By MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, reported and compiled by Li Xinyi
According to the latest annual rankings released by International Living magazine, Thailand was named the 9th best place in the world for retirement abroad in 2013. This year’s ranking specifically evaluated 22 of the best retirement destinations, with assessment criteria including climate, cost of living, housing prices, entertainment, healthcare, and infrastructure for retirement life. After analyzing all the survey responses, Ecuador claimed the top spot for the fifth consecutive year due to its excellent climate and low cost of living, making it also relatively easy for retirees from the U.S. and Canada to adapt to the local lifestyle.
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Friendly locals and affordable living costs have long made Thailand a popular tourist destination. (Photo / MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, by Li Xinyi)
Always a favorite among tourists, Thailand welcomed 22 million visitors in 2012 and is also considered a great choice for long-term retirement. The Land of Smiles scored highly in both cost of living and entertainment facilities—coming in second only to the Philippines in the former category, and ranking fifth for the latter. Retirees in Thailand can enjoy a wide variety of lifestyles, such as urban living in the capital Bangkok, relaxing on the white-sand beaches of southern Thailand, or residing in the cooler northern regions. Accommodation is also very affordable, with apartment rentals costing around $500 USD (approximately NT$15,000) per month.
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Thailand’s Ang Thong National Marine Park preserves pristine natural landscapes. (Image provided by Tourism Authority of Thailand)
However, the report also indicated areas where Thailand could improve its offerings for expatriate retirees, such as discounts on goods and services, tax-free import of home furnishings, and the English proficiency of the local population. Other top ten recommended retirement destinations include Malta, favored for its low crime rate, pleasant Mediterranean climate, and widespread use of English. European countries on the list include Spain, Ireland, France, Portugal, and Italy. Among the top ten, only Thailand and Malaysia are Asian countries.
● Read more: A Relaxing 5-Day, 4-Night Trip to Bangkok and Hua Hin, Thailand
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