Thailand still remains a top destination for retirement. For those looking to stretch their retirement budget and enjoy life in a wonderful and exotic country, you may want to consider retiring in Thailand. It is well known for its affordable cost of living, delicious Thai food, friendly local people, large expat community as well as its beautiful cities, nature and beaches.
Before you consider retiring in Thailand, or anywhere overseas, it is best to make a list of pros and cons. For example, will you find the reality of living in Thailand thrilling, or do you think it will be stressful? You will need to consider the cultural differences and the language barrier when retiring here, but just remember that a smile goes a long way and that Thai people are kind. Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to retiring in Thailand.
5 Things You Must Know About Retirement In Thailand
- Consider the cultural difference
- Which are the best cities to retire in Thailand
- Living costs
- Healthcare
- What is required to retire in Thailand
Culture differences in Thailand
Thailand is an easy country to assimilate to, but in order to really benefit when you retire here, it is important to understand the cultural differences that you might face. For example, Thais greet each other, show respect, apologize and say goodbye with a hand gesture known as the wai.
Other things to come to understand about the culture include that family matters, status is important, patriotism is huge, religion is unique and superstitions are a part of daily life.
It is also important to understand that respect, shame and the concept of face in Thailand are extremely important. Thais show respect and expect to be treated with respect in return. Disrespecting someone can cause them to lose face – to be embarrassed or shamed publicly. Thais are non-confrontational people, so do remember your manners. Keep a smile on your face, and you’ll get one back in return.
the best cities FOR RETIREMENT in Thailand
The best places to retire in Thailand are not the cheapest as the areas are popular with expats. However, this means you will not face a huge language barrier and you’ll get to enjoy an already thriving expat community. The best places to retire in Thailand include Koh Samui, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Hua Hin. Each of these places offers up a unique lifestyle destination and a nice environment.
PATTAYA
A seaside city with a massive expat population and close proximity to Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok. The city offers up a lot of Western conveniences such as international restaurants and shopping malls, as well as local tourist attractions. Great for those looking for a more upbeat lifestyle with close proximity to Bangkok.
HUA HIN
A lovely seaside resort within close proximity to Bangkok, Hua Hin is popular for its watersports and well-known for its Royal Summer Palace. Hua Hin is a charming destination with a vibrant art scene, many tourist attractions, exceptional seafood shacks and outstanding night markets. Great for those seeking a bit of serenity, but still hoping to be close to the city.
CHIANG MAI
Offering up a natural mountain retreat, a unique local culture and plenty of wonderful coffee shops plus delicious street food. The beautiful city is well known for its art as well as its slow pace of life. It’s the perfect choice for those looking for a calm environment to retire to.
PHUKET
Thailand’s largest island, Phuket offers something for everyone. There’s a great balance of island vibe and city life, plus Phuket boasts an attractive lifestyle suitable for diverse budgets. Popular for its beaches, Phuket also has many activities, incredible entertainment and nightlife. As well as top-notch dining facilities and great shopping malls. Phuket is an excellent choice for those wanting an international experience on a beautiful island.
KOH SAMUI
Thailand’s second largest island, Koh Samui features a slower pace of island lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle. Known for its pristine beaches, coconut groves and dense, tropical nature. It’s also home to a large variety of luxury resorts, excellent spas and innovative restaurants. It’s a wonderful choice for those wanting to live on a laid-back island which offers up a comfortable and tranquil environment.
How much does it cost to retire in Thailand?
The cost of living in Thailand is generally 30% to 40% cheaper than living in Western countries. Everyday expenses tend to be less, and food costs and housing is more affordable. However, in order to stretch your money and take into account hidden expenses, it is best to budget.
You should plan to live in Thailand on a budget of at least 1,500USD per month, with 2,000USD being a more reasonable benchmark. This amount of money will allow you to live comfortably and still keep some savings in the bank. If you can afford to live off of a budget between 3,000USD to 5,000USD, of course, your life will be a bit more luxurious.
What is healthcare in Thailand like?
Healthcare in Thailand is top-notch, and a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries. Thailand offers up plenty of international hospitals of high standards. Most of the international hospitals in Thailand have good medical packages for a variety of checkups and treatments. Many of which do have foreigner translators in order to ensure there is no communication barrier.
Government hospitals cater more to the local population but do offer good healthcare services. Doctors who are experts in their field usually do a weekly residence every month at government hospitals.
Are there any requirements for retiring in thailand?
To retire in Thailand, you’ll need a retirement visa, a Thai bank account with at least THB 800,000 and a monthly pension of at least THB 65,000.
For those moving to Thailand to retire, TMT Visa Services is able to provide a seamless experience when it comes to obtaining a retirement visa and setting up a Thai bank account.
To conclude, we’ve endeavored to highlight the essentials of what you need to know about retiring to Thailand.
After reading the information in our blog, you should have a better understanding of Thailand’s retirement visas, popular cities in Thailand for retirement, and some important information you’ll need to know before you move to Thailand for retirement. If you need any help with your retirement to Thailand, we provide an all-in-one retirement solution for foreigners.
We wish you the very best of luck, and a retirement filled with relaxation and joy in beautiful Thailand! And if you are uncertain about anything please feel free to chat with us: m.me/tmtvisaservicephuket/