If you're thinking of retiring to Thailand, here's a comprehensive guide to the important information you need to know before you start.
To retire in Thailand is to enjoy a superior quality of life among a population that is welcoming and respectful of the elderly.
Of course, there is also its varied landscape, sea, mountains, rice fields, delicious food, massage parlours, affordable prices and tropical climate.
This is why retirees from all over the world prefer to enjoy the last years of their lives in the country.
Here's everything you need to know, from benefits to retirement locations and answers to frequently asked questions.
We will also tell you how you can obtain a retirement visa.
Menu
The benefits of retirement in Thailand
An affordable lifestyle
Thailand is ideal for retirement, as it allows you to live luxuriously without spending too much.
In Thailand, €18 can buy you a delicious three-course meal in a restaurant.
Rent in a city will only cost about 348 euros.
For beer you only need 1.47 euro.
Pleasant weather
You'll never have to worry about being cold and feeling the gloom of winter if you choose to retire in central or southern Thailand.
It can be cold in winter if you choose to live in the mountainous north-east of the country, but nothing like the cold of northern Europe.
And the country is sunny all year round.
The only difference in weather you will encounter is during the monsoon rainy season, which runs from May to October.
See : Weather in Thailand : Climate, Seasons and 6 day forecast
Beautiful beaches
Thailand has over 1,400 islands that you can explore endlessly every day.
Retirees will find it easy to enjoy a seaside lifestyle without having to spend a lot.
Health care
Thailand is a leading country in medical tourism.
The country can provide world-class medical care.
Its private hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and instruments.
The best places to retire in Thailand
Of the many places in Thailand, the following are the best places to live during your retirement:
Phuket
Banana beach in Phuket. Photo: Kaimark Lifestyle
Phuket is a popular tourist destination in Thailand.
It is also a popular place for expatriate retirees to stay.
It is an ideal place for retreat as it is a relaxed coastal paradise.
Although it is a relaxed place, it is impossible to feel lonely here as the nightlife is very active.
It is full of expatriate clubs that allow retirees to mingle and meet other people at any time.
It is also the best place for retirees who like to enjoy fresh seafood every day.
See : Phuket, the complete guide to the Pearl of Andaman
Bangkok
The Grand Palace in Bangkok. Photo: TAT
For retirees who like big, bustling cities with easy access to subways and taxis, Bangkok is the perfect choice.
It has a large expatriate retirement community, which makes it easier to adapt.
Bangkok is a thriving cosmopolitan city full of shops, bars, restaurants and historical attractions.
It is home to many ancient palaces and temples that blend perfectly with the glittering skyscrapers.
See : Bangkok: the complete guide to the Thai capital
Chiang Mai
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai. Photo: Father150
Chiang Mai, in the northeastern mountains, is also a favourite destination for expatriate retirees.
There is a large French community, prices are more affordable than elsewhere, the climate is cooler and the people more welcoming than in the centre or south.
It is ideal for retirees who prefer to live slowly, as it offers a very quiet and relaxed atmosphere.
Chiang Mai is also a beautiful and historic city with an ancient walled city in its centre.
It is also perfect for retirees who enjoy outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking in the mountains.
See : Chiang Mai: the complete guide to the Rose of the North
Pattaya
Tourists on a beach in Pattaya.
Located 100 km south of Bangkok, the seaside resort of Pattaya is also a popular place for retirees who want to live in Thailand while enjoying Western-style comfort.
The temperature is constant throughout the year and ranges between 28 and 35 degrees, only the humidity level varies.
The city, known worldwide for its lively nightlife, also offers many attractions and sports activities.
See : Pattaya, the sultry seaside resort: the guide
Important facts to know if you are retiring to Thailand
How much money will you need for a comfortable retirement in Thailand?
If you retire with your partner, you will need at least €1,800 per month to live comfortably in Thailand.
This involves expenses such as rent, food, laundry, insurance and health care.
You will have to spend more if you choose to live an extravagant lifestyle.
What health insurance do you need?
You will need health insurance if you want to get good medical services in Thailand.
The cost will depend on your age and pre-existing medical conditions.
It is best to work with a local insurance broker who can advise you on the best possible health insurance plan for you.
Will you need savings?
Living in Thailand will not leave a dent in your wallet, as the cost of living in the country is very affordable.
However, it is best if you have some savings.
A savings cushion of 23,000 euros is sufficient to cover unexpected expenses.
You will need to prepare money for the following unexpected expenses:
- Health insurance
- House repairs
- Premium repairs
Will you be able to become a homeowner?
The answer is no.
Foreigners are not allowed to buy land and property in Thailand under their own name.
Therefore, you should be prepared to rent a property.
If you want to own land in Thailand, you can set up a Thai limited company or enter into a lease.
Three years' residence in Thailand will allow you to apply for permanent residence.
Permanent residents are legally entitled to purchase land and property.
What about your pension?
You can still enjoy your pension easily.
Your pension can be sent directly to you, even if you retire in Thailand.
Requirements for a Thai retirement visa
You must be at least 50 years old.
You must meet the financial requirements, a security deposit of 800,000 baht (approximately '21,698) in a Thai bank account or a minimum monthly income of 65,000 baht (approximately '1,762).
A combination of both can also be accepted.
See : Visas for Thailand: the different types
A step-by-step guide on how to retire in Thailand
- Apply for a retirement visa for Thailand.
- Choose a place in Thailand where you want to live (see : Where to travel in Thailand, what to see, what to visit?).
- Take out a health insurance policy in Thailand.
- Plan the shipment of your furniture and belongings.
- Request that your pension be sent directly to Thailand.
- Open a bank account in a Thai bank (see : How to open a bank account in Thailand in 2022?)
Alternative: the Elite visa
You should know that the retirement visa can be restrictive, depending on your age and health, the insurance can be expensive and you have to go to immigration every 3 months.
This is why many retirees go for the Elite visa.
With this visa, there is no need for expensive insurance or cumbersome formalities, but it does have a cost.
The cheapest package starts at 600,000 baht (16,291 euros) and allows you to stay for 5 years.
See : The advantages of the Thailand Elite card for living in Thailand
Source: Legal Desire
FR_BE
EN
IT
PT
ES
ZH
RU