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Retire in Thailand...NOT

I ialways wanted to retire in Thailand but is it possible? (Image from shutterstock.com)

Thailand, Land of Smiles. Who doesn't want to live there for retirement, right?

 After I quit my last job, I was so determined to retire in Chiangmai, Thailand, so I researched for details regarding "retiring in Chiangmai".

 The book I managed to find useful is ‘How To Retire Happy, Wild and Free’ by Ernir J Zelinski.

 I realized retiring in Chiangmai has many shortcomings. I shall list the main reasons why I decided to abort the plan:
The 6 main reason is the constraints for the Retirement VISA in Thailand for foreigners.

a. 800,000 baht in the bank for every VISA renewal ($)
This is a means to ensure I can afford my living expenses in Thailand. I would need a residential address to open a bank account. Tourists may not be able to do so.

b. Unable to work ($)
I do not have a big retirement fund so I may have to find some means to “earn some money”. This may be a problem for me in my later retirement years if I retire in Thailand.

c. Need to pay insurance ($)
I might need to get insurance in Thailand to cover my medical bills. However, it may be limited and you may need to go back to Singapore for more comprehensive medical coverage. I still need to return to Singapore for major medical treatment.

d. Need to pay for housing rental ($)
I need to pay for rent as a foreigner is unable to own any land and houses due to Thailand's laws.

e. Why become a second class citizen?
‘Second class’ does not sound ok to me.

f. I don’t speak Thai
Language is not a major barrier but I do not find it easy to pick up a new foreign language. I did try to take Thai for beginners course before. 



Is the other side greener? MONEY (-_-) is a major consideration to live comfortably. I suspect I will have money issues down the road. So, I had a change of mindset. 

 I do not need to be somewhere to truly enjoy what I want. 
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