Why Thailand?
Thailand, fondly referred to as the ‘Land of Smiles’, is one of the most sought-after destinations in Southeast Asia, offering an affordable and convenient standard of living. At retirement Living Thailand we offer the most complete service for foreign national considering full or part time retirement in Thailand.
Cost of living
Many people consider retiring in Thailand, because it costs relatively little to live comfortably there. Estimates for the cost of living in Thailand generally say it’s between 35% and 60% cheaper than living in the UK.
According to Numbeo, a site that collects cost of living data from around the world, the average cost of living in Thailand is roughly 40% lower than the average cost of living in the UK. Rents are 61% lower on average.
So how do these costs translate to your monthly budget?
You should plan to live in Thailand on a budget of at least USD1,900 (around 60,000 Baht) per month, with USD2,700 (around 84,000 Baht) being a more reasonable benchmark. This will allow you to live comfortably without breaking the bank. If you can afford to live off a budget of USD4,800 per month (around 150,000 Baht, you can expect a rather luxurious life.
High quality
Housing
A one-bedroom apartment in the centre of Bangkok will cost about £500 per month for rent. When you factor in utilities, that cost reaches more than £650. Other monthly costs are likely to add up to between £700 and £800 per month. Living outside of the city centre could cut your rent to roughly £300 per month.
For a comparison, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre of London costs from around £1,600 per month in rent, which is almost five times more than Bangkok. And consumer prices are almost 91% higher when you exclude rent.
However, if you compare a popular UK city for retirees like Brighton, consumer prices are 35% higher than Bangkok when you exclude rent. And a one-bedroom apartment in the centre of Brighton costs roughly £1,200 in rent per month, almost 3 times more than Bangkok.
Food
One of the benefits from switching from being tourist to expat retiree in Thailand is discovering a whole new world of food. There is no need to rely on the tourist trap restaurants and the same old dishes, and instead you begin to acquaint yourselves with local places and discovery the subtle different types of dishes, not to mention the deliciously fresh fruits and vegetables all at a fraction of the price it would cost at home.
Service &
hospitality
Thai People
As a tourist in Thailand, it can be difficult to have any significant or meaningful interactions with local Thai people. But the more time you spend in Thailand, the more the locals let their guards down. Friendships begin to be formed, relationships prosper and suddenly, life gets easier. Thai people are extremely kind, positive and generous people, and the bonds you form when living long term are really something special to cherish.
The massages
Massages back home for most people are an expensive luxury which can only be enjoyed on rare occasions, but in Thailand you could get several a week and still not have to worry about how much you’re spending. Masseurs in Thailand have magic hands and in addition to traditional Thai massages, there are many other massage options available to enjoy
The convenience
Whilst most people think Thailand to be a little chaotic, the reality is in fact that it’s really quite convenient. Want to go somewhere? There’s a taxi or motorbike taxi around the corner. Want to eat or drink something? 7-Eleven is never too far away. Whereas many cities shut down after a certain time, or things have to be planned ahead, Thailand caters for those who live in the moment, making it a convenient and easy place to live.
The ideal retirement destination
The weather
Instead of the prospect of waking up in the freezing cold darkness to head to work, In Thailand, there’s no need to worry about the weather. Yes there is a rainy season but more often than not a short downpour of rain is followed by days of beautiful sunshine.
Discovering Thailand
Living in Thailand doesn’t mean your traveling days are over — it means they’ve just begun. In Thailand there are ample opportunities to spread your wings and explore.. You’re never too far away from a gorgeous beach or scenic natural park here, which is one of the greatest benefits of living here.
The festivals
As a tourist you may be able to take in one or two of the major festivals, but when living in Thailand can experience it all. Chinese New Year in February, Songkran in April, Vegetarian Festival in October, Loy Krathong in November and even the Thai version of Christmas in December. These festivals show the culture of Thailand and its people and are richly rewarding experiences.
A sense of belonging
For tourists Thailand, with all its unpredictability and alien cultural practices, can be a bit of a culture shock, however, the more you spend here, the more you begin to understand the people and their culture. It can take time, but the moment you are familiar with your surroundings and feel more of a local than a tourist are some of the most satisfying times you’ll have here, and will make you feel like Thailand really is the place you can call home.
Thriving expat communities
Most parts of Thailand have their own expat communities who are friendly, approachable and who help to make living a little bit easier. From regularly meet-ups to tips on things to do, expats provide a sense of home and familiarity and are invaluable networks for anybody who lives in Thailand.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Thailand is of good quality, especially in the major areas like Bangkok, Pattaya , Phuket , Hua Hin , Chiang Mai and Koh Samui. Thailand has also a thriving medical tourism industry and many hospitals offer excellent care for a much lower price than would be charged in Western countries.
Thailand has Everything
The thing about Thailand is that it has everything. Great food, great nature, big cities, paradise islands… there’s no need to travel further than its own borders. If things getting a bit too quiet? take a cheap flight to Bangkok and come back when you’ve had enough. Fancy some new clothes? Head to your local shopping mall, where there are more brand names than you can think off. Thailand has everything you could possibly need, which is why so many people decide to stay and call it their home.