The 8 best ways to make money online in Thailand are:
- Provide local lead generation services
- Start an ecommerce business
- Offer digital marketing services
- Offer IT consulting services
- Teach English online
- Work as an online health and wellness coach
- Work as a virtual assistant
- Start a blog
The best ways to make money online in Thailand are to start an online business or seek work as a "digital nomad." The methods on this list are based on the popularity and demand in the local Thai market, but are not limited to them. You can do these in international markets while residing in Thailand. The Thai government considers all online money-making activities as work, so you have to be aware of the legal requirements.
Christopher Dodd, aka Chris the Freelancer, is a digital nomad who lives and works in Thailand. He works as a remote freelance web developer. Chris also creates content related to Thailand and the digital nomad lifestyle. He posts these on his YouTube channel and earns from affiliate partnerships. He also sells courses and guides for new digital nomads. Chris first arrived in Thailand in 2016 and explored places like Bangkok, Phuket, and Koh Phangan. He settled in Chiang Mai for its affordability, community, and co-working spaces. Chris makes around $2,000 to $5,000 a month and spends $1,000 to $1,500 a month on a comfortable lifestyle.
I've been making money online full-time since 2014 and have created several 6-figure businesses. I sold on Amazon FBA, dropshipped on Shopify, and promoted affiliate products. I've also expanded into the digital real estate and lead generation business. This article gives you the top 8 ways to make money online in Thailand and provides real-world examples. I also talk about the legal requirements and the pros and cons of working and living in Thailand.
1. Provide Local Lead Generation Services in Thailand
Providing local lead generation services for businesses in Thailand creates passive income. Instead of improving the SEO of your client's site, you rank your own that you rent out to them. You earn a stable monthly income while these businesses get a constant flow of leads. For example, a large number of new businesses that opened in Thailand are restaurants. These new businesses rarely have established marketing structures. Create a niche site for restaurants in a specific local area. This site will attract traffic once ranked on search engines. You then rent out this digital space to local restaurants that will benefit from the traffic.
I've been earning passive income with my local lead generation businesses since 2014. Each of my U.S.-based sites earns $500 to $3,000 a month. I run multiple local lead generation sites that earn me a total of $52K a month. I have worked with niches like tree care, limo rentals, and towing. Many of my sites have not been updated in years and continue to pay me monthly.
The demand for B2B lead generation services is at an all-time high thanks to the boom in tourism. International tourism in Thailand continues to increase. The World Bank reported that Thailand had 35 million foreign visitors in 2024. It ranked as the 8th top country in the number of foreign tourists. Thailand's Business Development Department reported 61,819 new businesses registered in the first 8 months of 2024. A large number of these were related to the tourism industry.
2. Start an Ecommerce Business in Thailand
Starting an ecommerce business in Thailand can be highly profitable. Sell products on popular ecommerce platforms in Thailand like Shopee and Lazada. Also sell on social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace and TikTok Shop. Statista reported that about 63% of online shoppers in Thailand use Facebook Marketplace. Popular ecommerce niches are fashion, electronics, and personal care. The top Thai suppliers include eCommerce Infinity, SiamDropship, and Bangkok925.
David Caruso is a professional business speaker from Australia who retired to Thailand in 2010. He traveled and worked as a business motivational speaker before deciding to start an online business. He started his ecommerce business in 2018, which grew to over 40 stores in a year. In November 2019 alone, he made over ฿2.3 million in sales. His business is registered and operates from Thailand.
A growing middle class and improving internet infrastructure contributes to increased online purchases. Statista says Thailand has the highest weekly online purchases in the Asia Pacific. They rank second in terms of online economy size.
3. Offer Digital Marketing Services in Thailand
Offering digital marketing services in Thailand can provide you with a high-paying income. Strategies like SEO, social media marketing, and PPC are increasing in demand. Social media marketing is particularly popular in Thailand. DataReportal says that 68.3% of the population uses social media. Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram being the most popular. Finding projects or recurring clients won't be much of a problem with the booming market.
Brett Dev is a freelance web developer and digital marketer from the UK. He moved to Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2015. He offers web design, development, SEO, and digital marketing as a freelancer. Brett created a YouTube channel where he shares his experience and tips for other digital nomads. He highlights the affordable standard of living and online opportunities. Brett founded Nomad School, a community with over 2,000 members, to help others seeking location independence.
In 2024, digital marketing expenditure increased by 8% from the previous year. Thai initiatives, like the Thailand 4.0 policy, promote a tech-driven economy. Statista reports that Thailand is Southeast Asia's second-largest digital economy. The increase in online sellers leads to an increase in demand for digital marketing.
4. Offer IT Consulting Services in Thailand
Offering IT consulting services in Thailand pays very well. SalaryExpert reports that senior IT consultants earn an average of ฿1,581,626 ($47,100 USD) per year. Junior consultants with 3-5 years' experience make over half that. The high pay and low cost of living in Thailand make IT consulting attractive to expats.
Iglu is a platform that connects foreign IT experts with Thai clients. They are registered with Thailand's Board of Investment. They specialize in connecting remote professionals in the IT industry with Thai companies. Iglu has offices in Thailand for those who wish to work on location. They also cater to software development and design work.
The Thai government's push for digital transformation drives demand for IT services. Thailand's National AI Strategy is driving AI development. This means experts in AI tech are in high demand. This trend is expected to grow within the next decade.
5. Teach English Online in Thailand
Teaching English in Thailand is lucrative, whether or not you have a TEFL certificate. SEE TEFL says that you earn $15 to $20 USD per hour for teaching English online in Thailand. YouTuber English Teacher Ryan suggests working with travel companies to help get your visa in order. Companies like Work and Travel Co. even help connect you with teaching companies or clients. He suggests getting a TEFL certification to give you a competitive edge and a higher wage. Ryan worked with Explore Asia to earn his 120-hour TEFL certification program.
Jesica had been a flight attendant living in Dubai for 7 years. She moved to Thailand after her husband got a job there. Jesica decided to teach English online but lacked credibility due to her Argentinian nationality. She earned her TEFL certification, which opened opportunities. She started teaching English on Preply. The work-life balance offered by teaching online allowed her to teach yoga on the side.
Thailand's growing economy and global engagement have increased the demand for English teachers. Clients range from young students to industry professionals. The work-life balance, coupled with the low cost of living, makes teaching English online in Thailand a great opportunity.
6. Work as an Online Health and Wellness Coach in Thailand
Being an online health coach in Thailand opens up new opportunities. The work offers flexibility to both the coach and client. It has very low overhead costs involved, as you do not need any physical infrastructure. While not the best pay, it is a good side hustle for health enthusiasts. SalaryExpert says that health coaches make about ฿238.51/hr ($7 USD). The low cost of living in Thailand makes this a good amount.
Debora Giacomelli is a Swiss health and wellness coach based in Bangkok, Thailand. She offers online health and wellness coaching through her brand "Coaching for Her." She started as a dental hygienist before working remotely for a nutritional drink company. During this time, she earned a degree in health and wellness counseling. This boosted her qualifications and allowed her to charge premium rates. She also started a health and wellness business registered in Thailand called Vitality Hub Co.
Statista says Thailand's health and wellness industry is growing at 6% a year. The demand for services includes personalized coaching, tracking tools, and resources. As the demand increases, so does the pay.
7. Work as a Virtual Assistant in Thailand
Being a virtual assistant in Thailand offers a good work-life balance and a comfortable lifestyle. The type of work ranges from administrative support to personal assistance. According to Huneety, virtual assistants in Thailand make ฿25,000 to ฿70,000 ($700 to $1,960 USD) a month. The flexible schedule and work allow the freedom of movement, which makes working as a VA great for digital nomads.
Ioana Conchintoiu is a Romanian virtual assistant who pursued her dream of becoming a digital nomad. Thailand easily became one of her favorite places to work. She lived in the jungles of Thailand while working online as a virtual assistant. She highlights the low cost of living and the abundance of co-working spaces. This allowed her to enjoy a comfortable life while maintaining a good work-life balance. She would take 2-3 hour breaks to take a walk, swim and watch the sunset.
Virtual assistants can find clients on freelance platforms, job postings, and social media groups. The use of freelance platforms and Facebook groups to find work is popular in Thailand. Freelance platforms include Upwork and Fiverr. Facebook groups, like Bangkok Digital Nomads, are popular among VAs seeking work in Thailand.
8. Start a Blog on Topics About Thailand
Blogging in Thailand opens a lot of opportunities. The many methods of monetization allow for a diverse income stream. You can monetize blogs through affiliate links, ads, sponsored posts. Blogs are also great at supplementing your other businesses. For example, you can use blogs to build your ecommerce brand or to attract clients for your digital marketing agency.
Mark Wiens is the co-founder of the blog Eating Thai Food, which focuses on local Thai cuisine and restaurants. He also created the blog Migrationology, which focuses on worldwide cuisines. He earns from affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and advertising partnerships. Mark moved to Bangkok, Thailand, in 2009 to write about Thai food. He got married to a Thai woman in 2013. He then co-founded Phed Mark in 2019, which is a specialty restaurant in Bangkok. In 2022, Mark hosted the HBO Asia series, Food Affair with Mark Wiens. His YouTube channel has over 11 million subscribers.
Blogging is a sustainable long-term business. There is virtually an endless list of topics to write about, so you will never run out of new content. Posts can stay relevant and get visitors for years after publishing. You can also outsource the writing process and even use AI to increase production.
What Are the Legal Requirements for Making Money Online in Thailand?
The legal requirements for making money online in Thailand depend on whether you are a freelancer or a business owner. If you are planning to work-from-Thailand for a long time, you may apply for the Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR).
As of July 15, 2024, the Thai government introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). Freelancers, remote workers, and digital nomads are required to have a DTV. This is great for those who are on a "workcation." The DTV allows you to stay and work in Thailand for 180 days per entry and is valid for 5 years. You can extend for another 180 days once per year for a small fee. You may be exempt from tax if your income is taxed by a country with a double tax agreement with Thailand. You are exempt from Thai tax law unless you work over 180 days.
If you start an ecommerce business in Thailand, you are required to have an eCommerce License within 30 days. You need to register with the Consumer Protection Board’s Office (OCPB) and comply with the Bank of Thailand's requirements. You also need to comply with the Electronic Transaction Act of B.E. 2544 and the Computer Crime Act of B.E. 2550. If your ecommerce business is 100% foreign-owned, you need a Foreign Business License.
The requirements tend to be confusing for both remote workers and business owners. For example, if you are teaching English online to Chinese students located in China, you do not need a DTV. However, if you are teaching English to students located in Thailand, then you are required to have a DTV. Another example is if you have an ecommerce business and are just in Thailand for vacation, you can manage your store with no permit. However, if your main market is Thailand, you are required to get a permit.
Many expats suggest you seek legal council from local law firms. Popular choices include Isaan Lawyers and FRANK Legal & Tax. This can help speed up your application process and avoid legal issues.
Should I Move to Thailand for Remote Work?
If you want a great "location freedom" experience, move to Thailand for remote work. You will enjoy the low cost of living, a booming online market, and amazing scenery. The availability of affordable co-working spaces and the easing of visa requirements make it easier to move in.
The Thaiger is an English-language media platform based in Thailand. It covers local and international news, lifestyle, travel, and entertainment. It is popular among tourists, expats, and digital nomads. They interview foreigners on their experiences living in Thailand on their YouTube channel.
Here are the pros and cons of living and working in Thailand according to foreigners:
Pros
Affordable lifestyle, especially for those earning in USD or EUR.
Safe for women, walking at night feels secure.
Increasing support and opportunities for digital nomads and freelancers.
Warm weather, beautiful beaches, and relaxed vibes.
Good internet infrastructure with high penetration and fast speeds.
Cons
Limited visa options for digital nomads tend to be confusing.
Heavy traffic congestion in capital cities.
Poor air quality in the cities affects health. Masks are often needed.
Strict rules and law enforcement. Political censorship, especially with the government and monarchy.
Adjusting to a new culture can be difficult. The language can be complicated to learn.
The popularity of Thailand as a destination for remote workers has led to a large population of expats. Many have created and joined groups such as digital nomad online communities. You are encouraged to join these groups for support and networking opportunities.
Why Local Lead Generation is My Top Recommendation for Digital Nomads
Local lead generation is my top recommendation for remote workers and digital nomads. It creates passive income with little initial effort. It can be done for any niche in almost any location in the world. As long as there are local businesses selling or offering services in their area, there will be a demand.
Compared to the other business models, it is highly scalable. A ranked local lead generation site can continue to bring in monthly income without any input from you. This frees up your time to focus on scaling or on other businesses. Most online businesses, like ecommerce or marketing agencies, need automation to scale. This means outsourcing work to others, which increases your operational costs and risks. The sustainability and scalability of local lead generation gave me the time and financial freedom. I'm now able to pursue other business opportunities and life goals.
