According to Thai media, the Ministry of Commerce in Thailand has pointed out that the rapidly growing "digital nomads" can be targeted as a key development sector to boost economic revenue.
Data from the Ministry of Commerce shows a strong growth trend among digital nomads. This is attributed to Thailand's robust digital infrastructure, which can meet the diverse needs of consumers. Additionally, the government has introduced various measures to attract tourists, which also creates economic sources for Thailand's service industry.
Pupong, the Director of Trade Policy and Strategy Office and spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, stated that digital nomads, who use technology and the internet to work from anywhere in the world with just internet and device support, also include those who love to travel and are keen to experience local life around the world. This lifestyle is gradually becoming a popular trend.
Research has found that there are about 40 million digital nomads globally in 2023, and it is expected to grow to 60 million by 2030. Among them, approximately 1.75 million digital nomads will travel to Thailand by 2024, and Thailand has gained substantial income from the services provided to this group.
Most digital nomads are engaged in IT, marketing, or e-commerce work, and are enthusiastic about traveling, thus helping to promote Thailand's tourism industry. Moreover, the digital nomad group differs from the typical tourist group. They stay in Thailand for an average of more than six months, their total spending is 56% higher than that of ordinary tourists, and their travel is not limited to specific tourist seasons, meaning they can travel all year round.
Furthermore, data from the Thailand National Tourism Administration shows that the average monthly expenditure of the digital nomad group in Thailand is about 65,000 Thai Baht, with daily expenses such as dining, tourism, and activities accounting for 33,000 Thai Baht, and accommodation expenses about 32,000 Thai Baht. Digital nomads also tend to choose flexible work locations or use co-working space services.
Pupong revealed that according to a report by the Krungthai COMPASS Research Center, the Thai service industries that directly earn income from the digital nomad group include:
1. Accommodation and catering business: where accommodation and catering expenses account for over 90% of the total expenditure of digital nomads, as these are long-term daily expenses, including monthly rental housing, restaurants, cafes, and co-working spaces, among other businesses;
2. Motorcycle rental business: this is one of the main modes of transportation chosen by digital nomads;
3. Group activity-related business: such as group diving, experiencing Muay Thai, etc., these activities are popular among digital nomads who often travel alone, and they also hope to socialize with other digital nomads through such activities;
4. Telecommunications business: this group needs high-speed internet support for work;
5. Other related businesses: such as retail, entertainment, and medical services.
The trend of tourism development in Thailand is promising, with the country expected to receive 35.54 million foreign tourists in 2024, an increase of 26.27%, generating revenue of 1.67 trillion Thai Baht, an increase of 34%. With its strong digital infrastructure and competitive cost of living, Thailand is bound to become a travel destination for digital nomads.
