Yahoo says seven reasons to retire in Thailand
Sept 25, 2015 8:17:14 GMT -6
dirkgently, Daitengu, and 1 more like this
Post by 727sky on Sept 25, 2015 8:17:14 GMT -6
Opinion: There are many reasons some choose to go to a foreign country to live. Personally some of the happier days of my life have been spent here plus my wife is a native even though she really does not look classic Thai. I can be happy just about anyplace but I also can get bored fairly easily.. So far we/I do not plan on pulling up roots and moving. The cost of living really is dependent on where you choose to live. Bangkok can be expensive or you can live on the cheap; however being the Capitol if there is any B.S. to be found no doubt it will be found there first.. We are far away for the capitol and about 25 minutes to the closest city yet we have farm fresh markets withing 5 minutes in all directions. This place can be a heaven for a single guy or a place where those who do not know the game or end up with the wrong person can lose everything. Pretty much the same the world over IMO. Anyway here is the article:
Quote:
Retirement can be financially difficult for many Americans. The median retirement account balance in the United States is below a level that will sustain a retiree until death. With Social Security benefits on the decline, this provides many Americans with a retirement problem.
If retiring Americans are looking to maximize their retirement, it's a good strategy to retire to Southeast Asia, in one of many countries that offer a tropical lifestyle for a bargain. One of the most popular retirement destinations in Southeast Asia is Thailand, which offers a low cost of living and a relaxing lifestyle.
1. Low Cost of Living
The cost of living in Thailand is much lower than in the U.S. It's possible to buy a one-bedroom home in the popular Chiang Mai area for around $50,000. A retiree can rent a similar home in the Chiang Mai area for around $500 per month.
Food, transportation and entertainment also cost comparatively less than they do in the U.S. For roughly $1,500 a month in total living expenses, a retiree can live a comfortable lifestyle in Thailand.
2. Delicious Food
Thai restaurants are some of the most popular international eateries in the U.S. If a retiree enjoys this type of food, Thailand offers an immediate benefit for eating and entertaining. In fact, Thailand has many native dishes that are unavailable in the U.S. However, local Thai food tends to be even spicier than that offered in America.
It's also possible to take Thai cooking classes for an affordable price. This provides retirees with a fun activity that doubles as a great method for eating.
If Thai food isn't a retiree's favorite cuisine, Thailand still offers comfort food fit for an American. Many local stores offer simple pleasures, such as cheese, American wine and peanut butter. Additionally, the country has a diverse selection of restaurants. Japanese sushi, Indian curry, pizza and sandwiches can be found throughout most major cities.
3. Tropical Climate and Exotic Setting
With multiple islands, Thailand offers a retirement locale complete with tropical beaches and an exotic lifestyle. The climate in Thailand is humid and often takes time for newcomers to get used to, but places such as Phuket provide affordable alternatives compared to more expensive tropical locations.
4. Central Travel Location
Thailand has become the travel hub of Southeast Asia and is a good place to start traveling to the rest of Asia. Many airlines offer discount flights in and out of Thailand. Living in Thailand allows a retiree to travel to China, Japan and Vietnam for extended vacations.
5. Availability of Retirement Visas
Retirement visas in Thailand are available to foreigners who are 50 and older. These types of visas are valid for a 12-month period and can be renewed without needing to leave the country, which makes living in Thailand extremely easy for American retirees. To qualify for a retirement visa, a foreigner needs to show a proof of income of $2,100 or have a bank account with a minimum of $26,000 in funds.
6. High Number of Expats and Foreigners
Thailand reports that it has over 20 million foreign visitors each year. It's possible for retirees to meet other retirees, expats and tourists. This also means that most Thai businesses are familiar with foreigners, which makes it easy for retirees to live in Thailand.
7. Low Language Barrier
Many locals in Thailand speak English well. With a low language barrier, retirees can confidently move to the country and deal with the many necessities of relocation, such as finding a home. END QUOTE:
ME HERE: Actually they spoke better English 45 years ago... however it is not unusual to find a girl who can speak a little Russian, German, English and some times French.. Just depends on who she has lived with before.. My wife... I had to send her to English school for she only spoke Issan and Thai.. Yep she was almost a virgin when I met her and so far I would not want to live without her ! Lucky lucky lucky
Read more: 7 Reasons Why Americans Retire in Thailand www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/092415/7-reasons-why-americans-retire-thailand.asp#ixzz3ml5nWZ2D
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Quote:
Retirement can be financially difficult for many Americans. The median retirement account balance in the United States is below a level that will sustain a retiree until death. With Social Security benefits on the decline, this provides many Americans with a retirement problem.
If retiring Americans are looking to maximize their retirement, it's a good strategy to retire to Southeast Asia, in one of many countries that offer a tropical lifestyle for a bargain. One of the most popular retirement destinations in Southeast Asia is Thailand, which offers a low cost of living and a relaxing lifestyle.
1. Low Cost of Living
The cost of living in Thailand is much lower than in the U.S. It's possible to buy a one-bedroom home in the popular Chiang Mai area for around $50,000. A retiree can rent a similar home in the Chiang Mai area for around $500 per month.
Food, transportation and entertainment also cost comparatively less than they do in the U.S. For roughly $1,500 a month in total living expenses, a retiree can live a comfortable lifestyle in Thailand.
2. Delicious Food
Thai restaurants are some of the most popular international eateries in the U.S. If a retiree enjoys this type of food, Thailand offers an immediate benefit for eating and entertaining. In fact, Thailand has many native dishes that are unavailable in the U.S. However, local Thai food tends to be even spicier than that offered in America.
It's also possible to take Thai cooking classes for an affordable price. This provides retirees with a fun activity that doubles as a great method for eating.
If Thai food isn't a retiree's favorite cuisine, Thailand still offers comfort food fit for an American. Many local stores offer simple pleasures, such as cheese, American wine and peanut butter. Additionally, the country has a diverse selection of restaurants. Japanese sushi, Indian curry, pizza and sandwiches can be found throughout most major cities.
3. Tropical Climate and Exotic Setting
With multiple islands, Thailand offers a retirement locale complete with tropical beaches and an exotic lifestyle. The climate in Thailand is humid and often takes time for newcomers to get used to, but places such as Phuket provide affordable alternatives compared to more expensive tropical locations.
4. Central Travel Location
Thailand has become the travel hub of Southeast Asia and is a good place to start traveling to the rest of Asia. Many airlines offer discount flights in and out of Thailand. Living in Thailand allows a retiree to travel to China, Japan and Vietnam for extended vacations.
5. Availability of Retirement Visas
Retirement visas in Thailand are available to foreigners who are 50 and older. These types of visas are valid for a 12-month period and can be renewed without needing to leave the country, which makes living in Thailand extremely easy for American retirees. To qualify for a retirement visa, a foreigner needs to show a proof of income of $2,100 or have a bank account with a minimum of $26,000 in funds.
6. High Number of Expats and Foreigners
Thailand reports that it has over 20 million foreign visitors each year. It's possible for retirees to meet other retirees, expats and tourists. This also means that most Thai businesses are familiar with foreigners, which makes it easy for retirees to live in Thailand.
7. Low Language Barrier
Many locals in Thailand speak English well. With a low language barrier, retirees can confidently move to the country and deal with the many necessities of relocation, such as finding a home. END QUOTE:
ME HERE: Actually they spoke better English 45 years ago... however it is not unusual to find a girl who can speak a little Russian, German, English and some times French.. Just depends on who she has lived with before.. My wife... I had to send her to English school for she only spoke Issan and Thai.. Yep she was almost a virgin when I met her and so far I would not want to live without her ! Lucky lucky lucky
Read more: 7 Reasons Why Americans Retire in Thailand www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/092415/7-reasons-why-americans-retire-thailand.asp#ixzz3ml5nWZ2D
Follow us: Investopedia on Facebook
