Meet Mike
Mike's Story
Background
I was working as a senior developer at a tech company in Toronto, making good money but feeling burned out by the corporate grind and harsh winters. The pandemic opened up remote work possibilities, and after months of research and planning, I decided to take the leap. I'd visited Thailand once on vacation and loved the culture, food, and cost of living. The new DTV visa was announced just as I was planning my move, making it perfect timing.
Why Thailand?
Three main reasons: cost of living, climate, and community. My Toronto rent alone was CAD $2,800/month for a tiny apartment. Here I get a beautiful house with a pool for ฿15,000. The weather is consistently warm (I hate Canadian winters!), and Chiang Mai has an incredible digital nomad community. Plus, the food is amazing and I'm only a few hours from beaches, mountains, or other countries for weekend trips.
Biggest Challenge
Honestly, it was the visa uncertainty before DTV came along. I was doing the visa run routine which was stressful and expensive. Language barrier was tough initially - learning Thai basics really helped. Also, time zone differences with clients back home meant lots of late-night calls for the first year until I shifted to more Asian clients.
Unexpected Surprise
How much I'd love the slower pace of life and community aspect. In Toronto, I barely knew my neighbors. Here, I'm part of multiple communities - the local climbing gym, Thai language exchange group, and a co-working space with other nomads. I've made deeper friendships in 3 years here than I did in 10 years in Toronto. Also surprised by how good the healthcare is - had to get surgery last year and the experience was better and cheaper than anything I'd get in Canada.
Daily Life in Chiang Mai
I wake up around 7 AM and start with coffee and planning my day. Work usually begins around 8 AM to catch some overlap with North American clients. I take a break at lunch to hit the gym or go rock climbing at one of the local crags. Afternoons are focused work time. Evenings vary - sometimes I'm at language exchange, sometimes cooking dinner with friends, or exploring a new restaurant. Weekends are for motorbike trips to temples, waterfalls, or nearby cities. I've become addicted to weekend trips to places like Pai, Mae Hong Son, or even quick hops to Laos or Myanmar.
Practical Details
🏠 Housing
Why this area: Wanted space to work from home, loved having a pool for the hot season, and it's still only 15 minutes to the old city by scooter. Quiet area but not isolated.
💼 Work Life
100% remote for a mix of North American and Asian clients. Freelance web development and UX design projects, typically 6-8 projects per year.
Time zone juggling was brutal initially. Had to learn to set better boundaries and gradually shift client base to Asia-friendly hours. Internet can be spotty during rainy season.
Cost arbitrage is incredible - can charge Western rates while living on Thai costs. Started offering Thailand tech consulting for companies wanting to expand here. Building a SaaS product with lower living costs as runway.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Mike's Advice
✅ Best Advice
- • Get the DTV visa if you qualify - it's a game changer for nomads
- • Learn basic Thai phrases - locals really appreciate the effort
- • Buy a good motorbike and explore beyond the city
- • Join Facebook groups and co-working spaces to meet people
- • Set up a local bank account ASAP for easier life
- • Invest in good internet backup (mobile hotspot + co-working membership)
- • Don't stay in the tourist areas long-term - venture into local neighborhoods
❌ Avoid These Mistakes
- • Staying in Nimman area too long - overpriced and touristy
- • Not learning to drive a motorbike immediately
- • Trying to maintain exact same work schedule as home country
- • Not getting health insurance (learned this the hard way)
- • Eating only Western food for the first 6 months
- • Not exploring Northern Thailand enough in the first year
❤️ Favorite Things
- • Rock climbing at Crazy Horse Buttress
- • Sunday markets for fresh produce
- • Motorbike trips to Doi Suthep temple at sunrise
- • Thai massage after climbing sessions
- • Co-working at CAMP with other nomads
- • Weekend trips to hot springs in Mae Kampong
- • Late night street food runs on Chang Khlan Road
Looking Ahead
I'm planning to stay in Thailand long-term. Currently working on getting permanent residency after 3 years on DTV. I'm also launching a SaaS product for nomads to manage visas and relocations across Southeast Asia. Thinking about buying property here eventually, maybe a small resort or co-living space for nomads in Chiang Mai or Pai. The quality of life here is just too good to give up, and the business opportunities in the growing tech scene are exciting.
Connect with Mike
Want to Share Your Story?
We're always looking for expats to feature in our spotlight series. If you have an interesting Thailand story to share, we'd love to hear from you!
Share Your Story