Planning for later life as a British person in Thailand

Planning to live abroad 

You’re responsible for your welfare if you choose to live abroad. As part of your planning, consider your future health and social care requirements.

Read Living in Thailand and Thailand travel advice for guidance on topics including:

• residency and visas
• healthcare
• passports
• safety and security
• emergency help
• support available in Thailand

Choosing where to live in Thailand

Check how far your planned home in Thailand is from services, including:

• international or major private hospitals
• lower-cost medical facilities
• care homes
• transport links
• emergency services
• English-speaking services
• reliable support networks, including expat groups

You’re more likely to find these in major cities and tourist destinations like Bangkok, Chonburi, Hua Hin, Phuket and Chiang Mai.

Finding a translator or interpreter

Many people can speak English in the cities and tourist areas of Thailand, but you may need a translator for official documents. In more remote areas, you may need an interpreter to help you understand information and services.

Find a translator or interpreter in Thailand.

Getting healthcare in Thailand

You must pay for healthcare in Thailand, including in public hospitals and care facilities. Normally, only Thai nationals can get free or subsidised care.

To help cover your healthcare costs, take out comprehensive private medical insurance. Make sure coverage includes:

• pre‑existing conditions
• long‑term care
• medical evacuation to the UK, including from islands or remote areas

Without adequate insurance or funds, you may:

• be refused treatment
• have to pay large deposits before treatment and operations
• have to pay for basic bed care in hospital
• have to move to a cheaper public hospital
• face difficulties accessing ongoing care

Read Healthcare and medical services in Thailand for information including lists of medical facilities.

Getting social care in Thailand

In Thailand, state-funded social care is not generally available to foreign nationals. This means you may have to pay for social care, depending on your needs.

Social care is the care or support needed to help with day-to-day living. You may need social care if you have a long-term illness, a disability or reduced ability in older age. 

Older people are expected to get care from their:

• family
• community
• own private funds

Care homes

Private care homes throughout Thailand provide specialist care to elderly or longer-term patients. Most are in larger cities such as Bangkok and the provincial capitals. They can help you with daily basic needs and will work alongside medical professionals.

Care for mental health conditions or neurological diseases such as dementia is limited. These conditions may not be understood in some medical facilities and care homes.

Read Healthcare and medical services in Thailand for a list of private care homes in Thailand.

The British Embassy cannot fund social or medical care for British nationals in Thailand.

Planning your finances and estate in Thailand

Tax and pensions

Our Living in Thailand and Moving, living and retiring abroad guides include information on:

• paying tax abroad
• claiming a UK State Pension
• avoiding pension payment interruptions by replying to ‘life certificate’ requests
• transferring a pension abroad

Once you move to Thailand, your UK State Pension will be frozen. You will not get yearly increases, and your pension’s real value will fall over time due to inflation. This is because Thailand does not have a social security agreement with the UK.

You must report changes to your personal circumstances (such as address and bank account) to the UK Pension Service to avoid them stopping your pension. Contact the International Pension Centre for help. 

Managing your finances

Thailand is often seen as a low-cost destination, but your living expenses may be higher than expected. Your lifestyle, where you live and your healthcare needs will affect what you pay.

Your savings or income will have to cover:

• daily living costs
• private health insurance and long-term care
• emergencies
• visa fees
• taxes, especially if you earn money from savings, property or your pension

Keep enough money to return to the UK if needed. This includes paying for airline tickets.

Lasting power of attorney

Read Moving, living or retiring abroad for advice on planning for later life. This includes setting up a lasting power of attorney to prepare for situations where you cannot manage your affairs.

Wills

If you own assets in Thailand, make sure you have a valid Thai will in place. Any will made in the UK may not be valid in Thailand. Make sure family and friends are aware of your will and know where to find it.

Find a lawyer in Thailand to help you make a will. 

Funeral plans

Consider making funeral plans. This includes deciding whether you would prefer cremation in Thailand or to have your body returned to the UK (repatriation). You or your family will be responsible for funeral costs.

Funeral directors in Thailand can help you arrange services and document your wishes. They can also tell you about costs and local procedures.

Keep a paper copy of your plan and make sure your family knows where it is. 

Fill in the back page of your passport with your next-of-kin information, even if estranged. This is especially important if you live alone. You can also add information about a trusted person who lives in your local area and is aware of your plans.

Read When someone dies in Thailand.

Reporting safeguarding concerns

If you’re concerned about an elderly person’s safety or mental capacity in Thailand, use the emergency numbers in Thailand travel advice.

Thailand recognises risks to vulnerable individuals, including older adults. However, formal safeguarding systems differ from the UK.

The British embassy can:

• provide support and guidance
• contact family or next of kin (with consent)
• help you access local services

But it cannot provide social care or fund medical support.

Returning to the UK

Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.

You can also read Age UK’s guidance on moving back to the UK after living abroad.

You may wish to consider returning to the UK due to:

• increasing care needs
• financial pressures
• lack of support from family or friends
• language barriers

Funding your return to the UK is your responsibility. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office may help vulnerable people access services in the UK.

Disclaimer

We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the relevant Thai authorities.

Read our consular information disclaimer.