In this inaugural episode of “Made it in Thailand”, I met with Matteo Trovato, a digital marketing and SEO expert who left his life in Europe in search of sunnier skies and greater happiness in Thailand. We discussed Matteo’s transformative journey-how he moved from considering Latin America to finally settling in Bangkok despite cultural and linguistic challenges. As someone who’s thrived against the odds, Matteo’s story is both inspiring and informative for anyone considering a major life change.
Building a successful expat career in digital marketing in Thailand demands positivity, proactive networking, and cultural adaptability to navigate job markets, health challenges, and lifestyle shifts in a vibrant, affordable hub like Bangkok. Here are five key insights from our conversation with Matteo Trovato, an SEO expert with six years in Thailand, each addressing common hurdles for newcomers pursuing opportunities in Southeast Asia’s dynamic digital scene.
Matteo’s one-way ticket to Thailand without ever visiting is bold but not reckless—it’s calculated risk-taking driven by a clear desire for change. Too many people overthink moves like this, waiting for perfect timing or complete certainty that never comes. His positive mindset and willingness to explore Asia before settling is what made it work. The 2x faster adaptation rate for positive expats makes sense because attitude determines whether you see challenges as problems or puzzles to solve. If you’re genuinely curious about Thailand and approach it with openness instead of rigid expectations, you’ll figure it out. Booking a one-way ticket with a 60-day tourist visa extension plan gives you runway without overcommitting. Use that time to explore, network, and test whether the lifestyle fits before locking into a job or long lease.
His LinkedIn strategy of connecting directly with CEOs and decision-makers is exactly how you should approach job hunting in Thailand’s digital marketing scene. Blasting generic resumes into application portals gets you nowhere. Polished profiles, personalized outreach, video messages, and highlighting international experience make you memorable. The 10 connections daily target is aggressive but effective if you’re genuinely adding value—commenting on posts, sharing insights, offering help. Matteo’s progression from a Thai startup to an American agency shows the importance of being strategic about which companies you target. Thai companies often have hierarchical structures and indirect communication that clash with Western work styles. International or expat-run agencies tend to offer better alignment, clearer growth paths, and higher salaries. Know what you’re optimizing for and don’t settle too quickly.
Navigating cultural and workplace differences is where a lot of expats fail or become miserable. Matteo recognized that Thai company culture wasn’t his fit and pivoted to international firms while still respecting local norms and learning basic Thai. That blend of adapting without compromising your core work style is key. Bureaucracy around work permits, visas, and documentation is frustrating but manageable if you approach it systematically. Securing non-immigrant visas at embassies in neighboring countries like Laos is standard practice. Yes, it’s a hassle. Yes, it’s part of the deal. Learning basic Thai isn’t just polite—it builds rapport and signals you’re invested in being here long-term, which opens doors socially and professionally.
Matteo’s focus on health and wellness in Bangkok’s urban environment is something expats often neglect until they feel burnt out or sick. Pollution, heat, and limited green space take a toll if you don’t actively counterbalance them. Bulk shopping for quality ingredients at places like Makro or Paleo Robbie, using gyms and pools, and taking weekend escapes to places like Hua Hin are all practical strategies to maintain physical and mental health. The affordability of Thailand compared to Europe means you can live well, save 20-30% more, and still invest in quality food, fitness, and occasional getaways. But Bangkok’s cost of living is rising, especially rent in popular expat areas. Living modestly, avoiding lifestyle creep, and being intentional about spending lets you build savings while enjoying a high quality of life.
Finally, Matteo’s long-term vision—progressing from entry-level to leadership, saving for retirement, dreaming of property or business ownership—is the mindset that separates lifers from people who bounce after a year or two. Thailand works as a long-term base if you build toward something instead of just coasting. Setting milestones like salary growth, freelancing on the side to diversify income, and networking consistently at events all compound over time. COVID tested everyone’s commitment to being here, and those who stuck it out are now reaping the benefits of a recovering economy and strong expat community. If you approach Thailand as a career and lifestyle base with real goals, not just an extended vacation, you can build wealth, opportunity, and stability that’s harder to achieve in overpriced, high-stress Western cities.
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