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Statement of the week: 'Thailand is a paradise for retirees!'

By Editorial
Posted in Position of the week
Tags: ,
February 10 2013

From research by an agency for expats,'International living' it turned out that Thailand is one of the 22 countries where you can best live and live as a pensioner. Thailand is even number 9 on the list of best countries for retirees.

International Living assessed several categories for this, including:

  • price and quality real estate;
  • special benefits for retirees;
  • cost of living;
  • how the integration proceeds;
  • healthcare;
  • infrastructure, especially for pensioners;
  • and the climate.

Everything is examined: from the possibility of using the internet to the price of a glass of beer and from the quality of the roads to whether it is easy to make friends.

Thailand scores particularly well in terms of entertainment, amenities and relatively low cost of accommodation, about USD 500 per month (excluding living costs).

What do you think? Do you agree with the statement that Thailand is a paradise for retirees?

 

Number of times read: 152

38 responses to “Statement of the week: 'Thailand is a paradise for retirees!'”

  1. Pim. says up
    10 February 2013 at 16: 27

    Clear and true.
    Too many to mention, I don't miss certain nonsensical taxes so that I don't have an unnecessary chance of high blood pressure.
    Immediately upon arrival I never had chilblains again, the stress is gone.
    Living is pleasant every day, and if you have the misfortune to receive a fine, you will laugh if you compare it to a fine in NL.
    In NL you are retired at an older age, here you have the feeling that you still have a whole life ahead of you.
    Even if you are 96 here, you can always pretend to be 69.
    Your second childhood begins here.
    The Thai flag is also red, white, blue.
    Red from being in the sun for too long, white what every Thai wants to be and blue from laughing.
    In NL it is red with anger, to pull white away after receiving a blue envelope.

  2. Joseph Boy says up
    11 February 2013 at 09: 33

    Just a hard point. Love to come to Thailand but wouldn't want to live there for the world. Saying goodbye to my friends, my children, grandchildren, European culture and everything that makes the Netherlands such a wonderful country. I pay a lot of taxes for all this, but I also get a lot in return. I don't feel marginalized in the least and thanks to this motherland, so maligned by some, I can live and travel wonderfully. As a pensioner you save a lot of tax in Thailand, but is that the only thing that matters? Would I feel younger with a Thai young lady by my side that I can barely hold a conversation of any level with? Wish everyone the very best but for heaven's sake let's stop glorifying Thailand and smashing everything called the Netherlands.
    Thanks to that country, many retirees can live well in Thailand, but also look around you at all those Thai people, the vast majority of whom really cannot afford anything. There is not much to laugh about for them.

    • Fred Schoolderman says up
      11 February 2013 at 10: 04

      Joseph, of course, that's the other extreme of living with someone you can barely hold a level conversation with. The word level, incidentally, gives me a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. I prefer to call it a good conversation.

      My Thai wife is 24 years younger than I am, but do you really think I was specifically looking for that? It happens to you. It's the combination of circumstances. It clicks or it doesn't click and talking stupidly with someone, that kills me.

      • Joseph Boy says up
        12 February 2013 at 05: 34

        Fred, you call it good conversation and I called it level. We probably both mean the same thing because a good conversation has content and I call that level again. Oh well, let everyone be happy in their own way. It is and remains something very personal.

    • f.franssen says up
      11 February 2013 at 16: 15

      I think you miss the point. This is not about emigrating or belittling NL at all.
      It's about where you can best (temporarily) stay as a pensionada.
      I live here in Thailand approx. 5 months p. years and love NL.
      Isn't that good? Accept Thailand as it is and don't worry about all those Thais who are having such a hard time. Have you ever looked around in NL?

      Frank F

  3. ruud says up
    11 February 2013 at 09: 33

    I've described it a number of times. Also in diaries. Also here on the Blog. We have been coming to Thailand for thirteen years, for three months a year. I would like to stay there, but my wife doesn't want to burn everything behind her, hence this compromise. Not bad though.
    Yes for me it's Amazing. even in Pattaya, where I then have my main residence. From there I regularly take days off for a week or a weekend to see more/
    Thailand is indeed ideal for me.
    My so-called age-related ailments disappear like snow in the sun in this climate.
    Ruud

  4. robert verecke says up
    11 February 2013 at 09: 40

    I thought the research came from America. Understandable that countries of the American
    continent at the top of the list. Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, etc. are also important tourist destinations for Americans.
    HSBC bank annually conducts an in-depth survey of 5000 expats around the world
    and there Thailand is usually in the top 3 in recent years. Last year, Thailand was ranked 2nd after Singapore. All details are on Internet “expat Explorer HSBC”

    • Eric Donkaew says up
      11 February 2013 at 09: 49

      It's all just how you look at it. Singapore at number 1? I would never want to live permanently in a big city.

  5. René H says up
    11 February 2013 at 09: 44

    Nice benefits and largely true.
    To keep the balance also a few disadvantages (also true):

    – The hot climate (not to say that darn**** heat) is not good for your health. And with air conditioning you are an outcast. Have you ever seen air conditioning in someone's house with your in-laws?
    – Never winter, always summer. Is that really so much fun?
    – If you encounter thieves, and you try to chase them away, they shoot at you. There are also amateurs, but still.
    – Traffic and air pollution. Further comment unnecessary.
    – Nice to live in the countryside, but fast internet???
    – That gang everywhere (street litter, beggars, dogs without owners). That's a bit different for a while, but always?

    Now enough food for thought.

    No, wonderful for a few weeks and something different, but then I (and also my Thai wife) will be happy to be home again.

  6. Robert Adelmund says up
    11 February 2013 at 09: 51

    i have been living in pattaya for two years now and i don't miss holland i am 66 years old and i feel younger and younger just because of the weather in thailand in holland i had problems with my foot not here anymore

  7. mpeijer says up
    11 February 2013 at 10: 12

    Moderator: You must indicate whether you agree or disagree with the statement.

  8. Jacques says up
    11 February 2013 at 10: 18

    A serious statement for the elderly. Thailand is certainly a country where you can spend the winter with pleasure for several months. That is not the same as living. Even if you have your own house, your own car and a familiar environment here. Back in the Netherlands I always feel more “at home” than here in Thailand. Here I am a welcome guest.

    So for temporary stay, fine. Can safely be called paradise. But then back to the Netherlands where I am still very active, despite my retirement.

  9. BramSiam says up
    11 February 2013 at 10: 28

    Thailand is still a paradise for retirees, weighing all the pros and cons. Also for younger visitors, such as backpackers and young people who come to work here. Had to laugh at “a woman 24 years younger happens to you”. apparently she could just as easily have been 24 years older.

    • Fred Schoolderman says up
      11 February 2013 at 11: 47

      Bram, of course I can't speak for others, but that happened to me anyway. Of course she could have been a few years older or even younger.
      In Asia, a younger woman, as you yourself will know, is quite normal.

      But admittedly 24 years older? No thank you. It would give me nightmares (lol).

  10. Arie says up
    11 February 2013 at 10: 47

    Moderator: you can only respond to the statement.

  11. Peace says up
    11 February 2013 at 10: 57

    climate: bad for heart patients.
    -condos can be owned but are usually of dubious quality.
    -Most of the buildings in Thailand are virtually inaccessible for disabled people, such as wheelchair patients.
    -many foreigners come to Thailand because certain medical procedures are cheaper than in the country of origin, but what to do in case of a serious medical error, to what extent is the Thai doctor legally accountable, what are the rights in Thailand of the foreign patient, can the foreign patient contact his or her insurance in the country of origin to repair the medical error that happened in Thailand?

    • f.franssen says up
      12 February 2013 at 16: 28

      Don't do it Mr Beke, just sit comfortably in the snow.
      Have had a heart operation here…perfectly arranged!
      And the proposition is not how you can come here as a disabled person, but simply as a pensionada.
      Satisfied for 20 years and there is something everywhere…
      Frank F

  12. support says up
    11 February 2013 at 11: 02

    Fortunately, everyone has a different opinion. Imagine if every pensioner wanted to live in Thailand!
    After more than 4 years I am still happy with my choice for Thailand/Chiangmai. That about regulated Netherlands is not everything either. And although I have completely deregistered from the Netherlands and therefore no longer have to pay taxes etc, I was still surprised by the Tax Authorities today. My daughter had received a declaration form to “file a declaration about 2010 for the deceased (with my citizen service number and date of birth)”. Apparently I am therefore deceased according to the tax authorities……….Only in December 2012 (= 2 and therefore XNUMX years after my “death”) I received a new passport via the Embassy.

    You won't be bothered by this kind of nonsense here.

    And I don't miss wet summers and barely distinguishable winters. And if it snows and freezes once (once every so many years) then it is immediately chaos.

    • Peace says up
      11 February 2013 at 11: 13

      You do pay taxes and are deducted from your pension in NL and every product you pay in Thailand is subject to 7 percent barrel and flat screens TV or computer etc ... is not cheaper than in Belgium, for example.

      • HansNL says up
        11 February 2013 at 12: 12

        Dear Beke,

        if you have deregistered from the Netherlands and are no longer liable to pay tax in the Netherlands, NO tax will be withheld in the Netherlands.

      • support says up
        10 April 2013 at 17: 55

        Dear Beke,

        I don't think I'm so senile yet that I don't know whether or not I pay taxes. FYI: I pay 0% tax in the Netherlands and also 0% in Thailand on my pension. And that you pay 7% VAT in Thailand? How much VAT do you pay in the Netherlands? So………

        All things considered: Thailand cheaper than the Netherlands. However? Also health insurance is very similar to the Netherlands. And dentists? Much cheaper than the Netherlands. Believe me.

        • Ton says up
          11 April 2013 at 11: 50

          Dear Teun,

          Hopefully the moderator will allow me a (mi relevant) short question.
          I quote: “health insurance very similar to NL”.
          Indeed, good health insurance is also necessary to make Thailand a paradise for retirees.
          I assume you have found a good insurance company.
          May I ask which company? and product name/brand name of the type of coverage? Thank you for your response.

          • TEUN says up
            11 April 2013 at 17: 52

            Dear Ton,

            I have Bupa. You have to start around the age of 60, because after that it gets more difficult. Now pay about TBH 69.000 p/y (=EUR 1815 p/y). Before discussions arise again about other/cheaper/better insurance: it is and will remain difficult to compare. But under Thai standards you are insured "gold-edged". And for EUR 151 p/m (now because the Kl…euro is low), you are really well insured. If the Euro were to recover to say TBH 45, you would therefore pay EUR 133 p/m. And dental costs (not insured) are very affordable here.

            P.M. I will not argue with others about better/much more attractive alternatives. That leads to nothing. Everyone has to make their own choice. In addition to premium, it is important whether the policy is legible (ie in English!).

            • Ton says up
              11 April 2013 at 19: 03

              Dear Teun,

              Thanks for your reply.
              BUPA is known to me, they have a large market share.
              For comparison: I myself am working on BDAE (German) in TH, but I am currently dealing with exaggerated inspection requirements and very slow feedback. So little doubts.
              My basic and additional health insurance is in NL; pay almost exactly the same amount= 152 EUR/month. Dentist in TH I pay out of my own pocket.
              Best regards and good health,
              Ton

  13. Pascal from Chiang Mai says up
    11 February 2013 at 11: 07

    Life is cheap here compared to the Netherlands and EU countries, I am retired and hope to turn 69 on Sunday, my girlfriend is 24 years younger than me
    and that keeps you young, this country has many advantages for me, the climate with always warm days, we eat outside in the shopping center for 150 bath a good meal, you can't cook for that at home, live on my state pension and save there of every month for the health care costs (doctor and medicines) this is the most expensive of living for me and my girlfriend, under maintains the house fixed costs are about 10.000..bath per month, the rest of my assets I need not to arrive, in the Netherlands you run empty with all those new pockets of beating from the government, because we have to pay for the government's negligence in terms of checking the Banks and much more, I'm tired of that parliamentary dictatorship, but yes this will remain that way for a long time, I have heard that the new scheme is for pensioners if you go to live in cheaper countries such as Thailand, and Indonesia you will receive a lower AOW pension, does not sound fair to me, you have prepaid? Shall I contest this at court, may I hope that we can continue to live with our full AOW pension without being cut, life is good here under the sun,
    Greetings,

    Pascal

  14. J. Jordan says up
    11 February 2013 at 12: 10

    I live in Thailand for almost 8 years. About 20 km south of pattaya.
    First, take a look at the categories.
    Real estate. The price still cheap. The quality firewood.
    Special benefits for retirees. (Which?).
    Cost of living. USD 500 per month. Is that per person or together
    with your husband? Please note that USD 500 is (rounded up) 15000 Bht per
    month. Or 500 Bht per day. Of course you can kick in a door.
    Integration(which?)
    Healthcare. Certainly at the same level as the Netherlands. (be well insured)
    Infrastructure especially for the retired. Which infrastructure?
    You'll break your neck everywhere if you're not careful. Sidewalks, if they exist, are life-threatening.
    Uneven paving stones. Be careful in markets and food stalls on the street. Where iron pipes are placed at about eye level.
    Maybe you think I'm negative. Of course not. Otherwise I wouldn't have lived here happily all this time.
    If you want to move to Thailand, first go on holiday to this beautiful country a few times for a longer period. Can you get used to the Thai mentality
    then that is already a big advantage. And finally the climate. That should be the deciding factor. The last thing I want to say is that because of the very positive coverage
    about how cheap it all is here that people in the Netherlands will also believe.
    If, as an older person, you just want your cheese sandwich in the morning and not rice from morning to evening and like a beer. Is that much more expensive than in the Netherlands?
    Furthermore (you don't hear anyone about that in the advertising) this country is of course not really healthy to live. High humidity, emissions of soot from cars from the year jug.
    Public garbage incineration pretty much everywhere etc.
    I'll take the risk. Who follows me.
    J. Jordan.

  15. Chris Hammer says up
    11 February 2013 at 12: 48

    I have been living in Thailand for 12 years now and would not want to go back to the Netherlands. Indeed, you can call this country a paradise for retirees. Yet I expect that paradise will crumble in time, for there are signs of that. But I hope it will last my time.

  16. Bacchus says up
    11 February 2013 at 13: 52

    When I look at the categories, I don't understand why Thailand scores so high. Of the 7, I think 3 are not a plus for retirees, such as:
    – Special benefits for retirees. I wouldn't know which one they should be, unless it should be that despite age and infirmities you can still easily get a good wife.
    – Way in which the integration takes place. Which integration? Or do they mean here how the Thai adapts to the foreigners? Know few foreigners living in Thailand who are really integrated.
    – Infrastructure; especially for retirees. Do not know of any country where the infrastructure is adapted to pensioners. I assume they mean for the disabled, but of course you don't have to be retired for that. However, if this is what is meant, then I know of few facilities that have been adapted for wheelchair users, for example. Of course you can have a wheelchair constructed on caterpillar tracks in Thailand for little money, but that has to do with the price level, I think.

    If you score poorly in 3 of the 7 subjects, which is approximately 45%, and still score well in the survey, then things must be very sad for pensioners in those other countries. In short, in my opinion another meaningless study, of which so many are carried out and published.

    I don't know if I can join the vote, because I'm far from retirement, but I think you can stay here excellently; retired or not. My criteria: Incredibly sweet Thai woman, weather and incredibly nice and helpful people, that Thai. Everyone probably has their own reasons for liking somewhere on this planet. There will undoubtedly also be people who feel exceptionally content in an igloo with a plate of whale blubber in front of them! They have my blessing!

  17. J. Jordan. says up
    11 February 2013 at 13: 53

    Moderator: please respond to the statement.

  18. Bacchus says up
    11 February 2013 at 14: 03

    Yuck, I totally agree with you. You go for the good things and then you have to put up with the bad things. That's called adapting. And if those evil ones dominate, you won't come and live here, will you?! By the way, you have them all over the world; no country is perfect. As you say: it remains a personal taste!

  19. Ari Meulstee says up
    11 February 2013 at 14: 36

    Moderator: you can only respond to the statement.

  20. Sjaak says up
    11 February 2013 at 15: 14

    Thailand is a paradise for me. Where can you rent a spacious house with a swimming pool for less than 300 euros per month?
    Want to be at the beach within fifteen minutes? Speak German, English, Dutch and Thai in one day? Where can I buy sushi in excellent quality for less than two euros?
    Thanks to the internet I don't feel cut off, there are always people who approach you, I'm not bothered by telephone advertising here…
    Always nice and warm… no inclement or cold weather. Yes, I like pictures of snowy landscapes, but after a few days I think it's enough..
    Conversely, after 35 years of traveling in the tropics, I still can't get enough of the beautiful landscapes here.

    • Arie says up
      11 February 2013 at 16: 17

      Can you please be more specific about which part of Thailand? Looking for something like that too. Maybe you can give us a tip!!

      @ 65+

      • Sjaak says up
        10 April 2013 at 09: 21

        I live 19 km away from Hua Hin and 9 km away from Tesco Lotus Pranburi. A nice quiet environment..

  21. January says up
    11 February 2013 at 16: 22

    All nice stories but it's strictly personal, I've been living in Chiang Mai for 15 months now and so far I haven't regretted leaving NL for a minute. Of course I am a Dutchman and will always be, but life in Thailand is more relaxed and everyone will agree with me. It's not all pink scent and moonshine, but the pressure you feel in the Netherlands is not here, I'm on early retirement and I can LIVE GOODLY there, but if you want to maintain the standard of NL you still need about € 1600 per month . You can do with less, but that's your lifestyle. Nothing is required here, but you are and remain a foreigner if they can rip you, they will do so and I mean that in a positive sense, because if a Thai goes to the zoo and has to pay 500 bath, they will not go, for us that is normal and we understand that I do too, although that comes across as discriminatory. They are good at discriminating, not allowed to buy land, not allowed to work etc etc and yet I understand that there are also enough poor people in Thailand and if the rich foreigner could buy all the beautiful pieces of Thailand……. It's no different, I still feel good it's not like home but nice.

    • Pim says up
      10 April 2013 at 10: 41

      Jan .
      I don't quite agree with you.
      We are allowed to work where many fahrangs who do so discriminate against their staff through the low wages they pay to their staff.

      Look at the big factories that have to pay 300.- Thb per day lately
      where toilet visits are allowed at certain times.
      It is therefore not surprising that the ladies show each other around to rent out their bodies to that rich farang who comes to indulge his lusts because he lives there in NL. doesn't have any money for it, usually with a ridiculous appearance.

  22. Maud Lebert says up
    12 February 2013 at 10: 25

    Moderator: Reader questions should be sent to the editor.

  23. wolters says up
    10 April 2013 at 05: 07

    With 500 dollars in income, a foreigner does not live in THAILAND, and furthermore, a foreigner must have a monthly income of 65.000 baht to apply for a one-year visa.


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