Many Australians and other foreigners visit Thailand as tourists, but not many end up retiring there permanently. However, those who choose to retire in Thailand can benefit from great weather, affordable healthcare, and a low cost of living. So, if you’re an Australian thinking about retiring in Thailand, here are the benefits you’ll enjoy during your golden years.
Great Weather and Outdoor Activities
Temperatures in Thailand tend to be warm all year-round, with plenty of sunshine. The climate makes the country an excellent place for active retirees and beach bums alike. And while there’s no snow or surfing, you’ll find a variety of activities to keep Australian ex-pats busy, whether they include tai chi on a Thai mountain or hiking through lush mountains and rainforests.
When it comes to what can be done outdoors, retirees will likely never run out of activities—and most days will start with clear skies and sunshine. The average temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) throughout most of Thailand, making it a very comfortable place to retire. While temperatures drop at night, many retirees enjoy sleeping under mosquito nets and fans during their first few weeks depending on the time of year. Of course, hot weather isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but for most retirees, it’s right up their alley!
Amazing Beaches
The beaches in Thailand are stunning. With such a diverse landscape and climate, you can find a beach that meets your requirements and preferences. Whether you prefer deserted islands or popular resort towns, there is a beach. The beaches have some of the most amazing turquoise waters on earth (by some measures, they’re even more beautiful than those found on Caribbean islands).
Some Thai beaches even have water so clear it looks like it belongs in a swimming pool! If you want to spend time by the ocean but don’t want to deal with sand, many of these beaches offer rock pools where you can snorkel, so you can get close to some of the marine life here. Plus, of course, you could always take it easy chilling around your hotel pool.
Convenient Healthcare Facilities
Thailand’s healthcare system is another factor that leads Australians to flee their homeland for the country. Many retirees find that they can save money on medical bills by moving abroad. Australia’s medical costs have been growing faster than inflation since 2007—and it doesn’t look like things will be slowing down anytime soon. If you need major surgery or hospitalization, your bill could easily reach tens of thousands of dollars. Compare that with Thailand, where you can get a hip replacement for less than USD 5,000 (the same procedure would cost upwards of $50K in Australia).
Good Infrastructure
Many retirees from Australia flock to cities like Phuket and Hua Hin that offer convenient access to medical services, places to shop and eat, and various activities for active adults. The cost of living in Thailand is relatively low, especially compared with other popular retirement destinations such as Spain or Italy. The country’s economy has also been growing steadily over recent years, which has made it even more attractive to foreign investors and ex-pats alike!
Enjoying Great, Delicious Food
With many regional cuisines under its belt, Australia is no stranger to enjoying quality food. But for many ex-pats, that food doesn’t come from down under – it comes from further east. Australia’s climate makes growing crops and livestock challenging (to say nothing of its relatively small population), so many Aussies are used to importing their provisions from other countries. That’s part of what makes retiring in Thailand so appealing; everything you need is right there for you, and it comes at much lower prices than back in Australia! From fresh produce to meat, fish, and seafood, Thai culture has it all.
Friendly Locals who are Always Willing to Help You Out
A significant part of what makes retiring to a foreign country appealing is being able to make new friends and connections. It’s easy to do that if you get out there and mingle with residents. Some countries are better at fostering a sense of community, but it’s pretty tough to beat Thailand. Locals here tend to be extremely friendly and outgoing, making it very easy for ex-pats to make lasting relationships.
And who knows, you might even find yourself a wife or husband! If not, there’s still plenty of fun to be had. Plus, there’s no language barrier to worry about; most Thais speak English. All these factors mean retiring in Thailand is both feasible and affordable.
Affordability (Especially Compared to Australia!)
One of the main reasons why anybody chooses to retire in Thailand is its relative affordability. Many retirees in Thailand can afford to live and eat well without worrying about exhausting their savings.
Real estate prices are much lower here than in many parts of Australia (even Sydney), and living costs are significantly lower. It’s possible to rent a 3-bedroom apartment for around 15,000 baht a month and eat out for less than 2 USD per meal (A$1 is currently equal to 33 baht). There are also plenty of free attractions, such as beautiful beaches, national parks, and temples. And with healthcare costing less than it does in Australia, your retirement savings will go even further! Most importantly, many people find that they can maintain their lifestyles on a lower budget by retiring to Thailand—which means you can enjoy some truly amazing experiences without breaking your bank account.
Summary
If you’ve wondered why Australians like retiring in Thailand, they do so for all the above reasons and much more. It makes sense economically, and it also allows them to live the rest of their lives in relative peace and security. Thailand is like heaven on earth, really, and it’s going to continue to be the best retirement location for Australians in the foreseeable future. So if you’re an Australian looking to retire soon, Thailand really is a great destination for you.
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