The best place to retire in the world is:

Chiang Mai Thailand

Living in Thailand is ultra-inexpensive but more importantly has world class medical care, many of the doctors schooled in Thailand go on to be Physicians in America and other parts of the globe too.  Additionally, the nursing program is a 4 year bachelor of Nursing Science program (BNS) with also proficiency skills in the English Language.

What immediately becomes clear when visiting a Thai hospital is the motherly type care one receives, something that can’t be taught in school (at least in this elevated degree) but only can come naturally to a person.  You can thank the many long decades of the Thai culture for this, as children are brought up to respect ones elders and care for ones siblings. Buddhism (95% of the population). Their sincerity and care is something to really see to believe.  Recommendation – upon a visit to Thailand make a point to visit a Thai hospital for just a simple check-up, likely to cost less than $100, but an excellent opportunity to experience the differences compared to an American hospital.  Something you’ll rarely [if not never] hear discussed in America is the health and beauty of the typical Thai nurse.  The Thai diet usually consists of around a 1000- 1500 calorie count daily diet, lean fat and low sugar.  And miraculously somehow this produces a pristine model physique. Shazam!  Fatness in Thailand is a rarity.

But there’s got to be more than just medical care to live abroad?  Having lived in Thailand for over eight (8) years I’ve come to discover that the main reasons why one would decide to retire in Thailand making it the Number one (1) retirement choice destination in the world are:

1. Medical care
2. Cost of Living
3. Rich culture and events
4. Food
5. People
6. Diverse topography

Cost of Living

Really a non-issue the cost of living in Thailand is extraordinary cheap.  On average one can live on $1000/ mo which includes rent, transportation, food, entertainment and incidentals, excluding medical care insurance.  Medical insurance starts at about $1000/ yr and goes up accordingly with type of coverage. 

Rich Culture and events

Thailand with its rich history celebrates its many annual events with traditional and colorful costumes and dance.  The 4 main holidays in Thailand are:

• Songkran Festival – a 3 day National water festival focusing on splashing water onto others.
• Loh Krathong Festival – the passing of evil things in one’s life to welcome in new good luck.
• Chinese New Year’s – A festive 3 day holiday of traditional fashion, shows and fireworks.
• Flower Festival – A time of beautiful flower displays and shows.

Additionally throughout the year Thailand promotes its long history and dominance in beauty with many beauty contests and their signature big hair contest.  Contestants are Ladies, men and lady boys.

Food

… is everywhere in Thailand, opening a new category “ Street Food”.  Street food is a common sight in Thailand where people cook from side carts along the roadsides accompanied with chairs and tables.  The food in Thailand is world class as a result from an abundance of unique regional ingredients.  Michelin has descended on Thailand as a world class culinary experience and Ever Open Door discovering all the talented Chefs in Chiang Mai.

People

Again 95% of the Thai population are Buddhist, extremely friendly and giving people.  The Thai smile is admirably an infectious signature characteristic of Thailand and can be observed daily throughout your entire time in Thailand.  The Thais must be the most loving people in the world.

Topography

Thailand is divided into 3 main topographic areas:

• Beach
• City
• Mountains

The great part to living in Thailand is one can live in Chiang Mai for example or any Thai city for that matter and fly to the other areas with ease.  Typical flights are about $40-$50.  Parking is free for motorbikes. 

In Conclusion, retiring to Thailand can be a gargantuan decision but can be easily solved with a quick weeks’ vacation to test “the waters” sort of speak.  A decision of peace, comfort and beauty – welcome to Thailand.

Smiles

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I retired to a beach town in Thailand and am ‘living in paradise’ on $2,500 a month

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