David Tan

About Me

I've spent the last four years living in Bangkok—navigating Thai bureaucracy, exploring 36 of Thailand's 77 provinces, and figuring out how to build a life in Southeast Asia. Before that, I traveled through 12 countries as a digital nomad and worked for 15 years in tech across adtech, fintech, and e-commerce.

These days, I split my time between consulting projects and writing about Thailand and Southeast Asia—the places I know best and keep discovering new things about.

What I Write About

Travel Guides – Practical advice from someone who's been there. I've explored everywhere from Phu Kradueng's trails to Bangkok's best hidden coffee shops. If I'm writing about it, I've done it.

Living in Thailand – Visas, bank accounts, driver's licenses, finding apartments, navigating neighborhoods. I've been through the bureaucracy and lived in multiple parts of Bangkok. I share what actually works.

Personal Finance & Budgeting – I achieved financial independence at 38 and left full-time work to pursue projects I care about. I write about managing money as an expat, budgeting across currencies, and making smart financial decisions in Southeast Asia.

Background

I can read Thai script and hold conversations on everyday topics—useful for getting past the tourist layer of things. I've opened bank accounts, obtained Thai licenses, and dealt with visa processes multiple times. I've also been to Istanbul, Lisbon, Bali, Buenos Aires, and 40+ other countries.

Before moving to Thailand, I spent years at a major tech company and worked across multiple startups. I'm passionate about learning new technologies and applying systems thinking to travel, life, and money.

I write because I wish this advice existed when I was figuring things out. If you're planning a trip, considering a move, or trying to make your money work better in Southeast Asia, I hope what I've learned helps.