A large percentage of European and American retirees choose to spend their golden years in a tropical paradise and Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for retirement. In this short article, we delve into some of the main reasons why people choose Thailand to spend their golden years.
- Warm climate – Ask any European or American person what they dislike most about their home country and cold weather would be high on the list. If the truth be known, no one likes freezing cold weather and the lowest temperature one could expect in Thailand would be 18˚C and that would be for a brief period in December, if it gets that cold at all!
- Low cost of living – Of course, pensioners need to watch their spending and Thailand enjoys a low cost of living; you can live very well on a typical Western pension in the Land of Smiles, which is a very attractive proposition. If you are planning to visit Thailand to explore your options, staying in a four star hotel in Bangkok for a week or two allows you to view properties and explore various regions of the country.
- Wide range of environments – While most retirees prefer to stay in beach locations, others are attracted to the mountainous north or the flat plains of the northeast, known as Isan. Of course, Bangkok is also popular for those who prefer an urban lifestyle and let’s not forget the Eastern Seaboard, with locations like Pattaya and Rayong.
- Stable government – No one wants to wake up to find the country at war and some developing countries are unstable regarding governance. Thailand is a monarchy with a democratically elected government and, according to many surveys, Thailand is one of the safest countries in the world.
- Excellent infrastructure – Thailand has excellent roads throughout the country, plus a great railway network, so getting around is never an issue. Public transport is on a par with developed countries and travel is very cheap, with a good safety record. You can book a flight from any Thai city to any region and domestic flights are reasonably priced.
- Stunning beaches – Who wouldn’t love to live near sandy beaches with clear, blue water? Phuket, Koh Samui, Hua Hin and Pattaya are very popular places for retirees, where you can buy a pool villa or a condo unit if you prefer.
- Friendly locals – According to recent surveys, one reason why people like to retire in Thailand is the warm and friendly hospitality shown by the Thai people. Thailand is predominantly a Buddhist country and the people are very tolerant and respectful.
If you would like to explore Thailand as a potential retirement destination, we recommend coming for a 2-3 month period and travelling around the country. Regarding long-term visas, those over 50 can apply for a retirement visa, which is renewed annually.