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Thailand
Southeast Asia • Asia
Overview
Thailand remains Southeast Asia's premier expat destination with monthly budgets ranging from $1,010 for minimalists to $2,020+ for comfortable living. The Non-Immigrant O-A retirement visa requires either 800,000 THB (~$22,000) in savings or 65,000 THB (~$1,800) monthly income for those 50+. The new 10-year O-X visa and Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa expand options for retirees meeting investment thresholds. Healthcare is excellent and affordable - budget $600-$1,500 annually for comprehensive private coverage. Chiang Mai offers 20% lower costs than Bangkok while maintaining modern amenities and a large expat community.
Visa Options
Long-Term Resident Visa
For wealthy individuals, retirees, and remote workers
Min. $6,650/mo
~8 weeks processing
No citizenship path
Retirement Visa (O-A)
For retirees 50 years and older
Min. $1,900/mo
~4 weeks processing
No citizenship path
Highlights
- ✓Comfortable living on $1,450-2,020/month budget
- ✓Retirement visa requires only $22,000 savings OR $1,800/month income
- ✓New 10-year visa option for qualified retirees
- ✓World-class private healthcare at fraction of US prices
- ✓Chiang Mai 20% cheaper than Bangkok with strong expat scene
- ✓Tropical climate with modern infrastructure
Considerations
- !90-day address reporting required for visa holders
- !Cannot work on retirement visa - remote work grey area
- !Language barrier significant outside tourist areas
- !Extreme heat and humidity April-May
- !Long-term accommodation requires Residence Card (difficult to obtain)
Quick Stats
Affordability20/100
Healthcare Quality65/100
Safety70/100
English Spoken45/100
Data updated 1/7/2026