On the eastern side of Thailand, Pattaya, Chon Buri Rayong and Sattahip are more Westernized and offer beaches and golf; the cost-of-living here is moderate to inexpensive.   To the west are Hua Hin, Cha-am and Prachuap, offering beaches, golf and nightlife (and more tourists); the cost-of-living is moderate to expensive.

For a 2 bedroom condo or house, in addition to rent or payments, retirees can expect to pay, on average, roughly $70 per month for electricity, $7 per month for water delivery, $1.50 per month for trash removal and $5 per day for housecleaning.  A taxi ride in Bangkok will run $1 plus 12 cents per km; a one-dish meal in a local restaurant will cost $2.00 or less (a bowl of noodles is 50 cents); a liter of gasoline is 75 cents; a loaf of bread is $1; a roast chicken from the market is less than $3.   Expat retirees also do not pay property tax

Thailand is a gentle, friendly place, and a smile goes a long way.  Type-A, hard-charging Western personalities do not do well here; respect for others, integrity, courtesy and harmony are valued above self-promotion, conspicuous consumption and frenetic activity.   The vast majority of Thai are Buddhists, and they have a calm center to them.   Known as "farang," rich Westerners are welcome as long as they learn to adapt and respect Thailand, its people and the Thai way of life.

There are basically two ways to come to Thailand.   Anyone planning to stay 30 days or fewer does not need a visa to enter the country (but will need a passport).  Anyone wanting to stay longer than 30 days, including those planning to retire here, needs a Non-Immigrant Visa (category "O"); this must be obtained from an Embassy or Consulate outside of Thailand and will allow one to stay up to 90 days.   As long as the holder of the visa is 50 years or older, he or she can fairly easily obtain a one-year extension on the visa at any Thai immigration office (cost is roughly $50).  There is, however, a catch.  Expat retirees will need to show an official Thai bank statement in the amount of at least 800,000 baht (roughly $22,000) and a recent, local, medical certificate from a government approved medical facility to be approved for the extension.   This visa can then be renewed annually without much trouble and another $50.

In general, the Thai infrastructure is in place and working well.  The airports are well-run, and the roads are in decent shape.  Public sanitation is a priority, but the bathrooms do not always work.  Water systems generally work as expected, although Westerners should drink bottled water, just to be safe.  Thai food is cheap and excellent.  Western food tends to be expensive and not as good as what is found in Omaha or Boston.  Automobiles are expensive to buy and to rent.  Most expat retirees ride bicycles or motorcycles, which can be bought for around $1,500.  Internet service is available but is mostly dial-up outside of Bangkok and can be spotty.  Cable TV with Western channels is available throughout the country.   Phone service is available and usually reliable.

Retirees simply cannot become bored in Thailand.  Whether exploring the 400 Buddhist temples in Bangkok, scuba diving in one of the gorgeous southern resorts, trekking to ancient jungle ruins or playing golf (green fees average $14 on many courses), there is always something to see or do.   Living costs are so low that most seniors have enough extra cash to enjoy the wonders of this magical country.  

Another plus of retirement in Thailand is the very-good medical care for less money.  In fact, a cottage industry of "medical tourism" is popping up, with Thailand as one of the top destinations.   Medical and dental treatments here are less than 50% of U.S. costs, and many of the professionals attended Western medical schools.  The best doctors and dentists will generally be in larger cities, especially Bangkok.   Medical insurance is available, and if a retiree forms a small group, or gets in a group, he or she can get a BUPA policy for around $275 per year.   The drawback is that the BUPA policy ends at age 70.

Thailand is a beautiful, ancient country that boasts translucent aqua-green seas lapping against beaming white beaches, golden temples, jungle ruins, secluded villages and an international capital city, but the region is also prone to tsunamis and earthquakes.   Thailand is generally safe although the U.S. State Department advises all foreigners to be aware of terrorist activities.   Retirement here can also cause intense culture shock and should be carefully considered.   A lengthy exploratory visit is vital before making any relocation decisions.