From France to Bangkok: Cedric’s Life at Agoda
- Cedric Blotin
- Senior Project Manager, Information Security
- Living in Bangkok since December 2024
Before joining Agoda, my career was rooted in audit and IT consulting. I worked as an IT Consultant and Auditor at EY, then progressed to Senior IT Auditor at Sodexo, and later became IT Audit Manager at Kering. In 2022, I joined Agoda as a Senior Project Manager in IT Security.
The decision to move to Bangkok and join Agoda was driven by the exciting opportunity to experience a new country and environment. I was eager to relocate to Southeast Asia and transition from a third-line audit role to a first-line operational role. Agoda’s culture, focused on data-driven decision-making, collaboration, and agility, aligned perfectly with my aspirations.
A Day in the Life of a Senior Project Manager in IT Security at Agoda
My day starts with a cappuccino, a banana, and a bowl of Frosties to get ready for the tasks ahead. I adjust my to-do list to prioritize key activities, followed by meetings and reporting sessions. These involve operational teams, senior leadership, and external stakeholders like auditors and Booking Holdings Group representatives.
The rest of the day is spent finalizing meeting minutes, brainstorming action plans. One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is supporting Agoda’s SOX compliance activities. This involves addressing deficiencies and ensuring the company meets regulatory standards, which has a significant impact on Agoda’s operations.
Why Agoda is an Exciting Workplace
Agoda’s work environment is unique and challenging. The speed and agility of the organization, combined with the skilled and collaborative teams, create a great and inspiring environment. In addition, I appreciate the flexibility of working here. With a young son, the hybrid working model (3 days at home and 2 days in the office) offers me more time with him and makes it easier to juggle between parenting duties and work life. It also allows us to work from anywhere outside of the office days, like when I spent a few days working from Kanchanaburi, a city approximately 5-hour drive away from Bangkok. Finally, we have a remote work program which allows employees to work outside of Thailand for 30 calendar days!
Growing at Agoda: Learning Through New Experiences
Although it’s still early in my journey at Agoda, I’ve already had the chance to grow professionally by meeting people from diverse backgrounds and exploring new topics, such as the financial side of the business. Agoda’s broad range of IT solutions and tools provides a wide horizon for learning, and the teams are always eager to stay ahead.
Living in Bangkok: A City Full of Energy and Opportunity
Bangkok offers an incredible lifestyle with its vibrant atmosphere, amazing food, and easy access to activities. Outside of work, I enjoy climbing, swimming, badminton, traveling, and exploring the city’s culinary scene. The city’s energy and diversity make it an exciting place to live.
Luckily, there are also many options for families. Personally, I enjoy taking my 2-year-old to have fun with water activities, to play and stay cool in the dedicated areas of shopping malls, to walk around parks like Benjakitti and Lumphini, or to experience the nightlife at some night markets.
Relocating to Bangkok: A Smooth Transition
Relocating to Bangkok was a seamless experience, thanks to Agoda’s comprehensive support. From managing the visa process to providing onboarding tips for navigating the “Bangkok jungle,” Agoda ensured everything went smoothly. I relocated alone at first, and my 2-year-old child relocated here followed once I was already settled, which gave me enough time to find an international school for him with a curriculum in both French and English. While he was a bit reluctant to go to school at first, he managed to make friends and adapt to his new environment within the first few weeks.
Building Community in Bangkok: Connections That Matter
Settling into Agoda and Bangkok was a positive experience, thanks to the great support from Agoda and the welcoming community. I’ve built meaningful connections with both colleagues and the local community, which has enriched my experience here.
You can easily meet people during various activities, and there are multiple Line and Facebook groups that make connecting with others simple. This is especially true since the French community in Thailand is quite big, which provides plenty of opportunities to build a social life.
For those nervous about starting fresh in a new city or workplace, my advice is to go ahead and embrace the opportunity. The support systems in place and the friendly environment will make the transition easier.
Cost of Living in Bangkok: Balancing Expenses
The cost of living in Bangkok offers flexibility to suit different lifestyles. For individuals or couples without children, it’s highly affordable, with reasonably priced local food, activities, and commuting options. For families, while costs may increase due to international school fees and health insurance, the rental prices remain competitive compared to many other cities. Bangkok provides a balance that allows you to tailor your expenses while enjoying a high quality of life.
Final Thoughts: Why Agoda is the Place to Be
Agoda is a dynamic company that offers incredible opportunities for growth and learning. The inclusive, collaborative, and data-driven culture makes it an exciting place to work. The most rewarding part of my journey has been the opportunity to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, which has broadened my perspective and enriched my professional experience. If you’re considering joining Agoda in Bangkok, do it—it’s a decision you won’t regret.
