Thailand Is Changing for Retirees — Here’s What You Need to Know

Comments · 136

• GE

  @georgenewmaninthailand2495 · 7 days ago · pinned

  Thailand is changing. What have you noticed?

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• JO

  @Jomtien_Jalex · 7 days ago

  I'm one of those "new" retirees in my early 50s with a pension. You won't find sitting in a bar but out cycling the rural sois of Pattaya. I stay active because I have to take my health a bit more seriously these days. Thailand has been good to me so far. I still believe I made the right choice.

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• RO

  @Rover-e6v · 4 days ago (edited)

  Great video George. I’m a 61-year-old Belgian from Flanders; I work 20 hours a week and am not exactly fit anymore. I was thinking about retiring In Thailand. I spent five weeks in Hua Hin, Pattaya, and Bangkok this past February and March, returning after a 13-year absence. A few things have changed. There are cannabis shops everywhere, and they don't exactly attract the most pleasant crowd. There is a veritable invasion of Indian tourists—specifically from the Hindu community—who also cause a lot of nuisance, especially in Pattaya and Bangkok. Another very noticeable change is the climate; it has become significantly hotter in Europe, but the same applies to Thailand—and it was already extremely hot there to begin with. I’ve found that the heat, which used to feel soothing, has now become a bit of a strain on my well-being. Of course, it might be a different story if you’re from Australia or somewhere similar, but for me, it has become impossible to get through the hot months of March to June in good health. And simply hopping from one air-conditioned space to another isn't exactly ideal, either. I think Thailand can certainly be enjoyable for a few months a year, but after a while, I start longing for a city or village where power lines aren't dangling loosely, where I don't have to risk my life in traffic, and where I can actually breathe some fresh air while outdoors.

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• AB

  @AbrahamBrandenburg · 3 days ago

  So very well said, Marty Poll!

• BR

  @bradcompton33 · 7 days ago

  I enjoy the video you include with your thoughts.

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• MA

  @martypoll · 7 days ago

  I am that expat that moved to Thailand in my 60’s, cut ties with the US, and I intend to stay in Thailand to the end. However, I actually retired at 55, moved to Thailand at 61, and married my Thai wife at 70. I am not living a quiet life in the handful of places mentioned, I live in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok. Also, I live in Thailand because I like it here, not because of the lower cost of living. <br><br>I do see many expats who are splitting their time between Thailand and their home country. <br><br>I visit friends in the US once every year. I am here in Connecticut right now. At a later age I will reach a point where I can no longer make the long trip. That is the one thing I will truly miss. Living in America I don’t and won’t miss. This trip reconfirms that. I will grow old in Thailand with my Thai wife at my side and in a place where I can age out with dignity.

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• KE

  @kevindavis9862 · 7 days ago

  Very insightful--you always make me think--how&apos;s it Really gonna be after 6 months! Real life.

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• MR

  @mr.bullion6786 · 7 days ago

  I have been living in Thailand for 26 years. I can see the changes and they have really accelerated since Covid.

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• AD

  @AdamTouzel · 7 days ago

  Gday George <br>Just wanted to say I enjoy your content <br>Very informative <br>I’m looking a 50 50 Thailand 🇹🇭 Australian 🇦🇺 when I retire <br>Love both countries <br>Keep up the great work <br>Regards <br>Adam

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• PE

  @petergregory5537 · 6 days ago

  Many retirees are wondering if their home country is the right place to be. Many are thinking it’s time to find a place to live where they will have a better life.

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• SC

  @scottmekchinda9192 · 7 days ago

  😀Hua Hin area is a great place for a slow life,family,and older retires🇹🇭❤️💐

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• TO

  @tonymarsden9022 · 2 days ago

  My concern is the Thai government changing the rules after I&apos;ve moved there and made the big commitment. Specifically they are now talking of not issuing a visa &nbsp;unless you have high quality medical inssurance. I&apos;m all for the insurance, but if that becomes law and you are refused cover at renewal for health reasons, or the cover becomes too expensive then you could be at risk of the visa not being renewed and having to leave, even though you&apos;ve lived there for years.

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