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Retiring in Koh Yao Noi.
Koh Yao Noi is a fantastic place to enjoy retirement. The tropical lifestyle affordable quality property and the charm of village life are all huge positives for those fortunate enough to be looking at completing their working lives and shifting into retiree mode.
Most of what we have detailed below are positives however we have also included some common frustrations and even reasons why it might not work for some people. We trust you find this information helpful and enjoyable to read.
Cost of living in Thailand
The cost of living in Thailand can be hugely varied. You can have a very healthy diet with gorgeous local food on a very conservative budget, however there are also a number of high end international restaurants for those who like to indulge their senses and push the boat out with imported delicacies.
In general, the cost of living is very affordable. For example to give some context, we occasionally enjoy going to a Sunday brunch at a high-end resort however we regularly eat 50 thb ($1.50 USD) Pad Thai’s from our local favorite community restaurants for lunch.
Healthcare in Thailand
Koh Yao Noi has a number of doctors and a hospital for basic treatments, but the island is only a 30 min hop by boat to Phuket. Phuket is blessed with a large range of high quality hospitals with well trained specialists. Medical tourism in Thailand is an important industry which attracts about 300,000 tourists annually. The success of Thai Healthcare is due to the quality and pricing of the procedures. Looking after your own health is the most important thing so it is nice to know that there are capable doctors and surgeons in close proximity – and for reference there are local pharmacies located on the island.
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Weather in Koh Yao
The climate of Phang Nga Bay is perfect. In the high season the sky is often clear and beautiful with the sea clear and calm as a lake. In the low season the occasional tropical storms are refreshing and the surf is up – a wonderful contrast. The beautiful and dramatic thunder storms are majestic, ushering in a refreshing clean air full of rejuvinating ozone. As it never gets cold in Koh Yao Noi, it is generally more fresh than the main land and Phuket.
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Thai culture and food:
Thailand is full of wonderful people, markets, colours, flavors, spices, and activities. Koh Yao Noi has an approximately 80% of the population are Muslims while the remaining 20% are Buddhist and other religions. There are rubber tree plantations throughout the island offering shade and great views. There is also a large area cultivated as rice fields with free roaming Asian buffalo and let’s not forget the fresh coconuts from the palm trees. Once you get settled in KYN then everything soon comes together and you realise how peaceful it is and how accommodating the locals are. Restaurants are a great place to try out some basic Thai language skills and the community welcomes everyone’s efforts with an appreciative smile.
Retirement visas:
One of the biggest positives about retiring in Thailand in general is that retiring here is encouraged by the Thai government.
The process isn’t difficult to navigate, it does have a few requirements which are usually easy enough to meet. Minor details can sometimes change in Thai processes so it’s best we give you a link to Siam-Legal’s website for up to date information. You can see the process and requirements at www.siam-legal.com/thailand-visa/Thailand-Retirement-Visa.php.
If you wanted a more ‘hassle free’ visa process then you can also see www.thailandelite.com which offers premium services such as meeting you at the airplane’s door, walking you through customs, limousine services, golf memberships, setting up bank accounts, 90 day visa reporting etc. It’s worth a look at their different packages, we know a few people who have used thailandelite and they are very happy.
While the above are serviced options, you can of course choose to do it all yourself. Embassy and immigration staff are helpful and willing to assist.
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7 hints for retiring in Thailand:
- As a bare minimum, learn the Thai phrases for ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ as the simple acts of greeting and thanking are used far more frequently in Thailand than in most other countries.
- Having an international driving license makes the transfer to a Thai drivers license much easier, so before coming over I strongly recommend you get one, even as a tourist to avoid some unwanted fines and insurance challenges.
- Patience is key.
- Always check receipts and the change given. This includes checking bills properly when paying by card.
- Always be aware on the roads and try to make sure you are not over the 0.05 BAC when driving home after alcohol consumption.
- Always speak calmly to police even if they are wrong. Reacting in negative way will only make the situation worse.
- Understand that low local wages tempt some Thai to ask for dubious extra payments. Take some time to learn the local rules and regulations and then stick to them to avoid such situations.
Summary.
The Slow Island Life is not for everybody.
However, retiring in a tropical paradise beats most places. So it really is up to you and different people have different reasons and things to consider. It certainly is different living here full time and not being a tourist. We love it; however we aim to ensure that every life decision our clients and friends make is based on realistic expectations and from a well-informed position. We hope the above was a helpful step in the right direction, and we look forward to seeing you here.
Please feel free to contact us directly if you have any questions about retirement and renting/purchasing property in Koh Yao Noi. We will be more than happy to assist.