Creator behind 'The Borderless Office' shares take on leaving Thailand for Vietnam

Philip Beere is the creator of the YouTube channel The Borderless Office, where he shares videos about expat life across Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand.

His latest video, published on August 2, drew attention after he explained why he no longer sees Thailand as the right place for his future, and expressed his hope of considering Vietnam as his new home.

Among his reasons were the rising cost of living, limited economic opportunities compared with the past, overtourism, environmental issues, and what he described as the way foreign residents are treated by government agencies, saying long-term expats are often viewed as temporary visitors.

Beere also said Thailand's laid-back 'sabai sabai' (easy-going, relaxed) culture, while appealing to many, no longer suits his career ambitions, particularly for people who want to work in technology and artificial intelligence.

Instead, he said he plans to relocate to Ho Chi Minh City, attracted by what he described as its youthful energy, rapid pace of development, and stronger sense of opportunity.

Beere backed his claim by citing the United Overseas Bank (UOB) ASEAN Consumer Sentiment Index, which he said showed Vietnam had the highest consumer confidence in the region, with a score of 67, ahead of Indonesia (55), Malaysia (53), Singapore (47), and Thailand (47).

He said he would spend some time living in the southern Vietnamese city before deciding whether to settle down here.

Thailand-based news outlet The Thaiger, which reviewed Beere's video, summarized his view, saying he sees Vietnam as benefiting from GDP growth of around eight percent in 2025, with the highest consumer confidence in ASEAN and a workplace culture driven by a young workforce with room to grow.

The content creator's economic comparison is broadly supported by official figures, with Vietnam's economy expanding 8.02 percent in 2025, compared with 2.4 percent for Thailand, The Thaiger said.