I can state emphatically that the best way to enjoy your life in Thailand is through financial security.
There are way too many expat Youtuber’s who think life resolves around living as cheap as you can.
While that may be great for the very first stay, it is not an answer to building a life in Thailand.
I simply do not advise or advocate for people to move to Thailand that cannot afford the same kind of life as they have in their home country.
If you have a house, car, insurance in your home country and cannot move to Thailand and afford the same things, why would you move?
Why would you sacrifice the security of your own home for an unpredictable rental the owner can change the contract or sell out from under you?
You can find a cheap way to live in Thailand the same as you can find a cheap way to live in your home country. Believe it. No need to move.
But is that the way you want to spend the rest of life, owning nothing?
Many expats move to Thailand and cannot afford health insurance. Is Thailand that great you would move and sacrifice your health and medical care? Thailand is still third world and not worth the sacrifice, if you cannot keep yourself healthy.
I can also understand the reputation Thailand has for expats to find a wife, girlfriend, etc.
Trust me, they don’t want to be poor and have nothing either, no matter what you think.
If there a financial safety zone for retirees?
Ask 1,000 expats and get 1,000 different answers.
Some expats live in Thailand with no insurance and <30,000 thb a month.
Sorry no thanks.
People can live with less and live on less. But is that the answer? Growing old with less and less? Once again no thanks.
My thought would be as follows:
Expat Husband has full medical insurance. Depending on age I would budget US $400 to $800 a month till end of life.
House, Land, or Condo all paid for. Never have to worry if you are the owner.
New car paid for
Monthly pension, hold your breath, 100,000 thb a month.
The majority of expats live on half of that or less.
Why 100,000 a month?
~30,000 a month for food, utilities, gas, household expenses
70,000thb a month affords you money to holiday in tourist areas, trips outside of Thailand, trips home, a few luxury items, gifts for family and friend’s birthdays and holiday, savings
If you have to count pennies in Thailand, life is not going to be the experience you think it is.