THAILAND vs. the TOP 5 retirement destinations of 2023 - How does Thailand compare?

[@martypoll]

As a non- religious American I have found that living in Buddhist Thailand to be unexpectedly pleasant. Living in another Christian country is not plus for me. I prefer the Asian culture here.

[@Jazzmaster71]

The artificial high baht currency is another factor to not retire in Thailand now.

[@jamesabroad8589]

I try not to think about it, but cry a bit every time I exchange.😁👍🍺

[@RETUSAF1995]

I'am not going south of the US border. Millions of south American Indians are trying to make it to the US, why would i want to go there?

[@tinglestingles]

We have lived in Portugal from the UK for over a year. We live about 30 minutes south of Lisbon - in the city of Setubal. We enjoy beaches, a natural park, excellent transport infrastructure, fast internet, good restaurants, wonderful fresh fruit and vegetables, reasonably priced wine, a pod of dolphins in the bay, public and private health services, and a safe, secure, and very friendly welcoming society. We also like that Lisbon airport has many flights to all over Europe. Downsides... Language is challenging, and the bureaucracy strolls at a snail-like pace.

[@tman5634]

Thanks for sharing this information. Can I ask, what made you decide on Portugal & what visa application are you on, please? Did you consider Spain? Have you visited Thailand or the Philippines, to compare? Thanks in advance.

[@tinglestingles]

@@tman5634 D7 visa. Portugal has a ten year NHR tax system for new residents. Low tax for pensions and a lot of tax advantages for investment income. We considered Spain but the taxes are higher, as is the cost of living. We’ve visited both Spain and Portugal many times. We’ve had no issues here, safe and friendly. We’ve both been to Malaysia a few times and before covid we were thinking of going there on the MM2H programme but how they handled covid and MM2H made that impossible for us. We can apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years - can’t do that in Malaysia and Spain it’s far longer. Been to Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, China but not Thailand or the Philippines, so can’t advise on comparisons - we are going to Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia next year for an extended holiday.

[@YuChiGongG]

Very interesting. Sounds like paradise, if there is such a thing.

[@tinglestingles]

@@YuChiGongG no where is paradise but it is a nice place to live, not too many tourists. It is a working town and it’s best to learn Portuguese but English is widely spoken. A good thing for me is that a beachside cafe/bar is exactly 5000 steps from our apartment, so I can do my 10000 steps and get a coffee, be in the sunshine by the water all at once and have the rest of the day to enjoy other activities or just go to one of the 50km of nearby beaches all within 60mins on our peninsular or across the water by ferry. Plus I’ve just found out that parts of a James Bond film was shot in this area, local people are unaware.

[@tinglestingles]

@Trevor Smith Do you know how many young Brazilians enter the country every year? Investigate it might change your point of view.

[@brandonjoseph3422]

Thailand is good till things go wrong. And when it goes wrong, you’re in a bad soup despite no fault of yours. I have moved from Thailand to Spain and it was a good move for me. In many aspects, Spain scores over Thailand, including human rights, political stability, quality of life, and of course, property ownership. Cost wise I am doing OK, only 20% more than what I used to spend in Bangkok. But quality of air and road traffic are far better. The only downside of moving to Europe, which can be a turnoff for many western immigrants, is that a 25 year old Spanish woman won’t treat you like a Brad Pitt despite you being 60+ years old. I think Thailand wouldn’t be a great destination for western male immigrants if you take easy Thai women out of the equation. I have also noticed that countries like portugal, Spain, attract better breed of people than in thailand.

[@mixalis6168]

They will, just need more money !! Spain thing ok, until it all goes wrong, despite no fault of yours ahahahahahah

[@SS-mf5bz]

Here here I totally agree 💯🙏

[@jamesabroad8589]

Cheers Brandon, appreciate the comment mate. Certainly a different attitude towards older guys in Thailand lol.👍🍺

[@DavidWilliams-qr5yj]

Omg 20% over Bangkok? I'm shocked every time we visit Bangkok the incredibly high prices, Bangkok prices are 20 to 30% higher than Chiang Mai that would put Spain about 40% more than where we're at, but it's not just the money it's a culture. Obtw iPhone for condos and they make very good income. You can own property here in Thailand sounds like you just wanted to go. Good for you😊

[@changnoiboi]

Great collection and research mate.

[@jamesabroad8589]

Cheers. Appreciate it mate.👍🍺

[@Ned88Man]

James, always enjoy watching you.. Keep up the good work.

[@jamesabroad8589]

Cheers Samuel, appreciate it mate.👍🍺

[@wytchend]

Great to see you back James. Thought you had given up YT for a minute? 555 Stay well, Regards Tony

[@jamesabroad8589]

Cheers mate. Never been a way, but KZbin is punishing me for some reason lol. All the best.👍🍺

[@roygoad2870]

All very factual info, but you need to spend time in these countries to fully know all the implications of living in each place. I’ve lived in Colombia and I found the Spanish language is essential to truly enjoy the country! Don’t understand why Canary Islands are never on these lists. Then there’s Cyprus, Malta and Bali Indonesia! I’am now in Thailand for 3 years, it’s a great choice! Lived in Philippines and Cambodia also have lots to recommend staying long term!

[@jamesabroad8589]

Cheers Roy, appreciate you sharing your experiences. Same with learning Thai really. I've heard the Cambodian retirement visa is also one of the easiest to obtain. 👍🍺

[@jamestruss1791]

Great video James, I’ve just recently retired & settled in Bang Saray but given me food for thought for future possibilities of 6 months Thailand 6 months Portugal. Enjoy your trip back to the UK and have a safe trip

[@tman5634]

​@@jamesabroad8589 James, after this top 5 video, could you please do an update video on your personal positives & negatives about Thailand...you've lots of experience there & I'm sure people will be interested. Thanks in advance

[@tman5634]

Hi Roy, totally agree with you on many fronts, including why the Canary Islands isn't on the list, though I think because of them lumping it as part of Spain? Plus maybe because the cost of living is generally higher than average Spain? Who knows, but the Canary Islands (especially the bigger three islands) does make for an excellent retirement place.

[@BangTaoBeach]

@@jamesabroad8589 Yes, you can a an agent $280 to $300 and get a one year multiple entry visa in Cambodia.

[@YuChiGongG]

Please do not forget that you promised several longish UTUBE videos of the UK, when you get there. Looking forward, completely, to this treat.

[@jamesabroad8589]

Will do mate.👍🍺

[@mangostickyrice555]

Thumbs up 👍👍

[@janthygesen9041]

In many of my dreams (sleeping) I picture myself living in rural Alaska, hunting meat and prepping. And here I am in North east Thailand. I just to have to make another dream come through.

[@jamesabroad8589]

2 extremes there lol. Hope you're not disappointed when you wake up. 😁👍🍺

[@thehammer3340]

I enjoy visiting Thailand but there aren't enough perks to make me consider retiring there. I really enjoyed Portugal during a 2 week visit, that is a nice country worth considering.

[@2Rugrats9597]

It all depends on the individual, the money, the quality of life and safety. Ea

[@Dodger1999]

Thailands requirement that you have health insurance makes me think it is very difficult to retire in Thailand beyond a certain age. From what I understand its very difficult to get expat health insurance after the age of 70.

[@jamesabroad8589]

Many countries require some form of health insurance, but you can access decent public healthcare once you become a resident. There are companies that offer health insurance for 70+ but the premiums are high.👍🍺

[@martypoll]

Yes, you can retire in Thailand using a non immigrant O visa that doesn’t have a health insurance requirement.

[@andrewbrann6231]

I went to the Philippines in 2019 and I was in Thailand for almost a month and October never had insurance

[@martypoll]

@Trevor Smith People have been saying that for years and the non-O never changes.

[@martypoll]

@@andrewbrann6231 The insurance requirement is only for a few long term visas and not for tourist visas.

[@leestephenfitzpatrick6373]

First up, safe flight ✈️ back to the UK for you & Annie. Having a Thai wife, no other option than to move back to Thailand, if we were financially secure already, she'd be back on the next plane. As far as my Mrs is concerned, there's no place like home.

[@jamesabroad8589]

Cheers Lee, yes in same boat with family in Thailand. All the best. 👍🍺

[@nickhubbard3671]

Much to think about! Thanks. Say "hi" to Bob.

[@jamesabroad8589]

Will do mate.😁👍🍺

[@adventistanalyzer1056]

Very helpful! I am going to be on a low budget retirement.

[@jamesabroad8589]

Cheers. Plenty of options out there. Good luck.👍🍺

[@gaian639]

Mexico is getting expensive day by day, especially big cities. Take that into account. Also I would choose Thailand over Mexico any day... Thailand is also getting expensive, or more like Bangkok is getting more expensive, but it is still cheaper than say Mexico City and the qualities of products and services are higher compared to Mexico. I used to live in Thailand and am currently staying in Mexico because of my Mexican girlfriend but Mexico has a long way to go in terms of infrastructure and all.

[@BangTaoBeach]

I'm in Bucerias, Mexico now. I left Phuket in September. Mexicans are a lot more welcoming than Thais. I'm on the 6 month tourist visa. At prior to the end of my 6 month visa I went to El Salvador for a few weeks (more expensive than Thailand or Mexico) I didn't love it because of the cost. Mexico is actually less expensive for me because of the cost of all booze is close to 40% less than Thailand. I'm spending close to 40% less for beer out of a 7/11 or OXXO. Good tequila too. I have a nice fully furnished one bedroom apartment which is less than a ten minute walk from the beach and I pay $400 USD. Wifi, cable and water included. Electricity is about half of what I paid in Thailand. I live 30 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, which is getting very expensive. James, what site were you using for the cost of living comparison? It did not look like it is Numbeo.

[@jamesabroad8589]

The site was called expatisan. Mexico does sound cheaper. Electric here has gone through the roof. My bill is never usually over 3k baht. Over 5k last month. All the best.👍🍺

[@BangTaoBeach]

@@jamesabroad8589 Thanks James. Yeah, my electric bill had doubled in Phuket too and we weren't using the AC.

[@liamodriscoll429]

Interesting video James nice one, Portugal sounds pretty cool, and I could afford it easily.

[@tinglestingles]

There’s a difference between ‘visa requirement’ and actually living in Portugal. It is a lot cheaper than some other countries but imported goods are high. Cost of accommodation can be shockingly high in some cities. True beer and wine is low, lunch can be €11 for two or three courses with wine, and fruit and vegetables reasonable. Car prices high, petrol high and car parts can be high too. If you live in a small town or in the countryside away from the Algarve, Lisbon and Porto - not have a car, have a cheap place to live and don’t have much of a social life - probably around €1,250 should be ok.

[@liamodriscoll429]

@@tinglestingles Nice post thank you .

[@jamesabroad8589]

True mate. I like the sound of Portugal.👍🍺

[@boxcartwilly]

Good video, have a safe trip.

[@jamesabroad8589]

Cheers. All the best.👍🍺

[@propellerhead2000]

Great overview. Thailand is a good fit for me. I do love the cheap fast internet, the developed infrastructure and all the other reasons you mentioned. Thais are very welcoming and tolerant. And bum guns. BTW, that t-shirt your wearing has an interesting backstory. Search for: "swimming coach Rick Curl was sentenced to seven years". I lived one town over from Burke before I moved to Thailand. 😏 Thailand is an interesting place for t-shirt sightings because of the t-shirt printing industry located here.

[@barrygunning8422]

Good insight into other countries live where makes you happy i was not happy inthe uk i am in Thailand

[@jamesabroad8589]

Cheers Barry and true, wherever the shoe fits. All the best mate.👍🍺

[@andrewbrann6231]

Merida Mexico is 2nd safest city in all of north America

[@andrewbrann6231]

@Trevor Smith look it up

[@andrewbrann6231]

@Trevor Smith just type in Merida second safest city in North America on Google and it's from this year as well 🤔

[@2kkto2]

Sure. Life is great in Tak Mahanakorn. What could be better?

[@YuChiGongG]

I sort of enjoyed Villahermosa in Mexico. But, basically, I found Mexico a cultural wasteland. I drove a Mercedes S-class Sedan from Naples, Florida to Belize City. What a wasteland Mexico turned out to be. I recall seeing young men just standing motionless by the side of the road, staring out into space, apparently seeing nothing. This type of thing might get infectious, and I, myself, might begin staring out into space, just spacing out, if I moved there. Also, places like HK and Shanghai and Tokyo and Kyoto are all full of smart people who are not barbarians, like some Latin American Banana Republics I know. So...Have you ever watched that Woody Allen film, "Bananas"? Priceless. Yes, James, if you really want to go Bananas, then head for Central America....Or, maybe...Join the CIA!, after you retire, just to pick up a bit of extra income.

[@jamesabroad8589]

Haven't seen that movie, will have to take a look. 👍🍺

[@gaian639]

​@trevorsmith7753 couldn't be more right

[@jlynnburton9718]

Ecuador- The pension amount you posted in incorrect. It was raised last year to $1,275 for the 1st person + an Add. $250 for each dependant

[@jamesabroad8589]

Yep sorry, maybe a couple of mistakes in the video.👍

[@tatecraft1361]

My 2nd most favorite KZbinr is an expat in Portugal! Now I know why 😂!

[@robdavinroy1761]

Great. What’s the channel name I will check it out!

[@tatecraft1361]

@@robdavinroy1761 @Rocketman_Moto

[@13hubi13]

Who has an income of 4300$ a month? Thats insane much money i dont know many that earn so much per month. Here in austria most only get about 1500€ to 3000€

[@andrewbrann6231]

I live in Tennessee. There is a new 7/11 almost finished 20 minutes away but before that not one within hour and a half

[@jamesabroad8589]

I can feel your happiness mate.😁👍🍺

[@dexterspeights3484]

COSTA RICA is NOT CHEAP any more for EXPATS!

[@SimosThailand]

Safe journey back to Blighty James 😎

[@jamesabroad8589]

Cheers Simo. Hope you're well mate.👍🍺

[@daviddenham1511]

Me?….definitely a toss up between thailand or Portugal….

[@Mike-du1dc]

Thanks James that was very informative & interesting! Panama looks especially good but....Well like you my wife is Thai & we have family there & here in the US so probably stick with those 555 😉 Thanks though really enjoyed watching!

[@jamesabroad8589]

Cheers Mike. Did the re-entry permit again yesterday. Only 10 minutes this time.👍All the best.👍🍺

[@YuChiGongG]

I came to Asia because, since age 18, I have been unable to live without East Asian Culture. Now, I prefer Thai Culture above all others. Therefore, it would be impossible to live elsewhere. One thing though, you failed to mention the Rooster Stats. What are the number of Roosters per capita in these alternative destinations? Also, would Costa Rican roosters be considered noisier than Thai roosters? Also, the language: I would not want to give up my ongoing Thai language study. And, having been to Belize, that place is completely substandard in too many ways. I guess you recall the Anti-virus Software Guy who loved living on one of the barrier islands off the coast of Belize. What a nutzo was he. Is he still alive? Last I heard he was in some prison in Spain, but not for the purpose of retirement.

[@jamesabroad8589]

Macafee, yes a crazy documentary I saw on him recently. Roosters seem to be everywhere in SE Asia and Latin America lol.👍🍺

[@Ned88Man]

Belize is a great place to retire to, my father did so.

[@darwinjina]

McAfee was found dead in jail. About a day after saying that he was not suicidal.

[@eigobike3929]

Portugal is not on the Mediterranean but it has a California climate in south.

[@jamesabroad8589]

True, a very temperate climate apparently.👍🍺

[@tinglestingles]

Can be extremely hot in summer in the south and grey and wet in winter in the north.

[@Jefe_Perro]

Hola Senor James! Nice comparison video. Thailand wins for me at the moment. Retiring under 50 and being able to get the Elite visa which is cheaper than what I spend on coffee daily. I'll likely change strategies when I hit actual retirement age and split the year between different continents. With ever changing visa requirements and political + economic climates having a solid plan B and C is prudent as an expat. All the best with your UK trip. Looking forward to seeing more of your Mum. Maybe some sneaky UK toilet reviews too? 😁

[@tman5634]

I think splitting the year in different countries is a great way to go for the single guy/gal, but of course not really practical or the done thing for a family. Doable for a couple, allowing for stay/visa credentials etc.

[@jamesabroad8589]

Cheers mate and a solid plan. Will be making a few vids in the UK with a toilet here or there lol.🍺👍

[@AsiaStreet365]

Great vid, Thailand for ever😊

[@jamesabroad8589]

Cheers mate. All the best.👍🍺

[@minimalistation]

you briefly mentioned early on in the vid 'no go aeas' in comparison with Thailand........................Interestingly and curiously; as an expat in the Kingdom, are there any? Does anyone know of any ?

[@jamesabroad8589]

Not really here in Thailand. I would say generally anywhere at night it's best to take a few precautions and be more aware. 🍺👍

[@TheLungNuad]

For me only one thing I hate my home Thailand is the weather bcuz now my hometown the weather is extremely hot.the day 40 C degree.when I was a boy I remember the weather was not so hot like the present.I love winter season in the north.Have a nice day.what about Spain??

[@jamesabroad8589]

Yes cool season is great in Tak. Spain was number 6 I think.👍🍺

[@JohnLadda]

Lived in San jose for 1 year. Now been in Thailand for 6 y. Would say crime in San jose is no joke. Wouldnt recommened it really.. Country is beautiful but stay away from San jose if you planning to live there. Have many horror stories. And i was working there with ticos.

[@jamesabroad8589]

Cheers for the info. mate. I heard things can get wild in that region. Thailand is generally a lot safer. 👍🍺

[@okbilly1]

Can you cover of the process of applying for a retirement visa, can you do it yourself?

[@jamesabroad8589]

I went over the process in the Philippines retirement comparison video.👍🍺

[@lily_m3538]

Thailand has too many hassles with visas, ripoffs etc. Costa Rica and Spain are much easier and more liveable.

[@mixalis6168]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Hassles, not one hassle at all !! Spain full of ripoff merchants!

[@andrewbrann6231]

@@mixalis6168 I think with hassles and visas what he's talkin about is your supposedly only able to extend twice in a year. There are other places you get 90 Days inn can re-up again for 90 days. That's much better than 30 days. Plus apparently at least two other places you can stay 3 years leave come back and start all over without any issues. Just leave for one day

[@HussamO]

I am one of those guys who can't live without a bum guns 😅 but I don't think I will be alive to see 65 anyways. I enjoy eating fried food and drinking daily on vacations 7:20

[@jamesabroad8589]

Haha yes here in the UK and missing my bum gun terribly. 😁👍🍺

[@daviddenham1511]

Blimey…..Mexico is very expensive!!

[@eigobike3929]

Ecuador - boring.

[@briansdiecastthailandstoth6747]

You need 800.000 in your bank all year and be active and need to be 55years old for retirement

[@akeman21]

No, 50 years, and you can go down to 400.000 7 months. of the year. Three months after application and. two months before have to be 800.000. Why post wrong information if you don't know?

[@jamesabroad8589]

Akeman is correct.👍🍺

[@akeman21]

@Trevor Smith No problems, there. are many ways. :)

[@youwatchme0808]