How I Retired at 50 and Moved to Thailand as an Expat 🇹🇭

Welcome to my journey of early retirement and relocation to the beautiful country of Thailand! 🌴✨ In this video, I share my personal story of how I achieved financial independence and made the bold decision to retire at the age of 50. I'll take you through the steps I took to plan my retirement, the financial strategies I used, and the reasons why I chose Thailand as my new home.
Key Points Covered:
The importance of financial planning and smart investments to achieve early retirement.
A detailed look at why Thailand is an ideal destination for retirees, from the low cost of living to the rich cultural experiences.
My personal experiences and challenges in adapting to life as an expat in a new country.
Practical advice for anyone considering early retirement and moving abroad.

[@MemeStreetMemes]

After visiting a half dozen times and watching tons of videos, I had also settled on the $4000/mo number. I don't want to "survive," I want to live upper middle class or better. Glad to hear someone with more experience echo that!

[@RamzeTravels]

You’re going to be so much happier and less stressed.

[@reachtrita]

My parents are Thai, but I live in the US. I grew up there for 15 years of my childhood life. I am pretty much local when I go back. When traveling, I’ve only spent less than $2,000/month living lavishly (in my own way) and would likely spend even less than that when I settle.

[@_jamesbradley__]

Thanks for the vid. Those people that are grounded and real will truly appreciate your honesty. Great job, excellent 💯💯💯

[@RamzeTravels]

Thank you so much!

[@chayakompativejpisal8337]

A thai subscriber here. Love your content. Nice to see a retiree is setting in well here. Welcome and enjoy your stay!

[@RamzeTravels]

It means a lot that you appreciate my content. Your support keeps me going!

[@ricke6854]

One other thing to consider is having your own transportation to feel at home and be able to easily go where and when you want to. I think I would need a car or small SUV. I dont think just a small scooter will do due to safety considerations, heat and rain exposure, etc. I spent 2 months in Hua Hin last winter, and even using Grab or Bolt services, I felt confined.

[@RamzeTravels]

My thoughts exactly! This is why I have owned a car since the first week I got here. I need to drive anywhere I want when I want.

[@brianschenewerk6302]

thank you for the honest no frills strait shooting videos. you are a breath of fresh air. I'm positive you get tons of complaints about your honest opinion but life if tough and truth hurts, suck it up BUTTERCUP. Again THANK YOU

[@RamzeTravels]

I do and it gives me some chuckles. People don’t want to hear that nowhere is perfect and that life can be challenging even in paradise ✌️

[@dennisspackman7147]

Really important in my opinion to establish an initial budget when you start living somewhere new. As mentioned here keep very accurate documentation of all expenses so you get a realistic perspective on necessary expenses versus discretionary spending. If you don’t have this honest evaluation you don’t know what you are actually spending which increases the risk of overspending. Keeping track of your spending for at least a few months will allow you to adjust somewhat once you can see the pattern of month costs and look at making changes in spreading if needed.

[@V.stones]

Thailand sounds amazing, Ramze! But isn't it too cheap to retire on comfortably? I wouldn't want to run out of money halfway through my golden years.

[@Bigwilli123]

Gotta be careful. I hear you can live well on less there, but you still gotta plan for healthcare and unexpected costs.

[@Churchillhump2268]

Exactly! Plus, with this inflation and everything, even paradise gets expensive. Maybe I should hold off on retiring for a few more years...

[@Sanchyfab]

Don't let the market scare you, Thailand has a good healthcare system, and you can always invest some of your savings to hedge against inflation.

[@camela8445Mar]

Yeah, but investing in this market feels like gambling! What if I lose everything?

[@RamzeTravels]

There are not many places on Earth that have this level of infrastructure that are as I always like to say "Safe, Cheap and delicious". As with anywhere though, you have to financially plan for many years. Thailand has averaged 1.2% inflation a year for the last decade which is amazing and you can certainly survive just fine here on $1500 a month like many expats do. I just always wanted a better life for myself when I retired. Best of luck in your future decisions and I hope you get the paradise you deserve!

[@AlexeyShakhin]

Quite refreshing to see a realistic, down-to-earth approach to finances. You do see so many 1,000-dollars-a-month bloggers but there's a reason the officials expect you to have a 65,000 baht monthly income to retire. And THAT'S a real minimum.At least from THEIR perspective.

[@RamzeTravels]

I certainly agree!

[@jeffreye7179]

New subscriber. I have watched a ton of KZbinr's/KZbin videos about moving abroad especially to Thailand. I am nearing retirement. Just wanted to tell you that your logical and thoughtful approach to explaining the different scenarios around living, budgeting and travelling have been extremely helpful. Keep up the great content.

[@RamzeTravels]

Thank you very much for the kind words. I truly appreciate that 🙏

[@johnrencher442]

This was really great and honestly one of the best content of the reality of what you should expect as a retired person… still so much more doable than here in the USA… I totally respect your opinion and I am definitely paying attention… I am really enjoying your content… Thank you sir, blessings to you and your family….

[@RamzeTravels]

Thank you for the very kind comments! I am so happy to be helping. 😊

[@stevenking3149]

Hi Ramze, I'm Steve, 62 and from the UK. I've been holidaying in Thailand for over 30 years and recently (2 years ago) bought a house here with my Thai partner. You offer some of the best advice on the realities of retiring here, from budgeting to making friends and ensuring you have a reliable income to sustain your lifestyle. Nice job! I enjoy watching your channel. I spent some time in Colombia, which was also on my list of places to retire. If you're ever in Phuket, give me a shout. Cheers!

[@RamzeTravels]

Pleasure having you here Steve! Thanks for the kind words ✌️

[@mrdoodle8748]

Enjoyed hearing your story about how you got to where you are now. Great down to earth view on what life is like in Thailand.

[@RamzeTravels]

Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@alipontiac]

Honest, Clear vision...you got a subscriber.

[@RamzeTravels]

Awesome and welcome 🤗

[@Molloy1951]

I’ve been living in Bangkok since 2016. You’re one of the only guys on KZbin telling the truth not wishful thinking, Ramze.

[@RamzeTravels]

Thank you 🙏

[@roberth7894]

Not a bad overview, I appreciate your sharing. I like your style, very pragmatic and logical but also knowing how to enjoy life on your terms. I'll keep watching.

[@RamzeTravels]

Appreciate the kind words. 🙏

[@stevecornell8260]

Great info man. Thank you!

[@RamzeTravels]

My pleasure 🙏

[@trevor5526]

The main consideration to take into account is the exchange rate. Don't base your pension income on current figures. Do a study of the last 15/20 years and base your income on the lowest rate. I've been here for 15 years. When I first came here from the UK, it was 53 baht to the pound. At one point, it dropped to 37. Currently, it's around 45.

[@GoneAdrift]

I love these videos!!!!

[@RamzeTravels]

Love you right back Sammy! 🥹

[@ericmo9669]

Love your no non-sense way of speaking. Your videos are very straightforward and unpretentious. Thank you!

[@RamzeTravels]

So nice of you

[@aldeiceci818]

Met lots of expat couples living well on 2500$ per month, all in, in Thailand..When I told them my rent and car expenses were 42K per year in Canada, they thought I was crazy accepting that..In Thailand there’s no need to have a car and the rents are 500$ per month annually with pools, gyms and ocean view.l’m returning soon for a second staycation that will hopefully pull the trigger for me..The west is truly crumbling..

[@RamzeTravels]

Glad you’re open minded enough to see what’s next! Best of luck to you 🙏

[@ricke6854]

42 k cad$ / yr ?? Wow. I live in my own house in a major Western Cdn city (Calgary ). Total monthly expenses are still less than $2500 cad/ month for me . Having a paid off house is the key. Also I have 2 vehicles, also paid for. I plan to just spend 2 to 3 months in Thailand or SE Asia each winter. So my total expenses will average $3500 / mo. on average.

[@athomas9661]

Great advice!

[@glennr9913]

1st time viewer here. I enjoyed the content and your style. I really appreciate your advice about rental investing. I need to learn to "run the numbers". Did you keep the rentals in Colombia? Subscribed

[@RamzeTravels]

Thank you for the kind comments! I have kept every rental property I have ever bought. My plan is to never sell.

[@familytabrizi76]

@14:16😂😂😂😂😂 you hit the nail on it's head 😅😅.

[@Mlong21376]

Interesting story your living your best life 👍😎

[@RamzeTravels]

The best one can do 😊

[@michaelm1340]

Great advice regarding real-time budget. What app did you use to log all expenses your first couple months?

[@RamzeTravels]

It’s called “Money Manager Expense Tracker”

[@HuaWei-xr5ji]

Ive lived here 8 years, and u r spot on with my opinions 99% of the time. These r all 1 take just u talkin???? Amazing, so captivating and interesting ur a natural speaker. Great videos!!!

[@RamzeTravels]

The gift of gab and a lot less work to edit 😂

[@alar1967]

Hi, You had mentioned you had brought your dog from the US where in Arizona will be retiring in Jomtien next year how much of a hassle was it bringing your dog from the US Thanks

[@RamzeTravels]

It’s not bad once you know the few steps. I plan on doing a video shortly telling exactly how to do it and some short cuts.

[@thomasfriis8106]

Gr8 video I live in Thailand. I agree that 1.000 USD is the minimum And 4k is a gr8 life. U hit the nail on the head.

[@RamzeTravels]

Thank you so much 😊

[@s.trajanoski7101]

Realistic👍

[@RamzeTravels]

Thank you 🙏

[@apoloestrada2908]

Thanks for the video again, that depends on lifestyle like age, any health issues, alimony to ex-wife/gf, child support, investment & owning a house where ever you come from. For me, in my early 50s now, I need at least $3K of monthly pension & at least $250K of extra savings for emergency purposes to be living comfortably in Thailand for good. Maybe in 1-2 years for me.

[@RamzeTravels]

That’s a sound number.

[@jo2674]

I am 55 and just retired. I am thinking a lot to live in Thailand. As I canadien so worry about the future. And know in Thailand in 10 years I will be able to live well.

[@RamzeTravels]

The comforting thing about Thailand is that no matter how your finances change, you will always have a roof over your head, a full belly and be safe.

[@aaronclarke919]

I’m new to your channel. What industry were you in before you retired? I don’t know how Colombia was back when you bought , but a common theme about property buying in Colombia is it’s a cash market , so having a minimum of 100k would require a pretty solid career

[@RamzeTravels]

Colombia is all cash. I was in the casino business until I turned 40 and then all real estate investment. Lived well below my means for years to scrape money to buy homes.

[@monaezytwo6513]

Got it. Buy properties and rent them out. One question, how do I get the money to buy the properties?

[@RamzeTravels]

Everyone will be different but in my personal case I worked multiple jobs and scrimped and saved until i got my first one.

[@mazadasilva643]

Bro you hit the nail on the head in every way possible 👏👏 On another note what’s the app you used to document all your spending etc…

[@RamzeTravels]

Money Manager Expense & Budget

[@mazadasilva643]

Cheers bro

[@cch9234]

As usual a very nice video. Any chance you could share the name of the app that you mentioned?

[@RamzeTravels]

It’s called “Money Manager Expense & Budget”

[@cch9234]

@@RamzeTravels Thanks for the feedback, and keep up the good work.

[@momohmart]

Appreciate the video. Curious if you have the type O non immigrant visa and if you did it online before entering Thailand or if you did it there and had to hustle to get it done w/in the first month of arrival.

[@RamzeTravels]

I did my retirement visa here in Thailand. Used an agent and it took exactly 2 days to get approved. If you come in now on the new 60 day exempt visa, then you should have plenty of time to handle all of it. Could always extend for 30 more if needed. I always suggest to anyone to handle all things like bank account, drivers license and insurance within the first week and get it out of the way.

[@tomfigley]

good video thanks ! I started buying rentals about 7 years ago. I want to invest in other countries as well but have not made the jump.

[@RamzeTravels]

You can do it!

[@perfectlylonely]

It's been 3+ weeks since I have seriously begun using the money management app. One category I find challenging is when buying things like street food or fruits and vegettables from street vendors. When I don't understand how much money they're asking for, I hold out my hand with change and allow them to pick out the amount they want. I didn't pay attention. It's the end of the day and I'm filling out money spent for the day into the app. How do you deal with this category? These types of expenses?

[@RamzeTravels]

Either start with a count (like start with 1000 baht) when going to a night market and then see what you have left afterwards or since it’s trivial amounts, just guess something close. The point is the habit and the overall idea of a number spent.

[@perfectlylonely]

@@RamzeTravels .... I've acquired the hadit. Thanks for the encouragement 👍

[@joemachado316]

Hey mate, love the content today was just wondering, do you still have the properties that you bought in managing Columbia or did you sell them? 15:00

[@RamzeTravels]

Still there and I hope to never sell them ☺️

[@joemachado316]

Hey mate, we were just there last week for a month the wife and two kids. Do you do consultation calls? Would love to pick your brain went to the Darkside. Loved it so much. Let me know if you’re willing to do a one on one phone call and I’ll pass you my details thanks.

[@RamzeTravels]

Email me at [e-mail]

[@MrTupeloFlash]

Admiration 🤞🏼

[@RamzeTravels]

Thank you so much 😊

[@MrTupeloFlash]

@@RamzeTravelsim nearly there, but will take me to 60 yrs old 😊

[@AlexeyShakhin]

Would you mind sharing the name of the app you used to keep track of your expenses.?

[@RamzeTravels]

It’s called “Spending Tracker”

[@davewordsworth1251]

Really great video. I aim to retire before my 50th birthday!

[@RamzeTravels]

Oh my god, how awesome!

[@Marek_Cali]

single person is $3k -$4k. i completely agree. i am thinking about "retiring" soon at age of 54. One more thing. ...just because now someone retired in Thailand it does not mean he/she will be there forever. wha if you have to go back to your own country or to move to another country? you need ot have enough money to be prepared.

[@sokaiya1]

true but those of us from the USA should know it's all down hill from here. We'll be dead by the time things change for the better if they ever do.

[@RamzeTravels]

Exactly! It’s good to have some breathing room and options. I see a lot of miserable old guys here cause you can tell they are over it but can’t afford to go anywhere else.

[@AG-so4gl]

What with the change in tax laws, biggest concern for many now is the thai tax laws. For me, limit the amount of money that hits a thai bank account. Spend using credit cards and Wise. Only money you need keep in thai Bank account is the 800k to cover retirement visa. (over 50s).

[@RamzeTravels]

And as always with the Thai government, nothing is official yet. I'm not the least bit concerned.

[@stevepenfold7167]

Credit cards and Wise etc will all be notified to Thai government

[@RamzeTravels]

I would like to make a very large bet that no credit card company tells the government anything new and that the Thai govt would never have the resources to do anything with that info even if they did. Every single opinion so far is just that…opinion. As of today, nothing has changed.

[@xoombunny9431]

Please consider an external mic. The echo from walls does not make it easy to hear you talking. Otherwise , good content.

[@RamzeTravels]

🙏

[@DamienYuen7718]

Do you have Thai citizenship? If not then immigrant is the correct term. Nothing wrong with being an immigrant. I have been in Thailand for along time and will always be an immigrant guest in the country.

[@RamzeTravels]

When I speak to people, I always say I’m a guest here. It’s a true statement 🙏

[@heww3960]

I think living better makes it not feasible for most. Because u are taking away ur main income when u do fire. Living good enough and value freedom higher than the newest gadgets is what is about to me. Budget, there is no one answer to that. It depends mostly on u. So it is like asking how long is a straw. The biggest issue unless u have sick amount of money, is the lack of reliability of return on investment. But no matter what ur budget is, u should have more money than u plan to spend. I live on like 40-60% of my salary now. I plan to do about the same when i do fire. Margins is importent espically when u do fire. But honestly 1k is more than bare minimum. Rent maybe 2-300 ( u can absolutly live a lot cheapier) Food and beverage 200. That is the main expenses. Most other things are luxery.

[@RamzeTravels]

We all have different standards but my idea of living is not living in 30 SQ meters and eating on $8 a day. If that was my budget, in would never have retired. To each there own. I am sure there are people who are living a joyful life on less.

[@athomas9661]

Do you own property there now? Also, how do you stay longterm?

[@RamzeTravels]

I just bought my first piece of rental property (here in Thailand ) and I am here on a retirement visa.

[@GBU61]

What about the language barrier? It would seem to me if a person wants to move to country “X” he should be able to speak the local language. In my opinion if I move to Thailand with the intention of living there full time, I should make the effort to immerse myself into the culture, with language being the top priority.

[@RamzeTravels]

This is a very true statement and it’s why I have Colombia the win for language because more people speak Spanish and it’s easier to learn. I agree it’s only right and respectful to learn your adopted countries language.

[@bigbrother4ever]

Easier said than done. Those languages aren't easy to learn, especially at a certain age. Plus most expats can get by without that extra effort😂

[@Walk-retirement-travel]

So did you sell your properties in Columbia before you moved to Thailand?

[@RamzeTravels]

No. I hope to never sell them.

[@bradleylocke4336]

Common sense video,nicely explained on how to enjoy your retirement

[@RamzeTravels]

Thank you 🙏

[@bradleylocke4336]

In a similar position as you,passive income from dividends surplus to our needs.Going to Samui for 3 months November with view to relocate from Australia.Will obviously rent, for a year or 2,did you purchase in Bangkok ?

[@RamzeTravels]

I did not. We currently live in Pattaya.

[@patriciaflaherty]

Today someone from the company that manages my 401k called to set up a meeting. They verified some basic info then asked when i wanted to retire. I replied "YESTERDAY" 😁. They're having someone call me back next week 😂.

[@RamzeTravels]

Haha, love your response! Can't wait to hear how the next call goes!

[@Philippinesbound42]

I have 2 million. After selling out. I’m 43. Been to Philippines twice for 3 months total. Hoping it’s enough to retire for good. Figuring a 3 to 4 percent withdrawal rate that’s 60k to 80k is dollars a year. 4-5k a month. I think it’s doable. As long as the world doesn’t go to hell or dollar collapses. But u can’t plan for that. Any tips from your prospective? Thanks for the video

[@RamzeTravels]

I would try and diversify the investments so that it’s not all reliant on the dollar at least. Enjoy your hard earned retirement! 🙏

[@jeffkravitz9109]

Raise the Pot

[@RamzeTravels]

🤪

[@sokaiya1]

$4k is accurate. i budget for double that because i do want to stay in a very, very nice place and also travel often and stay in nice hotels.

[@RamzeTravels]

Awesome!

[@dexterspeights3484]

$4k USD or EURO is perfect for a single guy. Once you add a woman and potential kid in Thailand, your bill goes up to $6k minimum!

[@twentyrothmans7308]

I'd say that the big thing is that you need a Plan B.

[@RamzeTravels]

At a minimum. I’ve learned to have 3-4 backups cause the only sure thing in life is it never quite goes as planned.

[@twentyrothmans7308]

@@RamzeTravels Yes. Sound idea. I have citizenship of two very expensive countries, where at least, I'm guaranteed to be admitted if something happens. Living in Thailand ~ £20,000 per year (900,000 THB). Twice that if you have to relocate. You mustn't spend that reserve.

[@kennethoneill4176]

Then you get to Thailand you make your first boarder run and stay somewhere for a few weeks and start thinking .hey I can live here to. India , Bali, Vietnam,the Philippines. A home base in Thailand as a hub for travel through that part of the world.

[@BO-mb8rr]

But...but no endless summer forever. 😢😢