5 hours ago, Peterphuket said:

If Malaysia is ranked in the top 3, I don’t attach much importance to this ranking, it’s a 90 per cent Muslim country, so perhaps it’s the top choice for people from the Middle East and surrounding regions, but not for Westerners.

Yes it's a Muslim majority country, though the percentage is 65% rather than 90%, very different from Islam in the Middle East. I lived and worked there for three years in the 90s and still have friends there so visit one or twice a year. Unless you pick one of the northern states like Kelantan or Terengganu, which are very conservative, or a very rural area, you'll not going to find Islam having much affect on your life.

9 minutes ago, Stocky said:

Yes it's a Muslim majority country, though the percentage is 65% rather than 90%, very different from Islam in the Middle East. I lived and worked there for three years in the 90s and still have friends there so visit one or twice a year. Unless you pick one of the northern states like Kelantan or Terengganu, which are very conservative, or a very rural area, you'll not going to find Islam having much affect on your life.

I didn’t realise it was less than 90 per cent, it’s been a long time since I last visited the Cameron Highlands, and I’d originally planned to go back there this year, but as I’d mainly be staying in the northern provinces, I decided against it for that reason.

Even when searching for hotels in that area, you’ll start to see warnings about halal food

56 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Voor een EU-burger die met pensioen gaat met een EU-vrouw, is Portugal een no brainer en de beste keuze uit Thailand, Maleisië en Panama.

Vers mediterraan voedsel, schonere lucht, betere gezondheidszorg en verzekeringen, het recht op werk, volledig eigendom, veiligere wegen en betere algemene veiligheid. Het is ook relatief veilig voor een Europeaan als het mondiale conflict breder wordt.

Als je een Thaise vrouw hebt, wordt Thailand veel gemakkelijker, maar er is nog steeds een risico als je via je vrouw investeert voor een langdurig kwaliteitsleven. Als je bereid bent dat risico te nemen, is Thailand goedkoper, maar niet beter.

Na nu een paar maanden thuis te zijn geweest, voelt gewoon een wandeling in de frisse lucht als luxe. Dat gevoel krijg je nooit in Thailand. Geen honden, geen lawaai, geen stress.

Although I think Portugal is a fantastic country and have been there several times, as an EU resident I still wouldn’t want to spend my retirement there.

After all, it’s one thing after another when it comes to the rules and regulations imposed on all EU countries by Brussels almost every day.

7 minutes ago, Peterphuket said:

Although I think Portugal is a fantastic country and have been there several times, as an EU resident I still wouldn’t want to spend my retirement there.

After all, it’s one thing after another when it comes to the rules and regulations imposed on all EU countries by Brussels almost every day.

If factors like clean air, climate, not too warm and not too cold, affordable houses a bit outside the tourist areas, and friendly places to live matter to you, Portugal is hard to beat.

I do not especially like Portuguese food or wine, but fresh food is widely available. Premium wine, meat, fish and cheese are all reasonably priced.

Portugal over Thailand is a give and take. Since I have a Thai wife, life is easier in Thailand, and the money saved can be used to travel during the worst heat and pollution season.

What is wrong with halal food? Personally, I enjoy halal food, whether it’s Thai Muslim food, Middle Eastern or Iranian cuisine. Can’t say I loved the local food in Malaysia, but they have a great international food scene in KL, a few other tourist areas, and some smaller cities.

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

If you have to ask, you can't afford it.

Humor me..pretend I do have the money

13 minutes ago, Peterphuket said:

I didn’t realise it was less than 90 per cent, it’s been a long time since I last visited the Cameron Highlands, and I’d originally planned to go back there this year, but as I’d mainly be staying in the northern provinces, I decided against it for that reason.

Even when searching for hotels in that area, you’ll start to see warnings about halal food

Malaysia is a federation of 13 states plus 3 federal territories. Individual states are in charge of their own Islamic laws. Some states, such as Kelantan and Trengganu have above 95% Muslim population but in some states, such as Penang, Selangor and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, the Muslim population is around 50%. Islamic laws do not apply to non-Muslims and there are limits prohibited by the Federal Constitution. For example, the Islamic authorities of the various states cannot enact criminal laws.

There are legal betting outlets all over the country. There is even a licensed casino near Kuala Lumpur, in Genting Highlands. Muslims are prohibited from gambling and they could be fined by the Islamic authorities but if you visit a betting outlet, you are surely going to see some Muslims in there.

https://assets.theedgemarkets.com/CD9BB39D-81AB-4D8B-9642-33942C66D3AF_theedgemalaysia.jpg

https://asgam.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/casino-sky-750x500.jpg

Non-halal food and alcohol are available everywhere.

1 hour ago, KhunLA said:

I always have a problem with these lists. To me, retirement is retiring, not working.

... "RUMAVI uses its 24 measures for six types of mover: retirees, digital nomads, families, entrepreneurs, general movers and tax-focused movers." ...

If I was going to continue working, generating income, I would have simply stayed in USA, so COL wouldn't be an consideration. Knowing you'll be on a fixed income (usually for most) in retirement, low COL was a good enticement for TH.

Retirees can do volunteer work, if you know what that is.. doing something without payment, but impossible in Thailand as a workpermit is needed. Being retiref does not that you wake up, drink coffee in the garden, watch the news, have lunch, sleep, drink coffee again, havr diner, watch tv and go to bed. Many have interests to be useful to contribute something to the society

6 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

Retirees can do volunteer work, if you know what that is.. doing something without payment, but impossible in Thailand as a workpermit is needed. Being retiref does not that you wake up, drink coffee in the garden, watch the news, have lunch, sleep, drink coffee again, havr diner, watch tv and go to bed. Many have interests to be useful to contribute something to the society

Apparently you've missed a few of my postings. Planning my next little Out & About (O&A) as we speak, and why I'm on the internet now.

10 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Thailand is a good country to retire, however if you count the huge income tax on incomes, the draconian labour laws that prevent that retirees can do something, as for everything a work permit is needed, and it is impossible to get a work permit on a visa for retirement, the skyhigh prices for imported products due to import taxes, the dangerous roads, airpollution, just to mention some issues I don't think Thailand will be on the 4th place.

If you are here to retire why would the Labour laws bother you?? It’s called RETIREMENT for a reason. 🙈

6 hours ago, Srikcir said:

Thailand fails in comparison to Mexico in one aspect (if not others).

Thailand does not offer Permanent Residency.

Mexico offers a Permanent Resident visa for expats who want to live in the country indefinitely.

You can qualify directly if you are a retiree with high pension income, have large investments, or through family ties. Most other expats start with temporary residency somewhat like Thailand's Long Term Resident visa and transition to permanent status after four years.

Note that Mexico's Permanent Residency is not a visa but a permanent resident card which gives you indefinite legal status that would be similar to Thailand's citizen ID card. This might mean no periodic immigration reports of residency, dual pricing, passport entry, exit and re-entry stamps.

Who the hell wants to retire to that lawless country. You can’t even sit on the beach without bullets flying past your ass. 🙈

15 minutes ago, Reddavy said:

If you are here to retire why would the Labour laws bother you?? It’s called RETIREMENT for a reason. 🙈

so when retired you don't do anything anymore than sleep and eat??? Very boring life

1 minute ago, ikke1959 said:

so when retired you don't do anything anymore than sleep and eat??? Very boring life

There are plenty of things to do when retired. Lots of leisure activities to be found and hobbies. Life is far from boring in retirement. Who wants to retire to eat and sleep. Wake up and smell the coffee buddy. 🙈

2 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

Humor me..pretend I do have the money

From a Google search:

Can I move to Australia if I am retired?

AI Overview

No, general new retirees cannot simply move to Australia. Australia does not have an open retirement visa for first-time or new applicants, meaning you cannot move there purely based on being retired and self-funded.

11 minutes ago, emptypockets said:

From a Google search:

Can I move to Australia if I am retired?

AI Overview

No, general new retirees cannot simply move to Australia. Australia does not have an open retirement visa for first-time or new applicants, meaning you cannot move there purely based on being retired and self-funded.

Well, Australia USED to have a retirement visa.

But they nixed it in 2021.

I wasn't aware of that change until now.

New Zealand still does. It's popular with wealthy Californian liberals.

www.smartasset.com/retirement/how-to-retire-in-new-zealand-costs-visas-and-more

Edited Thursday at 10:37 AM3 days by Jingthing

4 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

But not all tourists are criminals.. that is what the problem is in Thailand.. Every foreigner is seen as a criminal.. 90 days report, address notifications, a drawn map of your house were you stay, TDAC, not able to open an bankaccount, even registering as living in Thailand in your amphur is a problem, and everything you do needs many copies of all possible paperwork. etc..

I did ask Immigration when they came to my house for the 20th time to confirm my Marriage Visa why they needed to do this.

He said it was to check you are not Mafia.

2 hours ago, Reddavy said:

There are plenty of things to do when retired. Lots of leisure activities to be found and hobbies. Life is far from boring in retirement. Who wants to retire to eat and sleep. Wake up and smell the coffee buddy. 🙈

oh tell me please.. i think you are not aware that gardening, washing your car, an cleaning your house even isn't allowed by the draconian and outdated laws. As it is seen a work. Playing cards etc can be seen as gambling. Happened before. And if you like to linedance for example you can't teach a dance. Work permit needed....anf the list hoes on so that the only things left are drinking coffee and travel around with your spouse as with friends or family you can be accused of illegal taxi or working as a guide. Reforms are needed

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

New Zealand still does. It's popular with wealthy Californian liberals.

I think Shania Twain bought a place there.

3 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

oh tell me please.. i think you are not aware that gardening, washing your car, an cleaning your house even isn't allowed by the draconian and outdated laws. As it is seen a work. Playing cards etc can be seen as gambling. Happened before. And if you like to linedance for example you can't teach a dance. Work permit needed....anf the list hoes on so that the only things left are drinking coffee and travel around with your spouse as with friends or family you can be accused of illegal taxi or working as a guide. Reforms are needed

Washing your car gardening in your own property not allowed 🤣🤣 what planet you on? I’ve been doing the jobs for years even before i moved here permanently. Line dancing ohhhh my buddha what a lovely retirement and life you must live. Stick to your eating and sleaping my friend. 🙈

9 hours ago, KhunLA said:

I always have a problem with these lists. To me, retirement is retiring, not working.

... "RUMAVI uses its 24 measures for six types of mover: retirees, digital nomads, families, entrepreneurs, general movers and tax-focused movers." ...

If I was going to continue working, generating income, I would have simply stayed in USA, so COL wouldn't be an consideration. Knowing you'll be on a fixed income (usually for most) in retirement, low COL was a good enticement for TH.

The issue I have with this is that the Thai definition of "work" is vastly overreaching. Even truly trivial things can get a person fined. The enforcement is very sporadic, but the laws are very real. The DTV visa is a tourist visa which does not provide any work authorization, Even though the authorities are currently "looking the other way", it does not make it legal to work, even remotely. Nominee structures have been ignored for decades, but are now being strictly enforced, the same could happen to people working remotely. If you own a condo it is illegal to do something like paint. YouTubers are openly breaking the law in Thailand. It goes on and on.

I have only been multiple times in KL and loved it, especially the food. Everything is also cheaper. It is not as massive as bangkok, but I do prefer their shopping malls as they are more orderly.

Plenty of girls in bikinis at hotels i stayed at.

6 hours ago, Reddavy said:

If you are here to retire why would the Labour laws bother you?? It’s called RETIREMENT for a reason. 🙈

After owning my house in Texas for over 30 years I replaced the faucets in the sinks and the shower heads in the showers. This is illegal for a foreigner to do in Thailand.

There is also the example of one of my hobbies being completely illegal for a foreigner to pursue in Thailand. Wood turning is a protected occupation. It is also somewhat meditative and relaxing.

7 hours ago, Reddavy said:

Washing your car gardening in your own property not allowed 🤣🤣 what planet you on? I’ve been doing the jobs for years even before i moved here permanently. Line dancing ohhhh my buddha what a lovely retirement and life you must live. Stick to your eating and sleaping my friend. 🙈

7 hours ago, technoronin said:

After owning my house in Texas for over 30 years I replaced the faucets in the sinks and the shower heads in the showers. This is illegal for a foreigner to do in Thailand.

There is also the example of one of my hobbies being completely illegal for a foreigner to pursue in Thailand. Wood turning is a protected occupation. It is also somewhat meditative and relaxing.

BS. You can do minor repairs to your own property in Thailand. Doing it on somebody else’s property that is classed as labour or work that is illegal.

On 8/6/2026 at 8:59 AM, Peterphuket said:

If Malaysia is ranked in the top 3, I don’t attach much importance to this ranking, it’s a 90 per cent Muslim country, so perhaps it’s the top choice for people from the Middle East and surrounding regions, but not for Westerners.

Can you just picture yourself in a bikini on the beach there…

As for Thailand, let’s not even go there, given how difficult it’s become just to open a bank account.

Antisemitism is high and in your face in Malaysia. Having been there a couple of times, it's not a place I recommend visiting, much less retiring. Indonesia is far more beautiful and quite a bit more tolerant of diversity.