I started my career in France but quickly knew that I wanted to learn more, both personally and professionally! That’s what led me to the Netherlands. At first, I thought it would be just a couple of years, but I ended up staying for 12. Time really flies! The last three years, I worked at Booking.com, part of the Booking Holdings group as Agoda, which was a fantastic experience. 

When I felt it was time to discover other parts of the world, I didn’t want to compromise my professional career and I wanted to stay within the Booking Holdings group. I’d always had an eye on Agoda. After meeting several current employees, their energy, mindset, and the opportunities in this part of the world convinced me to apply! 

My Experience Working in Agoda’s Finance Team

I’m part of the Finance Operations & Controlling team, focusing on general accounting matters. We’re involved in accounting, tax, and finance across all the jurisdictions where Agoda operates, and we work hand in hand with our colleagues from the Group. What makes Agoda unique is the strong culture of collaboration between all departments. We get the chance to learn about products, businesses, workflows, and be part of projects that really impact the business and the front end. 

One project that stands out for me was working on a cross-functional initiative that streamlined our reporting processes. It was great to see how our work directly contributed to more efficient operations and better decision-making. 

Leveling Up: Career Growth and Opportunity at Agoda 

Agoda is a fast-paced environment that empowers employees to make an impact. Opportunities are there for everyone who’s eager to put in the energy—everyone has visibility on all open roles! Personally, I’ve grown a lot since joining. The exposure to different projects and the support from my managers have helped me develop both hard and soft skills. There’s always something new to learn, and you’re encouraged to take ownership of your growth.

New Horizons: Relocating to Bangkok with Agoda 

The Netherlands is a fantastic hub for professional development, with many European headquarters and great infrastructure. You can jump on a train and reach Paris in less than four hours, drive to neighboring countries, or easily fly anywhere in the world.  

That dynamic was important to us, and Bangkok offers something similar. It’s a great starting point to explore not only Thailand but the rest of Asia! The infrastructure is very well developed, and you’re only a couple of hours away from new experiences. 

I relocated with my husband and our two cats! Agoda was great, supporting us with all the necessary information and guidance, and checking in regularly to make sure everything was going smoothly. Relocating two kitties to the other side of the world was a journey, but it ended up being much easier than expected.  

If you’re thinking about relocating to Bangkok for Agoda, my advice is: don’t hesitate to ask any questions. Relocating can be scary for many reasons, but the Agoda teams always provided clear answers and guidance to help us move as smoothly as possible. 

Bangkok Living: Food, Fun, and Everyday Adventures 

I had never been to Thailand before relocating and wasn’t sure if Bangkok would be just another megalopolis… The answer is, it’s not! Each part of the city feels like a small city with its own vibe, and there are so many cafes and restaurants—you’ll always find something you like. 

Outside of work, I love discovering the city. I try to visit a new area of Bangkok or Thailand at least twice a month. Everything is so easy to arrange, and public transportation within the city is great. 

Building Community and Connections at Agoda 

Agoda arranged everything for a good start, from the taxi waiting for us at the airport to the temporary accommodation provided. There’s a large community of expats at Agoda, and everyone was welcoming, sharing tips to help us settle quickly—like getting an e-sim card or a Rabbit BTS card. 

My team has been very welcoming from day one, always making sure we have lunch together (and discover new food!), checking if I’d found an apartment, and sharing which areas are nice to live in. People at Agoda and in Thailand are very open and will help you even before you ask! 

If you’re nervous about starting fresh in a new city or workplace, I’d say it’s always a personal choice to relocate. But if you’re ready for it, don’t hesitate. Agoda will be there to support you all the way. 

Cost of Living in Bangkok 

Coming from Europe, you often hear that the cost of living in Thailand is very cheap. Yes, some things are cheaper, but it really depends on the lifestyle you choose and whether you’re ready to fully embrace the Thai way of life, or if you still want to enjoy some European treats! 

Why I Recommend Making the Move 

Agoda is a very dynamic workplace and a great opportunity to learn and develop both hard and soft skills. While Bangkok is a dynamic, international, and modern city in many ways, culture shock will happen—you need to be prepared and cultivate resilience! For me, the most rewarding part of my journey at Agoda has been the chance to grow, both professionally and personally, while discovering a new part of the world. 

If you’re considering joining Agoda in Bangkok, I’d say: go for it! The opportunities for growth, the supportive community, and the adventure of living in a vibrant city make it an experience you won’t regret.