Report Thailand Tightens Grip on Retirement Visas Amid Wealth Shift

[kevozman1]

 

10 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

Welcome news. 

 

Last thing Thailand is cheap pensioners. 

 

Or those who can't form a basic coherent sentence. 

[jchfriis]

If I had as much money as the OP is dreaming about I would buy a house in Monaco with a view of my yacht in the harbor. 🤣

[newnative]

    Another nothing story with another inaccurate headline, like yesterday's economic summit story between Thailand and the US.   How has the 'grip' been 'tightened' when, other than insurance for one visa category, the requirements have not changes since I arrived in Thailand 15 years ago?   Providing more visa choices is not tightening the grip, it's the opposite.   

[crazykopite]

Been here 20 years and each year they make it more difficult . I’m now looking at moving to the Philippines I plan to go there next month after I have renewed my retirement visa here in Thailand .Over the next year I will go there several times just to check places our my sister in law although living in Dubai is from the Philippines and has given me a heads up of good places for expats . On top of that my UK OAP is frozen moving there will increase my frozen pension to just under £3,000 per year so it’s almost a certainty that my time in Thailand will come to an end and a fresh start in the Philippines looks very much my next destination 

[La fa]

15 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

empty article nothing new

 

 

[Hummin]

12 minutes ago, thesetat said:

 

lo bang? Amazing you think needing 65,000 baht monthly is lo bang.. Anyone bringing in 65k monthly can live a good life in Thailand. 

You forget some spend 65k on rent each month.

 

I do not think many of them is here, but would be interesting to know what the average wesern actually spend each month in Thailand. 

[crazykopite]

10 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

Can't blame them for trying reduce the riff-raff.  It seems every day there's a news story about violent or criminal 'kee nok' foreigners. Today's story was the American guy trying to exchange counterfeit US 100 bills/notes embedded with the words: "For Motion Picture Use Only" 

 

10 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

Can't blame them for trying reduce the riff-raff.  It seems every day there's a news story about violent or criminal 'kee nok' foreigners. Today's story was the American guy trying to exchange counterfeit US 100 bills/notes embedded with the words: "For Motion Picture Use Only" 

I would be extremely surprised that the rif raf as you call them would be over 50 retired personnel in 20 years of living here I’ve never met one maybe you chose the wrong place to live if you have come to that conclusion My own opinion is that the trouble makers are a lot younger 

[Gottfrid]

Even if the article does not say anything really new or any changes has been done, one must question why this becomes a discussion now? It might be so simple, that changes are coming, just out of the reason that foreigners of low class are creating too much problems in Thailand. If so, it will be like I posted before. many other foreigner will suffer because of the bad apples.

[thesetat]

1 minute ago, Hummin said:

You forget some spend 65k on rent each month.

 

I do not think many of them is here, but would be interesting to know what the average wesern actually spend each month in Thailand. 

With my immediate family of 5.. I spend about 40k on expenses. School supplies. food, insurances, monthly bills.. etc... And we live in a 4 bedroom home with 3 school age kids who take taekwondo 5 days a week after school.. That leaves me more that 20k to travel, save, or use to buy something wanting or needing like the 70k I just used to buy a new motorcycle. 

Only the people who go drinking and buying women nightly would think 65k is not enough. 

[blazes]

Thing is, if I won $10million on the lottery today, Thailand is the last place I would choose to retire to with my lucky wealth.  

I could imagine moving to Chiang Mai, but then there's all that pollution for 4 months of the year.

I could imagine moving to Hua Hin, but then getting there is almost murderous, and Phetkasem Road is an invitation to suicide.

And so on.

 

I would move to somewhere like Southern Spain or south of France, where, unlike Thailand, life is truly "affordable"....good wine and cuisine for pennies on the pound.   Plus marvellous train system, plus language easy to learn and speak.  Excellent football teams to support.....and so on it goes.

 

 

 

 

[Felt 35]

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/retirement/difference-between-rich-and-wealthy/

[ikke1959]

12 minutes ago, Hummin said:

You forget some spend 65k on rent each month.

 

I do not think many of them is here, but would be interesting to know what the average wesern actually spend each month in Thailand. 

If it is only rent I would find a new home.. I think a lot of people rent a girl too.. 65k is a lot of money surely here in Thailand . If you just live a normal life like in your own country 40k is more than enough. But I know the wine is too expensive, taxes on foreign articles are way too high and some people are here for the happy endings and go out every week or even more.. Which they probably don't do in their own country.. Wit a luxury lifestyle like this, you need more than 65k...  

[JoolzTheBox]

Move along now, nothing to see here !

[Gknrd]

Thailand used to be a pretty nice place. The government put an end to that.  

Had fun there when I was in my 50's and mid 60's. 

Haven't been back in several years now. 

[whitfield]

The thing that isn't mentioned, and is the most important for prospective retirees, is the threat to tax income.  

[thjames007]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Picture courtesy of Freepik

 

Thailand, a perennial magnet for retirees due to its enchanting blend of affordability, warm climate, and vibrant culture, is recalibrating its approach to foreign residents—a shift with significant implications. Known for golden beaches, delectable cuisine, and the famed hospitality that has earned it the moniker, "Land of Smiles," Thailand has historically welcomed foreign retirees with open arms, offering them a slice of tropical paradise that's both accessible and affordable. However, new policies suggest a distinct pivot towards the affluent, leaving many long-time admirers questioning their future in a country once synonymous with retirement tranquillity.

 

For decades, Thailand's retirement visas were considered a golden ticket for retirees aged 50 and over. The longstanding Non-Immigrant O-A and O-X visa categories presented viable pathways into this Southeast Asian haven. Requirements were straightforward: either stash 800,000 baht (approximately US$22,000) in a Thai bank or show a monthly income of 65,000 baht (around US$1,800), alongside proof of a clean criminal slate and health coverage. These terms made Thailand one of the most welcoming places for middle-income retirees—a financial comfort unmatched by many other Asian destinations.

 

Yet, as 2023 unfolded, Thailand threw a curveball with the unveiling of the Long Term Resident (LTR) visa. This new tier, waved like a shiny lure, targets wealthy global citizens with steep prerequisites: a minimum of US$80,000 annual income sustained over two years and US$1 million in assets. This hefty financial threshold has effectively priced out all but the wealthiest of prospective retirees.

 

Furthermore, in the wake of Covid-19 and heightened scrutiny over immigration protocols, health insurance requirements for typical retirement visas have grown more stringent. There’s also a persistent undercurrent of speculation concerning potential increases in financial thresholds for these visas. Anecdotal evidence from retirees suggests increasing difficulty and opacity during application processes, projecting a stark, albeit quiet, message: without considerable wealth, entry into Thailand is becoming an arduous endeavour.

 

The country's decision to pivot towards affluent expatriates is driven by a simplistic yet compelling rationale. Wealthier foreigners, it is argued, bring robust spending power, invest more extensively in luxury housing, and, in theory, result in fewer legal headaches related to overstaying visas or working illegally. Indeed, from a policymaker’s perspective, this seems like a sound strategy, offering immediate financial allure.

 

However, this logic sidesteps the nuanced economic ecosystem fostered by retirees of more modest means. Middle-income foreigners contribute significantly by integrating into local communities, supporting small businesses, and investing their pensions in the very fabric of Thai society—far beyond the borders of exclusive expatriate enclaves. Their continued presence strengthens local economies, weaving vibrant, resilient communities, not merely serving as transient patches of opulence in a tropical landscape.

 

This strategic pivot away from the middle class has already begun reshaping the expat community landscape in Thailand. Online forums and expat networks are abuzz with tales of longtime residents contemplating relocation, driven by the increased cost and complexity of Thailand's visa procedures. With neighbouring countries, like the Philippines and Cambodia, increasing their appeal for retirees through simplified process frameworks and lower financial thresholds, these nations stand ready to inherit the retiree market Thailand once commanded.

 

The Philippines offers one of the most straightforward retiree visa schemes in the region. The Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) only requires retirees over 50 to demonstrate a monthly pension of US$800 or deposit US$10,000 in a local bank—accessible terms that come without Thailand’s stringent health insurance mandates or income ceilings. Despite its lesser-developed infrastructure, the country provides a low cost of living, making it a compelling option for those priced out of Thailand.

 

Cambodia, long regarded with intrigue as the ‘wild east,’ presents a minimalist yet effective sway to attract retirees. Offering visa extensions as low as US$300 annually, without demanding proof of income or hefty deposits, the process is noticeably less daunting than Thailand’s intricate requirements. Its allure lies in simplicity, affording retirees the chance to enjoy Cambodia’s charm at a moderate pace and price.

 

Vietnam is also emerging as a formidable contender, especially following announcements of a pilot for long-term investor visas, ahead of a planned retirement visa with lower thresholds. Known for its vibrant cities, delectable cuisine, and a significantly improved healthcare system, Vietnam could woo those seeking a dynamic lifestyle at a more manageable expense.

 

Thailand’s long-standing reputation as a retirement utopia is undeniably at risk. By focusing narrowly on wealthy individuals, the nation might enjoy a short-term economic lift but could inadvertently erode the rich tapestry of middle-class expatriates who helped Thailand earn its retirement haven status. These middle-class retirees don’t simply occupy spaces; they engage, contribute, and become part of the Thai community fabric, offering a steady, reliable economic and cultural exchange often overshadowed by the glitz of high spending.

 

As the global landscape of retirement evolves, and as more nations enter the competitive fray for retirees’ attention and resources, Thailand stands at a critical juncture. To maintain its status as a cherished retirement destination, it may need to revisit the very essence of what made it so appealing—a harmonious blend of accessibility and affordability tinged with genuine inclusivity. While focusing on the affluent offers an enticing financial forecast, it’s the broader tapestry of retirees that sustains and enriches the cultural and economic life of the nation.

 

Time remains for Thailand to recalibrate its strategy, crafting visa policies that strike a balance between economic ambition and the open, welcoming spirit that endeared it to retirees worldwide. Acknowledging this balance is crucial—not just for the country’s economic health but for preserving its identity as a true home for those seeking more than just sun and sand, but community and connection.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-04

 

 

 

11 hours ago, NickyLouie said:

I like higher standards for retirement or any other long term visa , way too many lo bang around here now ......

You are right.  Bang on!! 

 

Sorry to burst the bubble, but Thailand doesn't need pensioners on the min state pension and zero cash.  Using agents to cheat their way into Thailand.   (the 800k in a bank is a joke amount, if you don't have that you shouldn't have retired in the first place! And moving to a foreign country with no benefits or medical coverage OMG.. You would think this is common sense 101)

 

If you dont have the min required don't come here.   Sure Vietnam Cambodia philipeans will take you on the cheap, good for them.   Can't wait for the posts to be filled with I'm. Move there, and they never do!!!! 

 

And regarding the story,  what a load of click Bait dripple. Im on LTR now, I had DTV and Non O before.  And they are ALL so easy to get, what's the authors point?  Rather than say " oh now there are other options available, not just Non O and OA..." they make it sound like they phasing them out which is BS. Just to wind up expats. (FYI. You don't need 80k income. That's just one of many different thresholds) 

 

Can't wait for next week's recycled story about expats requiring a medical plan, as they should!  

[Lacessit]

11 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

Can't blame them for trying reduce the riff-raff.  It seems every day there's a news story about violent or criminal 'kee nok' foreigners. Today's story was the American guy trying to exchange counterfeit US 100 bills/notes embedded with the words: "For Motion Picture Use Only" 

How many retirees are riff-raff? AFAIK it is the foreigners who are younger than 50, or NOT on retirement visas, causing all the trouble.

 

Retirees just want a quiet life with no hassle. I know I do.

[Hummin]

17 minutes ago, thesetat said:

With my immediate family of 5.. I spend about 40k on expenses. School supplies. food, insurances, monthly bills.. etc... And we live in a 4 bedroom home with 3 school age kids who take taekwondo 5 days a week after school.. That leaves me more that 20k to travel, save, or use to buy something wanting or needing like the 70k I just used to buy a new motorcycle. 

Only the people who go drinking and buying women nightly would think 65k is not enough. 

We spend the same on our monthly expenses 5 people and now 5 dogs one cat. 

 

So easy to live comfortably for now for less than 65k

 

When home I do not leave the farm unless we go big shopping either. Once and awhile a ride in the mountains if I bother. 

 

 

[lou norman]

33 minutes ago, crazykopite said:

Been here 20 years and each year they make it more difficult . I’m now looking at moving to the Philippines I plan to go there next month after I have renewed my retirement visa here in Thailand .Over the next year I will go there several times just to check places our my sister in law although living in Dubai is from the Philippines and has given me a heads up of good places for expats . On top of that my UK OAP is frozen moving there will increase my frozen pension to just under £3,000 per year so it’s almost a certainty that my time in Thailand will come to an end and a fresh start in the Philippines looks very much my next destination 

I don’t see it. I have been extending my retirement visa for the past 24 years. It costs me less than $100 a year and takes half a day. The biggest change was the move from Soi Suan Plu to CW.

[Cornish Pasty]

The Philippines is going to win big time here. Better women, better beaches, easier visas.

 

It's a no brainer.

 

Mark.

[Hummin]

13 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

If it is only rent I would find a new home.. I think a lot of people rent a girl too.. 65k is a lot of money surely here in Thailand . If you just live a normal life like in your own country 40k is more than enough. But I know the wine is too expensive, taxes on foreign articles are way too high and some people are here for the happy endings and go out every week or even more.. Which they probably don't do in their own country.. Wit a luxury lifestyle like this, you need more than 65k...  

Some people do have the money, and renting a nice flat in Bangkok with location and view, easily reaches 65k a month. 

 

If I lived in Bangkok, or had to live in Bangkok, I would be willing to spend quite a bit on the right location with facilities to live comfortably. 

 

 

[Andrew65]

Just pay an agent XX,000 per annum, no problemo?

[madmitch]

3 minutes ago, Hummin said:

We spend the same on our monthly expenses 5 people and now 5 dogs one cat. 

 

So easy to live comfortably for now for less than 65k

 

When home I do not leave the farm unless we go big shopping either. Once and awhile a ride in the mountains if I bother. 

 

 

If you're happy with this lifestyle then fine; you can live comfortably. But many expats require much more than this, such as all their old home comforts, and that's become much more difficult on that amount.

 

I gave up my retirement visa nearly four years ago and am now working back in the UK paying the odd visit to Thailand. I think it suits me better. 

 

But we are all different with different needs and different levels of wealth. So difficult to generalise on this subject.

 

 

[renaissanc]

Thai governments have weird ideas at times. Keep things simple, and people will come to Thailand to retire. Creating financial obstacles will soon be a Lose-Lose. The current retirement visa rules are fine. I wouldn't keep 800,000 Baht in a low-interest bank account for 12 months a year, though. 

 

Some posters here believe that many retirees using the current rules are riff-raff and undesirables. Try looking at them as human beings, like you, who are simply trying to enjoy their final years in this world as best they can. Rich retirees are not better human beings because they have a lot of money.

[Johno57]

You forgot to mention Malaysia which is very much enticing retirees with good policies & Indonesia which is anotther option...why would the extremely rich want to come to thailand anyway with european countries so much more compatabile & less dogs and monkees roaming the streets to attack you, and traffic  that is willing to stop for pedestrians, and the less likely hood of food poisoning ...Richer retirees are not going to cop this and again thailand will be the big looser...

[kingstonkid]

12 hours ago, Upnotover said:

Weird story, hard to read.  Did anything actually change....no.

 

Can I sue Thaiger and ASEANNOW for the time I wasted reading this

[madmitch]

2 minutes ago, Johno57 said:

You forgot to mention Malaysia which is very much enticing retirees with good policies & Indonesia which is anotther option...why would the extremely rich want to come to thailand anyway with european countries so much more compatabile & less dogs and monkees roaming the streets to attack you, and traffic  that is willing to stop for pedestrians, and the less likely hood of food poisoning ...Richer retirees are not going to cop this..

There are thousands of rich retirees in Thailand. It's not all about living cheaply. Have you seen some of the villas and yachts owned by some of the expats?

[Thingamabob]

This article doesn't make sense. If the Thai govt is doing more to attract wealthy retirees by upping the financial qualification requirements one wonders why it's accepting the incursion of thousands of low-spending Indians and Chinese.

[flexomike]

17 minutes ago, Cornish Pasty said:

The Philippines is going to win big time here. Better women, better beaches, easier visas.

 

It's a no brainer.

 

Mark.

see you Bob, have a good life

[newnative]

53 minutes ago, crazykopite said:

Been here 20 years and each year they make it more difficult . I’m now looking at moving to the Philippines I plan to go there next month after I have renewed my retirement visa here in Thailand .Over the next year I will go there several times just to check places our my sister in law although living in Dubai is from the Philippines and has given me a heads up of good places for expats . On top of that my UK OAP is frozen moving there will increase my frozen pension to just under £3,000 per year so it’s almost a certainty that my time in Thailand will come to an end and a fresh start in the Philippines looks very much my next destination 

     Curious what the 20 changes--one 'each year'--Immigration did that made the renewal process 'more difficult' for you.  I've been here 15 years and I can count only one big change--the requirement for health insurance for my O-A visa.   If I had an O visa there wouldn't even be that.  Same 800,000/65,000 baht requirement--no change since I arried in 2010.  That's probably the most surprising thing for me, that it hasn't risen at all in 15 years.