Before joining Agoda, I was a Senior Software Engineer specializing in building search systems for the e–commerce world. My journey with Agoda began in 2016, when I was planning my wedding in Brazil and received an opportunity to join the search team in Bangkok. At the time, I had never traveled outside Brazil, but the chance to explore Asia and gain new experiences was too good to pass up. After a remote interview process, I moved my wedding earlier and relocated to Bangkok right after getting married around 2016.

The beginning was challenging as everything was new, but it turned out to be the best decision of my life. I left Agoda around 2019 for an opportunity in Singapore working for other companies, and I returned to Agoda in 2023. My family and I realized that Thailand is the best place to settle down and raise our child, and Agoda is an exceptional company for my career.  

My Experience Working in Agoda’s Tech Team

At Agoda, I’ve had the chance to work as both an individual contributor and a manager, each role bringing valuable learning and interesting challenges.

The diverse environment has enriched me personally and professionally, as working with people from so many backgrounds brings a wealth of perspectives and ideas. The company’s data-driven approach means that anyone can contribute ideas and experiments, regardless of hierarchy.

As a Senior Engineering Manager, I have broad exposure to the problems Agoda is solving and can influence their direction, which keeps me constantly learning and growing. 

The Tech at Agoda and the Culture of Experimentation

Agoda stays ahead because our engineers and managers actually prioritize new tech trends. We focus on solving real problems for our customers and partners, which creates a culture of genuine impact. There are no boundaries here; if you have a good idea, you can try it out. Our “move fast, fail fast” strategy means we value constant learning, and we see the lessons from a failed project as a success in themselves. 

 The scale of our systems means we must be picky about our tech and sometimes customize solutions for our needs. For example, in our price calculation system we compute more than 20 million offers per second to provide the best experience to customers and partners. To stay efficient at that level, we use a wide range of tools like Scala, Kotlin, React, Elasticsearch, and Postgres, choosing the best fit for every problem.

Growing Through Innovation and Collaboration

Agoda’s growth and focus on innovation create strong opportunities for career advancement, both for engineers and managers. Being part of a solid group allows for continuous development. Working with smart, diverse colleagues has been key to my professional growth, helping me broaden my perspective and handle larger scopes of work. The collaborative environment has enabled me to influence more strategic discussions and mature as a leader. 

Relocating to Bangkok with a Family

I always dreamed of living in another country, and relocating to Bangkok was a gift. After living abroad for several years, my family and I decided that Bangkok was the ideal place for us. It’s a safe, culturally inclusive city that feels like home. In both of my relocations, Agoda provided excellent support, making the process smooth and giving us peace of mind.

Relocating with family is never easy, but Agoda’s assistance allowed us to focus on adjusting to our new life. My advice for anyone considering relocation is to connect with people who have a similar family structure, as their tips can make the process much smoother. Bangkok is a diverse city with everything you need for a comfortable life, and the Agoda community is always ready to help. 

Bangkok: A Global City for Every Lifestyle

Bangkok is a global city with something for everyone. There are endless activities, from exploring malls filled with attractions and great restaurants to taking short road trips to nearby cities for a nature escape.

For families, Bangkok offers first-class international schools with various curricula and costs, often comparable or even better than those in first-world countries. Agoda also has partnerships with well-recognized schools.

Healthcare is another major advantage, with high-end hospitals providing excellent care. My daughter was born at Bumrungrad International Hospital, and the experience was outstanding.

The city’s vibrant food scene and family-friendly activities make it a wonderful place to live with a family. 

Building Community and Settling In 

Adapting to a new culture and global environment took some time, but once we built a routine and made friends, Bangkok truly felt like home.

Agoda provides great support for families, including initiatives like Agoda+1, which helps partners of employees build community and friendships. My family and I have formed meaningful connections both at work and at our child’s school, and the multicultural environment makes it easy to relate to others and create lasting bonds.

My best advice for anyone starting fresh is to keep an open mind. While change can be daunting at first, embracing new experiences and people will help you feel at home. 

Cost of Living in Bangkok 

The cost of living in Bangkok depends on your lifestyle, with a wide range of options from budget to premium for anything you need. Compared to my home country, Brazil, the same amount of money allows for a much greater lifestyle, not just because of lower costs but also due to the variety of choices available. As a global city, Bangkok offers everything you want, so you can create your own ideal lifestyle. 

Why I Recommend Making the Move 

Agoda is a company that offers constant challenges and opportunities for growth. There’s always something new happening, giving employees exposure to different areas and the chance to develop within the same company. Combined with Bangkok’s status as a global city, it’s a fantastic place for anyone looking for a dynamic and rewarding experience.

The most rewarding part of my journey at Agoda has been the friendships I’ve made with people from all over the world. Working in such a global environment has changed me for the better.