Chiang Mai: Trouble in digital-nomad paradise
Re: “Something for Nothing: The changing face of Chiang Mai’s digital nomad scene”, Chiang Mai Citylife.
Chiang Mai is suffering from the same teething problems as Bali did a few years ago. The two cities are both victims of their own success.
When people realised Bali was a tourist paradise, everyone rushed to collect their share of the pot of gold, and soon discovered the rich pickings were reserved for Indonesians only while the Westerners had to settle for hyperbole and inflation.
As headquarters for the newbie nomad market, Chiang Mai is heading the same inevitable way. But the difference here is the digital nomad scene is still so young and fresh and growing that “bad advice” comes with the territory. Many of us here wave the red-flag warning that information is redundant after a month.
However, there are a few legitimate gatherings where important topics are discussed and accurate information disseminated. Nomads of any experience can turn up at the weekly coffee club Friday afternoon meetings and be assured they will not be asked to buy anything or encouraged to think or act in a certain way.
It’s run by already successful people who respect the courageous decision it takes to leave the normal lifestyle back home – and who genuinely care about helping others to succeed – based on the principle of self-development and planning.
Petter Miller
