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Retirement in Thailand 
With the trends in the last few years of people wanting to leave western high prices behind, escape big city high crime rates and enjoy a warm climate, retirement in Thailand has become attractive and Chiang Mai a popular choice. With the large number of foreign retirees currently living in Chiang Mai, social groups and support services have been created to make retirement living comfortable, safe and enjoyable. You may want to look into groups like the Chiang Mai Expats Club, or one of the charity organizations active in the city or simply make your own connections through sports or one of the many churches and temples. A lower average income level in Thailand can mean substantial savings for westerners. Housing in all price ranges is readily available, food is inexpensive and quality medical care inexpensive enough to make medical tourism a major part of the Thai economy. The climate in Chiang Mai is especially attractive to those looking to make cold winters just a memory. The coldest part of the year in January may see a low of 13 degrees C. (or 55 degree F.) and the warm season of March to June can be as warm as 35 C. (95 F.) The long dry season from mid-November to May means daily sunshine for outdoor activities.
Surprising to some is the high standard of medical and dental health care available in state run hospitals and especially in the private hospitals in every major city in Thailand. Medical staff is mostly western trained, there are no "waiting lists" for care and the costs (even for the uninsured) are low enough to attract "medical tourists" from many western countries. The modern banking system and government offices dealing with foreigners are well staffed with English speakers and generally provide efficient and pleasant service.
Disabled FacilitiesDisabled access in Thailand is considered reasonable and is improving. Modern shopping malls, offices, public buildings and attractions do well in terms of access with ramps, elevators and wider doors. Some older buildings are less disabled friendly but the government seems to be addressing the problems. One of these is the height of sidewalk curbs. Access ramps have been cut in most of the tourist area streets but they can be some distance apart.Generally, disabled people are accepted and special help and assistance is readily offered when needed.
Staying ActiveChiang Mai can offer as much or as little as you want for staying active and enjoying life.
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Visa Requirements for RetirementFor people planning a long term residence, a special Retirement Visa is available. The procedure is to enter the Kingdom on a Tourist or other Non-Immigrant visa obtained in your home country then apply for the Retirement Visa at a local Immigration office. The visa is routinely issued (often in one day) to either single or married retirees. If a married couple are of different nationalities, a copy of the marriage certificate may be required.Age The single person or retiring spouse must be 50 years of age or older. Financial The foreigner applying must show evidence that he or she has income amounting to at least 65,000 Baht per month or a bank account in Thailand amounting to at least 800,000 Baht when applying for the one-year visa. If you choose to use cash savings to meet the financial requirement, the certificate of deposit from the bank must show that the money came into the bank from another country. A combination of regular income and cash savings may be used for this requirement. An example that will work is a savings account in the Thai bank of 400,000 Baht in the bank and a monthly pension equal to 32,500 Baht.
Application Requirements:1. Application form T.M.7 (available from the Immigration Office.)2. Copy of passport or substitute document. 3. One 4 x 6 cm photo. 4. 500 Baht fee. 5. Proof of financial status or pension. 6. Letter from your embassy in Thailand saying you wish to retire in Thailand.
Currency Conversions to Thai Baht Click Here for Information on Chiang Mai Real Estate Return from Retirement in Thailand to Easy Chiang Mai Home Page
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A major consideration in planning retirement has always been personal safety. While not claiming to be paradise, Thailand is one of the safest countries in the world, even accounting for some nationalist unrest in the far south. Importantly, violence against strangers is extremely low and seniors especially are shown respect.
