‘Vanlife’ isn’t for everyone of course. Even conventional digital nomads have written in large numbers about the need to put down roots in order to realise social and professional satisfaction. It’s in this context that Digital Expats are emerging.

For entrepreneurs who are willing to use every resource at their disposal to make their business a success, working in a country with a low cost-of-living coupled with a high level of amenities is very attractive. On the flip side, programmers who command great salaries (but work long, unhealthy hours back home) are enthused by the notion of a peaceful and sociable lifestyle with economic security. As for professionals who find life in the West stale and monotonous, being able to continue a career by working remotely enables the possibility of pursuing a more athletic or spiritual way of life.

The Western world is becoming more insular, and innovators are increasingly drawn to places that feel open to outsiders.

That might go some way to explain why Thailand has emerged as the destination-of-choice for Digital Expats. Thailand’s popularity with tourists and remote workers alike is often discussed with reference to the fabled ‘Thai Smile’ — a distinctly welcoming and hospitable attitude towards strangers that permeates both the service industry and social interactions. Most tourists don’t spend long enough in Thailand to discover the depth of this practice. Indeed, Thais are candidly delighted when foreigners make an effort to learn the language, and welcome outsiders ever more deeply in proportion to their sincere appreciation of Thai culture.

Thailand’s military government has been in power since 2014. Although it has been suspicious of outside influence and modernity, an outward-looking attitude is deeply ingrained in society. It’s typical to meet young Thais who are immensely proud of their own culture while also admiring music, TV, food, art and fashion from both the West and other parts of Asia. Even for older and more conservative Thais, inconspicuous tolerance is a virtue— ninety-four per cent of the population adhere to Theravada Buddhism, but government communiqués talk about the importance of ‘the religions.’ Thai officials are unambiguous in recognising that Islam and Christianity play central roles in public life. Indeed the broadly spiritual nature of the country makes it a magnet for people interested in wellbeing, mindfulness and philosophy — themes that consistently capture the imaginations of dissatisfied Western professionals.

Openness has helped Thailand become the world’s most popular tourist destination. The industry accounts for almost 20% of Thai GDP, but is quickly becoming unsustainable.

A huge challenge and opportunity lies before the Thai government. If the country can smoothly pivot from a tourism-centred economy to a hub for digital innovation, it will surely emerge as a global powerhouse.

The success of this venture hinges on deeper participation in the international community. The country already plays a key role as a diplomatic conduit between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the European Union, but it will be the successful conclusion of long-promised elections that truly amplifies Thailand’s voice and reputation on the world stage. The country also needs elegant policies to deal with foreign arrivals, giving digital innovators a strong incentive to stay in the country and become part of Thai society, without leaving the country vulnerable to further runaway tourism. Officials have found that the best way to achieve this balance is to give special status to certain organisations, allowing them to provide access to healthcare and public services for trusted digital professionals and facilitate their move to Thailand.

The world should watch closely. Thailand’s bold experiment in embracing the positive effects of globalisation, while escaping the negatives, could well set the stage for a worldwide shift towards prudent openness.