At Agoda, we know that a thriving workplace is built on more than just great projects and global reach. It’s about the connections we make and the communities we build together.
In Bangkok, our Global Operations Center is home to over 3,500 employees. While connecting with colleagues from other teams across such a large organization can be challenging, it’s also what makes our community so vibrant and full of possibilities.
That’s why we’re especially proud of our Agoda Life Groups: employee-driven communities that bring Agodans together across backgrounds, interests, and even continents. Through these groups, we see many Agodans taking the initiative to form and lead social initiatives after hours—helping colleagues build meaningful friendships and a sense of belonging over shared interests and passions. Whether you’re new to Bangkok, passionate about sports, or looking for ways to connect outside your team, there’s a Life Group for you.
To see what this looks like in action, we asked four Life Group leaders to share their stories on how they built something meaningful, what they’ve learned, and why these communities matter so much at Agoda.
Agoda Quiz
Led by Dharam Chadha
Associate Director, B2B Pricing
Marketing Team
“It all started years ago at a company social. I was chatting with Errol Cooke (our former VP of Supply) about how much fun trivia nights can be. We wondered, “Why not bring that energy to Agoda?” With a little initiative and a lot of excitement, we decided to just make it happen. What began as a casual idea quickly grew into one of the most anticipated recurring events at Agoda.
We’ve been running Agoda Quiz since 2018, hosting three to four full-scale quiz competitions in our Bangkok office each year. Each edition has six rounds of questions covering everything from pop culture to Agoda-themed trivia. The energy is electric, and spots always fill up fast, with around 200 people joining each time. It’s not just about the questions; it’s about bringing people together from all corners of Agoda, sharing laughs, and building a sense of tradition.
What motivates me to lead this group is simple: I love creating joy and seeing colleagues connect in new ways. The most unexpected part? How much I’ve enjoyed applying Agoda’s data-driven mindset to something so community-focused. We survey every participant, analyze the results, and keep improving the experience. I’ve also gained an amazing team, Adeline, Ayon, Da, Namo, and Pol, who help make every event a success. And none of this would be possible without Agoda’s support, from budget and venues to a culture that empowers us to take ownership and try new things.”
Our favorite rule? “Must have fun!” And with an emcee who has over 1.5 million TikTok followers, we always do.
Agoda Basketball
Led by James Lau
Senior Lead, Tech Partnerships
Supply Team
“When I joined Agoda, I was eager to find a basketball group. To my surprise, the existing one had gone quiet after COVID, with many former leaders moving on. I decided to revive it, posting on our internal social pages, reaching out to colleagues, and spreading the word wherever I could. I still remember how tough it was just to gather six people for a half-court game, with everyone pitching in to cover the costs. But little by little, we built momentum, and soon we had a consistent group playing together every week. That’s how Agoda Basketball was reborn.
Now, we meet every Tuesday evening at NIST International School. Depending on the turnout, usually around 25 people, we play a mix of full-court and half-court games. Everyone is welcome, regardless of skill level, gender, or background. Our goal is to create an inclusive and fun environment for all.
What keeps me motivated is my passion for basketball and the joy of seeing new friendships form across departments. At a company as big and diverse as Agoda, it can be hard to meet people outside your own team. But on the court, titles disappear and connections grow. Agoda’s ongoing support, especially helping us secure a quality court, makes all of this possible.”
One of my fondest memories? Our friendly match against SCB Bank. They looked so organized, warming up with drills, while we were busy chatting about our weekends. We still managed to win 48-46!
Agoda Running
Led by Nicha Srimaneerungroj
Associate Director, JTB Marketing
Marketing Team
“When I first joined Agoda, I wanted to connect with people beyond my immediate team. I’ve always enjoyed running, so when a few of us from Partner Programs started jogging together after work, it felt like the perfect way to unwind and get to know colleagues. It was all very informal: no sign-ups, just whoever felt like lacing up that day. Then COVID hit, and our little running crew went on pause. But as soon as things opened up again, we revived the group, and it quickly grew as people brought along friends from different teams. Suddenly, our runs became about more than just exercise—they were about building a diverse, cross-company community.
Now, every Tuesday evening, you’ll find us at Lumpini Park. Some people head straight there, but most of us meet in the office lobby and walk over together, leaving around 6:45 pm to start running at 7. The group size changes each week, from a handful to more than ten, and everyone’s welcome—whether you’re a marathon veteran or just starting out. No matter your pace, you’ll find someone to run (or walk) with.
What keeps me motivated to help lead the group is simple: running is the perfect way to recharge and connect. At Agoda, people are always moving between teams and taking on new challenges, so I wanted to create a space where anyone could meet new people, keep in touch with old colleagues, and stay healthy. That’s what inspired me to step up and help lead the Run Club—I wanted to give others the same sense of belonging and energy that running has given me.
The best part has been the connections. I’ve gotten to know people from all over Agoda on a much deeper level, and running together makes conversation flow naturally. Plus, the group keeps me accountable and motivated to improve. If you’re looking to train for an event or just want to exercise more, I can’t recommend joining us enough.”
My favorite tradition? Every run starts with a group selfie—when everyone’s still looking fresh and not yet drenched in sweat!
Agoda +1
Led by Suttida Rornor
Supervisor, Employee Experience
People Team
“The Agoda +1 group began as a way to support Agoda employees and their families, especially those who had relocated to Bangkok. I noticed that while employees received plenty of practical support, their partners and families often faced unique challenges; adapting to a new culture, finding community, and settling into the city. I wanted to bridge that gap, offering a welcoming space for families to connect, share experiences, and feel included in the Agoda community. Over time, Agoda+1 has grown into a vibrant network that helps make every family’s transition smoother and more enjoyable.
We organize one or two big family events each year, like Halloween and Family Fun Day, filled with activities for both kids and parents. These are wonderful opportunities for families to connect and make new friends. We also hold partner-only meetups twice a year, offering a more intimate setting for partners to share experiences and build connections with new people. Attendance varies, but our big family events are always lively, while the partner meetups are more relaxed and personal.
Leading Agoda+1 has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve found genuine friendships and a sense of belonging, and I’ve learned so much from the diverse experiences of our members. Agoda’s support, providing resources and encouragement, means we can organize meaningful events and reach more families. It shows that Agoda doeesn’t just value its employees, but their loved ones too.”
My favorite part? Watching kids from different countries become instant friends at our events. Sometimes they don’t even speak the same language, but they always find a way to play together.
Ready to find your community and make an impact? We’re hiring! Explore open roles today.
