From Taipei to Bangkok: Li’s Life at Agoda

Before joining Agoda, I worked as a Senior Product Analyst and Product Manager with an e-commerce company in Taiwan, where I focused on data analytics, insights, and AI chatbot implementation.

I’ve spent all of my career years working in Taiwan, so I was looking for the opportunity to work in a global role based in Asia for a tech company. That’s when I discovered Agoda. I’ve read about Agoda’s emphasis on data and the scale of its operations. I wanted to deepen my expertise in analytics and gain greater ownership in decision-making. Plus, Agoda has such an international team with diverse perspectives, so joining Agoda in Bangkok has been a compelling next step for my career.

A Day in the Life of the Analytics Supply Team

My role is within the Supply team, which is Agoda’s partner-facing business development unit. As a team, we develop solutions for our partners and help them generate win-win situations for their business and our travelers.

I deal with a lot of data in my day-to-day work as an Analyst. My job involves monitoring, targeting, and planning global supply Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure optimal performance. I also focus on supply-side A/B tests, particularly with Account Managers and Hotels, to drive improvements and insights.

There are also opportunities to work on projects at Agoda, which is exciting. One project I’m currently working on is consolidating and improving the KPI process. By standardizing and streamlining it, we aim to enhance efficiency and create a more seamless workflow across the team.

Why Agoda is an Exciting Workplace

Agoda’s flat structure promotes open discussions and seamless collaboration across teams. Everyone, including the senior leaders, is approachable. There are no “hierarchal” barriers; we’re encouraged to work together with colleagues at all levels of seniority. The culture at Agoda is also unique. We’re empowered to take ownership of big projects and drive impactful initiatives. I find this culture combined with a transparent leadership style, creates an environment of environment and trust, making Agoda a great place to work.

The Tech for Analysts at Agoda: Fueling Innovation and Growth

Agoda is a data-driven organization, and there are tons of data to work with. As analysts, we dive deep into data with tools like SQL, Spark, and StarRocks. We have our internal Data Workflow leveraging GitLab, which keeps everything running smoothly. We also put a big focus on quarterly improvements, always iterating and finding ways to do things better. We’re big on knowledge sharing too. Our internal domain experts are always ready to share insights and collaborate, so we’re continuously learning from each other, and we keep growing.

Growing at Agoda: Exploring, Learning and Thriving

Working alongside world-class data professionals has been an incredible experience for me, allowing me to gain exposure to analytics for core business units and safeguard fundamental supply core metrics. Additionally, Agoda has helped me develop essential skills in cross-functional and cross-cultural collaboration, fostering both my professional growth and giving me a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives. Another thing is, if we’re curious to explore other roles or teams at Agoda, we can do so with what’s called “secondments”- you can think of it as an internship within the company.

Living in Bangkok: A Diverse City, Ideal for Work and Cultural Experiences

I relocated from Taiwan (where most of the chips in your phone are born!) to Bangkok for the opportunity to work in a regional hub for travel tech. It’s been an exciting shift, exposing me to a diverse work environment with professionals from various nationalities and backgrounds. Bangkok allowed me to benefit from a quality lifestyle, and I am able to accumulate savings as the cost of living is affordable compared to Taiwan.

Adjusting to the city’s transportation system and work culture was a challenge for me at first, but once I’ve learned to navigate them, it’s been a rewarding experience which I do not regret for a second.

I do sometimes miss the convenience of riding a bike like I often did in Taiwan, but Bangkok’s vibrant city life here more than makes up for it. What I love most about Bangkok is the lively atmosphere. It’s full of amazing food, nightlife, and cultural experiences. If you’re thinking about relocating here, be open to the differences. Bangkok’s work environment is fast-paced but flexible, and the city is full of surprises waiting to be explored. 

Building Community in Bangkok: Friendships Beyond Borders

Agoda made my move to Bangkok incredibly smooth by providing visa and relocation assistance, as well as support for finding temporary accommodation. My temporary stay was in Asok, a convenient and well-connected area in the city center. Agoda offers a variety of great temporary housing options for employees relocating to Bangkok. This arrangement helped alleviate any initial stress that might arise when I was moving to Bangkok.

A quick tip from my experience: Before settling on long-term housing, I explored different neighborhoods by taking the BTS and MRT to more than 20 stations just to experience the local vibe and find a place truly worth staying in.

The international and welcoming community at work made it easy for me to integrate. We have frequent team outings and social events that helped me build connections. Outside of work, I like chatting with locals, and many of those conversations have turned into friendships. They’ve taught me so much about life in Bangkok, and I’ve shared my own experiences with them in return.

For anyone nervous about starting fresh in a new city or workplace, my advice is to say yes to social invitations—it’s a great way to network and feel at home. That said, don’t force yourself if you prefer personal time; people here are respectful of your boundaries. Be patient with cultural adjustments, especially in workplace dynamics, and you’ll find your rhythm soon enough.

Cost of Living in Bangkok: Affordable Living with Great Value

The cost of living in Bangkok is generally lower than in Taipei, offering great value for a higher quality of life. Rent is more affordable in Bangkok, especially if you choose to live outside the central business districts. Food is another highlight. Local and street food is incredibly budget-friendly while still being delicious.

I also find transportation costs lower in Bangkok than Taipei. Ride-hailing services like Grab and Bolt are cheaper than Taiwan’s taxi system. While the BTS train fares can be more expensive than Taipei’s Metro depending on the number of stations traveled, while the MRT fares are more reasonably priced and even supports VISA payments, making it a convenient option. Overall, Bangkok provides an excellent balance of affordability and lifestyle.

Cost of living comparison

Notes: 1 TWD = 1.018 THB, as of 2025-03-19

Final Thoughts: Why Agoda is the Place to Be

For anyone considering joining Agoda in Bangkok, it’s an incredible opportunity to be part of a fast-growing global travel tech company. Agoda thrives on a strong data-driven culture that values analytics and informed decision-making. You’ll face exciting challenges that push you to grow in a diverse and international work environment.

The most rewarding part of my journey at Agoda has been stepping out of my comfort zone by relocating and adapting to a new culture. Along the way, I’ve had the chance to work with and learn from some amazing colleagues and leaders, which has been both inspiring and enriching. If you’re looking for a place to grow professionally while embracing new experiences, Agoda is the place to be.