Pensioner moves with a heavy heart from Mallorca to Thailand and praises the advantages
Rafa Rius worked in Mallorca for 40 years. Now retired, he can no longer afford to live on the island. Therefore, he emigrated to Thailand.
Thailand, with its turquoise sea and affordable rents, has become a dream destination for thousands of retirees from Europe and North America. Rafa Ruiz, a former lifeguard from Palma de Mallorca, has also decided to leave his home island.
The reason for this is the high cost of living and rents, which make it impossible for him to get by on his monthly pension of 1250 euros on the popular Spanish holiday island, he tells the newspaper “Ultima Hora ”.
"I would never have left my homeland because it's my home and I love it. But after 40 years of tireless work, it's not normal that we receive such low pensions." With what he receives, he can barely afford to rent a small apartment in Mallorca and little more. "They're driving us off the island," the pensioner said.
Rents in Thailand are 30 times cheaper. "For 50 euros a month, you can get a nice house by the sea with several rooms, and for one euro you can eat," Ruiz told " Ultima Hora."
Although Ruiz's move to Thailand was somewhat involuntary, he now enjoys his life there. "I've gone from a life of constantly worrying about making ends meet to a peaceful and comfortable life in a beautiful place."
More and more German emigrants are also discovering Thailand for themselves. Bert Hall from Lower Saxony, for example, fulfilled his long-held dream and emigrated to Khon Sai with his wife in 2023. His large house with extensive grounds would have been "unthinkable" in Germany.
He particularly appreciates the relaxed lifestyle and the helpfulness of the people. Despite language barriers, he feels integrated – and is amazed by the infrastructure: Khon Sai already had fiber optic connections in 2008. "They're miles ahead of Germany in this regard."
- Visa for pensioners : The so-called “Retirement Visa” (Non-Immigrant O or OA) is valid from the age of 50 and requires proof of monthly income of approximately 65,000 baht (around 1,620 euros) or a credit balance of 800,000 baht (around 20,000 euros).
- Cost of living: Monthly expenses for rent, food and insurance are significantly lower than in Germany – many pensioners get by on 1200 to 1800 euros.
- Health insurance: For certain visas, proof of Thai or international health insurance is required – private offers are cheaper than in Europe, but sometimes have patchy coverage.
- Cultural adjustment: Relaxation and indirect communication characterize everyday life. Those who want to integrate well should be open-minded – and ideally learn some basic Thai vocabulary.
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