3 Southeast Asian countries among world's best for digital nomads

Thailand ranked 31st on the list, followed by Malaysia at 32nd and the Philippines at 36th on the list evaluated based on factors such as internet speed, taxation policies and tax-free length, income requirements for visa applications, cost of living, healthcare service and tourism popularity.

Thailand is praised for its high internet speed, quality of healthcare service and tourism popularity, while Malaysia and the Philippines scored high thanks to its low cost of living.

Last year, Thailand launched the Destination Thailand Visa which allows digital nomads to stay for up to 180 days and is valid for five years. The visa application fee is 10,000 baht (US$283) and applicants are required to have a minimum financial capacity of 500,000 baht.

Malaysia started offering a digital nomad visa program in October 2022 in an effort to attract remote workers from around the world.

To be eligible for the visa, applicants are required to have an annual income of at least $24,000.

The Philippines' digital nomad visa was introduced in June 2023.

"Digital nomads prefer sunny weather and welcoming places with many tourists," said Lum Kamishi, project manager at VisaGuide.World.

Spain was ranked the best country for digital nomads, followed by the UAE and Montenegro.