Thailand has claimed the top spot in Asia and ranked 9th globally as the best country for retirement, highlighting its affordable cost of living, quality of life, healthcare system, and government efforts to establish the nation as a retirement destination for people worldwide.
On 1 July 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Lalida Pertvivatana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, announced that International Living, a leading U.S. media outlet specializing in lifestyle and retirement abroad, released its Global Retirement Index 2026. Now in its 35th year, the index ranked Thailand 9th globally and 1st in Asia as a suitable country for life after retirement, scoring 80.0 points. This reflects Thailand's potential as a retirement destination worldwide, based on quality of life, healthcare, cost of living, and a supportive living environment.
Ms. Lalida explained that the index evaluates seven key factors: housing, visas and retirement benefits, cost of living, development and governance, climate, healthcare system, and lifestyle suitability (Affinity Rating). The assessment relies on data from experts, journalists, and expatriates living in each country.
Thailand received outstanding scores, notably 96 in Cost of Living, indicating excellent value relative to quality of life. It earned 84 points in Development and Governance, reflecting strong infrastructure and effective public administration. The healthcare system scored 79 points, demonstrating internationally recognized medical standards. Additionally, visas and retirement benefits received 79 points, enhancing Thailand's appeal as a retirement destination for people worldwide.
Ms. Lalida noted that these rankings align with the government's policy under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to elevate Thailand as a global Medical and Wellness Hub. The government is advancing medical and health industries, promoting health tourism, elder care, and high-value medical services, alongside improving healthcare quality, infrastructure, and living environments. These efforts aim to support both Thai citizens and foreigners while positioning Thailand as a regional health economic center.
“International Living’s ranking of Thailand as the 9th best country globally and 1st in Asia for retirement highlights Thailand’s strengths in affordable cost of living, quality of life, healthcare, and internationally recognized development,” Ms. Lalida said. “The government will continue enhancing health services, developing wellness and elder care industries, and creating an ecosystem conducive to senior living to establish Thailand as a world-class retirement destination. This will generate revenue from tourism and health services, increase investment, and sustainably distribute economic opportunities to the population.”