From Mexico and Germany to Bangkok: Gabriel’s Life at Agoda
- Gabriel Thomsen
- Senior Specialist, People Analytics, People
- Living in Bangkok, Thailand since: 2023
Before joining Agoda, I worked in Berlin, Germany, as a Business Intelligence Analyst for a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company. My career journey started as a customer support agent, then I transitioned to a process excellence analyst role, and eventually became a Business Intelligence (BI) analyst. Each step allowed me to develop new skills and grow professionally.
A couple of years before joining Agoda, I came across job posts on LinkedIn advertising relocation to Bangkok. I was intrigued and started reading Agoda’s tech blogs, which impressed me with how things were done here. The lifestyle of employees in Bangkok also seemed amazing. Later, I traveled to Thailand for a vacation and fell in love with the country. That trip solidified my determination to relocate, and Agoda became the perfect opportunity to make it happen.
A Day in a Life in the People Analytics team
As an Analytics Business Partner in the People team, my role combines hands-on analytics, project management, and stakeholder partnership. I work on diverse projects, ranging from talent management and employee relations to regional support for entities outside of Thailand and expense analytics.
What makes Agoda’s work environment special for me is the combination of technical work and human interaction. I’m a logical person who enjoys solving complex problems, but I also love working with people, and this role gives me the best of both worlds. Additionally, Agoda’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is something I deeply value. Our team is made up of people from all over the world, which makes every day an enriching experience.
One project I’m particularly proud of is an analysis I conducted to identify the main factors driving employee engagement. Employee happiness is a key metric for Agoda, and this analysis was crucial in shaping our strategic approach to improving engagement.
Career Growth at Agoda: Opportunities to Excel
Agoda offers numerous opportunities for career growth, whether you’re on the managerial or individual contributor track. I’ve also seen many colleagues make lateral moves between departments, which speaks to the company’s flexibility and support for professional development.
Personally, I’ve had the chance to apply and grow a wide range of skills across different topics and domains. Recently, I was promoted to Senior Specialist, which has been a significant milestone in my career.
Relocating to Bangkok: A Smooth Transition
I relocated to Bangkok from Germany, where I lived for almost five years, though my home country is Mexico. I wanted a change from Germany, and Bangkok in Thailand was the perfect choice.
The relocation process was incredibly smooth, thanks to Agoda’s support. They handled all the visa paperwork, covered my flight expenses, and provided one month of fully paid accommodation at a beautiful hotel near the office. This gave me plenty of time to settle in and find my own place.
For anyone considering relocating to Bangkok for Agoda, my advice is simple: do it! You won’t regret it. The benefits of living in Bangkok are countless, from the vibrant culture to the affordable cost of living.
The Bangkok Lifestyle & Quality of Life
Living in Bangkok has been an incredible experience. Thai people are extremely polite, kind, and welcoming, even if you don’t speak the language. The food is amazing and offers a huge variety, from local Thai dishes to international cuisines. The weather is sunny and warm, the infrastructure is excellent, and the cost of living is much lower than Europe. For anyone missing Mexican food there are quite a few good restaurants, for example Santiaga and The Missing Burro
Thailand is also an extremely safe country. People leave their motorcycle helmets on their bikes, and they don’t get stolen!
Outside of work, I love traveling to other cities in Thailand and exploring other countries in Asia. So far, I’ve visited Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Taiwan. Agoda also has a remote work program that allows you to work from another country for 1 month. Within Thailand, I’ve explored about seven different cities, including beach destinations, mountains, and historical sites. I also enjoy trying out new sports, visiting night markets, and spending time in Bangkok’s beautiful parks.
Community and Settling In
Settling into Agoda and Bangkok has been a smooth and positive experience. It’s been a little over a year now, and I’ve enjoyed every moment.
I’ve made many friends at work and outside of work, which has helped me feel at home in a new city. My advice to anyone nervous about starting fresh in a new city or workplace is to trust yourself. If you’re seriously considering a big change, it’s because something deep inside you is motivating you. As someone who has moved to a different continent alone twice, I can confidently say that the growth and experiences you gain are priceless.
Cost of Living in Bangkok: Affordable and Comfortable
The cost of living in Bangkok is significantly lower than in both Mexico and Germany. I’d estimate it’s about 25% lower than in Mexico and about 50% of the cost in Germany.
One of the biggest differences is housing. In Bangkok, you can find modern condos with amenities like gyms, swimming pools, and saunas at an affordable price—something that would cost a fortune in Europe. Food is also very affordable; for just a few dollars, you can enjoy a delicious meal.
Overall, the quality of life in Bangkok is much better in many aspects, and I have no regrets about making the move.
Final Thoughts: Why Consider Agoda?
Agoda is an exciting tech company with plenty of opportunities across all departments. Whether you’re highly technical or excel in strategy and soft skills, there’s a place for you to contribute. The people at Agoda are highly motivated and passionate about what they do, and Bangkok is an amazing place to live—it truly has everything you could want.
The most rewarding part of my journey at Agoda has been relocating to Bangkok and working with a diverse group of people. I’ve learned so much about different domains while contributing to a company whose purpose resonates with me: bridging the world through travel.
