Retirement can be a difficult but beautiful phase– you get to explore new places and choose one as your final home on the land. The whole research part can be daunting but this very brief guide may help you!
Before deciding to retire to Thailand, there are a few things you should take note of. Let’s cover the basics like the cost of living, infrastructure, healthcare, education, etc.
Costs Of Living
Thailand is a relatively cheaper country than most of the West. The living costs are approximately 30-40% lesser than they are in Western countries and that’s what makes it quite affordable for retirees.
The housing and food are quite reasonable and one can live a Comfortable life if proper budgeting is done and less is spent on luxuries. For a basic but comfortable life, keep in mind an estimate of 1500-2000 USD monthly– you can even save some from this if you spend carefully.
Healthcare
Healthcare facilities in Thailand are absolutely amazing. With international standard hospitals and medical treatments available to you at your nearest, Thailand proves to be one of the best retirement places in terms of healthcare.
Cultural Differences
There might be some cultural differences that you may want to see and adapt to. For instance, using the wai gesture to thank, apologize, greet, or show respect to the locals of Thailand is one thing you can adopt to show them that you respect and honor their culture and are coming to live here wholeheartedly.
Best Places In Thailand For Retirement
Phuket
One of the most popular tourist destinations, Phuket offers a laid-back atmosphere which is great for retiree ex-pats since they’d prefer a slow yet fun environment around them.
Don’t get me wrong though, the nightlife in Phuket is wild and if you’re the one who loves to party and stay young at heart, then you’d have a great time here!
Chiang Mai
This calm location is a fabulous choice for your retirement home as it offers a calm atmosphere too– it is safe, mellow, and has some beautiful sights to soak in. It is also super cheap so you can live a very comfortable life here while being well within your budget.
Bangkok
The capital city of Thailand makes a great retirement destination. If you have a hard time adjusting, then this is the place for you because it is already crowded with many ex-pat retirees and you will feel right at home with them!
Bangkok offers an amazing and beautiful city life– full of lights, full of life. The bustling streets, the flashy shops, restaurants, clubs, and bars make it a full package!
It also derives its beauty from the historic structures, temples, and ancient castles along with the modern, standing skyscrapers! It’s a great combo of rustic and chic and if you want a modern life, this is where you go!
