| Retiring in Thailand is becoming more popular as | | | | Bangkok should probably have a bit more |
| more people are looking to make their dollars and | | | | retirement income since the Big Mango can be |
| Euros stretch in their golden years. I hope to | | | | quite expensive if you want to enjoy it fully. |
| spark some ideas in your mind and maybe you'll | | | | Issues of Thai visas - The visa issue is a big one |
| start to consider Thailand as a great retirement | | | | since you definitely want to be legal while you're a |
| destination for you. | | | | guest in Thailand. Fortunately for those over 50 |
| I'm no expert in this area, but I do have quite a | | | | the visa issue is quite simple. Retirement visas are |
| bit of knowledge. Though I am quite a few years | | | | available and they are both affordable and easy |
| before my own retirement (I'm only 41 years old) | | | | to get. If you're under 50 it becomes more |
| I have been researching Thailand retirement | | | | complex and you'll need some reason such as |
| because I plan on eventually ending up there. I've | | | | work or family to keep you long term in Thailand. |
| found there are quite a few things one needs to | | | | Plan for the future - Obviously as you age your |
| consider if they want to eventually retire and | | | | needs will change. Inflation will also eat into your |
| move to Thailand. | | | | retirement in Thailand just as it would in the west. |
| Here's a list of the issues that I've come up with | | | | Healthcare becomes more important as well. |
| regarding making the jump to retirement in | | | | Consider your needs 20-30 years from now and |
| Thailand: | | | | have a plan before moving to Thailand. |
| Where will you live - Depending on your lifestyle | | | | Insurance - Will your current insurance cover you |
| and the things you like you have a nice | | | | overseas? If not then you'll want to make |
| assortment of places to retire in Thailand. Those | | | | arrangements. Healthcare is easily 1/3 the cost in |
| looking for more cosmopolitan excitement will | | | | Thailand as it is in the west, however it will still be |
| want to opt for Bangkok or Chiang Mai, while | | | | expensive if you have a major health emergency. |
| those looking for a more laid back lifestyle will be | | | | Buying vs renting in Thailand - While renting drains |
| looking more towards the provinces of Thailand | | | | your finances without adding any equity it is still |
| or even one of the beach destinations like Phuket | | | | the best option in Thailand. Owning land is not a |
| or Samui. The nice thing is Thailand offers many | | | | possibility in Thailand (well not easily anyway) so |
| different options in lifestyle and I'm sure one will | | | | renting is your only option in many cases. Are you |
| fit you. | | | | able to live with this or do you want to be able to |
| How much money will you need - If money isn't a | | | | own your own place be it house or condo. |
| consideration then no need to worry about this. If | | | | While not comprehensive by any means that's at |
| however you think you'll have limited income | | | | least a quick run down on considerations for |
| during your retirement you'll probably want to go | | | | retiring to Thailand. There are obviously more |
| for places that are more off the beaten track like | | | | things to think of, but overall in my opinion there |
| the northeast of Thailand (known as Isaan) or | | | | is no place like Thailand. If you're looking for |
| some of the more remote beach locations. Even | | | | adventure and exotic living in your retirement |
| Chiang Mai can be affordable compared to the | | | | then I strongly suggest you give Thailand a |
| U.S. and Europe. Those of you looking to retire to | | | | thought. |