2015:
OVERVIEW:
Thailand is arguable the cheapest place on Earth to live well.
While affordable luxury is available, you have the option to live on a very modest budget…thanks to US$1 Pad Thai lunches and US$11-a-night hotels (including breakfast and free Wi-Fi).
One thing to keep in mind: Foreigners can own apartments and condos in Thailand but, unless they go through hoops, not real property.
Click here for information on how to apply for a Thai Retirement Visa.
Essentially, you need
- THB800,000 / NZ$34,750 / US$26,000 in a Thai Bank; or
- A monthly income of at least NZ$2,825 / US$21,000; or
- An annual income plus money in a Thai Bank of at least THB800,000.
EARNINGS:
Whilst on the SCUBA Dive Liveaboard in Khao Lak, I learnt of the following:
- The Captain of a Scuba Dive Boat earns about THB12000 / month (THB400 / day)
- The Boat Boys on the Liveaboards earn about THB6000-9000 / month (THB200-300 / day)
- Scuba Dive Guides on the Liveaboards earn about 20 Euro / day (THB780 / day)
- A waiter earns about THB6000 / month (THB200 / day)
- A nurse in a hospital earns about THB15000 / month (THB500 / day)
It costs THB80-100 for a Large Bottle of Leo in a restaurant.
ACCOMMODATION:
I met an expat who has been living in Thailand for 15 years. He now works in a Dive Shop in Khao Lak.
He currently pays THB6000 / month for an average 2 bedroom unit inland from the State Highway.
He has just found a modern, 3 bedroom house in the hills inland from the State Highway which he is renting for THB12000 / month in Low Season and THB15000 / month in High Season.
GRANDPACKING RETIREMENT LOCATIONS:
So far, I have not found any GRANDPAcking Retirement Locations in South West Thailand.
When I do, I will let you know and include them in the RETIREMENT REVIEW menu.
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