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Hi Paul, Rayong is a couple of hours drive north of trat, good expat community and decent property prices , id recommend renting first. Furthur north is jomtien , which is a nice place to live and with pattaya just over the hill you have the famous night life.  I often use google street view to look around new areas.  Health insurance can vary from 1500 usd upwards depending on existing medical conditions.

Hope this helps

Terry

Hi Paul,

I retired to Thailand 3 years ago and now live in the Loei area. That is in NE Thailand and about 25 miles south of the Laos border. This is considered in the boondocks but the medical facilities are good as well as some good "Home Depot" style of stores. I have seen several expats. That said it is probably too far away from your girl friend's family to be desirable for you. I brought with me my home machine shop and woodworking tools to keep myself busy.

Please feel free to contact me.

Randy

@Paul_Adams

Chantaburi, Bang Saray and Sattahip are also excellent.

Personally, for many years, I went to Kram/Kleang (Just under Rayong) for holiday, which has a sizeable Scandinavian expat community and some good farang run restaurants

Close to the beach and if drive land inwards for 10-15 minutes you have affordable land/house prices, near to the beach not so.....

I would go on an exploration tour as long as your goods are on the sea or have it called of from a forwarder, you will need to pay daily demurrage costs of 200-250 US for a container, but that is cheap if you consider you good choose the wrong place online or in a hurry...

Health insurance can be expensive, if you have some cash for big existing issues I would take an affiordable Thai insurance and see where it goes and especially if you have no issues. For what I have read, the only foreign insurance company that has no issues with existing issues is April, maybe the name has changed, have a google. And they seem to charge affordable prices....

Visa; retirement is less hassle than marriage which has double financial requirements and a lot more documents as well, but I understand you are not married, yet....

@Paul_Adams

Hi Paul, If you come to Thailand, your girlfriend will want to live near to her family, what provice is she from is my first question:

My name is Denis, I have lived in Thailand 18 years.

***

Good Luck

Denis

Hi Paul,

Finding the right place to live can be challenging, but it sounds like you have specific preferences that will help narrow down your options.

Bang Saray in Rayong province could be a great fit for you based on your preferences. It offers a quieter and more relaxed environment compared to busier tourist destinations like Pattaya and Phuket. The presence of expat communities will provide you with opportunities to mingle and learn, making the transition smoother. I have had the opportunity to live in Pattaya, Bang Saray, and now I've relocated to Sisaket in the Northeast, near Cambodia, over the past eight years. These experiences have provided me with valuable insights. Fortunately, my wife speaks very good English which made the transition quite effortless for me. Additionally, being within driving distance to Trat would allow you to be close to your girlfriend's family, which is important.

In terms of healthcare, Rayong province has several hospitals and medical facilities, ensuring that you're not too far from necessary healthcare services.

When it comes to insurance, getting a health insurance quote can indeed be a daunting task. The cost can vary based on several factors such as coverage, age, and pre-existing conditions. However, a ballpark figure for comprehensive health insurance for retirees in Thailand could range from $1,000 to $3,000 per year. It's best to consult with insurance providers for more accurate quotes based on your specific needs.

As for finding a nice home, there are various property options available in Bang Saray and Rayong, including beachfront residences. These areas offer a cosy and less busy atmosphere, catering to your preferences.

Lastly, marriage is always a possibility, and it's great to hear that you have no financial concerns. If you decide to settle in Thailand long term, understanding marriage and visa regulations will be important. I am married to a thai national and the marriage visa process is not easy. The retirement visa process is relatively straightforward, but I haven't yet reached the age requirement to apply for it. However, I have assisted several friends and family members with the application process.

I hope this information provides some clarity as you consider your move to Thailand. If you have any more specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.

Best of luck

Stefan

@Stefan Barker. Thank You so much!!!

@martinoo2002 Thank You!

@Terrymedlicott

Hi Terry

Quick question on the insurance costs. Was that 1500 a month or a year? Sorry if this is a silly question but I honestly dont know.

Thanks

Marc

That would be per year , but can vary greatly depending on age and existing medical conditions.

@Terrymedlicott

Thanks Terry

That makes sense. For a minute I got just a little worried!

Much appreciated!

Sincerely

Marc

@Terrymedlicott

Thank you Terry and Marc too,

Thank you for your answer.

@Paul_Adams  paul, Hua Hin/Cha Am area is nice place to live. Cha Am is very quiet & much less expensive to find a place. Hua Hin has 3 hospitals and many health clinics. 2 shopping malls & tons of restaurants. But ChaAm is a sleepy town you can live there and drive to Hua Hin when nessesary. we have a place we rent right on the beach. we don have healthcare we just pay as we go. Medical care is very cheap compared to the US. If you are healthy why pay for something you may never use. The Hua Hin Airport flies many places now, and the train has been improved for comfort and convience travel. we maintain another condo in Nonthaburi near all of my Thai wifes family.  And we just goback & forth.  Lots of English speaking Expats also. we have been living in Thailand for 10 years.    It’s a great safe place to retire to. Good Luck with your move.      Patrick

@thailand4me

All good advice. I can attest to all of it.

    @Paul_Adams  paul, Hua Hin/Cha Am area is nice place to live. Cha Am is very quiet & much less expensive to find a place. Hua Hin has 3 hospitals and many health clinics. 2 shopping malls & tons of restaurants. But ChaAm is a sleepy town you can live there and drive to Hua Hin when nessesary. we have a place we rent right on the beach. we don have healthcare we just pay as we go. Medical care is very cheap compared to the US. If you are healthy why pay for something you may never use. The Hua Hin Airport flies many places now, and the train has been improved for comfort and convience travel. we maintain another condo in Nonthaburi near all of my Thai wifes family.  And we just goback & forth.  Lots of English speaking Expats also. we have been living in Thailand for 10 years.    It’s a great safe place to retire to. Good Luck with your move.      Patrick
   

    -@thailand4me

I can confirm. live in Cha am pretty much in the country side between golf resorts.

Built a house and live happily ever after I assume

Food we can go to Hua Hin or Cha am, plenty of choice from streetfood to finer dining (at a price)

Food Shopping is easy in both places as well with 2 makro's. Cha am has a smaller hospital as well and will refer to a bigger hospital (Petchaburi) when they can't help you

Cha am easy laid back, Hua Hin hustle and bustle

On the airport I only see flights to Chiang Mai,,,,,,,

@martinoo2002  Are you living in Cha Am?   The airport does  have many other flights going out but they are limited while the airport is being expanded & remodeled. Just like everything else in Thailand the work is slow.  Patrick

    @martinoo2002  Are you living in Cha Am?   The airport does  have many other flights going out but they are limited while the airport is being expanded & remodeled. Just like everything else in Thailand the work is slow.  Patrick
   

    -@thailand4me

Hi, yes I do,

I reacted to this quote from your earlier post

The Hua Hin Airport flies many places now,