{"id":20590,"date":"2022-10-01T08:57:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-01T08:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thaielite-express.com\/?p=20590"},"modified":"2023-06-13T10:26:49","modified_gmt":"2023-06-13T10:26:49","slug":"no-1-destination-in-asia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thaielite-express.com\/ja\/no-1-destination-in-asia\/","title":{"rendered":"\u30bf\u30a4\u306f\u30a2\u30b8\u30a2\u306e\u30ea\u30bf\u30a4\u30a2\u30e1\u30f3\u30c8\u5148\u3068\u3057\u3066\u7b2c 1 \u4f4d\u306b\u30e9\u30f3\u30af\u3055\u308c\u307e\u3057\u305f"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In the announcement by International Living of its Annual Global Retirement Index (2022 Edition), Thailand is the no. 1 retirement destination in Asia.<\/p>\n

Thailand issued about 80,000 retirement visas a year, pre-covid, but the Index doesn\u2019t look at gross numbers.\u00a0 Rather, it assesses various key measures of the quality of life in a country for expatriate retirees, getting information from literally hundreds of local sources around the world.<\/p>\n

Here are some reasons why Thailand is the preferred retirement destination in Asia.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":20592,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[42,123],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20590","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-ltr"],"acf":{"sub_title":"No 1. retirement destination in Asia. By 2023 Annual Global Retirement Index","First_Image":20592,"First Paragraph":"

Thailand Ranked No. 1 Destination in Asia<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\u201cInternational Living\u201d recently announced its Annual Global Retirement Index (2022 Edition)<\/a> and Thailand was recognized as the number 1 retirement destination in Asia!\r\n\r\nThe assessment looks at quality of life in a country for expatriate retirees, getting information from literally hundreds of local sources around the world.\r\n\r\nIt's now 2023 and the desire to live in Thailand has increased more than ever. Here are some reasons why Thailand was named the preferred retirement destination in Asia.\r\n\r\n \r\n

Thailand's Popularity<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nHousing: it\u2019s size, cost<\/strong>, and location.<\/strong>\u00a0 A large 1-bedroom apartment, part of a relatively new building, in a central area of Bangkok, can be compared to similar properties in the main countries from which retirees are coming: the U.K., Western Europe, Australia, the U.S. India and more.\u00a0 Bangkok averages one third to one tenth of the cost of these other cities; even less in popular, provincial cities.\r\n\r\n \r\n

Facilities-related benefits<\/h4>\r\nThe typical Bangkok apartment, in an average price range, has serviced facilities such as a reception, 24-hour security, a swimming pool, and a good gym\/ club house area. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A central, upmarket area will be near shopping malls and supermarkets, with literally a hundred restaurants within a 10-minute walk, a good number of them western.\u00a0 \u00a0Lastly, these areas are safe, even late at night. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Water, electricity, sewerage, internet, and other infrastructure are reliable and readily accessible.\r\n\r\n \r\n

Cost of living<\/h4>\r\nFood and personal care are often significantly cheaper than \u201cat home\u201d \u2013for example 60% less compared to the United Kingdom or United States.\u00a0 \u00a0Similarly, other purchases, such as clothing or household goods are often far less expensive.\u00a0 Thailand is also famous for its many small local restaurants and delicious street food, which will give you a great meal for just USD 1 or 2.\r\n\r\n \r\n

Transport Hub<\/h4>\r\nBangkok traffic is infamous. \u00a0\u00a0However, there are well-connected public transport routes through city buses, BTS sky train, and MRT underground train. \u00a0\u00a0The train systems in Bangkok are widespread, fast, reliable, immaculately clean and cost only USD 1 to 2. \u00a0\u00a0Nationally, there is an excellent air network to 30 or 40 provincial centres and resorts, plus inexpensive bus services, but otherwise travel requires a car or affordable private limousines. \u00a0\u00a0Bangkok has two international airports and is centrally placed in South-East Asia, so quick trips abroad are easy and inexpensive.\r\n\r\n \r\n

Healthcare<\/h4>\r\nThailand\u2019s healthcare rates highly, with several large, western hospitals equipped with English speaking staff and overseas trained specialists. \u00a0It also comes at a cost a quarter to a tenth of that in a country such as the U.S.A.\r\n\r\n \r\n

Lifestyle<\/h4>\r\nMost expatriates speak little Thai, but in the main cities, many locals can speak and understand some English. There are large expatriate communities for retirees from all over the world, providing friendly advice and a point of reference. \u00a0Beyond the city\u2019s concrete jungle, there\u2019s a host of outdoor recreation activities including water sports, private golf clubs, and much more. For entertainment, there are plush theatres with all the latest original soundtrack movies, relaxing cafes & trendy restaurants, among a host of options.\r\n\r\n ","Second_Image":20598,"second_paragraph":"

RESIDENCY AND VISAS<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nAre you considering exploring Thailand as your retirement option<\/a>?\r\n\r\nThere are two pathways to retire to Thailand.\u00a0 The first is a conventional retirement visa.\u00a0 You must be over 50 years of age, in good health (enough to be covered by a private medical insurance) and meet requirements for income or assets in a Thai bank account. \u00a0The validity is for 1 year, with annual renewals, but the application must be in person at the immigration office, with the requisite paperwork. \u00a0Non-Thai residents must also check in person with immigration once every 3 months.\r\n\r\nThe second option is called the Thailand Elite Visa Program<\/strong>. Thailand Elite is a long-term residency visa given to Thailand Elite membership. The Thailand Elite Privilege Card members are authorized by a \u2018Privilege Entry PE\u2019 Visa, allowing the applicant residency in Thailand from 5 to 20 years, with membership costing from USD 15,700 to USD 52,270, depending on the type of membership chosen. The Thailand Elite Visa offers very significant advantages.\r\n\r\n \r\n