As an indicative guide, a comfortable retirement in Thailand costs roughly £2,000/month for a couple — about £24,000/year (≈ ฿88,000/month). A modest budget is nearer £1,300; a premium one nearer £3,200.
Roughly where a comfortable £2,000/month goes:
Indicative estimates for a couple, general guidance only — real costs vary by location, lifestyle and exchange rates.
Warm year-round, low cost, superb food, modern private healthcare and a large, established expat community — Phuket and Chiang Mai are perennial favourites.
Foreigners can own a condominium outright (freehold) within a building's 49% foreign quota; land itself is held via a long lease or a genuine Thai company (never a nominee). As a general guide only — always confirm the current rules with a qualified local lawyer. Our free ownership checker and the Overseas Property Playbook walk through how ownership works step by step.
Most retirees use the Non-Immigrant O / O-A retirement visa (age 50+, with income or savings requirements). Visa rules change often, so treat this as a starting point and verify the latest requirements before you plan.
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