Thailand Named World’s Second-Best Retirement Destination

Thailand has placed second in the 2026 Retirement Abroad Index, finishing one point behind the Philippines with a score of 77 out of 100. The study compared 20 countries across healthcare, retirement visa access, insurance requirements, living costs and expatriate integration. Thailand received particularly strong marks for its private healthcare system, earning 18 out of 20 and matching the highest score recorded in that category. Its established foreign community and comparatively affordable lifestyle also helped it finish ahead of destinations including Portugal, Spain and France. The Philippines claimed first place through easier visa access, lower costs and stronger English-language integration, while the report advised retirees to weigh their own priorities before relocating.