We all look forward to the day when we can say goodbye to the daily grind of battling the rush hour traffic, the day we can stop looking at the clock and start thinking about the finer things in life, such as travelling and enjoy a range of hobbies. Many Europeans prefer to relocate to warmer (and cheaper) parts of the world and one such destination is the tropical paradise of Thailand.
Health insurance
You simply must have private health insurance in Thailand, as hospital costs are very high; there is no National Health Service in this country, well not for foreigners anyway. Start with a Google search to bring up a list of reputable insurers in Thailand and take a look at the various packages; there will be one that is right for your lifestyle. You can choose the hospital, should you ever need treatment
Long term visas
Much like any country, those who wish to relocate to Thailand must apply for a long-term visa. In order to apply for a retirement visa, you must:
- Be aged 50 or over.
- Show evidence of funds – Deposit 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account or shoe evidence of an income not less than 65,000 baht per month.
The retirement visa is valid for 12 months and can be renewed inside Thailand at your nearest Immigration Office. Many foreigners use agencies to facilitate their visa renewal, which is obviously a lot easier. In the event that you wish to leave Thailand, make sure you obtain a re-entry visa otherwise your visa is automatically classed as ‘used’ when you depart. This can be done at your nearest immigration office and the main Bangkok airport. Click here for tips on planning for your retirement.
Accommodation
Of course, you have many options, from building a dream villa home to renting a beachfront condo unit; don’t make the mistake of committing for a long time until you are sure the area has everything you need. Why not rent for the first 6 months, then you can look at buying a condo, or leasing land to build your dream home? Patience is a virtue and you shouldn’t rush into anything when relocating to a foreign country. Your dream home exists somewhere, all you have to do is find/build it.
Understanding Thai culture
The Thai culture is rich and colourful, with many festivals throughout the year that are associated with Buddhism and the people have a ‘maibpen rai’ attitude, which is carefree. The longer you spend in this enchanting country, the more charmed you feel and some things naturally rub off on you. There are cultural classes where you can learn many things about this unique land, which enriches your experiences living in this amazing land.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s website has a lot of information to help you plan your retirement and we hope you have the time of your life.
