Could You Retire In Thailand For Less Than €400 A Month?
About this episode
Lisa Denmark discusses her experience retiring in Chiang Mai, Thailand, including the cost of living and challenges faced as an expat.
American military nurse Lisa Denmark joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about retiring in Chiang Mai, Thailand — and why she has never looked back. After eight years working for the US military in Germany, Lisa faced a visa deadline that forced a decision: return to the States, or start over somewhere new. She chose Thailand, moved sight unseen, and hasn't left since. Lisa shares how she landed on Chiang Mai, what it was really like to arrive during COVID lockdown, and why the city's calm, small-town feel won her over completely. Lisa breaks down the real cost of living — from a three-bedroom house in a gated community for 310 euros a month to a full Thai meal delivered for under a euro — and walks through the visa journey from visa-exempt to education visa to retirement visa. She also gets into the wilder side of expat life: finding rentals through word-of-mouth (and one very memorable connection), the challenges of bringing a 40kg service dog to a country that doesn't recognise service animals, several scooter wrecks, and major surgery covered entirely by her Thai health insurance. If you're considering retiring abroad on a fixed income, this episode is packed with practical…
More episodes of Expat Focus
- Looking After Your Mental Health While Living Abroad
- An American In The UK – The HONEST Truth About Moving Abroad In Your 40s
- The Secret To Expat Happiness – Building Friendships Abroad
- How To Really Feel At Home In A New Country – Tips From A Lifestyle Consultant
- Moving To Portugal? Visas, Costs And A Citizenship Deadline You Need To Know
- US Expats - How To Get Your Money Out Of The USA (And Why You May Not Want To)
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Expat Focus podcast page.