This Country Was Named the Best Place to Retire in Southeast Asia

Retiring abroad is becoming a reality for more and more Americans. Whether seeking a more affordable lifestyle or just a new adventure, the number of retirees receiving their social security checks abroad has more than doubled since 2008 to 760,000 in 2022. And while some opt to relocate to a European country like Spain or Portugal, others focus on far-flung locales like Southeast Asia. If this sounds like you, consider spending your golden years in Thailand.

The country was recently named the best for U.S. expats to retire in the region, and the 16th best overall by Global Citizen Solutions (GCS). The company ranked countries in three categories: quality of life, acceptance and integration, and economics. Thailand was second in the economics category and seventh for overall quality of life. GCS compared consumer prices in Bangkok and New York City, and pointed out that the cost of living in the Big Apple is 149 percent higher than in the Thai capital.

“Rent is notably steeper in New York, at 503.5 percent higher than in Bangkok. Restaurant prices also show a substantial difference, being 420.1 percent more expensive in New York compared to Bangkok. Grocery items follow this trend, costing 122.1 percent more in New York,” GCS’s report states. The company also pointed out that rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Bangkok costs, on average, $615.35.

Another benefit of relocating to Thailand is that retirees get access to one of the world’s best and most effective health care systems. The Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited 62 hospitals in the country, the fourth-most in the world. JCI is a non-governmental organization that measures best practices in patient care and safety globally. GCS noted that procedures like “MRIs, hip replacements, and dental services are offered at a fraction of the cost found in Western countries.”

As part of the application process for a non-immigrant visa “O-A” granted to people 50 or older — the most popular type among retirees — the country now requires proof of health insurance with a minimum coverage of $100,000. 

“The cost of living in Thailand is significantly lower than in many Western countries, allowing retirees to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle and stretch their pensions further. Additionally, Thailand’s favorable tax regime exempts foreign-sourced income from local taxation if not remitted within the same year, which is particularly beneficial for retirees who receive their pensions from abroad,” Laura Madrid, leader of GCS’ research team within the Global Intelligence Unit, told Travel + Leisure.

Of course, a significant draw for seniors is Thailand’s weather, delicious food, and many islands, which offer white-sand beaches, lush views, and a laid-back lifestyle. “The allure of Thailand is also tied to its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes, providing retirees with numerous opportunities for exploration and enjoyment,” Madrid added.

The country’s lowest scores on GCS’s report are in English proficiency (the company states that Thailand was 101st out of 113 countries in the EF English Proficiency Index) and Migrants Acceptance sub-categories. Its security score was in the mid-range as its Global Peace Index score is 92nd out of 163 countries.

Malaysia is the only other Southeast Asian country on Global Citizen Solutions’s ranking of best countries to retire. You can see the complete list on globalcitizensolutions.com.