Thailand Ranked 9th Globally For Retirement
Thailand ranks 9th globally and first in Asia for retirement destinations, according to International Living's 2026 index, scoring particularly high for low cost of living and quality healthcare.
Thailand Ranked 9th Globally For Retirement; Government Accelerates Development of Thailand as a Premier Destination for Retirees Worldwide
On July 1, 2569, Deputy Government Spokesman Lalida Peraiswivattana announced that Thailand has been ranked by International Living, a leading U.S. media outlet focused on living abroad and international retirement, in their Global Retirement Index 2026. Thailand achieved 9th place globally and 1st place in Asia as an ideal retirement destination, with a total score of 80.0 points.
The evaluation was based on seven key factors:
- Housing - Visas and retiree benefits - Cost of living - Development and governance - Climate - Healthcare systems - Livability
The assessment drew from input by experts, journalists, and expatriates actually residing in each country, reflecting Thailand's potential as a retirement destination for seniors worldwide across quality of life, healthcare systems, cost of living, and living conditions.
Peraiswivattana noted that Thailand earned outstanding scores particularly in cost of living with 96 points, reflecting excellent value relative to quality of life. The country scored 84 points for development and governance, demonstrating infrastructure readiness and public administration capability. Healthcare systems scored 79 points, reflecting internationally recognized medical standards, while visas and retiree benefits also scored 79 points, further enhancing Thailand's appeal as a global retirement destination.
This ranking aligns with the government's policy to elevate Thailand as a Medical and Wellness Hub and advance its healthcare, medical, and wellness industries. The government is promoting health tourism, elderly care, and high-value medical services alongside improving public health services, developing infrastructure, and creating livable environments for both Thai citizens and foreigners.
The government is committed to positioning Thailand as a world-class retirement destination, generating revenue from tourism and healthcare services, increasing investment, and distributing economic opportunities sustainably to the population.
