Is this the end of Thailand as a Retirement Destination

[Robin]

Will the current entry requirements for Thailand spell the end of the country as a retirement destination.?

When i retired here I intended to spend some time each year in my home country, (UK)  and have done for many years.

Last year I had to visit UK for some personal business and was caught there waiting for Thailand to open up again.  Finally I gave up and paid for a CoE and all the insurance and quarantine.  Something like $2000 on top of the flight back.

So far, this year, there has been no relaxation of entry requirements.  Even the 'new' Thailand Pass is ridiculously restrictive, and checking the price of the insurance required, I cannot find anywhere under $2700. ( 1year for a 77yr old.)

So effectively, if you want to retire to Thailand and still travel during the time here, the cost of a Retirement visa has increased by 90,000baht, and now I see rumours that the RV is going to need 2,000,000 in the Bank.

How many ''retirees' will be able to afford this sort o cost? 

Suddenly Thailand is no longer the cheap retirement destination is was.  Is this another misguided Government ploy to get more of the mythical 'high net worth' visitors.

Will all these extra costs bring more money to Thailand, and particularly the general Thai population?

I really need to visit UK again this year, but i am holding off, in the hope that there will be a change of policy to something more sensible, but begin to wonder if the current lot in charge have the imagination to think of anything.

[Kwasaki]

4 minutes ago, Robin said:

So far, this year, there has been no relaxation of entry requirements.

Have you heard of this thing called a pandemic. ????

[CharlieH]

"and now I see rumours that the RV is going to need 2,000,000 in the Bank."

 

Surprised you even listen/pay attention to such "rumours".

 

 

 

[AhFarangJa]

like me, you are obviously not a multi-multi millionaire, so they do not want us here. the only imagination this corrupt pile of buffoons' has is the imagination of living their lives in opulence while the plebs slave away. Like yourself, I made this Country my retirement home with my Family. All I can do now is make the best of a bad job, but always have the option to move to a nearby country if things get seriously out of control.

[KhunLA]

????????????

Thailand this, Thailand that ... the sky if falling.

 

20+ yrs on, and nothing has changed.  For those that believe, the country / world is going down the toilet, and better to wait & see ... well then, tune into some Pink Floyd ????

 

"And then one day you find ten years have got behind you
No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun

And you run, and you run to catch up with the sun but it's sinking
Racing around to come up behind you again
The sun is the same in a relative way but you're older
Shorter of breath and one day closer to death"

 

[ezzra]

Well one thing is for sure, the eazy pizzy good times of staying in this country getting more confusing as days goes by and I'm sure that the  leadership themselves not sure what to do next in order to please everyone...

[PoodThaiMaiDai]

Thailand will always be a retirement destination.

 

I think once the world is vaccinated and the cases of covid amongst the locals dissipates, things will almost go back to normal.

 

I have a feeling they may keep some sort of insurance requirement as it really saves their butt so they don't have to worry about medical free loaders.

 

There are a lot of expats that really cannot afford to be here.  So I think they want to prevent these types of people from moving here.  That is why they have the 800,000 requirement.

 

The recently announced they are looking into a 10-year visa for expats LINK..

 

This shows they are still trying to make Thailand attractive to expats.

 

[Raindancer]

16 minutes ago, CharlieH said:

"and now I see rumours that the RV is going to need 2,000,000 in the Bank."

 

Surprised you even listen/pay attention to such "rumours".

 

 

 

Well said.   Let's deal with the problem when and IF it transpires.  Too many rumours that disturb a peaceful mind.  Relax and enjoy each day.

[The Hammer2021]

7 minutes ago, PoodThaiMaiDai said:

Thailand will always be a retirement destination.

 

I think once the world is vaccinated and the cases of covid amongst the locals dissipates, things will almost go back to normal.

 

I have a feeling they may keep some sort of insurance requirement as it really saves their butt so they don't have to worry about medical free loaders.

 

There are a lot of expats that really cannot afford to be here.  So I think they want to prevent these types of people from moving here.  That is why they have the 800,000 requirement.

 

The recently announced they are looking into a 10-year visa for expats LINK..

 

This shows they are still trying to make Thailand attractive to expats.

 

Plenty of retirees are not 'wealthy' whatever that means. Artists, musicians, creative, bohemians and other non materialist people can live off modest incomes on simple life styles and did so here happily a long time before crooks stole the goverment and steered the country into a mire of corruption and poverty. The only financial requirements should be based on a Thai minimal income and a system of medical insurance worked out.

Edited November 10, 2021 by The Hammer2021

[robblok]

It certainly will become more expensive, but only for those who had no insurance in the first place.

 

For those of us that factored it in their retirement it wont matter much. I seriously don't understand why people would want to live here without insurance (unless high savings but then they would not complain about the insurance as they have money or could deposit it maybe)

 

 

[PoodThaiMaiDai]

Just now, The Hammer2021 said:

Plenty of retirees are not 'wealthy' whatever that means. Artists, musicians, creative, bohemians and other non materialinstitutions people can live off modest incomes on simple life styles and did so here happily a long time before crooks stole the goverment and steered the country into a mire of corruption and poverty. The only financial requirements should be based on a Thai minimal income and a system of medical insurance worked out.

I agree with some of what you said, but you think an expat should be allowed to live here on 300-400 baht a day?

 

That seems ridiculous if you ask me.

 

An expat should be able to live a comfortable, moderate life, not a life of poverty.

 

There is a reason there are so many jumpers here in Pattaya.

A lot of expats run out of money or their income streams do not keep pace with inflation.

[robblok]

4 minutes ago, PoodThaiMaiDai said:

I agree with some of what you said, but you think an expat should be allowed to live here on 300-400 baht a day?

 

That seems ridiculous if you ask me.

 

An expat should be able to live a comfortable, moderate life, not a life of poverty.

 

There is a reason there are so many jumpers here in Pattaya.

A lot of expats run out of money or their income streams do not keep pace with inflation.

I don't really care how much someone spends, but having no insurance that is a problem. (unless a big amount of savings)

 

The reason we are now have to come up with proof of insurance is because people have not been able to pay bills or did runners. You see it pop up in Thaivisa a lot. 

 

I think its because in a lot of countries in Europe there is insurance because you pay taxes. So they are not used to paying for medical insurance and then when they start is a lot of money. A lot of people from the UK also seem to think its easy to fly back when something happens and they can be treated home so no need of insurance. Unfortunately it does not always work that way.

 

Thing is by people skipping out and breaking these rules we all suffer. Because now everyone has to prove insurance. You can thank those who skipped on bills for that. 

[hotandsticky]

8 minutes ago, robblok said:

I don't really care how much someone spends, but having no insurance that is a problem. (unless a big amount of savings)

 

The reason we are now have to come up with proof of insurance is because people have not been able to pay bills or did runners. You see it pop up in Thaivisa a lot. 

 

I think its because in a lot of countries in Europe there is insurance because you pay taxes. So they are not used to paying for medical insurance and then when they start is a lot of money. A lot of people from the UK also seem to think its easy to fly back when something happens and they can be treated home so no need of insurance. Unfortunately it does not always work that way.

 

Thing is by people skipping out and breaking these rules we all suffer. Because now everyone has to prove insurance. You can thank those who skipped on bills for that. 

 

 

I don't agree that current health insurance requirements are due to 'absconders'.

 

 

Try getting into a hospital with out first paying or having your credit card swiped...............................

[Jingthing]

Not the end for all.

But the end for many.

I do not recommend Thailand for retirement.

[sirineou]

22 minutes ago, robblok said:

It certainly will become more expensive, but only for those who had no insurance in the first place.

 

For those of us that factored it in their retirement it wont matter much. I seriously don't understand why people would want to live here without insurance (unless high savings but then they would not complain about the insurance as they have money or could deposit it maybe)

 

 

I have heard that after a certain age, you can not get insurance, if that is correct then, you can not retire here. 

[robblok]

2 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

I don't agree that current health insurance requirements are due to 'absconders'.

 

 

Try getting into a hospital with out first paying or having your credit card swiped...............................

Its hard but it happens otherwise you would not have the sob stories in Thaivisa. If you follow the heath section you can see it there too. They had a huge loss (hospitals) from foreigners not paying.

 

Now you could say Thai government would have to pay as they make money. But that is unfair to other Thai taxpayers as they see no benefits but pay for it. An option would be an extra tax on business in the tourist industry (raising prices) and then funding an account for those that wont pay. Because they are the ones benefitting.

 

Anyway you been on this forum for a while strange that you have not read the same stories.

[robblok]

1 minute ago, sirineou said:

I have heard that after a certain age, you can not get insurance, if that is correct then, you can not retire here. 

Actually there are now insurances that cover it, even to later age. So it is possible also its better if you get into an insurance early then they cant kick you out. So there are options.

 

Im just <deleted> off because I do have insurance always had and a good one too, but these rules make it hard for me anyway as i pay yearly for it. So it will never match my travel dates. Meaning I have to change my policiy with every trip (hassle)

 

All this because of those ************ who thought insurance was not needed and got in trouble. 

 

Maybe they should have like a 1 or 2 million baht deposit in an account instead of the insurance (on top of the 800k) for those that really dont want to insure and want to self insure. 

 

Anyway i think everyone hates the new rules even those with insurance.

[Harveyboy]

49 minutes ago, AhFarangJa said:

like me, you are obviously not a multi-multi millionaire, so they do not want us here. the only imagination this corrupt pile of buffoons' has is the imagination of living their lives in opulence while the plebs slave away. Like yourself, I made this Country my retirement home with my Family. All I can do now is make the best of a bad job, but always have the option to move to a nearby country if things get seriously out of control.

yep same here retired here got my family and commitments burned my bridge's when i left Europe for a better life and better climate im here for the long haul but it's not the same place i came to that's for definite..just make the best of it and look for the positive things eh..

[thaibeachlovers]

46 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

????????????

Thailand this, Thailand that ... the sky if falling.

 

20+ yrs on, and nothing has changed.  For those that believe, the country / world is going down the toilet, and better to wait & see ... well then, tune into some Pink Floyd ????

 

"And then one day you find ten years have got behind you
No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun

And you run, and you run to catch up with the sun but it's sinking
Racing around to come up behind you again
The sun is the same in a relative way but you're older
Shorter of breath and one day closer to death"

 

Ah, the Floyd were awesome. No groups to match them since.

 

However, yes, I believe the world is going down the toilet for anyone not wealthy.

I guess I was lucky and discovered Thailand at the perfect point in my life to enjoy it.

 

However, even if I hadn't got divorced, I think I'd have been leaving for good anyway. The entry requirements and the impending inflation are just too difficult for me to have to overcome at my age.

It was one <deleted> of a ride while it lasted, but sadly for me it's over.

[clivebaxter]

39 minutes ago, robblok said:

It certainly will become more expensive, but only for those who had no insurance in the first place.

 

For those of us that factored it in their retirement it wont matter much. I seriously don't understand why people would want to live here without insurance (unless high savings but then they would not complain about the insurance as they have money or could deposit it maybe)

 

 

Good luck with insuring yourself aged 80, you wont be sounding so smug then

[thaibeachlovers]

15 minutes ago, sirineou said:

I have heard that after a certain age, you can not get insurance, if that is correct then, you can not retire here. 

I could have kept my excellent Thai insurance after 65, but only if I'd kept paying it. Once I stopped I couldn't start again.

[Salerno]

30 minutes ago, robblok said:

The reason we are now have to come up with proof of insurance is because people have not been able to pay bills or did runners. You see it pop up in Thaivisa a lot. 

That's a furphy. Personally I agree with insurance being mandatory or as an option (for the "I self insure" mob) a deposit into a government controlled fund.

[Kwasaki]

1 hour ago, The Hammer2021 said:

Presumably a 'scumbag' is someone who differs from you!

Of course I'm perfect the whole village luv's me. ????

[gearbox]

53 minutes ago, PoodThaiMaiDai said:

I agree with some of what you said, but you think an expat should be allowed to live here on 300-400 baht a day?

 

That seems ridiculous if you ask me.

 

An expat should be able to live a comfortable, moderate life, not a life of poverty.

.

The financial requirements are usually enforced at the gate, not inside the country. You can be a millionaire and still choose to live on 500 baht per day. Once you are in the country nobody can force upon you a daily spending limit.

And "comfortable" has different meaning to different people.

[giddyup]

6 minutes ago, Kwasaki said:

Of course I'm perfect the whole village luv's me. ????

You support them financially obviously.

[JustAnotherHun]

1 hour ago, The Hammer2021 said:

The only financial requirements should be based on a Thai minimal income and a system of medical insurance worked out.

Would you like your home country being open for each foreigner who reaches the minimal income there? If not, why should Thailand do so?

[BritManToo]

1 hour ago, Robin said:

So effectively, if you want to retire to Thailand and still travel during the time here, the cost of a Retirement visa has increased by 90,000baht, and now I see rumours that the RV is going to need 2,000,000 in the Bank.

How many ''retirees' will be able to afford this sort o cost? 

It's only because of COVID.

Once they stop worrying, it'll revert to how it was.

Although I'm not sure why anyone would want to start living in Thailand.

The Philippines and Cambodia were easier (pre-COVID) and will probably be easier post-COVID.

[gearbox]

35 minutes ago, robblok said:

 

All this because of those ************ who thought insurance was not needed and got in trouble. 

 

Absolutely not, it is just a blanket rule and the long stayers got caught with the rest. The insurance requirements for entry don't take into account that some people live here and pay general health insurance yearly. IMO this is just a transient thing and the insurance requirements for entry will be dropped in the months coming.

[BritManToo]

1 minute ago, JustAnotherHun said:

Would you like your home country being open for each foreigner who reaches the minimal income there? If not, why should Thailand do so?

The UK already is, NHS surcharge approx 500GBP/year.

No exclusions, full coverage, and after 5 years when you get citizenship free.

[BritManToo]

1 hour ago, PoodThaiMaiDai said:

I agree with some of what you said, but you think an expat should be allowed to live here on 300-400 baht a day?

Why not, I generally spent under 500bht/day, and that's because I have nothing more I want to buy.

That's double what most of the Thai population have to spend.

Even worse if they're Thai pensioners on 600bht/month.