@James *********

wot? Six Indians sharing a beer is spending money, right?😃

Ecuador

Income requirement is non-trivial

As of 2025, the monthly income requirement for the pensioner visa is about US$ 1,410 for the main applicant. Add ~$250/month for each dependent.

You’ll need to show a regular income (usually from pension, social security, or other stable sources). 

The visa is temporary (usually 2 years) but renewable, and after about 21 months in-country (with limited time spent outside; ~90 days) you may apply for permanent residency.

Much easier. I think you had to consider going to Ecuador.

@TL ******

difficult to live here if you’re not over 50. If you’re over 50, you have to put ฿800,000 in a bank account to get your retirement visa. Maybe Ecuador would be a better bet for you.

Have you been to both multiple times? Long-term?

@Nigel *************

my buddy lives in a nice shop house in On Nut. His rent is ฿6000 a month and it’s fully furnished. He has a motorbike that he paid cash for. His teaching salary is ฿45,000 per month. He lives pretty well and goes somewhere every other weekend for a getaway. He has a Thai wife and I think she makes around ฿20,000 per month. A lot of her money goes into a their savings account. I’ve been married for 10 or 12 years.

So you fabricated some scenarios in your head and then came to the group and asked if we’ve heard any similar stories…Got it…🤦‍♂️

@เต๋อ ****

nothing to do with bank accounts 🤦‍♂️

@Tamie ********

the last bit of advice I would give you is don’t go looking for a place to rent or buy on Facebook. And don’t post what your budget is. Try and get a Thai person to check for you so you get the best deal. I see a lot of foreigners, getting raped and paying double what they should for a rental. Your best bet is to drive around and look at for rent or for sale signs. Put in the work and save thousands of dollars. 

@Tamie ********

get an international drivers license in the states so you can convert it to a Thai drivers license without having to take the test. You’ll just have to take the eye test and reaction test.

@Don ********

I am