“For me, remote work is not a trend, but rather every-day life. In my case, between Europe and Asia. My coaching and strategic sparring sessions work regardless of location, on a personal level and effectively – with Bangkok as my current home.” Claudia Scheffler-Perrone, consultant, lecturer
I visited Bangkok for the first time in 2022. Even before arriving I knew I would like this city. Many people had advised me against visiting in advance. Too crowded. Too chaotic. Too loud. But the moment I set foot in this city for the first time, my heart lit up. It was that feeling of arriving that you just can’t explain. You either feel it or you don’t.
Bangkok is intense, demanding, and lively. And that is exactly what I love. This city never sleeps, it’s constantly on the move and surprises you every day. What also makes Bangkok unbeatable is its infrastructure. The Skytrain runs above the streets and connects large parts of the city. The MRT is a modern, clean, and extremely reliable subway system. Grab is an app, similar to Uber, that you can use to order rides, food, shopping, or delivery services. You can get anywhere easily, in a cheap manner and quickly. Everything works. And when working remotely, that is worth its weight in gold. Networking is also exceptional here. Meeting people is incredibly easy. Bangkok is full of newcomers from all over the world. People are more open, curious, and willing to talk than in Germany or many other countries. Contacts are made spontaneously in cafés, at the gym, in condos, or at work. It feels easy, instead of contrived.
Additionally, I love the heat and warmth. It’s certainly not for everyone. However, I have always hated the cold in my home country, Germany. Gray days, dark winters, the constant waiting for spring – that never gave me any energy. Here, it is warm, bright, and lively. My body feels stronger, and my head clearer.
My everyday life in Bangkok is structured …
… and relaxed at the same time. I get up at 6 in the morning. After coffee, I’m usually at the gym, that is located in the same condo, by 7. When I’m not working out, I swim a few laps in the pool. My son goes to school and is graduating in Bangkok. I usually start work at around 9 a.m. When I have coaching sessions with German clients, my day starts later and sometimes ends at 10 or 11 p.m. because of the time difference.
Bangkok is also a great base for traveling around Asia. It’s a hub. Flights are cheap, so my son and I travel together, however I also travel alone. For example, I just gave a lecture in Beijing, China, and I’ll soon be giving a keynote speech in Singapore.
What about the difference between here and Hamburg, my hometown? Apart from the fact that they are worlds apart, it’s mainly the work-life balance. You work, but you also enjoy life more consciously. Remote work works perfectly here. There is fast internet available every-where. There are countless free workspaces, with entire buildings designed for this purpose. Every condo has meeting rooms and workspaces. Cafés are also great places to work. No one complains, no one looks annoyed when you work on your laptop. It’s just part of the life here.
Bangkok isn’t perfect, but it’s honest, loud, colorful, warm, challenging, and at the same time incredibly inspiring. Personally, it’s exactly the right place to live, work, and develop myself. And sometimes that’s all you need, a place where your heart skips a beat.
Claudia Scheffler-Perrone …
.. has mentored top-tier business leaders as an expert in communication, leadership, and personal branding for over 25 years. As an Italian raised in Germany, she seamlessly blends European values with a global mindset. The bestselling author and publisher of World of Leader magazine currently resides primarily in Bangkok while regularly commuting to Germany for her projects. For her, this life between continents is the ultimate expression of freedom—and she has no plans to close this chapter anytime soon.
Photos: Claudia Scheffler-Perrone
