“International Living” recently announced its Annual Global Retirement Index (2022 Edition) and Thailand was recognized as the number 1 retirement destination in Asia!
The assessment looks at quality of life in a country for expatriate retirees, getting information from literally hundreds of local sources around the world.
It’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.
Housing: it’s size, cost, and location. 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. Bangkok averages one third to one tenth of the cost of these other cities; even less in popular, provincial cities.
The 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. A 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. Lastly, these areas are safe, even late at night. Water, electricity, sewerage, internet, and other infrastructure are reliable and readily accessible.
Food and personal care are often significantly cheaper than “at home” –for example 60% less compared to the United Kingdom or United States. Similarly, other purchases, such as clothing or household goods are often far less expensive. 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.
Bangkok traffic is infamous. However, there are well-connected public transport routes through city buses, BTS sky train, and MRT underground train. The train systems in Bangkok are widespread, fast, reliable, immaculately clean and cost only USD 1 to 2. Nationally, 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. Bangkok has two international airports and is centrally placed in South-East Asia, so quick trips abroad are easy and inexpensive.
Thailand’s healthcare rates highly, with several large, western hospitals equipped with English speaking staff and overseas trained specialists. It also comes at a cost a quarter to a tenth of that in a country such as the U.S.A.
Most 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. Beyond the city’s concrete jungle, there’s 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.
Are you considering exploring Thailand as your retirement option?
There are two pathways to retire to Thailand. The first is a conventional retirement visa. 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. The validity is for 1 year, with annual renewals, but the application must be in person at the immigration office, with the requisite paperwork. Non-Thai residents must also check in person with immigration once every 3 months.
The second option is called the Thailand Elite Visa Program. Thailand Elite is a long-term residency visa given to Thailand Elite membership. The Thailand Elite Privilege Card members are authorized by a ‘Privilege Entry PE’ 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.
Applying for a Thailand Elite Visa is usually fast, approximately four weeks. Compared to the retirement visa, this process is simpler, requiring only a passport, completed application form and a photograph. You can even apply for it online here!
Chat with us now on www.thaielite-express.com for more information on the membership and other Thai Elite promotions. Thaielite-express can further assist you in other expat visa requirements.
Thaielite Express has been an authorized General Sales and Services Agent since 2013. We hope that with our guide, you can comprehend Thai Elite Visa costs and benefits better and find your most suitable option. Should you have any questions, however, please do not hesitate to visit our website for more details on Thailand Elite Visa and Membership, or send your questions directly to us via email: bastien@thaielite-express.com. We support English, French, German, Japanese, and Chinese languages. We will reply within 24 hours.
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