Thailand is 100% what you make of it when you decide to move full-time.
What you make of it is directly related to money and what you have for a monthly budget.
If you have > US $50,000 a year you can have an awesome life, the same you had in the West.
If you have US $30,000 a year, you can do very well!
Thailand depends on your monthly costs.
Whether you rent or own.
It helps out not to have any monthly payments if possible.
Many people making the big move sell their property in their home country and pay cash for a property in Thailand. They also pay cash for a new vehicle.
Married to a Thai gets you a house and land.
Otherwise you are stuck with either forming a company and buying a land and house under the company or buying a condo.
If you can live in a condo, it seems to be the most popular option, but it is not for everyone.
Long term rentals are not unusual in Thailand, so you may find your dream in a long term rental at the beach or in the mountains.
Actual living expenses for food and utilities should NEVER exceed US $750 a month.
The other big expense and it gets more expensive as you get old is health insurance, which could range from US $400 to $800+ a month, depending on age.
Can you live on less? Yes, many rent a one room flat for US $200 a month, utilities and food total another $300 a month. No vehicle, no health insurance.
Each foreigner will tell you they have it all figured out and best to let them.
Anyone that does not think they will have any medical bills when they are 70 years old are not telling the truth and could end up financially ruined and even deported.
There is safe retirement and 100% risky retirement, your choice.
Thailand has living costs just like any other country in the world.
How much you can afford directly determines what your quality of life will be.
Following all the visa rules/costs, health insurance, owning a vehicle like normal retired people do is not as cheap as people think.
Do your homework.
Understand over the years the costs across the board will increase and increase.
The money exchange rate could go very low as the Australians are finding out right now.
Plan for the worst, budget for the worst and if you can manage that, the rest will be easy.
The end of your life should be an enjoyable time, not a stressful, worried affair wondering where you can find some more money.
Do your research and don’t sell yourself short.
Plan, Plan, Plan