Digital nomads bound for south-east Asian sunshine face visa dilemma

For the past 18 months, marketing expert Angela Wong has criss-crossed south-east Asia working from Airbnbs, hotels and beaches — so in theory, new digital nomad visas from a region famous for warm weather and cheap living costs should be a boon. 

In May, Thailand extended visas for self-employed remote workers from 60 days to five years, with each stay limited to 180 days, also allowing visa holders to bring spouses and children. Indonesia has offered a one-year temporary residence permit for remote workers. The Philippines has promised to introduce a digital nomad visa this year.