The search for an idyllic life under a tropical climate and on magnificent beaches draws a great many French retirees beyond their own borders. Among the favoured destinations, Thailand stands out for its exotic appeal and the many advantages it offers expatriates. Spending your retirement in Pattaya, that well-known seaside resort, looks like the perfect choice. This article gives an overview of what the move involves when you set out from Réunion Island, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean.
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Why choose Pattaya for retirement?
There is no shortage of reasons to choose Pattaya as a place to retire. The one that comes up most often is the low cost of living compared with France. On a modest pension you can live comfortably, enjoy the local food and take part in all kinds of social activities.
The tropical climate of Pattaya is another draw. With an annual average temperature of 28 degrees Celsius, sunny days are all but guaranteed. For anyone arriving from Réunion Island, the change is usually an easy one, since the two places share a broadly similar climate.
The financial side
Settling in Pattaya brings considerable financial advantages. The cost of living is markedly lower than in France, or even than in Réunion. Here are the key points.
- Affordable housing — you can rent a spacious flat for a fraction of what it would cost in France.
- Cheap food — local markets offer a wide choice of food at very low prices.
- Affordable healthcare — Healthcare services in Thailand have a reputation for quality and remain highly competitive on price; the Caisse des Français de l'Étranger, France's voluntary overseas health-insurance fund, sets out the cover available abroad.
Property investment
For anyone considering a property investment for the long term, Pattaya has plenty to offer. Whether you want to buy a house or invest in a condominium, the options are varied and attractive. Plenty of specialist advisers guide expatriates through the process to make the investment as straightforward as possible.
Some local banks also give foreign buyers access to mortgages, which makes the investment more workable still for retirees looking to settle in Thailand for good.
The practicalities of life in Pattaya
Thai visas
One question comes up again and again: the legal basis for staying. Thailand offers several types of visa that allow long stays. The retirement visa (O-A) is aimed specifically at older applicants. It does, however, require you to meet certain financial conditions proving you can support yourself.
Renewable on a regular basis, this visa lets you stay with complete peace of mind. In some cases it is worth consulting an immigration specialist to simplify the paperwork.
The expatriate community
Pattaya is home to a lively community of expatriates in Thailand. That presence makes settling in far easier for newcomers. Between social clubs, associations and assorted community activities, it provides a valuable support network.
French retirees , for whom the French Embassy in Bangkok maintains a dedicated section, will find a range of establishments run by French speakers, which makes the transition more pleasant still. These include restaurants and cafés, but also medical clinics with French-speaking staff.
Activities and leisure
Sightseeing and days out
Pattaya is not short of tourist attractions. Retired residents can alternate between relaxing on the idyllic beaches, cultural visits and exploring the surrounding area. Places such as the island of Koh Larn or the Sanctuary of Truth add a touch of adventure and magic to everyday life.
Whatever your interests, there is something for everyone: golf for the sporting types, or the Nong Nooch tropical botanical garden for nature lovers.
Local food
Thai cooking is known the world over for its rich and varied flavours. Pattaya has a great many local restaurants serving authentic dishes. The street markets overflow with fresh, affordable delights, from a simple papaya salad to exquisite seafood.
Several places also run cookery classes for anyone wanting to immerse themselves further in the local food culture. It is not only entertaining but can be an excellent way of building ties with local people.
Keeping the link with Réunion Island
Ease of travel
Travelling between Réunion Island and Pattaya means a stopover. No direct flight links Réunion with Thailand: the journey goes through a hub, most often Mauritius, Dubai or Singapore, before Bangkok. Once you have landed, Pattaya is about an hour and a half by road from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport.
That connection, indirect though it is, makes it easier to go back and forth for anyone wanting to keep close ties with family still in Réunion. A good number of airlines run regular services, which means flexibility and convenience.
| Category | Réunion Island | Pattaya |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (one-bedroom flat) | €800 – €1,000 | €300 – €500 |
| Food | €250 – €400 | €150 – €300 |
| Utilities | €100 – €150 | €50 – €100 |
| Healthcare | €200 – €300 | €100 – €200 |
Thinking through the possibilities opened up by retirement in Thailand, and in particular in Pattaya, it becomes clear that the destination combines a great many advantages. Between the idyllic scenery, the affordable cost of living and the warm welcome from local people, choosing to leave Réunion Island to settle there could well prove a rewarding decision, financially as much as personally.
