I hold a degree in Manufacturing Processes & Automation Engineering from NSIT, New Delhi, and have built my career across global roles at Stryker, EY India, and Milvik Bima, working with diverse teams in the US, Europe, China, India, and Sri Lanka, where I moved for my last role. After spending almost four years there, I was looking to move to another Asian country close to home, in India. That’s when I found an exciting opportunity at Agoda and joined in May 2022. The opportunity to work in a tech company within the travel sector, be based in Bangkok, and get to travel both in Thailand and all-over Southeast Asia was incredibly appealing. Additionally, the chance to learn from talented individuals from across the globe felt like a free MBA to me.
A Day in the Life of an Associate Director in the Fintech Team at Agoda
As an Associate Director – Fintech Go-to-Market, my work is dynamic and varied. Each day is different, and I get to explore new things and work on a variety of projects. My responsibilities range from engaging with hotel partners to understand their business and finance operations, testing and validating new fintech product ideas and driving commercial partnerships in areas such as fraud prevention and account security. I collaborate closely with internal teams and product managers to deliver impactful solutions that support business growth. Additionally, I oversee project management for key new initiatives.
Why Agoda is an Exciting Workplace
Agoda’s work environment is shaped by values like experimenting, moving fast, and taking ownership. Even as a large company, we operate with the speed of a startup, making data-driven decisions and running lots of experiments. This, combined with a focus on diversity and professional growth makes it a unique place to work.
As Agodans, we benefit from employee discounts—it’s helped me travel and experience new cultures, which I am passionate about. The hybrid work model (two days in the office, three from home) offers good flexibility, and the remote work program lets me work from anywhere for up to 30 days a year, which has allowed me to spend more time with my parents. These benefits collectively enhance my overall work experience at Agoda, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
Growing at Agoda: Learning from the Best
Agoda hires some of the smartest people from around the world, making it a great learning experience to work with talented individuals who bring extensive experience from top tech companies.
Agoda values its employees, provides them with the right opportunities, and empowers them to make decisions. I initially led the Property Content team, despite having no prior experience in content management. Later, I transitioned to my current role in Fintech after expressing my interest in exploring new areas.
Living in Bangkok: A Cosmopolitan Lifestyle
Bangkok is truly a cosmopolitan city that offers a great lifestyle. You can find amazing food options for any budget and of cuisines from anywhere in the world, there is a great transportation system (BTS and MRT) to explore the city, and many more advantages, like the foot massages which are a perfect way to unwind after a busy day!
I love spending quality time with my kids exploring the various parks and cultural sites around Bangkok. One of our favorite activities is visiting Lumphini Park. It’s a great place for the kids to run around and for us to relax as a family. Another favorite spot is Asiatique market, which offers a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options along the riverfront. The kids love the Ferris wheel and watching the boat cruises on the Chao Phraya River. We also make weekend visits to nearby beaches once a month, which is a wonderful way to unwind and enjoy some sun and sand together.
Bangkok’s diverse food scene makes it easy to find a taste of home, no matter where you’re from. There are numerous Indian restaurants offering authentic cuisine—some of my favorites are Chennai Kitchen for South Indian food, Jhol & NILA for coastal Indian cuisine with a modern twist, and Bawarchi, Amritsr & Chowpati for North Indian and street-style food. When I’m in the mood for something different, I visit Arab Street for a Shawarma walk and other Middle Eastern delights.
Relocating to Bangkok and Raising a Family
I initially moved to Bangkok alone to understand the dynamic of the city and find the right place to stay. I visited over 50 condos before finalizing my current residence. My family, including my wife and toddler, joined me shortly after, and we were expecting our second baby at the time.
Agoda provided comprehensive support, including visa processing, flights, temporary accommodation, and a relocation package. Agoda also offered a free Thai language course, which was very helpful.
Relocation aside, the healthcare system is excellent, and my experience with the birth of my second child in Bangkok was very comfortable. The private hospital facilities are top-notch, and my wife and newborn son were well taken care of. No translator was needed; both the doctors and the support staff communicated excellently in English.
Luckily, Agoda provides a comprehensive insurance package for families, and you have the freedom to get basic or extensive coverage, based on your needs and budget.
If you get a chance to move to Bangkok for Agoda, I highly recommend embracing the experience—between Agoda’s support, excellent healthcare, and the city’s welcoming environment, it’s an ideal place to relocate and raise a family.
Building Community in Bangkok: Settling In and Making Connections
Settling into Agoda and Bangkok was a positive experience. The welcoming community at Agoda and the friendly locals in Bangkok made the transition easy.
Outside of work, one of the best ways to connect with people has been through various social and cultural events—Bangkok offers a wide range of activities and gatherings that make it easy to meet new people. The Indian community here is vibrant, both within Agoda (with over 100 employees from India working at Agoda Bangkok) and throughout the city. There are numerous Indian cultural and social organizations that host events and festivals like Diwali, Dussehra, Durga Puja, Holi, and Ganesh Chaturthi, helping everyone stay connected to Indian traditions and meet fellow Indians. Several temples and gurdwaras in Bangkok also serve as gathering places for religious and social activities.
For people starting fresh in Bangkok and Agoda – Be open-minded, proactive in reaching out to colleagues and locals and take advantage of the support systems in place to help you settle in.
Cost & Quality of Living in Bangkok: Affordable and Comfortable
The cost of living in Bangkok is quite affordable and generally comparable to India (Delhi), especially when it comes to food and groceries. Traveling and holidaying within Thailand and to nearby countries is also cheaper and more accessible. While education, healthcare, and domestic help can be more expensive, the overall day-to-day expenses are manageable.
In terms of quality of life, Bangkok offers several advantages over Delhi. The air quality is noticeably better in Bangkok, making it a healthier place to live. Public transportation is efficient and convenient, with the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway making it easy to get around the city. Safety is another highlight—Bangkok feels very safe, and I don’t have to worry about going out with my family, even late at night. Healthcare services in Bangkok are high quality and reliable, giving peace of mind for any medical needs. The lifestyle here is vibrant, with a wide variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, as well as plenty of destinations for weekend getaways.
Final Thoughts: Why Agoda is the Place to Be
Joining Agoda in Bangkok is a great opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative environment, experience a vibrant culture, and grow both personally and professionally.
If you love solving problems, moving fast, experimenting, and making data-based decisions, Agoda is the place for you. Plus, living in Bangkok, a city where people come on holiday, is a bonus.
