Thailand as a Retirement Destination - Food for Thought.

[CRUNCHER]

With all the retiries here you wold think that Thailand would do well in the Annual Forbes table of places to retire. Well it comes in at number 9. The only other Asian country in the top 10 is Malaysia at number 3. Here is the link to the top 10. Retirement

Malaysia so far above Thailand is food for thought.

[beachproperty]

Used your link.....Got to Forbes Mag online....but no list....oh well...

Looked because I wanted to see what their criteria was.....For me security is an issue (I feel safe in Thailand) ...Not so sure how safe I would feel in a Muslim country or one controlled by drug lords....

AND the main reason for me to be in Thailand ....is because my Wife is Thai and she WANTS to live here...which is no problem for me....

So here we are....and love it even with its quirkiness which I won't get into to....

Everybody has their own reasons for where they retire to (too many for me to list ....or even some article written for the masses ...to take into consideration)

I'm here now ....so don't really care what the list says as I'm staying til I die!

[Aussieroaming]

It might also be because Malaysia supports promotes retirement there...for a fee

[Jingthing]

Forbes has a bias towards North American readers ...

Notice most on the list are in the Americas.

Edited December 6, 2013 by Jingthing

[NeverSure]

Forbes has a bias towards North American readers ...

Notice most on the list are in the Americas.

I think that's true. The question isn't "best place for single men to retire and live more cheaply than in Europe or Canada or Australia while finding beautiful available Asian women."

I think Forbes via International Living is looking at it from a retired American married couple's standpoint. I read that there are one million retired Americans living in Mexico.

I can fly to Ecuador from America in 7 hours. The last time I flew to LOS it took closer to 30 hours with 2 plane changes and one 8 hour layover. Another American member here recently posted of plane problems somewhere en-route that I think he said delayed him for 2 more days.

America is already a cheap place to live in the rural areas, and in the South the weather is warm year around. There really isn't the need to move other than for adventure.

There are pretty 3rd world women in Mexico and Central/South America, and many of those countries have cheap brothels. The language is much easier to learn, and English is widely spoken.

America has the world's 3rd largest population - perhaps 4 - 5 times as large as the UK, but I seem to find more Brits in Los than Americans. Maybe that's a wrong impression I have? America has 15 times the population of Australia, but I seem to meet more Aussies than Americans in LOS. For Aussies, LOS is close and cheap.

I prefer Thailand to S. America and will take the long trip, but I have no desire to move there permanently.

[FiftyTwo]

America has the world's 3rd largest population - perhaps 4 - 5 times as large as the UK, but I seem to find more Brits in Los than Americans. Maybe that's a wrong impression I have? America has 15 times the population of Australia, but I seem to meet more Aussies than Americans in LOS. For Aussies, LOS is close and cheap.

Quite a lot of Americans claim to be Canadian when abroad.

[Jingthing]

America has the world's 3rd largest population - perhaps 4 - 5 times as large as the UK, but I seem to find more Brits in Los than Americans. Maybe that's a wrong impression I have? America has 15 times the population of Australia, but I seem to meet more Aussies than Americans in LOS. For Aussies, LOS is close and cheap.

Quite a lot of Americans claim to be Canadian when abroad.

It makes sense in some situations. Like if you don't want to be poisoned at Iranian restaurants for example.

[Jingthing]

Where the Yanquis go:

Large numbers of North American retirees head to Latin America and more are on the way, experts say

http://www.cuencahighlife.com/post/2013/12/01/Large-numbers-of-North-American-retirees-head-to-Latin-America-and-more-are-on-the-way-experts-say.aspx

[kikoman]

My first year of Retirement I lived in Mexico, when Mexico allowed American's to purchase land and the Fishing Village I lived in Puerto Penasco, Sonora (in the free zone, did not need a passport) American businessman brought up every available piece of property, to make a tourist mecca on the sea for landlocked Arizona and other South Western states. That resulted in driving the cost of living out of the reach of the locals and no longer cheap living for me.

I came to Thailand with a friend for a months vacation, and after returning I was going to move to Costa Rica, well I never left Thailand, as I liked what I found here, great people, cheap living, good food and a place to live out my life.

Twas the best decision I ever made!

Cheers:

[RikDao]

I haven't retired in Thailand but am definitely considering it, and probably will. I am very attracted to Thailand and the Thai people, and plan to use it as a base to visit all sorts of interesting places, like India, Vietnam, Korea, Australia, Bali, and others.

I'm from Texas and I love Mexican people and Mexican food, but I'd NEVER, EVER consider living there, I know it too well. Never have been attracted to Latin America, probably because of Mexico.

[FiftyTwo]

I was thinking of going to Latin America, but my Latin is no good.

Spanish and Portuguese, no problem, but Latin was just too hard.

[seasia]

Forbes has a bias towards North American readers ...

Notice most on the list are in the Americas.

I.......

America has the world's 3rd largest population - perhaps 4 - 5 times as large as the UK, but I seem to find more Brits in Los than Americans. Maybe that's a wrong impression I have? America has 15 times the population of Australia, but I seem to meet more Aussies than Americans in LOS. For Aussies, LOS is close and cheap.

I prefer Thailand to S. America and will take the long trip, but I have no desire to move there permanently.

You make some interesting points and think that you have the right impression as regards more Brits than Americans in LOS, it certainly seems that way to me. I`m British, part of the reason for me being here is due to climate, some not all Brits end up hating the UK climate, whereas as you say the climate in southern North America can be/is warm.

I had been looking at Florida as a place to live some years ago, better weather, property seemed good value compared to south England, prices generally lower etc.

I also wonder if for those still working holiday entitlement plays a factor, in the UK statutory paid holiday entitlement is 6 weeks per year, plus various bank/public holidays whereas if I understand correctly minimum holiday entitlement is lower in the US ?

So Brits have more chances to get away.

I`m curious as to why you prefer Thailand to S. America, other than Mexico never been but did do some reading on Ecuador, sounded quite good.

Thanks

[thaibeachlovers]

Malaysia actually makes it easy for people to retire there, provided they are rich.

Pity Thailand doesn't want to make it easier for us poor retirees.

[dao16]

America has the world's 3rd largest population - perhaps 4 - 5 times as large as the UK, but I seem to find more Brits in Los than Americans. Maybe that's a wrong impression I have? America has 15 times the population of Australia, but I seem to meet more Aussies than Americans in LOS. For Aussies, LOS is close and cheap.

Quite a lot of Americans claim to be Canadian when abroad.

meh....if you are American you can tell most Canadians apart by their accent. Some definitely sound like Americans, but when they go "oot and aboot, eh?" you know they are from north of the border...again...most.....remember, Canadians are crafty like that! (Just a joke).

Seriously, though....you can tell usually and I would never pretend to be Canadian unless I were in a situation like Mumbai and the terrorists were checking people's passports to decide who to kill. I would cook up a nationality quick (I have a few passable ones to choose from) and say I had lost my passport. Barring that, I welcome all comers to have a go at me if they hate Americans that much.

I don't meet many Americans here in Thailand compared to places in the Western Hemisphere.

[David48]

Forbes has a bias towards North American readers ...

JT's right on this ... in relation to this article, Forbes has a bias towards North American readers.

To the OP ... a little investigative journalism please ...

Actually ... it's not 'Forbes List', but compiled by a company called International Living

Planning to retire abroad? Ecuador is the top spot for North American retirees, according to International Living's newly-released Annual Global Retirement Index 2013.

This annual Index now in its 22^nd year ranks the best international retirement destinations. To compile the ranking, International Living editors collated data from its team of experts on the ground in the most popular countries among U.S. and Canadian expat retirees.

Editors assessed factors ranging from the price of groceries and average temperature, to utility costs and the friendliness of locals.

The information was then used to score each of the top countries out of 100 in categories such as “Real Estate,” “Climate,” “Special Benefits for Retirees” and “Health Care.

This is the link to the Forbes Article

The Original Article, which was posted on December 14, 2012 can be viewed here the-worlds-top-retirement-havens-in-2013/ ... sadly, only the top 5 destinations can be viewed from that article.

Don't get me wrong ... it's a nice read.

Maybe someone who has the entire list can post the bit relevant to Thailand so we can see how the Kingdom is observed from their viewpoint.

.

[NeverSure]

Forbes has a bias towards North American readers ...

Notice most on the list are in the Americas.

I.......

America has the world's 3rd largest population - perhaps 4 - 5 times as large as the UK, but I seem to find more Brits in Los than Americans. Maybe that's a wrong impression I have? America has 15 times the population of Australia, but I seem to meet more Aussies than Americans in LOS. For Aussies, LOS is close and cheap.

I prefer Thailand to S. America and will take the long trip, but I have no desire to move there permanently.

You make some interesting points and think that you have the right impression as regards more Brits than Americans in LOS, it certainly seems that way to me. I`m British, part of the reason for me being here is due to climate, some not all Brits end up hating the UK climate, whereas as you say the climate in southern North America can be/is warm.

The US is huge with a wide, wide range of climates, elevations and scenery. It's also a cheap place to live. I don't think there's the motivation for Americans to move other than to a different state for different weather when retiring. Socially, it's not unusual for a man to have a wife or gf that's 20 years younger, especially if he has a bit of money.

I had been looking at Florida as a place to live some years ago, better weather, property seemed good value compared to south England, prices generally lower etc.

All true.

I also wonder if for those still working holiday entitlement plays a factor, in the UK statutory paid holiday entitlement is 6 weeks per year, plus various bank/public holidays whereas if I understand correctly minimum holiday entitlement is lower in the US ?

So Brits have more chances to get away.

Maybe, but I'm thinking of expats. I don't see that many American expats in LOS compared to Brits, especially considering that the US has the world's 3rd largest population. When I retired, I got 5 weeks vacation but you're right, I had to work up to that.

I`m curious as to why you prefer Thailand to S. America, other than Mexico never been but did do some reading on Ecuador, sounded quite good.

Thanks

It's always about the women now, isn't it honestly? There is nothing else to draw me to Thailand. Thailand is too hot and humid. Many places have a smoky season and/or a serious rainy season and maybe flooding. Thai food IMHO is best when eaten in a Thai owned restaurant in the West where top quality ingredients and nit picky restaurant inspectors assure food safety. I live near such a restaurant, where something with chicken means sliced skinless, boneless chicken breast.

S. America has some beautiful women and many Americans go there to vacation or retire. I prefer Asian.

If you have modest means, buy this for 2.5 million baht which includes the land, 1st world infrastructure, safe water and sanitary sewer, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, and it's in Dallas Texas, not in the sticks. Link There just isn't the motivation for Americans to become expats, except for the women.

[NeverSure]

America has the world's 3rd largest population - perhaps 4 - 5 times as large as the UK, but I seem to find more Brits in Los than Americans. Maybe that's a wrong impression I have? America has 15 times the population of Australia, but I seem to meet more Aussies than Americans in LOS. For Aussies, LOS is close and cheap.

Quite a lot of Americans claim to be Canadian when abroad.

THAT I don't believe.

[Jasun]

Great list if you're into blow and driving on the wrong side of the road.

[MAJIC]

Of all the safe Countries,this article has not scratched the surface of safe Countries of Europe,many of them have a warm climate,and are cheaper to live in than Thailand.And are beauitiful countries in their own right.

Do your research,you may be pleasantly surprised.The Mediteranean countries can be amazing too!

Edited December 7, 2013 by MAJIC

[RikDao]

Of all the safe Countries,this article has not scratched the surface of safe Countries of Europe,many of them have a warm climate,and are cheaper to live in than Thailand.And are beauitiful countries in their own right.

Do your research,you may be pleasantly surprised.The Mediteranean countries can be amazing too!

Serious question here: Just which "safe Countries of Europe,many of them have a warm climate,and are cheaper to live in than Thailand.And are beauitiful countries in their own right" are you referring to.

***** ***** ***** ****** ***** ***** ***** ****** ******

And on a different subject entirely, to the person who earlier said something to the effect that many Americans say they're actually Canadian, or whatever. Hahahahahah! Those are actually Canadians acting like they're Americans saying they're Canadians. Please, get your facts straight!

[KhunG]

America is already a cheap place to live in the rural areas, and in the South the weather is warm year around. There really isn't the need to move other than for adventure.

Exactly. I'll be retiring in about 8 months, and I can live in the US. Not rural, but ex-urban, but we can live just fine on my retirement cash flow. We're in the south. Palm trees, limes, lemon grass, grapow, prik kee noo all growing in gardens in our back yard.

My wife, who is a naturalized American who was born in Thailand, wants to live in Thailand near her family. It'll probably be more expensive to live there than to live here. We'll make it.

[thailiketoo]

I've spent over 5000 days in Thailand. Never bored. Not once. Happy, sad, sick and healthy but never bored. Sometimes it is advantageous to say you are a Canadian. Especially when drinking in a British pub and want to avoid the mandatory lecture about Americans.

[NeverSure]

I've spent over 5000 days in Thailand. Never bored. Not once. Happy, sad, sick and healthy but never bored. Sometimes it is advantageous to say you are a Canadian. Especially when drinking in a British pub and want to avoid the mandatory lecture about Americans.

Never let that bother you. I didn't know Brits were like that until I joined this forum. I was treated well as a tourist, and the Brits I know who live in America are nice people. Is it something that's in the beer in Thailand?

[thailiketoo]

America has the world's 3rd largest population - perhaps 4 - 5 times as large as the UK, but I seem to find more Brits in Los than Americans. Maybe that's a wrong impression I have? America has 15 times the population of Australia, but I seem to meet more Aussies than Americans in LOS. For Aussies, LOS is close and cheap.

Quite a lot of Americans claim to be Canadian when abroad.

THAT I don't believe.

One thing that bothers a lot of people about Americans is thinking their poop don't stink. As a long time expat sometimes it is just better to have a quiet beer say you're a Canadian and not have to fight the anti American thing.

Anyone who has traveled realizes there are bests in all countries and there are places that are better than America and worse than America. The only people who are myopic about America or any country are people who have never traveled or lived in another country or drank too much beer.

Edited December 8, 2013 by thailiketoo

[Soutpeel]

My first year of Retirement I lived in Mexico, when Mexico allowed American's to purchase land and the Fishing Village I lived in Puerto Penasco, Sonora (in the free zone, did not need a passport) American businessman brought up every available piece of property, to make a tourist mecca on the sea for landlocked Arizona and other South Western states. That resulted in driving the cost of living out of the reach of the locals and no longer cheap living  for me.

 

I came to Thailand with a friend for a months vacation, and after returning  I was going to move to Costa Rica, well I never left Thailand, as I liked what I found here, great people, cheap living, good food and a place to live out my life.

Twas the best decision I ever made!

 

Cheers:

 

And based on this example one can understand why Thailand doesn't want farangs owning land

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[NeverSure]

America has the world's 3rd largest population - perhaps 4 - 5 times as large as the UK, but I seem to find more Brits in Los than Americans. Maybe that's a wrong impression I have? America has 15 times the population of Australia, but I seem to meet more Aussies than Americans in LOS. For Aussies, LOS is close and cheap.

Quite a lot of Americans claim to be Canadian when abroad.

THAT I don't believe.

One thing that bothers a lot of people about Americans is thinking their poop don't stink. As a long time expat sometimes it is just better to have a quiet beer say you're a Canadian and not have to fight the anti American thing.

Anyone who has traveled realizes there are bests in all countries and there are places that are better than America and worse than America. The only people who are myopic about America or any country are people who have never traveled or lived in another country or drank too much beer.

I agree, but I have seen rude people from all countries. This forum seems to be a collector for them, so I'm back to thinking there must be something in the beer in Thailand. My scientific study leaves that as the only variable.

Here's the deal. I don't find the average American or Brit to be rude or to think his poop doesn't stink when he's in his own country going about his daily life. But give either one some Thai beer, and...

See?

[how241]

I was thinking of going to Latin America, but my Latin is no good.

Spanish and Portuguese, no problem, but Latin was just too hard.

ha ha....I hope your joking...

[Dararasmi]

America has the world's 3rd largest population - perhaps 4 - 5 times as large as the UK, but I seem to find more Brits in Los than Americans. Maybe that's a wrong impression I have? America has 15 times the population of Australia, but I seem to meet more Aussies than Americans in LOS. For Aussies, LOS is close and cheap.

Quite a lot of Americans claim to be Canadian when abroad.

That's a load of BS, a myth left over from the early days of the Iraq War.

[Jingthing]

America has the world's 3rd largest population - perhaps 4 - 5 times as large as the UK, but I seem to find more Brits in Los than Americans. Maybe that's a wrong impression I have? America has 15 times the population of Australia, but I seem to meet more Aussies than Americans in LOS. For Aussies, LOS is close and cheap.

Quite a lot of Americans claim to be Canadian when abroad.

That's a load of BS, a myth left over from the early days of the Iraq War.

No it is not a myth at all. Americans have been doing that for many decades for various reasons. When I backpacked around Europe in the 1970's half the people with maple leaf flags on their backpacks were Americans ... Anti-Americanism is a fashion trend that keeps on giving. It ebbs and flows of course. I'd say its rare now because so many people are wise to it ... so it doesn't fool people.

Never done the maple flag thing myself but have done the Canuck thing a few times around openly anti-American people or when I think they might be ... especially if they're serving me food.

Edited December 8, 2013 by Jingthing

[khrab]

Forbes has a bias towards North American readers ...

Notice most on the list are in the Americas.

I think that's true. The question isn't "best place for single men to retire and live more cheaply than in Europe or Canada or Australia while finding beautiful available Asian women."

I think Forbes via International Living is looking at it from a retired American married couple's standpoint. I read that there are one million retired Americans living in Mexico.

I can fly to Ecuador from America in 7 hours. The last time I flew to LOS it took closer to 30 hours with 2 plane changes and one 8 hour layover. Another American member here recently posted of plane problems somewhere en-route that I think

he said delayed him for 2 more days.

America is already a cheap place to live in the rural areas, and in the South the weather is warm year around. There really isn't the need to move other than for adventure.

There are pretty 3rd world women in Mexico and Central/South America, and many of those countries have cheap brothels. The language is much easier to learn, and English is widely spoken.

America has the world's 3rd largest population - perhaps 4 - 5 times as large as the UK, but I seem to find more Brits in Los than Americans. Maybe that's a wrong impression I have? America has 15 times the population of Australia, but I seem to meet more Aussies than Americans in LOS. For Aussies, LOS is close and cheap.

I prefer Thailand to S. America and will take the long trip, but I have no desire to move there permanently.

I can fly to Ecuador from America in 7 hours.

Yeah and I can fly from Italy to Europe in 2 hours.