@Tony *********

I face the problem of being over 80 with two pre-existing conditions, nothing serious. The premiums would be so high  and they could say that any future conditions maybe because of your pre-existing condition. Any future health expenses we plan to cover. We can afford home medical care in Thailand if needed, something we couldn’t afford in the US. We are looking for an assistance in the form of a maid to come in 4-6 hours during the week. Again something more manageable in Thailand. We had a condo to accommodate live in help if needed in the future. This allows us to stay in our home in Thailand. Here in the States a medical assistance nursing home will start at 20,000 a month and some in California run to 35,000 a month for two people.  so as long as we don’t suffer for dementia Thailand is a win-win situation for us. Even if you get dementia Thailand still offers better medical care than the US  at a affordable cost compared to the US.

@Garry ******

A very very

tiny bit like America. The average hip replacement in Thailand is $7000-$13,000. The average hip replacement in America is $56,000 to $112,000. LTR wealth visa requires no health insurance, but you must have $100,000 set aside in an account. This allows you to be self insured.

$80,000 a year income. You can get an elite visa for $25,000 for five years, no health insurance requirements. Take your pick.

@Max ************

That’s not much better.

@Henry ********

You didn’t get the best rate.

@Mary *******

Thank you Mary, We have 2 condos renovated into one already, three bedroom three bath, one large bedroom could be for a live in help.



This post has been most informative, I have read most replies. We are planning our move to Pattaya hopefully by the end of the year. My son has two condo in Patumnak Pattaya. Last year we visited him for 6 weeks. He lives in Atlanta GA but visits 2-3 times a year with his Thai wife of 10 years. Downsizing to a 1500 sq foot condominium is something I’m looking forward to although we have never lived in an apartment or condo before during our 54 years of marriage. We are waiting for the condo to be fully renovated and furnished so our move will be a seamless as possible. We are planning to live the best and last years of our lives there. No vehicle needed.

Just the savings on insurance, tags, maintenance on four vehicles, property tax, healthcare saving makes this move a no brainer.

We will have a 30 year lease, my son is also on the lease from our daughter in law which is the owner of the condo. We qualify for a wealth visa, and we may buy an elite visa, not sure which one to choose. My son wants to retire in Thailand at age 50 so us living there makes perfect sense.

My most important concern is if ever we need assistance in living and health care we could continue to stay in our condo and not be forced into a care facility. We plan on a having a maid part time to help us, even though we are still able to do most daily things for ourselves. Our monthly income well exceeds any requirement, and we could afford mostly anything we would need in our second retirement in Thailand. I have been retired for over 20 years. I love Thai food and the Thai people. The climate is cooler than Las Vegas in the summer time June to Aug. Coming from Seattle I don’t mind the rain although much heavier in nature.

We are looking to more of a social life than we have here in this guarded and gated community. Our friends are drying faster than the Russian soldiers on the

Ukrainian front.

Anyone else in this situation, would love to hear from you.

Private message us if you like. Any feedback is appreciated.

@Jack *****

We are planning on a move to Pattaya end of this year. I’m also 80 and my wife is 77. Planning to self insure.

@Michael ********

Wow, great!

@Val ******

Wise shows you the fee they charge for any transaction and you get the international rate exchange. Visa told me that they do not charge for money transfers, but they do not give you the proper international exchange rate. This could mean hundreds or thousands of dollars on larger transactions.

I don’t know about Swift accounts. I’m sure it’s used in the commercial world.

@Robert **********

That’s correct, declare any amount and make sure you can show where it came from. I’m going to take over $100, 000 with me upon my enter. Plan on an Elite Visa for my wife and I. They will help set up a bank account for us. Wise limits you at $50,000 from the US.