I am 78 next month, and I have lived in Los for many years, but I moved back to Australia because of pension requirements. So my question is, will this be my right decision? Here in OZ, I get free medical and cheap medication, which are covered by Medicare. Yes, I have my Thai family to look after me, but what about the medical costs in case I get sick? At my age, it will be impossible to get health insurance. More details about me. My Thai is very poor due to living in the West, but my wife speaks perfect English, and my in-laws do understand English. I am the one who does not like Thai food so I have to eat Farang food, but I like cooking. Have a kitchen built in my place so at the moment I get 1600 AUD per fortnight. Oh yes, I don't need to pay for accommodation.

If you have sufficient savings / income to have a pleasant life, Australia would be a much better choice than Thailand.

 

Thailand is great if you prefer to eat Thai food all the time, if you have no savings / low income and need a cheap lifestyle, if you wish to chase hookers etc.

 

I think Australia has one of the best lifestyles in the world, so long as you have adequate income / savings - and that makes it a better choice.

Do you have to live in Australia to get the biweekly AU$ 1,600, or do you get it if you live in Thailand as well? 

2 minutes ago, Equatorial said:

Do you have to live in Australia to get the biweekly AU$ 1,600, or do you get it if you live in Thailand as well? 

It will be cut 

22 minutes ago, still kicking said:

I moved back to Australia because of pension requirements. So my question is, will this be my right decision?

 

It boils down to your priorities. It doesn't sounds like living in Thailand is particularly enticing for you. Thus, with better financials in AU, that sounds like a better choice to me.

 

The main question to settle will be, is the wife willing to live in AU, and if so, is she going to be reasonably happy there. 

1 minute ago, Equatorial said:

 

It boils down to your priorities. It doesn't sounds like living in Thailand is particularly enticing for you. Thus, with better financials in AU, that sounds like a better choice to me.

 

The main question to settle will be, is the wife willing to live in AU, and if so, is she going to be reasonably happy there. 

Yeah, she has been here a long time 

1 hour ago, still kicking said:

I am 78 next month, and I have lived in Los for many years, but I moved back to Australia because of pension requirements. So my question is, will this be my right decision? Here in OZ, I get free medical and cheap medication, which are covered by Medicare. Yes, I have my Thai family to look after me, but what about the medical costs in case I get sick? At my age, it will be impossible to get health insurance. More details about me. My Thai is very poor due to living in the West, but my wife speaks perfect English, and my in-laws do understand English. I am the one who does not like Thai food so I have to eat Farang food, but I like cooking. Have a kitchen built in my place so at the moment I get 1600 AUD per fortnight. Oh yes, I don't need to pay for accommodation.

You are correct with being concerned about adequate medical care and its costs.  Age takes a toll and the older we get the more fragile we become.  You can be thankful your wife has adjusted to living in Australia.

My advice to the OP is stay in Australia.I lived in Thailand before.Moved back to my country with my exwife and our kids.

Never regret that.My kids well educated here Good jobs and a good salary.Good pension.Free medical...etc etc 

Moving back to Thailand will never ever happen.Its enough with holidays there.

Thailand is great that's why you are always on here, lots of aussies live in Thailand. At your age maybe better to have more holidays to Thailand or do the high season 

5 hours ago, still kicking said:

, it will be impossible to get health insurance

Thailand is getting more expensive.

 

It's not a country for a westerner to live if you're handicapped, wheelchair etc. or if you're on an aged pension. 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Thailand is getting more expensive.  It's not a country for a westerner to live if you're handicapped, wheelchair etc. or if you're on an aged pension. 

Depends on the pension, if you can do the lump sum, you don't need much to live on.   Location and how many vices dependent

 

Healthcare & insurance may be the only issue to avoid TH.   Definitely not wheels friendly.

 

@still kicking If pension not enough, then question answered.  In no health ins, or oops fund, then answered again.   Eating western food cooked at home isn't more expensive than Thai food, unless eating high end seafood, beef or lamb.   And snacking on cheese and Vegemite.

I think the key is wether the wife can get a job in Australia and how much she can make on top of the OP's  weekly AUD 800. Life is good in Australia but the median weekly household income in Australia is around $1,770, and more would be needed if the OP doesn't own a home.

I'm for the OP hanging his hat in his homeland. Not knowing where his home is in Australia, he could consider 'snowbirding' and coming to Thailand when it's colder and more miserable, like it gets in Melbourne. If his home is further north, then maybe never mind.

 

On the topic of pensions and where to live in one's twilight years, my friend, who had spent a few years living in Thailand in his youthful 1980's, retired in the UK last year. Before he retired and before covid, he used to take longish winter breaks here but hadn't visited for over three years. He had an idea of selling up and relocating to Thailand that I managed to talk him out of. He got himself an accountant and discovered a couple of pensions he had forgotten about, so that got his finances in order. Initially, he had a notion of taking a couple of 2-month holidays in Thailand each year, but after his first three such visits where he mostly blew his budget (didn't listen to warnings about being just another 2-week millionaire) and sick (too much booze and eating junk), he realized that Thailand had changed and so had he.

 

Then the UK government started to mess with allowances, but the clincher was the frozen pension if he up-sticked and moved here. Trying to make his pension pot last another ten years or so needed tighter managing. He's single with absolutely no plans to get any partner anywhere and after his holiday here with some family in September, he doesn't plan on coming back for at least a couple of years.

On 7/3/2025 at 2:23 AM, still kicking said:

I am 78 next month, and I have lived in Los for many years, but I moved back to Australia because of pension requirements. So my question is, will this be my right decision? Here in OZ, I get free medical and cheap medication, which are covered by Medicare. Yes, I have my Thai family to look after me, but what about the medical costs in case I get sick? At my age, it will be impossible to get health insurance. More details about me. My Thai is very poor due to living in the West, but my wife speaks perfect English, and my in-laws do understand English. I am the one who does not like Thai food so I have to eat Farang food, but I like cooking. Have a kitchen built in my place so at the moment I get 1600 AUD per fortnight. Oh yes, I don't need to pay for accommodation.

With 78 you'll get an excellent health insurance for a reasonable rate, which will not rise every year.

Ask for a quotation 

On 7/3/2025 at 2:23 AM, still kicking said:

I am 78 next month, and I have lived in Los for many years, but I moved back to Australia because of pension requirements. So my question is, will this be my right decision? Here in OZ, I get free medical and cheap medication, which are covered by Medicare. Yes, I have my Thai family to look after me, but what about the medical costs in case I get sick? At my age, it will be impossible to get health insurance. More details about me. My Thai is very poor due to living in the West, but my wife speaks perfect English, and my in-laws do understand English. I am the one who does not like Thai food so I have to eat Farang food, but I like cooking. Have a kitchen built in my place so at the moment I get 1600 AUD per fortnight. Oh yes, I don't need to pay for accommodation.

With 78 you'll get an excellent health insurance for a reasonable rate, which will not rise every year.

WRLIFE 

Ask for a quotation 

23 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

With 78 you'll get an excellent health insurance for a reasonable rate, which will not rise every year.

WRLIFE 

Ask for a quotation 

So, why do most posters say it is impossible to get decent insurance when over 75?

On 7/2/2025 at 7:36 PM, mstevens said:

I think Australia has one of the best lifestyles in the world

Totally disagree, it's so regulated you almost need a permit to take a dump - no thanks.

 

In Thailand if you mind your own business, you can have a very peaceful life.

 

I know what i prefer.

5 minutes ago, PJ71 said:

Totally disagree, it's so regulated you almost need a permit to take a dump - no thanks.

 

In Thailand if you mind your own business, you can have a very peaceful life.

 

I know what i prefer.

 

I agree, there's a psychological feel good factor you get when living in Thailand that OP will not get in Australia.

 

People in Thailand are just a lot friendlier, life is better here.

 

But then it depends on the ailments of OP what they are, cost and so on.Whilst medical care is relatively cheap in Thailand without insurance or a set aside fund it's a roll of the dice obviously and Australia is the safe option.

 

Not the better option in other respects, but purely for cost of health care.

10 minutes ago, PJ71 said:

Totally disagree, it's so regulated you almost need a permit to take a dump - no thanks.

 

In Thailand if you mind your own business, you can have a very peaceful life.

 

I know what i prefer.

I never knew you needed a permit to take a dump, and I have been here 40 years eat your heart out 

On 7/3/2025 at 2:23 AM, still kicking said:

I am 78 next month, and I have lived in Los for many years, but I moved back to Australia because of pension requirements. So my question is, will this be my right decision? Here in OZ, I get free medical and cheap medication, which are covered by Medicare. Yes, I have my Thai family to look after me, but what about the medical costs in case I get sick? At my age, it will be impossible to get health insurance. More details about me. My Thai is very poor due to living in the West, but my wife speaks perfect English, and my in-laws do understand English. I am the one who does not like Thai food so I have to eat Farang food, but I like cooking. Have a kitchen built in my place so at the moment I get 1600 AUD per fortnight. Oh yes, I don't need to pay for accommodation.

2 weeks ago you were happy in Perth. What happened?

On 7/3/2025 at 2:23 AM, still kicking said:

I am 78 next month, and I have lived in Los for many years, but I moved back to Australia because of pension requirements. So my question is, will this be my right decision? Here in OZ, I get free medical and cheap medication, which are covered by Medicare. Yes, I have my Thai family to look after me, but what about the medical costs in case I get sick? At my age, it will be impossible to get health insurance. More details about me. My Thai is very poor due to living in the West, but my wife speaks perfect English, and my in-laws do understand English. I am the one who does not like Thai food so I have to eat Farang food, but I like cooking. Have a kitchen built in my place so at the moment I get 1600 AUD per fortnight. Oh yes, I don't need to pay for accommodation.

1149 per fortnight is the current pension.

https://www.superguide.com.au/in-retirement/age-pension-rates

On 7/3/2025 at 2:38 AM, Equatorial said:

Do you have to live in Australia to get the biweekly AU$ 1,600, or do you get it if you live in Thailand as well? 

Its 1149. It will get reduced.

 

https://www.superguide.com.au/in-retirement/age-pension-rates

Just now, Harrisfan said:

1149 per fortnight is the current pension.

https://www.superguide.com.au/in-retirement/age-pension-rates

Plus allowance for electricity, pension supplement, I know because I am a pensioner.

23 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

 

I agree, there's a psychological feel good factor you get when living in Thailand that OP will not get in Australia.

 

People in Thailand are just a lot friendlier, life is better here.

 

But then it depends on the ailments of OP what they are, cost and so on.Whilst medical care is relatively cheap in Thailand without insurance or a set aside fund it's a roll of the dice obviously and Australia is the safe option.

 

Not the better option in other respects, but purely for cost of health care.

Thailand is far more fun but

Pollution

Dodgy walking areas

Slippery showers

Small tables

Dangerous crossing roads

Food poisoning is common

 

It's not good unless you are fit.

 

20 to 70yos are more suited.

 

$500 a week no hookers or much beer you live well.

 

 

2 minutes ago, still kicking said:

Plus allowance for electricity, pension supplement, I know because I am a pensioner.

My dad is too. You are lying.

Supplements here

3 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Its 1149. It will get reduced.

 

https://www.superguide.com.au/in-retirement/age-pension-rates

My pension will be reduced, of course, but it still leaves me with more than the amount you stated.

If you can't afford to live here, look for a better suitable place.

6 minutes ago, still kicking said:

My pension will be reduced, of course, but it still leaves me with more than the amount you stated.

No it won't. You previously made false claims on here. You also said Perth was way better than Thailand. You stated that on about 5 topics. Now you don't like it anymore. You attacked me for saying Udon was cheaper. Now you have changed your tune.

 

 

I believe the official figures.

 

 

 

 

9 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Supplements here

Payment Details

 

 

 

 

 

 

Age Pension

+ $1051.30

Pension Supplement

+ $83.60

Rent Assistance

+ $212.00

Energy Supplement

+ $14.10

Gross payment amount

+ $1361.00

Net payment amount