Top 10 reasons to retire in Thailand in 2023

[webfact]

Photo; Freepik

 

by Kriti Sharma

Known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and affordable cost of living, people are now considering the benefit to retire in Thailand.

 

According to a survey by International Living, Thailand ranks as the 9th best country to retire in 2021, based on factors such as cost of living, healthcare, climate, and lifestyle. In addition, a survey by HSBC found that Thailand ranks as the 7th most popular retirement destination for expats worldwide. Let’s deep dive into the reasons why Thailand makes for a great retirement spot.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Retire in Thailand

1. Affordable cost of living

One of the main reasons why Thailand is an affordable place to retire is due to its low cost of living. This is largely due to the country’s relatively low wages and prices for goods and services, as well as the favourable exchange rate for many Western currencies.

Retirees who choose to live in Thailand can expect to pay less for housing, food, transportation, and healthcare than they would in many Western countries. For example, a small apartment in Bangkok can cost as little as $300 per month, while a meal at a local restaurant can be as low as $1 to $2. The country also has a good public transportation system, with inexpensive buses and trains available.

 

Furthermore, the availability of cheap labour in Thailand contributes to the affordability of goods and services. This means that many things like dining out, hiring a maid, or getting a massage can be very inexpensive. For retirees who are able to live modestly and adapt to the local lifestyle, the low cost of living can allow them to stretch their retirement savings further and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the need for a large income.

2. High-quality healthcare

Thailand has a reputation for having high-quality healthcare, with modern hospitals and well-trained medical professionals. The country’s healthcare system is considered to be one of the best in Southeast Asia, and it has been recognized globally for its achievements in public health.

 

One of the main factors that contribute to Thailand’s high-quality healthcare is the country’s emphasis on medical education and training. Many Thai doctors and nurses receive their education and training from top universities and medical schools around the world and are often fluent in English. This means that retirees in Thailand can expect to receive quality medical care from well-trained professionals who are able to communicate effectively.

 

In addition, the cost of healthcare in Thailand is relatively low, particularly when compared to many Western countries. This makes healthcare in Thailand a particularly attractive option for retirees on a fixed income. Private healthcare is also available in Thailand and is often significantly less expensive than it is in many Western countries.

 

3. Ease of travel

 

Photo: Freepik

One of the main modes of transportation in Thailand is the extensive network of buses and trains that operate throughout the country. These options are generally affordable and reliable and can be a good way to travel long distances.

 

Thailand also has an extensive network of airports, which makes air travel within the country and to neighbouring countries relatively easy. There are many domestic flights within Thailand, which can be an efficient way to travel between different regions of the country. In addition, Thailand is a popular tourist destination, which means that there are many flights available to other countries in Southeast Asia and beyond.

 

Full story: https://thethaiger.com/guides/top-10-reasons-to-retire-in-thailand-in-2023

 

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-04-18

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

[Pique Dard]

"Top 10 reasons to retire in Thailand in 2023"

 

no matter what, you'll still need dough in thailand

[webfact]

How can I be eligible for O visa in Thailand?
by Kriti Sharma

 

Photo: Freepik

Thailand is a popular destination for expats, digital nomads, and retirees looking for a new adventure. To stay in Thailand for an extended period, a non-immigrant visa is required, with several categories to choose from.

 

One of these categories is the O visa, which is specifically designed for foreigners who wish to retire in Thailand. The O visa is also known as the Thai Retirement Visa and is available to applicants who are 50 years of age or older. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet several requirements that we will look into below.

 

How can I be eligible for an O visa in Thailand?

1. I am 50 years or older

The age requirement is an important factor for the O visa in Thailand. This visa category is specifically designed for foreigners who wish to retire in Thailand, and the age requirement of 50 years or older is in line with the retirement age in many countries.

The Thai government has implemented this requirement to attract retirees who are more likely to have a stable source of income and contribute to the local economy.

 

The O visa also helps to support the country’s growing retirement industry, which offers a range of services and amenities tailored to the needs of retirees, such as healthcare, housing, and social activities.

 

By setting an age requirement for the O visa, the Thai government can ensure that retirees are more likely to have the financial stability and resources necessary to support themselves during their stay in Thailand. Additionally, older retirees may be less likely to work in Thailand, which helps to prevent competition with the local job market.

 

Full story: https://thethaiger.com/guides/visa-information/how-can-i-be-eligible-for-o-visa-in-thailand

 

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-04-18

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

[webfact]

Long Term Visa: Importance of Thailand’s 90-Day Reporting
by Kriti Sharma 

 

Photo: Freepik

The 90-day reporting is a requirement for foreigners staying in Thailand for an extended period of time. It is a process where non-Thai nationals need to report their current residential address and other personal information to the immigration authorities every 90 days.

 

The 90-day reporting is mandatory for anyone who holds a long-term visa, such as a non-immigrant visa, retirement visa, marriage visa, or work permit. Failure to comply with the 90-day reporting can result in fines, deportation, or other legal consequences. Let us explore how can we seamlessly comply with Thailand’s rules and regulations and the possible consequences if we fail to do so.

 

How can I get my 90-day reporting done?

1. Online reporting

Visit the Thai Immigration Bureau website: Go to the official website of the Thai Immigration Bureau. If you are a first-time user, you will need to create an account by providing your personal information, such as your name, passport number, and email address. You will also need to create a username and password for future logins.

Once you have logged in to your account, you will need to fill out the 90-day reporting form. The form will ask for your personal information, visa details, and current address in Thailand. Make sure to double-check your information before submitting the form. After you have completed the form, click on the “Submit” button to send the report to the Thai Immigration Bureau. You will receive a confirmation receipt after your report has been submitted.

 

You can check the status of your 90-day reporting by logging in to your account on the Thai Immigration Bureau website. You will be able to see if your report has been processed and approved by the authorities.

2. In-person reporting

Before visiting the immigration office, make sure to gather all the required documents, including your passport, visa or work permit, departure card, and any other relevant documents. It is recommended to make copies of these documents in case they are requested.

 

When you arrive at the immigration office, you will need to fill out the 90-day reporting form with your personal information, visa details, and current address in Thailand. Make sure to double-check your information before submitting the form.

 

After you have completed the form, submit it to the immigration officer along with your passport, departure card, and other relevant documents. The officer may ask you additional questions or request further documents, so be prepared to provide any necessary information.

 

Once your 90-day reporting has been processed and approved, you will receive a receipt as proof of compliance. Make sure to keep this receipt in a safe place, as you may be asked to show it during future encounters with immigration officials.

 

Full story: https://thethaiger.com/guides/visa-information/long-term-visa-importance-of-thailands-90-day-reporting

 

 

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-04-18

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

[ezzra]

I could of 10 reasons why NOT to retire in Thailand but i won't go into it now, Thailand is not what it used to be 10-20 years ago easy pizzy place to live, enjoy and have fun, now it's all about the money and rules and more rules, none of which to make life easier.

[Captor]

The clean air...

[Lemsta69]

1 hour ago, Pique Dard said:

"Top 10 reasons to retire in Thailand in 2023"

 

no matter what, you'll still need dough in thailand

If you live in Bangkok like I do and want to have a good time then you need buckets of money. Suitcases even ????

[bignok]

18 minutes ago, Lemsta69 said:

If you live in Bangkok like I do and want to have a good time then you need buckets of money. Suitcases even ????

Chiang Mai is cheap.

[Lemsta69]

7 minutes ago, bignok said:

Chiang Mai is cheap.

Lots of places in Thailand are cheap if you live like a local but that's not how I want to spend my retirement. I want to be Puttin' on the Ritz as it were.

[wwest5829]

Currently traveling the SE USA with my Thai Wife and Stepdaughter after an eight year absence. It will take some time to recover from the economic hit but I can state that my reasoning for retiring to Thailand has only been reinforced.

[mogandave]

20 minutes ago, Lemsta69 said:

Lots of places in Thailand are cheap if you live like a local but that's not how I want to spend my retirement. I want to be Puttin' on the Ritz as it were.

Well, it’s still cheaper to be “Puttin’ on on the Ritz…” here, than it is at the Ritz. 

 

This looks just like a typical group one sees in Bangkok:

 

 

[ikke1959]

Indeed many reasons to retire in Thailand, but also many reasons not too.. Why? air pollution, visa rules as adress confirmation after a short holiday outside the country, a 90 days reports why??  .. double pricing standards, in this time of the year too hot,etc.

And of course normally cheap, good food, and a lot to see.

[ikke1959]

The importance of 90 days reporting.... If you read the article there is nothing written why it is important, only how you have to do it, and if you don't you can face problems... But why it is important??? I can't read anywhere. It would be better that the immigration was giving a letter that you could use to get a pink card and register in the place where yo live... and no 90 days insanity anymore. Instead every Amphur has its own rules and change as they please. That is why I don't have a pink card yet after 18 years, although I pay taxes, have Social security fund, get signatures on my papers as proof that I live in Thailand, but I can't register, unless now the latest I have to official translate a certified copy of my passport by the Ministery of foreign affairs...I emigrated and in fact I am nowhere registered anymore.   

[wazzupnow]

1 hour ago, Lemsta69 said:

If you live in Bangkok like I do and want to have a good time then you need buckets of money. Suitcases even ????

not if you bring your own wife

[jacko45k]

7 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

Indeed many reasons to retire in Thailand, but also many reasons not too.. Why? air pollution, visa rules as adress confirmation after a short holiday outside the country, a 90 days reports why??  .. double pricing standards, in this time of the year too hot,etc.

And of course normally cheap, good food, and a lot to see.

Well the TM30, after a trip overseas requirement, was supposedly cancelled, but recent communications with agents and some Expats suggests they want people to do them again! For Pattaya, doing 90 day reports is easy on-line and I would not fret over it. Overall, during my time here though, I feel things are being made more 'complicated' for us. They are having second thought about wanting Western Expats maybe!

[ChrisY1]

2 hours ago, ezzra said:

I could of 10 reasons why NOT to retire in Thailand but i won't go into it now, Thailand is not what it used to be 10-20 years ago easy pizzy place to live, enjoy and have fun, now it's all about the money and rules and more rules, none of which to make life easier.

Nowhere is the same as 20 years ago….Thailand still, for me at least, offers an easy lifestyle..it’s still quite cheap..rental homes and apartments are plentiful everywhere..houses are cheap to build..the medical system is very good (choose carefully)..to name a few...

[mokwit]

2 hours ago, ezzra said:

10-20 years ago easy pizzy place to live, enjoy and have fun, now it's all about the money and rules and more rules, none of which to make life easier.

 

33 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

I feel things are being made more 'complicated' for us. They are having second thought about wanting Western Expats maybe!

Once they set the precedent of changing the financial requirements of the retirement extension without grandfathering, Thailand became a very poor choice for a carefree long term retirement.

[motdaeng]

2 hours ago, bignok said:

Chiang Mai is cheap.

and has also quality air ... enjoy your retirement!

[Lemsta69]

58 minutes ago, wazzupnow said:

not if you bring your own wife

nyuk nyuk nyuk ????

 

I'm not married but I heard that if you do get hitched then you should never let her hear about shopping malls. bit hard to do that in Bangers.

[dinsdale]

2 hours ago, bignok said:

Chiang Mai is cheap.

Not sure don't live there but it sure seems that going to the ATM to withdraw some of that retirement money is a danger to your health. Chiang Mai beautiful setting which can now be seen for 6 months of the year. Don't forget to pack one of these.

[jacko45k]

28 minutes ago, mokwit said:

 

Once they set the precedent of changing the financial requirements of the retirement extension without grandfathering, Thailand became a very poor choice for a carefree long term retirement.

It has been 800k in the bank for as long as I can remember and I didn't just get off the banana boat!

[Peterw42]

12 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

It has been 800k in the bank for as long as I can remember and I didn't just get off the banana boat!

Yes, its been 800k for a long time, but the seasoning, post extension amount and minimum balance etc has changed without grandfathering.

[bkk6060]

Yes,  I do not understand the "all the Retirement rules have changed" rhetoric. Have they really?  It all seems pretty simple and similar just the lines are longer.

One thing I would disagree with on the list is health care.  I do not think it is that great at least not as good as it use to be. And, they do seem to have a tendency to over test.  Add, many procedures are out patient in western countries.  Here, they want you to stay in the hospital for several days. In some cases it may be cheaper and better care to fly home.

[jacko45k]

5 minutes ago, Peterw42 said:

Yes, its been 800k for a long time, but the seasoning, post extension amount and minimum balance etc has changed without grandfathering.

True... but I quickly got into the habit of using a FD account and not touching it, so no personal impact.

[Gknrd]

29-30000 people a year dead because of air pollution. Plunk down 25K in a Thai bank for 6 months a year living (you need to vacate 6 months if you want to breath). Some of the highest ATM withdrawal rates in the world. Immigration hassles.  Military run government catering to the CCP.

Yea, sign me up.  

[LittleBear57]

If it wasn't for the wife and kid, I would be off.

Why?

 

Pollution, air quality, really isn't healthy. It may not have an immediate effect but it is slowly killing you.

 

Driving. So much is wrong here, Too much to mention except it's nearly always foreigners fault even when it clearly isn't. Which takes me on to the next issue.

 

Corruption, it is everywhere.

 

Dual pricing, it's the principle more than the cost. 

 

Medical care is quite expensive, not cheap except perhaps if you are a US citizen. If it's not expensive it's often poor.

 

The heat and humidity is too much this time of year.

 

I still eat bread , potatoes ,cheese and pasta etc. and these are not cheap at all by western standards. Don't know where you can get a meal for 1 US dollar starts around two here and that's at the markets, perhaps a few noodle shops are cheaper. Even beer and wine are more expensive here.

 

Immigration is always an issue even if you have it all planned, never know what they will throw at you, next time. 

 

However I am still here and continue to try to make the most of Thailand which does have some benefits over the west. Cheap holiday accommodation I try and go away as often as possible.

[mokwit]

1 hour ago, jacko45k said:

It has been 800k in the bank for as long as I can remember and I didn't just get off the banana boat!

Was 200k->400k->800k. Existing extensions were grandfathered. The recent requirement to keep Bt400k year 'round was not. This is a disturbing precedent, especially when Bt3m sees to be their new figure for LT stayer visas. A jump from 800k to 3m without grandfathering does seem too much of a jump, but who knows, they seem to be little concerned with the consequences of their actions.

[mokwit]

1 hour ago, bkk6060 said:

Retirement rules have changed" rhetoric. Have they really?

Keeping money in the bank year 'round or proving 65k every month from overseas.

 

TM30. You are now dependent on a third party for documentation required for an extension. They should not be refusing your extension if a TM30 has not been filed, they should be going after the non filing Landlord.

[jacko45k]

16 minutes ago, mokwit said:

Was 200k->400k->800k. Existing extensions were grandfathered. The recent requirement to keep Bt400k year 'round was not. This is a disturbing precedent, especially when Bt3m sees to be their new figure for LT stayer visas. A jump from 800k to 3m without grandfathering does seem too much of a jump, but who knows, they seem to be little concerned with the consequences of their actions.

I don't expect the country needs to be in the game of supplying cheap retirement options to foreigners like it used to. The requirements to retain money came into being as so many were faking the 800k at that time, along with Stat Decs  and Affidavits. I just find it easier to leave 800k in a FD account untouched....and hence all that has no impact on me. Once upon a time they liked to see 'movement' on the account to prove you were living off it and not working here!  

[spidermike007]

I agree with 1 and 2. Disagree with 3. The highways are utterly choked. Unless you fly, it is not easy to get around here. Thailand desperately needs transportation alternatives, and regional airports like Hua Hin should be built up and utilized more, in addition to more high speed ferries and rail like in Europe. 

 

I suppose if I had unlimited finances, I would probably only spend 2 months of the year here. I despise the government and immigration here, and it does feel like the nation is moving backwards. But, considering the fact that I do not have a fortune, I will stay. There are many issues to consider. Going back to the US is not an option. I would not want to live there now, unless I was being paid over a million dollars a year, and then I would only do it for 3 years, and then leave. For me, it is about quality of life, and my level of fulfillment on a daily basis, which I seem to have here in abundance. A big factor here, is the relatively light hearted attitude of the people. You just do not find that in the US, where most seem bitter, disenchanted, unfulfilled, and heavy hearted. 

 
This is an entirely subjective topic, of course. But some of us live very good lives here. Some of us have been fortunate enough to find an outstanding woman, who is delightful to be around, on a daily basis, always has our back, and is fun, smart, and lovely. For me, that likelihood of finding that back in the US, would be very low. So, that is a big factor for me. The second factor is just the quality of life. Sure, I miss alot of the culture back home. The theatre, independent film (which I can download here with no issues at all, and a super fast 1000 mb fiber optic connection, at under 700 baht per month!), stand up comedy, live jazz, etc. But I have a lovely home that I rent, for about 10% of what I would pay in California, I live very well on an income which is not huge, have access to great health care, at a tiny fraction of what it costs in the US, and do not have to put up with alot of the aggravation that I had to when I lived back there.

 

I used to have more issues than I do now. I worked on my attitude, which was getting in the way of appreciating Thailand for what it is, and was clouding my experience here. Used to stress over stupid stuff, as you can see from some of my past posts. Used to allow the politics to make me angry. Now it is not something I take seriously, just something I comment on, without anger or an emotional investment. Now, I just tend to laugh it off. Spent some real time back in the US recently, and it allowed some clarity and perspective, that I am very grateful for. Now, I just chuckle at most of the nonsense. Water off a duck's back, so to speak.

Inflation in the US.

 

I am in the US right now, and the prices and inflation are mind blowing. The cheapest lunch we have found was $30 for two. For 2 sandwiches. That is 1,000 baht, anytime you want something basic. A bag of groceries is 3,000 baht.

A friend of mine is looking for an apartment to move to in LA, and really small, simple places are 70,000 baht per month. Nice two bedrooms are closer to 100,000 baht. Decent homes start at 125,000 baht per month. The cost of nearly everything has gone up dramatically. Runaway inflation? I would peg real inflation in the US at 22%.
 
Thailand is still reasonable. It used to be cheap. Has not been cheap for a long time. But, it is still reasonable. I know people who pay 10,000 baht a month for newer 3 bedroom houses in nice towns. In major cities in the US? $3000 to 4500 a month. That is 140,000 baht!

 

A newly upholstered motorbike seat recently redone on my scooter. 400 baht. A friend of mine had similar work done in the US. $275.

 

I recently had a guy come over and insulate my ceiling. I bought the insulation and paid him 2000 baht for labor. In the US? $500 and up.

 

I recently had an electrician do some work on the house. Nearly a full day of work. Paid him 1000 baht. In the US? $500 and up.

 

An oil change for my scooter costs me 200 baht, with Castrol oil. In the US? $75.

 

When I travel here I stay in nice four star hotels in Bangkok. Usually 1800 to 2500 baht. In the US? $150 for a crappy motel. $200 to $300 and up for a nice room.

 

I eat well here. In a smaller town you can get a three course meal for 150-250 baht. In the US? 2000 baht and up, plus tax and a nearly mandatory 15% tip.

I order from FoodPanda alot. In a smaller town it is 250 baht for 3 dishes, including delivery. In the US it is $40 for 2 dishes, plus $19 in delivery frees and taxes. That is stupid. 

 

I visit the emergency room here to visit a specialist, and with x-rays I am out the door for 2000 baht, at a private hospital. In the US? $300 at a clinic and $2000 and up at a hospital, if you don't have health insurance. An anecdote on this subject. A good friend of mine got in a bad motorcycle accident some time ago. He almost lost his leg. He got his first of 11 operations at Bangkok Hospital Samui. It costs him over a million baht. They wanted to do a second procedure. They quoted him 1,400,000 baht. He decided to transfer to Bangkok. He was quoted 460,000 baht for the same procedure, at a top private hospital there. The surgeon told him that he worked at a public hospital too, and could do the same operation there, for alot less money. He told him he would get him a quote. In the interim, my friend called a good friend of his, in San Diego, who is an orthopedic surgeon. Since my friend is a retired chiropractor, he knew all the terminology, and explained what he needed, and asked for the best price. His friend called him back the next day, and quoted him $960,000, with cash discounts! The local surgeon here got back to him, and told him he could do it for 46,000 baht. He transferred, and they did all the rest of his procedures. So, 1,400,000 at Bangkok Hospital, 460,000 at Vejthani Hospital, and 46,000 at the public hospital, with an excellent surgeon. VS. 31,000,000 baht in the US. Again, no complaints from this peanut gallery.

 

Friends of mine, who are single, enjoy the company of a young, beautiful woman for a couple of hours, for 2500 baht. In the US? $800 an hour now for a beauty, with alot of attitude.

 

I could go on and on, all day long. I live at a level here, that I would never be able to live at, in the US, in most of Europe, in Oz, or Canada. Yes, the higher baht is an annoyance. And yes things are more expensive than they used to be. But, it is very relative.