Thailand named ninth-best for retirees

Thailand ranks ninth in the world as a retirement haven, according to International Living.

The publisher of retirement-oriented magazines said that, compared with Malaysia, one of two Asian destinations in the top 10, Thailand was more attractive only in terms of climate. Its final score is 82.3 points, compared with Malaysia's 89.

Ecuador was No 1 with 91.9 points.

International Living's Retirement Index ranks destinations across eight crucial categories - real estate, special retirement benefits, cost of living, ease of integration, entertainment and amenities, healthcare, retirement infrastructure and climate.

Thailand follows Ecuador, Panama, Malaysia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Colombia and Spain. The top 22 retirement destinations also included Malta, Portugal, Nicaragua, Ireland, France, the Philippines, New Zealand, Italy, Brazil, Chile, Honduras, Belize and the Dominican Republic.

"Each destination is desirable in its own way, but they all offer something increasingly hard to come by at home - a good quality of life for a reasonable price," International Living said.

The index is completed through interviews and surveys. The surveyor looked at everything from Internet penetration to the price of a beer, discounts and benefits for retirees. Questions were asked on such issues as how easy is it to stay in touch with the folks back home, is it easy to make friends, what is there to do and is a car necessary.

With 30 years of experience, International Living claims to be the top resource to help people find the best places to retire and live better, for less, around the world. Its latest magazine is How to Retire in Paradise on US$30 a Day.