Pieter Levels, a digital nomad and the creator of the popular platform Nomad List has lived and worked in 40 countries and 140 cities, identifying Thailand as the best destination for remote workers.
A report in Business Insider stated that Levels, who has built over 40 startups generating over $2.2 million in revenue, shared his insights in a recent podcast, highlighting Thailand’s unique appeal.
Levels, a self-taught developer, launched Nomad List in 2014 after recognizing the need for a resource that could help digital nomads find cities with reliable internet, a critical factor for remote work.
The report added that the platform, initially based on a simple crowdsourced spreadsheet, now provides comprehensive data on cities worldwide, including cost of living, internet speed, and safety.
In his travels, Levels found Thailand particularly suited to digital nomads, with Bangkok and Chiang Mai standing out as top cities.
The report stated that while Bangkok is becoming more expensive, Chiang Mai remains affordable for those starting.
Levels pointed out the drawbacks, such as air quality and heat, but maintained that Chiang Mai offers an outstanding balance of affordability and lifestyle.
Thailand’s popularity among expats is further supported by the 2024 Expat Insider report from InterNations, which ranked 6th out of 174 nations.
Based on a survey of over 12,500 expats, the report praised Thailand for its ease of settling in, solid personal finances, and digital life.
Freelance journalist Lola Méndez, who has visited 90 countries, also spoke highly of Chiang Mai, citing its affordability and lenient laws on marijuana use and same-sex marriage as critical factors that influenced her decision to settle there.
Despite his praise for Thailand, Levels also mentioned Brazil as a notable destination, though he acknowledged safety concerns.
He compared the situation to that in the United States, where safety can vary greatly depending on the area.
The report stated that Brazil ranked 7th in the Expat Insider report, particularly excelling in friendliness toward foreign residents, even as it struggled with political stability and safety rankings.
Overall, Levels’ experiences highlight Thailand as a leading destination for digital nomads, offering a favorable mix of affordability, community, and essential services for remote workers.
Read more in this report, Business Insider.
