Thailand in top 10 retirement destinations

[News Bandit]

Thailand is enlisted as one of the top 10 retirement destinations, joining other countries like Panama, Ecuador and Malaysia.

 

View the full article

[SlickMonkey]

http://internationalliving.com/2015/01/the-best-places-to-retire-2015/

 

Thailand—Low-Cost Health Care and Lots to Do

As Asia’s appeal to North American expats continues to grow, Thailand has become a popular destination. The country combines the best of authentic Asian cuisine and culture with enough North American influences to help you feel at home.

Thriving expat communities already exist in the larger cities, such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and resort areas, such as Phuket and Hua Hin. The Thai people are also well-known for their welcoming and accepting nature, their hospitality readily extended to expats.

“Here in Chiang Mai, it is easy to make friends if you make the effort. There are lots of opportunities to get involved with both locals and other expats,” says Steve LePoidevin, who relocated to Chiang Mai from Canada. “There is a large expat community in Chiang Mai, with a Chiang Mai Expat Club that meets monthly, as well as many expat clubs that get together weekly. Whatever your interest, from computers to hiking to motorcycles, there is a group here dedicated to that hobby!”

The choice of restaurants and dining spots is vast in Thailand, and there’s much else besides to immerse yourself in. Choices for concerts, gigs, and exhibitions abound in Bangkok, and Chiang Mai has a huge art scene.

“There is very little that you cannot find here in terms of cuisine, whether you are looking for a small bistro or a five-star dining experience,” Steve says. “There are many art exhibitions on a regular basis and lots of concerts. Chiang Mai has a large arts community as a result of the universities here.”

But culture isn’t the only draw. The country is an outdoor-lover’s paradise, with a rich mosaic of rainforests, exotic wildlife, and breathtaking temples. On islands such as Koh Samui, Thailand also boasts some of the most beautiful tropical beaches you’ll find anywhere in the world, with properties available at highly affordable prices. But then, affordable homes and a relatively low cost of living can be found right across Thailand. Even in the likes of Chiang Mai, a couple can live comfortably on a modest budget of $1,500 a month.

Excellent health care is available throughout the country, but the best care to be had is in the city centers, especially in Bangkok. Basic doctor’s visits and dental procedures (such as cleanings and fillings) can cost as little as $30, while a basic health insurance plan starts at around $300.

[QuotaMan]

Notice no mention of prime pussy for good prices and GFE.

[Buddy Edgewood]

At the risk of mentioning verboten topics, I'm waiting to see the fallout once the old man passes...

[filibuster]

At the risk of mentioning verboten topics, I'm waiting to see the fallout once the old man passes...

 

Why mention it?  No-one is going to discuss the subject.

[LASportsNut]

Yes, I have this list at my desk at work. The one it replaced has Thailand at #9. However, Thailand points went up. The country that replaced Thailand at #9? Portugal...

[Sexyfarangman]

Yes, I have this list at my desk at work. The one it replaced has Thailand at #9. However, Thailand points went up. The country that replaced Thailand at #9? Portugal...

 

A couple of years ago Chiang Mai was listed as the best foreign retirement destination. Unfortunately, I can't recall the source.

Thailand is enlisted as one of the top 10 retirement destinations, joining other countries like Panama, Ecuador and Malaysia.

 

View the full article

 

Too bad there is no link to the actual article.

[filibuster]

A couple of years ago Chiang Mai was listed as the best foreign retirement destination. Unfortunately, I can't recall the source.

 

Too bad there is no link to the actual article.

 

It's International Living Magazine's journos' opinions.  Basically, it means the top 10 destinations where you're likely to be surrounded by other North American expats.  OK, if that's your thing. 

 

 

 

[Sexyfarangman]

It's International Living Magazine's journos' opinions.  Basically, it means the top 10 destinations where you're likely to be surrounded by other North American expats.  OK, if that's your thing. 

 

RETIREMENT-INDEX20141.jpg

 

Very surprising to see European countries that use the euro, especially expensive France, on this list. I've heard of Columbia before as an ideal retirement destination. However, I wonder about the safety issues. Similarly, Mexico is mentioned,  but nothing said about the drug wars there.