I first visited Thailand in 1999. Returned twice per year governed by work holiday entitlement. In 2003 I was diagnosed with a chronic illness so decided to take a career break. I planned to come to Thailand for a year but ended up staying two and a half years.
I decided that I wanted to grow old in Thailand so made the decision to return to the UK. I was 36 then. Luckily got sorted with work within 1 month and picked up my career where I left off. At the time, exchange rate was favourable and interest rates were good so I thought I might have to work for 10 years and I would have enough.
Exchange rate went south as did the interest rates. I worked very hard, saved even harder so at the age of 49 I was able to stop working. Had a couple of pieces of luck along the way.
I'm 56 now. I still split my time between Thailand and UK as I have an elderly mother but when I am in a position to, I will make the move permanent.
Best decision I ever made.