International firms are attracted to Bangkok for its infrastructure and connectivity, Baranoff Rossine said. Plus, there are low barriers to doing business, such as one of the fastest procedures to register a company in Asia, which allows for insurance coverage and legal protection.

Breaking into the tech scene with an expat package sponsored by multinationals based in Bangkok, however, is a competitive affair. Uber and Google have large and growing offices in the Thai capital.

Beyond the tech fold, multinational accounting and auditing firms PricewaterhouseCoopers and Accenture have large presences in Bangkok; PepsiCo’s regional headquarters is also located here, and major advertising firm J. Walter Thompson has a sizeable and diverse team in the city too.

Local Thai companies often look for experienced foreign professionals who can bring international knowledge into their daily operations. Siam Commercial Bank, True Corporation and Bangkok Hospital are a few such companies that post openings directed at foreigners.

Landing the visa

The ruling Thai military junta has issued restrictions on visa runs, slimming the once highly flexible visa regulations that allowed foreigners to make short trips to extend their stays. Moreover, visa extensions — once largely used by expats on prolonged trips — have been greatly curtailed.

Still, most foreigners that choose to base themselves in Bangkok will get their work permits sponsored by companies. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs runs a Facebook page that regularly responds to inquiries about visa applications.

Things to do

Bangkok is world-famous — some could say infamous — for its nightlife. Besides getting lost down streets with no-name bars or slinging your body through a silky rooftop lounge, there are plenty of activities to fill downtime that don't involve regret-laden hangovers.