Retirement is a stage of life when many people are no longer working and have no regular income. This makes cost of living an important factor in choosing where to spend retirement years. Many retirees seek to live in places with lower living expenses—an aspect that makes Thailand especially attractive. With its reputation for affordability, Thailand has become a popular choice for retirement living. The Thai Retirement Visa (Non-O Retirement Visa) is therefore a topic of great interest among foreigners planning to settle here.

Low Cost of Living Compared to Many Countries

Thailand’s cost of living is another major advantage that keeps foreigners coming back. To put it simply, just 1 USD can buy a full meal in Thailand, something nearly impossible in many other countries. As a result, international visitors don’t need to set aside large sums for their trips. With only a few thousand or tens of thousands of Thai Baht, tourists can enjoy a luxurious and comfortable vacation.

The Rise of Health Tourism

In recent years (excluding the COVID-19 period), health tourism has become one of Thailand’s biggest draws. This form of tourism combines leisure travel with healthcare services. The reasons connect back to Thailand’s affordability and quality: while the country’s medical advancements are world-class, the cost of treatment is far more affordable than in developed countries such as those in Europe or North America.

Examples include foreigners coming to Thailand for surgery or treatment, then enjoying sightseeing during recovery, provided their condition allows. Thai traditional massage is also highly sought after for relieving bone and muscle pain, often combined with leisure trips.

A more recent trend in health tourism is fertility treatment, particularly IUI (Intrauterine Insemination). This involves inserting specially selected, strong sperm directly into the woman’s uterus at the optimal time for fertilization. However, a key condition is that the sperm sample must contain at least 1 million strong sperm cells to maximize the chances of pregnancy.

Authentic Thai Cuisine as a Global Attraction

Thailand is world-famous for its cuisine, which has become a reason in itself for foreigners to visit. Iconic dishes such as Som Tum (papaya salad), Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), Pad Thai, and Mango Sticky Rice are must-tries, often featured by international food reviewers. More adventurous travelers seek out deeper culinary experiences, sampling Green Curry, Panang Curry, Massaman Curry, and Pad Kra Pao. Thailand is also abundant with tropical fruits like bananas, mangoes, and durian, which are rare and expensive abroad but affordable locally. Traditional Thai desserts are also highly praised.

Foreign Investment in Thailand

Another factor—though not always welcomed by locals—is foreign investment. Many foreigners come not only as tourists but also as investors. This ranges from large-scale business ventures, factory operations, and franchise expansions to property purchases for rental income or resale. With government policies that sometimes favor foreign investors, Thailand continues to attract international businesspeople who see strong opportunities here.

Basic Information: Thai Retirement Visa for Foreigners

The Retirement Visa is intended for foreigners aged 50 and above who wish to reside in Thailand. Applicants must provide financial proof as required by immigration regulations and follow the application process. Once approved, retirees can legally live in Thailand under the visa’s conditions.

Eligibility Requirements for a Retirement Visa:

• Must be a foreigner aged 50 years or older.

• Must have at least 800,000 THB in a Thai savings or fixed deposit account, or a monthly retirement income of at least 65,000 THB.

  • Alternatively, a combination of annual income and bank deposits totaling at least 800,000 THB is acceptable.

• Must have a residence in Thailand. Applicants must have already entered Thailand and stayed at least 60 days before applying for the visa.

Application Process for a Thai Retirement Visa

1. Apply for a Non-Immigrant OA Visa outside of Thailand, which allows entry and a 90-day stay.

2. After residing in Thailand for about 60 days, submit an application for the Retirement Visa at the Immigration Bureau (or at least 15 days before the initial visa expires).

Required Documents for a Retirement Visa Application

• Valid passport

• Recent photographs

• Immigration forms TM.6, TM.7, and TM.30

• Financial documents showing proof of:

  • A Thai savings or fixed deposit account with at least 800,000 THB, opened at least 2 months prior to the application, OR

  • A retirement pension of at least 65,000 THB per month, OR

  • A combination of bank deposits and pension income totaling at least 800,000 THB annually.

• Proof of residence in Thailand (e.g., rental contract).

• Other documents such as a police clearance certificate and a medical certificate may also be required.

Important Notes About the Retirement Visa

• Holders of a Thai Retirement Visa are not allowed to work in Thailand.

• Visa holders must report their address every 90 days to the local Immigration Office.

  • Reporting can be done up to 14 days before or within 7 days after the due date.

  • Failure to report on time beyond 90 days results in a fine of 2,000 THB.