Retiring in Thailand: 2025 Complete Guide for Singaporeans

If you want to leave the hustle and bustle of Singapore behind and spend your retirement on the beach or in the mountains, retiring in Thailand may be a good option for you. Just a short flight from Singapore, it offers a balance of affordability and quality of life that is hard to beat.

This guide explores how much you need to retire in Thailand, how to retire in Thailand, where to retire in Thailand, and Thailand retirement visa options so you can make your move with confidence.

We'll also introduce the Wise account, a handy companion to make your money go further with low, transparent fees.

Table of contents
Why retire in Thailand? What are the Visa options? Non-Immigrant Visa O-A Thailand Privilege Visa LTR Visa for Wealthy Pensioners Costs of retiring in Thailand SGD to THB conversion costs Where to retire in Thailand? Save on your relocation to Thailand with Wise

Why retire in Thailand?

Retiring in Thailand has become a popular option, especially for Singaporeans who want to take advantage of the lower cost of living. Thailand also offers high-quality healthcare at affordable prices, a warm tropical climate, and a rich cultural heritage with beautiful temples, bustling markets, and pristine beaches.

Take a look at the pros and cons of retiring in Thailand to determine whether it’s the right location for you.

Pros	Cons
Lower cost of living High-quality, affordable healthcare Warm climate and natural beauty Rich culture and large expat communities	Language barriers in some areas Hot, humid climate and seasonal weather challenges Popular areas like Phuket and Bangkok can be more expensive

What are the visa options for retiring in Thailand?

If you want to know how to retire in Thailand, you can start by considering the Thailand retirement visa options available to you.

Non-immigrant visa O-A (long stay/retirement)¹

This Thailand retirement visa allows foreigners to stay for one year at a time, with the option to renew annually. It is best for retirees planning to live in Thailand long-term with moderate financial means.

Category	Details
Eligibility criteria	Age 50+ No criminal record Medical certificate showing no prohibitive diseases
Financial requirements	Bank deposit in Thailand of 800,000 THB (about 31,500 SGD) Or a monthly income of 65,000 THB (about 2,550 SGD) Or a deposit account plus a monthly income totalling 800,000 THB (about 31,500 SGD) Must hold insurance covering at least 40,000 THB (about 1,500 SGD) for outpatient and 400,000 THB (about 15,000 SGD) for inpatient²
Benefits	1-year renewable stay Legal long-term residence Access to Thai healthcare
Visa fee	5,000 THB (about 200 SGD)

How to apply for the non-immigrant visa

1. Gather documents: passport, 3 copies of completed application form, 3 passport-sized photos, a personal data form, a copy of a bank statement or income certificate, a criminal record check and a medical certificate.
2. Submit your application at a local Thai embassy or consulate, or at the Immigration Bureau in Thailand.
3. When approved, enter Thailand and report to an immigration officer every 90 days.
4. Renew annually.

Thailand Privilege visa (formerly Thailand Elite)³

This visa allows wealthy individuals to pay for long-term residency. It is best for wealthy retirees seeking hassle-free long-term residency with luxury perks.

Category	Details
Eligibility criteria	Age 20+ (or younger with parental/legal guardian authorisation) No criminal record Not been adjudicated bankrupt Never been declared as a person of unsound mind, incompetence, or quasi-incompetence
Financial requirements	No income requirements, just a membership fee that ranges from 650,000 to 5,000,000 THB
Benefits	Long-term stay of 5–20 years depending on package Fast-track immigration and VIP airport services Optional health benefits and concierge services
Visa fee	Bronze: 650,000 THB (about 25,500 SGD) Gold: 900,000 THB (about 35,500 SGD) Platinum: 1,500,000 THB (about 59,000 SGD) Diamond: 2,500,000 (about 98,500 SGD) Reserve: 5,000,000 (about 197,000 SGD)

How to apply for the Thailand Privilege visa

1. Apply directly on the Thailand Privilege website.
2. Provide a copy of your passport, photo, and other personal information to undergo a background check.
3. If approved, pay the membership fee and receive the membership ID.
4. Visit a local Thai embassy or consulate, or meet with an Elite Personal assistant at a participating Thai airport to pick up the visa and affix it to your passport.

LTR visa for wealthy pensioners⁴

This Thailand retirement visa encourages well-off foreigners to contribute to the local economy in exchange for residency. It is best for retirees with high pension income or investments who are seeking an extended stay.

Category	Details
Eligibility criteria	Age 50+ No criminal record
Financial requirements	Minimum unearned or passive income of 80,000 USD (around 102,000 SGD) a year at time of application Or, if the applicant earns less than 80,000 USD but more than 40,000 USD (around 51,000 SGD), they can make investments of a combined 250,000 USD (around 320,000 SGD) in Thai government bonds, Thai companies or Thai property Must hold insurance covering a minimum of 50,000 USD (about 64,000 SGD) or currently be receiving social security benefits in Thailand, or deposit and maintain at least 100,000 USD (about 128,000 SGD) in your bank account for at least 12 months
Benefits	Up to 10-year stay Fast-track services at international airports in Thailand Permission to work in Thailand
Visa fee	50,000 THB (about 2,000 SGD)

How to apply for the LTR visa for wealthy pensioners

1. Register and submit an online application on the official website.
2. Once approved, you’ll be asked to submit additional information and documents to receive notification of the qualifications endorsement letter.
3. Make an appointment for LTR visa issuance at a local Thai embassy or consulate, or the One Stop Service for Visa and Work Permit Center in Bangkok.

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Costs of retiring in Thailand

The cost of living in Thailand can vary depending on where you choose to settle, with places like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket being popular choices for retirees. Since Bangkok is the capital, it has the highest cost of living in Thailand, but it’s still cheaper than retiring anywhere in Singapore. For example:

• Excluding rent, life in Bangkok is around 55% cheaper than in Singapore
• Including rent, life in Bangkok is around 63% cheaper than in Singapore
• Rent prices in Thailand are around 75% lower than in Singapore
• Restaurant prices in Thailand are around 54% lower than in Singapore

Here’s a bit more detail on the average monthly prices you may expect:

	Thailand	Singapore
Rent (1 bed apartment in city centre)	15,896 THB (627 SGD)	100,626 THB (3,971 SGD)
Basic utilities	2,639 THB (104 SGD)	5,116 THB (201 SGD)
Transport - local ticket, one way	25 THB (0.99 SGD)	50 THB (2 SGD)
Meal in an inexpensive restaurant	100 THB (3.95 SGD)	304 THB (12 SGD)
Cinema ticket	240 THB (9.47 SGD)	380 THB (15 SGD)

Housing costs

Housing will always be one of your biggest monthly expenses, no matter where you retire, but housing prices in Thailand are much lower than in Singapore.

Here’s a look at rental costs in different Thai cities:

	Bangkok	Phuket	Chiang Mai
1 bedroom apartment in city centre	21,687 THB (855 SGD)	20,807 THB (821 SGD)	14,845 THB (585 SGD)
1 bedroom apartment outside of city centre	10,379 THB (409 SGD)	15,777 THB (622 SGD)	7,825 THB (308 SGD)
3 bedroom apartment in city centre	62,061 THB (2,449 SGD)	65,000 THB (2,565 SGD)	28,944 THB (1,142 SGD)
3 bedroom apartment outside of city centre	25,409 THB (1,002 SGD)	45,500 THB (1,795 SGD)	16,166 THB (638 SGD)

If you want to purchase an apartment in Thailand, here are the prices you’ll be looking at:

	Bangkok	Phuket	Chiang Mai
City Centre Price (per m²)	191,857 THB (about 7,572 SGD)	137,500 THB (about 5,426 SGD)	71,250 THB (about 2,812 SGD)
Outside Centre Price (per m²)	90,424 THB (about 3,568 SGD)	95,000 THB (about 3,749 SGD)	50,250 THB (about 1,983 SGD)

Healthcare expenses

Healthcare is another important expense to budget for when you’re considering how much to retire in Thailand. Thankfully, you won’t have to lower your healthcare standards as Thailand is well-regarded for its medical services, especially in major cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, where you’ll find many internationally accredited hospitals.

Though the quality of care is comparable to what you would receive in Singapore, the costs are significantly lower.

Here is a comparison of GP consultation fees in Thailand and Singapore.

Hospital type	Thailand	Singapore
Public hospital	30-200 THB (1-8 SGD)	900-2,127 THB (36-84 SGD)
Private hospital	500-1,500 THB (20-60 SGD)	1,000-3,900 THB (39-154 SGD)

While out-of-pocket costs may seem affordable, it’s still important to have comprehensive health insurance, especially if you’d prefer to go to a private hospital for faster service and English-speaking staff.

Policies vary in price depending on your age, coverage and pre-existing conditions, but you can expect to pay anywhere from 70,000–150,000 THB (2,500–6,000 SGD) per year.¹¹

Currency conversion costs

One of the biggest financial advantages for Singaporeans retiring in Thailand is the favourable SGD to THB exchange rate, which allows you to stretch your retirement savings further. However, when it comes to managing your SGD to THB conversions, relying on traditional banks for international transfers can be costly, as they often offer poor exchange rates and add hidden fees.

A better alternative is to use Wise, which provides the real, mid-market exchange rate along with low, transparent fees. You can keep 40+ currencies in your Wise account, including THB and SGD, and convert money between any of them, making it easier to manage your day-to-day expenses in Thailand.

Where to retire in Thailand?

Where to retire in Thailand depends on your personal preferences, as each city offers its own unique lifestyle, climate, and cost of living. Here’s a quick look at four popular cities in Thailand for retirees to help you make your decision.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a popular choice for retirees who want to be immersed in culture while enjoying a relaxed, slower pace of life. It is known for its welcoming expat community and beautiful, mountainous landscape.

Best for: Retirees seeking a relaxed, culturally rich lifestyle with lower costs and a welcoming expat community. Ideal for those who prefer a slower pace of life away from bustling tourist hubs.

Pros

• Cooler climate
• Affordable cost of living
• Cultural attractions like temples and local markets
• Access to quality hospitals and clinics

Cons

• Fewer direct flights abroad
• Air quality can be poor during the “burning season” between February and April

Bangkok

For retirees who thrive on city living, Bangkok offers a vibrant, modern environment with a bustling urban lifestyle. It provides access to world-class amenities and excellent connectivity.

Best for: Retirees who want city living, convenience, and access to healthcare, shopping, and social activities.

Pros

• Modern city with world-class hospitals, malls, and restaurants
• Excellent public transport network
• Good connectivity for regional travel and international flights

Cons

• Higher cost of living compared to other Thai cities
• More traffic and pollution

Phuket

Phuket is the ultimate choice for those dreaming of a coastal retirement. Phuket is the ultimate choice for those dreaming of a coastal retirement with sun, sea, and sand.

Best for: Retirees who want a coastal lifestyle with recreational opportunities and don’t mind a higher cost of living.

Pros

• Beautiful beaches
• Strong expat community
• Plenty of leisure activities, like golfing and sailing
• High-quality healthcare facilities

Cons

• More expensive than northern cities like Chiang Mai
• Busy during high season
• Heavy rains between May and October

Hua Hin

This seaside town offers a unique blend of peace and accessibility, making it a great option for retirees who want a quiet beach lifestyle without being too far from the big city. Hua Hin has a good mix of locals and expats and is less expensive than popular destinations like Bangkok and Phuket.

Best for: Retirees who want a mix of tranquillity and city convenience without being in a major city.

Pros

• Relaxed seaside town with a slower pace of life
• Lower cost of living than Bangkok or Phuket
• Good mix of Thai locals and expats
• Convenient access to Bangkok while still offering a beach lifestyle

Cons

• Fewer shopping and entertainment options
• Limited healthcare facilities

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Sources:

1. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand
2. Royal Thai Consulate-General, Vancouver
3. Thai Embassy
4. Long-Term Residents Visa Thailand
5. Numbeo: Bangkok vs Singapore
6. Numbeo: Thailand vs Singapore
7. Numbeo: Phuket vs Singapore
8. Numbeo: Chiang Mai vs Singapore
9. Pacific Prime: Cost of Living in Thailand
10. Pacific Prime: Cost of Living in Singapore
11. Thaiger: Expat health insurance