We work hard for at least 40 years, chasing the dollar and doing what we can to make sure there’s bread on the table and while we are supporting the family, we are also supposed to put money away for our retirement. Thanks to jet travel, we can choose where we wish to live when no longer working and Thailand has much to offer the retired person. Our golden years should be the best years of our lives and we offer a few tips to help you have a healthy and enjoyable retirement while in the Land of Smiles.
Take out medical insurance
The best health insurance in Thailand is available online and they have a range of packages to suit every lifestyle. Hospital treatment can be very expensive and without health insurance, you could see your savings depleted. No one should take their good health for granted and the older we become, the more likely we are to have health issues.
Buy a condo by the sea
You may already know that foreigners are not permitted to own land in Thailand; if you want to build your dream home, lease the land for 30 years, with a provision to extend a further 30 years. The cost is around the same as buying freehold, but you actually own your property, but not the land it sits on. You are, however, allowed to own a condo unit and there are some stunning developments in Hua Hin and Cha-Am, while Phuket and Samui Island offers tropical beaches and clear blue water. Click here for details about a good fitness plan.
Be active
If you are a golfer, you are sorted, as Thailand hosts some of the best courses in Asia; find a good club nearby and take out annual membership. If golf isn’t your thing, there are some great hiking trails and parks to explore. There are more than 100 National Parks in Thailand, so you’ll never run out of new places to explore and if you are a nature lover, the diverse wildlife will keep you entertained. Check out the Tourism Authority of Thailand for details of local attractions in your region of the country.
Learn the language
While a lot of Thais speak English, they are firmly in the minority and in order to gain an insight into Thai culture, you really should learn how to communicate with the locals. Thais are incredibly friendly and warm to foreigners who make an effort to speak Thai, plus life will be much easier when you don’t need a translator. Take a course in the Thai language and you won’t regret it; do practice at every opportunity and before long, you will be able to have a basic conversation.
Living in a tropical paradise is a wonderful way to spend your golden years and there is so much to see and do in this unique nation. Apply for a retirement visa, which can be renewed annually and take out comprehensive health insurance, which you can find online.
