Retirement in Thailand

Retiring in Thailand by the sea

Spend the winter in the sun, live near the beach, and enjoy a more affordable cost of living than in Switzerland or France. Thailand offers a different setting to enjoy your retirement , whether you wish to spend six months there or settle down for several years. At Souan Son Beach Resort , in the Rayong region, our stays of 6 months, 1 year, and more allow you to get your bearings and discover seaside life at your own pace.

A more affordable cost of living than in Switzerland or France

The cost of living in Thailand is reflected in everyday expenses. Having lunch in a Thai restaurant, buying fruits and vegetables at the market, or renting long-term accommodation is often cheaper than in Switzerland or France. These savings can free up more time for outings, leisure activities, and excursions within the country. Your budget will depend on the type of accommodation you choose, the region, and your lifestyle. To estimate your expenses for a year, also consider airfare and health insurance.

Well-equipped private hospitals, in Rayong as in Bangkok

Access to healthcare is crucial when spending several months abroad. Thailand has private hospitals equipped with modern technology and specialized services. In Rayong, Bangkok Hospital Rayong has a cardiology center that provides screening, specialized examinations, catheterization procedures, and cardiac rehabilitation. In Bangkok, Bumrungrad International Hospital, accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), offers interpretation services for international patients.

Before you leave, check that your insurance covers the entire duration of your stay, including medical care and hospitalization in Thailand . The cost of this coverage deserves a separate place in your budget, even if your daily expenses are lower.

A seaside retreat

A morning stroll on the beach, a few errands at the market, then lunch in the shade. It's in these simple pleasures that a long stay truly comes to life. At Souan Son Beach Resort & Residence, you can enjoy the swimming pool and tropical garden, the comfort of fully equipped accommodations, and share moments with other guests in a friendly, French-speaking atmosphere.

Stay 6 months, 1 year or more at Souan Son Beach

Are you planning to spend the winter in Thailand or settle there permanently? A six-month stay gives you time to explore the region, discover your favorite spots, and see if this lifestyle suits you. For a stay of a year or more, we can provide information on accommodations and residency requirements based on your desired dates.

Planning a long stay or retirement in Thailand

Thinking about spending six months, a year or longer in Thailand? These official resources can help you plan your visa, health insurance, pension and taxes.

Check Thai e-Visa to find out which embassy handles applications from your country of residence.

For Swiss citizens

Official website	What you’ll find
Royal Thai Embassy in Bern – Retirement visa checklist (PDF)	Documents required for a Non-Immigrant O visa for retirees.
Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs – Thailand country guide	Information on moving to Thailand and resources for Swiss citizens living abroad.
Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs – Social security and insurance	Swiss old-age and disability pensions, social security and health insurance after leaving Switzerland.
Swiss Central Compensation Office – Life certificate	How to provide proof of life when receiving a Swiss pension abroad.
Swiss Federal Tax Administration – Switzerland–Thailand tax treaty	The treaty on double taxation, relevant to your pension and other income.

For French citizens

Official website	What you’ll find
Royal Thai Embassy in Paris – Non-Immigrant O visa	Eligibility requirements and supporting documents for the retirement category.
France Diplomatie – Entering and staying in Thailand	Entry and stay requirements to check before you travel.
France Diplomatie – Consular registration	How to register if you are a French citizen moving abroad for more than six months.
Caisse des Français de l’étranger – Health insurance	Health cover for French retirees living abroad and their dependants, including information on reimbursements and hospital cover.
L’Assurance retraite – Guide to retiring abroad (PDF)	Receiving your French pension abroad and submitting a life certificate.
French tax authority – France–Thailand tax treaty (PDF)	The treaty on double taxation, relevant to your pension and other income.

Visa information for English-speaking countries

Planning a long stay or retirement in Thailand? Check the guidance for your country of residence, then use the official Thai e-Visa portal to confirm which embassy or consulate handles your application.

Country of residence	Official visa information
United Kingdom and Ireland	Royal Thai Embassy in London – Retirement visas
United States	Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C. – Visa categories
Canada	Royal Thai Embassy in Ottawa – Applying for an e-Visa
Australia	Royal Thai Embassy in Canberra – Visa information Royal Thai Consulate-General in Sydney – For New South Wales residents
New Zealand	Royal Thai Embassy in Wellington – Non-Immigrant O-A long-stay visa
Other countries	Thai e-Visa – Check where to apply

Official Thai websites for all visitors

Official website	What you’ll find
Thai e-Visa – Apply for a visa online	Visa categories, application requirements and permitted lengths of stay. Check extension and re-entry requirements if you plan to leave Thailand during your stay.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card – TDAC	The official portal for completing the free digital arrival card before entering Thailand.
Thai Immigration Bureau – 90-day reporting (PDF)	An English-language guide to checking whether the TM.47 address reporting requirement applies to your stay and how to complete it.
Thailand Board of Investment – Long-Term Resident visa	Eligibility requirements for the LTR visa, including the Wealthy Pensioners category.
Thai Revenue Department – Personal income tax	Thai income tax rules in English. If you plan to stay around six months or longer, check your tax residency based on the number of days you spend in Thailand during the calendar year and consult the applicable tax treaty.