Thailand is one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia. It is a magnet for many tourists, with its charming tropical islands, beaches, friendly people, beautiful women, and the hot sunny weather.

You will find many places that are well suited to foreigners for settlement in ‘the Land of Smiles’. The preferred choices are Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi, Chiang Mai and Pattaya. Many people come here on holiday and fall in love with the country and almost immediately are ready to relocate to Thailand. Not everyone, however, has the courage to take such a step, and many probably say that this is impossible. I assure you that it is possible for pensioners to retire here, and to live a comfortable life in a dream country.

Why Thailand?

Living costs

Everyday living expenses are much lower than in many European countries.

Fruit, meat, and vegetables from the market are cheap, and meals at restaurants, clothing, and other necessities are often cheaper than in the West.

I have learned that Thai produced articles are often good, and have learned that we should not overpay for western goods. For example, hair dye western brands, I paid from 200 to 300 Baht, and an alternative Thai product you would pay 35 – 60 Baht for a similar item that works as well.

Imported western fruit is much more expensive in supermarkets; for grapes imported from the west you would pay 300 – 400 Baht, and at the local market from 70 to 100 Baht.

Thai kitchen

As some call it a ‘kitchen of the world’. You will find the thousands of flavours, colours, spices, ingredients and countless vegetables. Just paradise for every palate. And most importantly, the prices of dishes in the city are so attractive that it does not pay to cook at home.

Rent

Apartment rental is often much lower than in the West.

A studio apartment will start at 3000 Baht per month (100 Euro). The price varies depending on the suburb and city in which you are. If you prefer an apartment in the city centre or seaside, of course, will be more expensive, and the price lowers the further out that you go. However, there is something for everyone, since the choice is huge.

Owning land is far more difficult in Thailand, because as a foreigner you cannot own the land directly, however you can own a house on leased land. Many people are buying a house on leased land with lease contract of 30 years. The most popular property ownership is a Condominium, where the land is shared, and the foreigner can own the condo outright, but not the land that the condo is built on. The developers must sell 51% of the apartments to Thais, and so the remaining 49% of the building can be owned by foreigners

If you set up and run your own business with a Thai partner, then you can buy the property together with the ground, however the property belongs to the company.

Housing prices vary considerably, depending on the quality of the building, additional facilities located in the building, such as a swimming pool, gym, sauna, security, and location within the city. It is worth doing your research before deciding to make an offer. You can also consult the other foreigners living there about the location.

Healthcare

Medical services are at the highest level.

Medical tourism is popular with many Western patients opting for treatment in Thailand, not only due to lower prices but because the quality of services is higher, and often superior. Well-equipped dental clinics, hospitals and specialists, offer friendly and professional service, and above all, a caring and human approach to the patient. Generally, in private institutions one can communicate in English. In public hospitals, we can count on a decent level of care, but it’s better to go with someone who speaks Thai.

Some insurance companies offer insurance for longer stays abroad. It is generally a good idea to get medical insurance before you come, because then they will cover the costs of medical treatment, especially if you are involved in an accident.

‘Sanuk’ means ‘fun’

Countless entertainment, festivals and feasts ensure year-round attraction.

In Thailand there is some holiday, celebration, or party every month. Open air concerts, performances, lady-boy shows, dancing and Thai boxing demonstrations are held several times a week. In addition, bars, clubs and restaurants can be found at everywhere and you will not be bored.

Relaxed body and mind.

In Thailand on almost every street, you will find fragrant camphor and essential oils massage parlours, where for a song you relax and refresh the body and mind. Numerous health spas, beauty centres, and cosmetic surgery clinics certainly meet the needs and desires of the body and mind.

Thailand is a paradise for travellers.

Forested national parks, heavenly tropical islands, picturesque mountain scenery, gold temples and monuments, rushing mountain rivers and waterfalls hidden in the jungle. There is always something to explore, and each time you will discover other beautiful places in the country. Generally good infrastructure throughout the country, with many different tours make it easier to move around Thailand. Well maintained roads facilitate trips by land, and a lot of water carriers allow trips on the rivers and coastal regions, and the excellent flight connections ensure quick access to major tourist destinations.

Leasure and sport activities.

For the active tourists, there is a wide range of physical attractions varying in fitness levels from treetop ‘Zip-line’ excursions to off-road 4 x 4 tracks and off-road motocross. Many places offer activities such as hiking, cycling, golf, tennis, scuba diving, sailing and day trips. Everyone will find something to do. In most hotels, resorts and condo’s there are general fitness clubs, gyms and swimming pools, all you need to maintain good physical fitness.

Weather.

One of the biggest attractions to Thailand is the weather. Almost the whole year it is hot since the sun always shines, and the days are generally long, as opposed to European long and short days. Usually sunrise and sunset are about 6 o’clock in the morning and evening.

Retirement in Thailand is a dream for many of us.