Go to Da nang n pho quoc in vietnam before u decide where to retire.its cheaper to live in Vietnam however u will come across issues with transport food currency n language barriers in Vietnam compared to thailand.Both r great places to retire.
I do lots of travel n its a fact every Airline wants to see a return flight outbound at the check in counter n very rarely immigration will ask u but definitely u can be denied boarding without a return ticket.i lost lots of money trying to extend my stay canceling my return ticket n rebooking again.no refunds when u cancel your return ticket
I carry 2 phones in thailand.my American phone i use the wi fi at the local hotels n use my old phone with a 7-11 Sim card I purchase n get a thai local no.This way I still get my overseas messages n n the thai tel no to speak to the locals in thailand