The recent news about the collaboration between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the world-renowned Californian online booking platform Airbnb on the “Live and Work Anywhere” project has gained widespread attention and public approval.
Two years have passed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic — a turning point for the entire world that forever changed our perception of life, work, and travel. For the first time in history, people worldwide gained the opportunity to live and work from any corner of the planet.
The world is changing. Over the past five years, new remote professions have emerged. Many companies shifted entirely online, allowing employees to work from anywhere without being tied to an office. This gave rise to millions of digital nomads — remote workers, employees of large companies, or successful business owners who moved their entire workflow online. Now, they are searching for the perfect place to live and comfortable conditions for remote work.
According to a study by Harvard Business School:
“Remote workers can have a positive impact on any economy and play a key role in fostering entrepreneurial activity in their places of residence and creating so-called ‘technology clusters’ worldwide.”
International companies like Procter & Gamble, Dropbox, Amazon, and Airbnb have provided their employees with fully remote or hybrid work options, setting a powerful example for the corporate world.
It is noteworthy that the Land of Smiles is already a second home and regional hub for many international corporations and one of the top tourist destinations worldwide.
What is “Live and Work Anywhere” and Why is it Important?
“Live and Work Anywhere” is an Airbnb project aimed at developing comfortable conditions and attracting remote workers from around the world.
For a country to become an Airbnb partner in this project, it must meet certain criteria:
- Transport mobility, affordable cost of living, and a visa system that facilitates long-term stays (over 4 weeks).
- Comfortable conditions for online work: strong Wi-Fi signal, fast internet, and the availability of coworking spaces (offices, cafes for temporary or permanent work).
- Opportunities for integration into local society and culture: visiting attractions, ability to learn the language, cuisine, etc.
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Airbnb included Thailand in its list of 20 destinations offering the best conditions for digital nomads. This means ongoing efforts focus on developing the country as an international tourism hub for long-term travel and remote work.
This is no surprise, as the Kingdom holds all the cards for conducting online business: fast internet, a stable economy, developed infrastructure, accessible transportation, a favorable climate, a hospitable atmosphere, and a visa policy allowing long-term residence.
“Thailand has long been an important destination for remote workers and long-term travelers worldwide. The developed local infrastructure, community environment, and wide selection of unique long-stay accommodations continue to attract visitors from all over the world, along with our warm hospitality and unique culture. As we aim to revive the country’s tourism sector and accelerate recovery, we are honored to partner with Airbnb and be part of the ‘Live and Work Anywhere’ project to attract long-term travelers to Thailand.”
— Thapanee Kiatphaibool, representative of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
How Has the Travel Revolution Changed the Real Estate Market?
According to Airbnb, search queries for long-term stays (28 nights or more) have surged dramatically, with one in five platform users identified as a remote worker.
Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager of Airbnb for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, highlighted in an interview with The Nation Thailand not only the trend towards longer vacations (shifting from 1–2 weeks to 2–3 months or more) but also a shift in seasonal travel patterns.
While Phuket doesn’t have strict seasonality, the “monsoon season” from May to October was traditionally considered the “low season.” Today, high volumes of international visitors are present year-round on beaches, in shopping malls, and at night markets.
The priorities tourists had before 2019 have evolved. A clear trend is now visible in the real estate purchase and rental market: people prioritize comfortable living and working conditions within their villa or apartment. This has driven increased demand for larger living spaces, spacious rooms, kitchens, and dedicated infrastructure (pools, leisure spaces, coworking facilities). Airbnb reports that demand for dedicated laptop workspaces has increased by 73% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Developers Adapt: Introducing Investment Projects for Remote Workers
Property developers are actively responding to these market demands. A notable example is the investment condominium Harmony by reputable developer EVG, known on the island for successful projects like Calypso Garden Residences, Calypso Condo, and Pandora Residences.
Harmony Club Apartments is a boutique premium-class condominium featuring 5-star service and panoramic views of the Andaman Sea.
Key Complex Amenities:
- Dedicated coworking space with a private meeting room
- Infinity pool and lounge bar with panoramic sea views
- Fitness center and sauna
- Landscaped garden with relaxation zones
- Smart home automation technology
The project is situated in the heart of the Rawai district, surrounded by international schools, kindergartens, shopping centers, coastal promenades, beaches, restaurants, and surrounding coworking facilities.
Investment Returns & Figures
Below is an example investment return breakdown for a 33.71 m² Studio unit:
- Initial Purchase Price: 3,571,440 THB
- Projected Market Value upon Completion: ~4,285,758 THB
- Capital Appreciation Gain: At least 714,288 THB (20% appreciation)
- Yield Program: Combined model with 6% guaranteed return + revenue share from pool inventory (60/40 split)
Additionally, Harmony apartment owners gain membership in the exclusive EVG Club, which offers privileges such as annual complimentary vacation stays across EVG Group properties and discounts on car rentals, yacht charters, excursions, and partner restaurants in Phuket.
