Thailand

Thousands of foreigners have settled in Thailand, in world-renowned resorts such as Koh Samui, Koh Lanta, and Phuket, in cities including Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai, and in the smaller towns of Hua Hin, Cha-am, and Pai.

It’s rare to find a town in Thailand that doesn’t have at least a few foreign residents.

There’s a lot to like in Thailand: Breathtaking beaches, friendly locals, and well-established expat communities are just what’s on the surface. Beyond these attractions, Thailand boasts excellent health care (sometimes one-fifth the cost of U.S. health care) and easy retirement visa options.

A would-be retiree would have no trouble enjoying life here… there is a large and established expat community, plenty of golf courses, excellent medical and dental care, and all the services and amenities that an expat could want. Plus, the geography offers everything from misty mountains to pristine beaches.

The real kicker though, is the price. Thailand is arguably the cheapest place on Earth to live well. While affordable luxury is available, you can live on a very modest budget, thanks to US$1 pad thai lunches and US$11-a-night hotels (including breakfast and free WiFi).

Bangkok is a popular choice among retirees who appreciate its cosmopolitan flair, vast variety of entertainment venues, shopping, and warm, tropical climate. The city’s proximity to beach resorts is another plus.

Pattaya and Cha-am are just two hours from the city, and the retirement haven of Hua Hin is less than three hours away.

Many foreigners come to Bangkok to work.

The demand for English teachers is insatiable, as is the market for skilled employees in many other industries. And, if you have at least a bachelor’s degree and a willingness to work, you will have no difficulty finding a job in this city.

Thailand: The Land Where You Can Afford It All
By Kathleen Peddicord

Dine out every day of the week… twice a day if you like… Why not when you can enjoy a nice meal here for just a few dollars.

Have an hour-long massage. Heck, have one every afternoon. The cost is only US$10…

Engage full-time help around the house, and a gardener, too—you’ll never have to wash another dish or pull another weed…

Again, why wouldn’t you get yourself a little help, when a full-time maid can cost as little as US$100 a month… and a gardener half that?

Rent a fully furnished home for a few hundred dollars a month… And take off for weeklong escapes whenever the whim for travel strikes.

It can be hard to grasp just how absolutely cheap Thailand truly is… Lunches for 50 cents, US$1 taxi rides, US$10 full-course dinners, US$221 a month for a furnished apartment…

I know it can be hard to believe…

But the best part is that the living in Thailand isn’t only unbelievably affordable… it’s also irresistibly rich, exotic, and adventure-filled and Thailand is so friendly they call it the “Land of Smiles.”

Plus, this part of the world is home to the world’s—hands down—most spectacular beaches.

Back to the cost…

Even if you earn the current average Social Security payout of US$1,657, you have enough to retire well here. Have more to spend than that, and you could truly live like a king or queen.

It’s not just the team at Live And Invest Overseas who’s in love with Thailand…

With about 40 million visitors every year, Thailand is the eighth most visited country in the world, and the second most visited in Asia behind only China. More to the point, Thailand hosts millions of expats from all over the world, including about 85,000 British, 40,000 Americans, and at least 5,000 Canadians.

Is Thailand Safe?

What’s the big draw?

Yes, Thailand is affordable… the temples are magnificent… The food is tasty… the people are friendly… the nightlife is famous… In short, spend a single day on any of Thailand’s beaches and you’ll understand why people become enchanted with Thailand.

Nearly 2,000 miles of coastline fringe Thailand’s mainland… and more than 1,400 islands and islets are located offshore.

This country literally has a countless number of beaches—and just about every type you can think of… From the black pebbles on Koh Lipe island to the powder-white sands on the Railay Peninsula… From tranquil beach coves like you’ll find at Maya Bay (made famous by Hollywood in “The Beach” film) to the lively city beaches like you’ll find in Huan Hin.

Speaking of Hua Hin, let’s take a look at how much you might spend in a place where you can take advantage of Thailand’s nightlife, modernity, cuisines, and beaches—all at the same time…

City Living In Hua Hin, Thailand

Opt for beachfront digs, and you can expect to spend much more… at least US$800 for a fully furnished apartment…

You could also hire a maid to make your life easier… at about US$5 an hour, you’ll add at least US$75 a month for once-a-week visits.

Of course, you could live even cheaper—forgo the water view and you’ll save US$100 or so on your housing. Likewise, you certainly wouldn’t need to eat out multiple times a week… and, if you’re going solo, both your entertainment and grocery costs could be lower.

I should also point out that Hua Hin is one of the more expensive beach destinations in Thailand…

Base yourself off the beaten path away from the trappings of a major city, and you could cut your costs by 25% or more.

In Thailand, you could also rent a large home for about US$1,000 or a luxury penthouse for less than US$2,000 a month. This country offers appealing options for all lifestyle budgets.

Frankly, the single word I’d use to describe your options for reinventing your life across Thailand right now is… exciting.

It’s exhilarating to think of the possibilities…

To live a life that feels like it must be outside your means… but isn’t?

To live like you’re on vacation every day.

Isn’t that the goal, after all?

To cash in at this stage on all of your hard work?

Most importantly, retired in Thailand, you could forget about worrying about the effect inflation is going to have on your nest egg.

Also, You could have a truly luxurious retirement, complete with maid service, beachfront living, dinners out, a driver… even a boat!

In Thailand, you could afford it all.