nice setup.
Is this a silly idea?
Are there other considerations I've not thought of? (not worried about tax issues, it's a relatively short period and I've looked into it and it's just not an issue for this period).
Thanks
My Job
WFH on a small team covering Europe side but with a global team
Technical cybersecurity work
It's easy most of the time but intense when something goes wrong and cliends need help
I have a 40" widescreen, plus a 27" portrait one next to it
Stand up desk
Top end keyboard/mice
I basically have a nice set up for intense/technical and complicated work
Remote Work
I can't stand the UK weather during most of the year with it being dull, wintery, rain, dark, etc. It's more than just annoying to me as it causes a bit of depression and low moods.
I have a job where I can work anywhere - my Director doesn't care.
Locations & Options
Looked at options including:
I thought about Spain initially however, it's quite expensive for what you get. I have a big budget but it's just doesn't seem to stretch far. I also don't know where to go... I've heard mixed things about Malaga/Torremelinos/Balemedina.
Air BnB is also really mixed bag.
Thailand
I then thought about this. I've never been (which may be a silly idea for this reason alone). However the money goes far and I would maybe go for 4-6 weeks, taking 1-2 weeks off within that period.
I'd have to work the afternoon into the evenings due to timezone issues. THere is an element of flexibility but I'd probably still need to be online until 10pm on weekdays, midnight if on-call.
Everyone says Chiang Mai is great for remote workers.
The money, say about £5k gets you a decent place for 4-6 weeks, with pool. Often there's nice big tables to work on, sometimes a desk. Just a really nice setup.
Is this a silly idea?
Are there other considerations I've not thought of? (not worried about tax issues, it's a relatively short period and I've looked into it and it's just not an issue for this period).
Thanks
Did the same thing while on a family holiday (in Khao Lak), I think Asia is ideal for that kind of setup as you can do stuff during the day and then work in the evening. If you can clock off at 3pm UK time/10pm local time then you still have time to hit some bars, night markets etc.
Thailand is great - accommodation, food, beer, massages are cheap and it has a very well developed tourist industry so you won't feel out of place. I've never lived there though so can't comment on the admin side of things.
Thailand is great - accommodation, food, beer, massages are cheap and it has a very well developed tourist industry so you won't feel out of place. I've never lived there though so can't comment on the admin side of things.
Spent Nov, Dec, Jan in Bangkok this year. Nice 2br2ba ff condo with roof top pool set us back about £1600/pcm. Inc all utils.
I was online quite a bit (trading) and there are no real issues with internet etc. US time zones made it difficult, but UK is fine. Its +7 so by 11pm you should be done assuming a 9-5. Nice lazy start to the day too.
Personally, and its just my opinion, I would consider Bangkok if its just for 4-5 weeks.
Be aware that computer / IT stuff is expensive in Thailand. It makes no sense but don't think you can buy a big monitor for cheap - it will probably be more expensive than the UK!
Then on your off week fly down to Koh Samui.
On your week days most of the Bangkok night life does not get going till 11pm so frankly it would be perfect. We had a big club (sing sing) outside our condo and it really got going after midnight.
But be aware the MRT stops at midnight.
Don't tell anyone you are working though, even WFH you cant do it.
We will 100% be going back to do the same again.
I was online quite a bit (trading) and there are no real issues with internet etc. US time zones made it difficult, but UK is fine. Its +7 so by 11pm you should be done assuming a 9-5. Nice lazy start to the day too.
Personally, and its just my opinion, I would consider Bangkok if its just for 4-5 weeks.
Be aware that computer / IT stuff is expensive in Thailand. It makes no sense but don't think you can buy a big monitor for cheap - it will probably be more expensive than the UK!
Then on your off week fly down to Koh Samui.
On your week days most of the Bangkok night life does not get going till 11pm so frankly it would be perfect. We had a big club (sing sing) outside our condo and it really got going after midnight.
But be aware the MRT stops at midnight.
Don't tell anyone you are working though, even WFH you cant do it.
We will 100% be going back to do the same again.
The negative is the time zone difference. From memory it's GMT +8 when the clocks go back.
Personally I would go for it, Bangkok never really fully winds down so that would be an ideal base, and some of the more popular islands will have nightlife going until perhaps 4am. Also seem to remember broadband speed being very good unless you on a quiet part of a small island.
It's a country everyone needs to visit one in their life if they can.
Personally I would go for it, Bangkok never really fully winds down so that would be an ideal base, and some of the more popular islands will have nightlife going until perhaps 4am. Also seem to remember broadband speed being very good unless you on a quiet part of a small island.
It's a country everyone needs to visit one in their life if they can.
Are you an employee or on a contract?
If employed, it doesn’t matter what your Director says. What do your terms of employment say about working location?
If on a contract, do you need Professional Liability Insurance? Does this cover you when out of the UK.
You say that tax is not an issue. I trust you have taken professional advice on that, because I think it can create complications.
Visa? Everything I have seen says that you need a Visa. You may think that no one will know for such a short stay? What if the immigration people decide to ask lots of questions and inspect your IT equipment? How do you know that the person in the next apartment doesn’t work for the Thai tax authorities?
Health care if you fall ill or have an accident?
I’m old and grey and retied now. But when working I worked for large international firms. I’ve witnessed people try to do something similar (though to be fair, not Thailand). Many had no problems. But I know of quite a few cases where folk were stopped at the airport on arrival. Refused entry and sent on the first plane back, creating a lot of official hassle for themselves and their employer in the process.
.
The probability is that it would all work fine, you’d get lots of Vitamin D and have a great time. But although the risks of it all going wrong are low, the consequences could be painful.
If employed, it doesn’t matter what your Director says. What do your terms of employment say about working location?
If on a contract, do you need Professional Liability Insurance? Does this cover you when out of the UK.
You say that tax is not an issue. I trust you have taken professional advice on that, because I think it can create complications.
Visa? Everything I have seen says that you need a Visa. You may think that no one will know for such a short stay? What if the immigration people decide to ask lots of questions and inspect your IT equipment? How do you know that the person in the next apartment doesn’t work for the Thai tax authorities?
Health care if you fall ill or have an accident?
I’m old and grey and retied now. But when working I worked for large international firms. I’ve witnessed people try to do something similar (though to be fair, not Thailand). Many had no problems. But I know of quite a few cases where folk were stopped at the airport on arrival. Refused entry and sent on the first plane back, creating a lot of official hassle for themselves and their employer in the process.
.
The probability is that it would all work fine, you’d get lots of Vitamin D and have a great time. But although the risks of it all going wrong are low, the consequences could be painful.
If you need insurance then I used World Nomads.
They cover "flexcation" nomads. (work / play nomads)
We came back a little early and they were happy to refund pro rata our unused insurance which I thought was good of them.
Their policies are pretty simple, dont cover pre existing conditions but thats it. 5M and 10M coverage. You are looking about a fiver a day for the top tier. not cheap but its something you 100% need.
Its only 6 weeks so I doubt you will attract much attention - just dont tell *anyone* what you may or may not be doing. Even more so with your line of work. They are sus about that sort of thing. I have been told they are extra sus of IT bods as they can work remotely.
You will either need to get a 60 day tourist visa or go in on a 30 day exemption and get an extension.
Some say you wont get a visa exemption without a return flight within the 30 day window, others say you will. YMMV!
We used a fast track service (I had a METV) at BKK which took us through diplomat entry. We were into the luggage hall less than 5 minutes after getting off the plane.
They cover "flexcation" nomads. (work / play nomads)
We came back a little early and they were happy to refund pro rata our unused insurance which I thought was good of them.
Their policies are pretty simple, dont cover pre existing conditions but thats it. 5M and 10M coverage. You are looking about a fiver a day for the top tier. not cheap but its something you 100% need.
Its only 6 weeks so I doubt you will attract much attention - just dont tell *anyone* what you may or may not be doing. Even more so with your line of work. They are sus about that sort of thing. I have been told they are extra sus of IT bods as they can work remotely.
You will either need to get a 60 day tourist visa or go in on a 30 day exemption and get an extension.
Some say you wont get a visa exemption without a return flight within the 30 day window, others say you will. YMMV!
We used a fast track service (I had a METV) at BKK which took us through diplomat entry. We were into the luggage hall less than 5 minutes after getting off the plane.
Thanks everyone, this has been incredibly helpful. I've decided to go ahead with the plan and have booked two weeks off from work around January-February.
This will allow me to work remotely there, but also have some time off between.
I don't think working into the evening will be an issue in terms of tiredness. I already have sleep issues and cope as my job is very flexible. For example, I can work later in the evening now, or start earlier, delay work sometimes if it's not on a deadline and manage my own schedule.
I'll look into the visa and insurance too. From looking across other forums there's very little issue for the shorter time periods that I am talking about.
Need to look at location as I hadn't considered Bangkok simply as I continued to see Chaing Mai come up repeatedly. The only consideration here is that I'll be on my own most of the time, so going out very late may not be that appealing.
Costs
My budget was probably higher than some expected as I was originally looking at Europe which is really pricey in comparison.
I definitely don't want to be contained in an apartment all day working with no light, no outside space, no access to a pool.
It's a working break and as I would have free time all day long, it would be great to have access to my own facilities - maybe not private pool but something nearby.
This will allow me to work remotely there, but also have some time off between.
I don't think working into the evening will be an issue in terms of tiredness. I already have sleep issues and cope as my job is very flexible. For example, I can work later in the evening now, or start earlier, delay work sometimes if it's not on a deadline and manage my own schedule.
I'll look into the visa and insurance too. From looking across other forums there's very little issue for the shorter time periods that I am talking about.
Need to look at location as I hadn't considered Bangkok simply as I continued to see Chaing Mai come up repeatedly. The only consideration here is that I'll be on my own most of the time, so going out very late may not be that appealing.
Costs
My budget was probably higher than some expected as I was originally looking at Europe which is really pricey in comparison.
I definitely don't want to be contained in an apartment all day working with no light, no outside space, no access to a pool.
It's a working break and as I would have free time all day long, it would be great to have access to my own facilities - maybe not private pool but something nearby.
I work in tech and do UK hours from Dubai - the 4h time difference in the winter is fantastic because I get the whole morning to do whatever I want. Now it's moved to 3h, it's not quite so good but because the weather is getting warmer, you probably want to start outdoor activities that little bit earlier.
Enjoy it! The bigger time difference in Thailand will give you more time and you'll get used to working later into the evening (or you can arrange to do overlapping core hours if work is onboard with it?).
Enjoy it! The bigger time difference in Thailand will give you more time and you'll get used to working later into the evening (or you can arrange to do overlapping core hours if work is onboard with it?).
redrabbit29 said:
The only consideration here is that I'll be on my own most of the time, so going out very late may not be that appealing.
I did a mixture of solo travel and meeting up with friends, its probably the most popular country for solo travellers so I would not worry about that. Its also extremely touristy and has a huge expat community so I really don't think anyone will notice.Your employer's tax advisors will have something to say about this as you are doing work, incurring costs and creating value in a tax jurisdiction they are not registered in. It's not just your tax affairs you need to worry about, it's theirs so ask for permission before not forgiveness after.
Your employer's security advisors will get the vapours, as probably will the GDPR compliance team, if they find out after the event that you have been doing cyber security work from Thailand, so ask for permission before not forgiveness after.
Your employer's security advisors will get the vapours, as probably will the GDPR compliance team, if they find out after the event that you have been doing cyber security work from Thailand, so ask for permission before not forgiveness after.
I did exactly this from 9 weeks from Jan-Mar this year from various places in Asia, including in Thailand.
Time differences weren't a problem for me as I'm a night person (would be a problem if I had to work UK hours from North America).
I stayed in various places in those 9 weeks and Chiang Mai was my favourite. Jan-Feb is ideal, before the burning season and poor air. It has loads to see and do but is not as hectic or chaotic as Bangkok, is quite a bit cheaper, and most importantly (for me) it's not as hot and humid as southern Thailand at that time of year.
I'll be back again in December.
Time differences weren't a problem for me as I'm a night person (would be a problem if I had to work UK hours from North America).
I stayed in various places in those 9 weeks and Chiang Mai was my favourite. Jan-Feb is ideal, before the burning season and poor air. It has loads to see and do but is not as hectic or chaotic as Bangkok, is quite a bit cheaper, and most importantly (for me) it's not as hot and humid as southern Thailand at that time of year.
I'll be back again in December.
redrabbit29 said:
Need to look at location as I hadn't considered Bangkok simply as I continued to see Chaing Mai come up repeatedly. The only consideration here is that I'll be on my own most of the time, so going out very late may not be that appealing.
Costs
My budget was probably higher than some expected as I was originally looking at Europe which is really pricey in comparison.
I definitely don't want to be contained in an apartment all day working with no light, no outside space, no access to a pool.
It's a working break and as I would have free time all day long, it would be great to have access to my own facilities - maybe not private pool but something nearby.
I think most digital nomads head to Chang Mai because of the cheap living costs. Cost is not a factor for you - so in reality you can go where ever you want.Costs
My budget was probably higher than some expected as I was originally looking at Europe which is really pricey in comparison.
I definitely don't want to be contained in an apartment all day working with no light, no outside space, no access to a pool.
It's a working break and as I would have free time all day long, it would be great to have access to my own facilities - maybe not private pool but something nearby.
BKK is totally safe IMHO. Its only the louts, druggies and drunks who find out the hard way you don't get into an argument with the Thais. Everyone else has a great time.
There are some really nice condos in Phrom Phong and Thonglor.
PP has amazing transport links, great shops and malls. There are lots of expats there.
Thonglor is a bit more up and coming and does not have access to the MRT. But a lot of new "hiso" buildings going up there.
We stayed in PP and thoroughly enjoyed it. Is it a good "holiday" location - not really. But its a really nice area to just live and mooch about and live a really nice quality of life.
If we were to go back (which we will) then I think we will prob look at Thonglor and maybe Ekkamai. Slightly cheaper than PP.
With your budget you should be able to get a really nice 60-75m2 condo in one of the very best buildings if you did go to BKK.
Then when you want your week away you can hop on a plane and go anywhere.
gotoPzero said:
I think most digital nomads head to Chang Mai because of the cheap living costs. Cost is not a factor for you - so in reality you can go where ever you want.
I'm sure that's true for some, but there can be more to it than that.I struggle with Bangkok humidity and sweating profusely after 10 minutes outside - Chiang Mai at least in Jan/Feb is much less sweaty and more like a Southern European summer, warm enough for shorts at night but you don't need AC to sleep.
Bangkok has all of the advantages and drawbacks of a megalopolis primate city - I personally preferred the more laidback, compact and walkable feel in CM, but you still have the distinctive neighborhoods and countless places to eat and drink.
And if you enjoy hiking and countryside there are many excellent excursions to be had within easy reach of CM.
Collectingbrass said:
Your employer's tax advisors will have something to say
I won't tell them and don't really care - everyone does it and it's for 4-6 weeks and 30% of that will be holiday time. It's a global company. We travel to client sites all the time with nothing official.
Same for GDPR. We work on projects of all types.
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