Retirees are all looking for the same thing: somewhere in the sun that’s friendly with lots of leisure activities and, most importantly, affordable medical care. Thailand’s medical facilities, top-end of course, are becoming popular with foreigners who can find Western level service at much cheaper prices.

Accommodation in Bangkok, which comes in 133rd in the global property index, and the world-famous entertainment and leisure venues go a long way in making Bangkok a desirable place to retire. Recently, the opening of the new subway has, along with the existing skytrain service, made life in this overly-congested city at lot easier.

Property prices in Bangkok fair very well when compared with London, New York or even the Spanish Costas, where many people are now selling up due to the increased cost of living and soaring crime rates. A typical apartment in London’s West End sells for around US$7,500 a square metre, where in central Bangkok you can find an apartment with swimming pool, security and even tennis courts for around US$1,800, more than four times cheaper than its equivalent in London.

Due to the increased costs of living in Western countries and dwindling social security care, retirees are finding that when they sell their properties in their home countries they could have enough money to buy a more luxurious property in Bangkok with enough cash left over to support themselves in a far more enjoyable lifestyle without worrying about making ends meet.

Retirees who flocked to Florida in the 80s found the warm climate and fun facilities offered them a great and extended life, but paradise is turning in to a nightmare for some who are finding themselves running short on the pension plan savings – not something that you want to worry about after spending years at work and looking forward to a comfortable retirement.

Bangkok if a veritable melting pot of cultures and you can step from first to second to third worlds with a few easy steps. With many International restaurants and a growing expatriate community many Westerners never get too homesick.

It may be of a surprise but even the English football league is televised locally and many Thais are supporters of the top English clubs with Manchester United and Liverpool being the most popular.

The only drawback to a life in Thailand comes mainly from the government who still have a way to go to compete with the ’silver haired’ package the Malaysian government offers, However, Thailand still continues to draw more and more people to it sun-drenched shores.

Retirement in Thailand

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