How to live on retirement in Thailand

In many ways, Thailand is a great destination for retirees looking to start a new chapter in their lives. It is a tropical paradise that offers tranquillity, comfort and affordability. The country offers friendly people, year-round warm weather, numerous attractions and all the modern conveniences.

However, when preparing for such a significant move, it is important to pay attention to many details, not just the obvious issues such as choice of location and type of accommodation. How realistic is it to retire in Thailand? Is it safe and is there quality medical care? Are there other foreign retirees living there?

Thailand has a hot and tropical climate. So if you want to escape the cold, this is the perfect place for you. The warmest month is April with an average temperature of 31 °C (87 °F). The coldest month is December, when temperatures can drop as low as 26°C.

In the north of Thailand, where the majority of the population lives, there are three seasons: the dry and cool season from November to February, the dry and hot season from March to May and the monsoon season from May to November. In the south of Thailand, there are only two seasons: the rainy season from April to October and the dry season from November to March.

Affordable accommodation can be found throughout Thailand, even in the most popular and beautiful regions of the country. Apartments and condominiums are available at much lower prices than comparable properties in European countries. Even in popular tourist destinations there are affordable housing options. A studio apartment in the center of Bangkok, for example, can be rented for around €550 per month. Overall, Thailand is a great place to vacation and retire. With a little planning, it's easy to live a comfortable and enjoyable life here without breaking the budget.

There are many options in Thailand to fulfill your retirement relocation wishes. Here are some of the recommended retirement destinations:

• Hua Hin. A popular vacation destination for Bangkok residents, Hua Hin is a beautiful beach town. Here you can enjoy your vacation with your family or alone. Unlike other beach resorts, there are no late-night parties and no dubious entertainment that attracts shady visitors. What was once a small fishing village has developed into an upper-class resort. Thanks to the influence of the Thai dynasty, Hua Hin has retained its charm without becoming too urbanized and has retained its special small-town charm.
• Chiang Mai is the spiritual capital of Thailand and offers a perfect blend of modern urban amenities and the traditions of centuries past. Although there is no sea here, the northern regions are full of cultural and historical monuments and beautiful nature, which makes them so popular with tourists.
• Pattaya. This is the tourist capital of Thailand, known for a variety of entertainment options. But it is also suitable for a quiet life. Located on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand in the southeast of the country, this resort attracts many visitors. Pattaya is only 150 kilometers away from the Thai capital Bangkok.
• Phuket. Phuket has become a well-known and incredibly popular world-class beach resort thanks to its beautiful beaches and abundance of attractions. The beaches are wide, long and covered with fine white sand. There is an international airport on the island.

There are two types of retirement visas: for one year and for five years.

Recommendations for applying for a retirement visa for one year in Thailand:

1. The applicant must be at least 50 years old.
2. The passport must be valid for at least six months.
3. A medical certificate from a licensed doctor confirming good health and the absence of communicable diseases, as well as health insurance.
4. A reasonable income of 65,000 baht (approx. €1,694) per month or a deposit of 800,000 baht (approx. €20,815) into a Thai bank account. No criminal record.
5. The criminal record must be checked in the country of citizenship or country of residence.

Guidelines for applying for a retirement visa for five years in Thailand:

1. You must be at least 50 years old at the time of application.
2. A valid passport with a validity of at least six months is required.
3. A medical certificate from a licensed doctor confirming good health and the absence of communicable diseases is required.
4. Health insurance coverage.
5. A minimum income of 80,000 baht (approx. €2,081) per month or a deposit of 1 million baht (approx. €26,019) into a Thai bank account is required.

No criminal record. A criminal record check must be carried out in your country of citizenship or residence.

If you plan to retire in Thailand, you must fulfill the 90-day notification requirement. You must notify the Immigration Department of your current residence in Thailand. This will allow the Thai Immigration Department to track your visa status and your last address of residence. You will need the following documents for the notification:

• Your passport
• A completed form TM.47
• A copy of your visa
• A copy of your exit card (TM.6)

The cost of living in Thailand varies depending on where you live, but is generally very affordable. A monthly budget of 1400 dollars is sufficient for a modest lifestyle and to cover basic needs.

One of the main advantages of living in Thailand is the low cost of food. Delicious and nutritious meals are easy to find in markets and restaurants and are relatively cheap compared to other countries.

Health insurance is a particularly important issue for older people. In some countries, conventional healthcare can be unaffordable for people of retirement age, especially those with chronic illnesses. Do not worry. In Thailand, private hospitals are generally of excellent quality and affordable insurance is available for people of all ages. The large number of foreign residents in Thailand has resulted in an impressive selection of health insurers and hospitals that specialize in providing excellent service to foreigners. This means that there are a variety of health insurance plans from which you can choose the one that suits you best.

Due to the warm climate, water sports, hiking and fishing are widespread. History buffs can visit many temples and ancient sites.

Sport is also very popular in Thailand. Thai boxing is an energetic and physically demanding sport. If you love an active lifestyle, you will have access to the best masters of Thai boxing. And if you want to relax, spa treatments are an important part of Thai culture. You will be offered a variety of spa treatments and traditional massages.

Expatriate groups who are considering retirement in this country can be a valuable resource. These groups can provide information and advice on finding accommodation and adjusting to life in another country.

Such groups organize dinners in cafés and restaurants. Some groups also organize outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and golf.

Due to the friendly atmosphere and the large number of retirees, life in Thailand offers many opportunities to socialize with locals and expats. Golf courses, tennis and badminton courts, beaches, activity centers, bars, cafes and many other social gathering places await you every time you step outside in Thailand.