From Koh Tao dive shops to Koh Phi Phi bars and Koh Lipe beach resorts, the Thai islands still attract people who want to swap commutes and cubicles for turquoise water and flip‑flops. The dream is real – but so are work‑permit rules, low‑season reality, and the difference between “free fun dives” and a job that actually pays your rent. In 2026, the tourism and diving industries are back in full swing, with structured internships, stricter marine‑park regulations and a mix of legal and “grey‑area” work that you need to understand before you jump.

Turn Your Thailand Idea into a Legal Business – With Clear Numbers for 2026

Foreigners can absolutely run real businesses in Thailand in 2026: cafés, agencies, SaaS, trading companies, dive shops, consulting, you name it. The difference between “dream” and “disaster” is not the idea but the structure: capital, company type, bank account, accountant, employer taxes, visas and work permits all have to line up. If you know the process and the realistic costs at each stage, Thailand becomes a serious, predictable place to build something – not just a legal maze.

Make Thailand Your Basecamp for Remote Work – Without Playing Visa Roulette in 2026

Thailand has become one of the world’s favourite places to open a laptop: fast fibre, coworking on every corner, cheap flights, good healthcare, and lifestyles ranging from Bangkok rooftop to Chiang Mai mountain café. But the era of staying years on back‑to‑back tourist stamps is over. With the new Destination Thailand Visa, updated long‑term visas and more eyes on “working tourists”, you now need a proper plan if you want to stay, work online and sleep well.

Choosing between Bangkok and Chiang Mai isn’t just about scenery; it’s about how much you can earn, how far that money goes, and what kind of days you want to buy with it. In 2026, salaries for expats and skilled workers are clearly higher in the capital, but rents and everyday costs are lower up north – which means the “best” city depends as much on your job type and lifestyle as on raw numbers.