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For access to your online account please contact your personal account manager, alternatively email team@regencyfx.com.
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For access to your online account please contact your personal account manager, alternatively email team@regencyfx.com.
If you are considering retiring to Thailand from the UK, Regency FX can help you make the most of your money when converting from GBP to Thai Baht.
Retirement in Thailand is becoming increasingly popular among UK citizens. The appeal is clear - a warm climate, stunning scenery, relaxed lifestyle and affordable cost of living make Thailand an attractive option for retirees.
As an independent currency specialist, Regency FX has lower overheads than traditional banks, allowing us to pass on better exchange rates to you. We can also advise on the best time to transfer your money rather than locking in the daily rate offered by banks or online platforms. With the right strategy, retiring from the UK to Thailand has never been more financially accessible.
Below, we cover everything you need to make an informed decision about retiring in Thailand, including money transfers, visas, healthcare and lifestyle considerations.
Six Key Steps to Retiring in Thailand
The first step in retiring to Thailand is obtaining a retirement visa. Applicants must be 50 years or older and meet financial requirements.
Options include:
Initially, you must apply for a 90-day visa to enter Thailand and then apply in person for a Non-Immigrant O-A retirement visa at the Thai immigration office. Before leaving Thailand, ensure you secure a ‘re-entry permit’.
After holding a retirement visa for three years, you may apply for permanent residency.
The cost of living for a retired couple in Thailand is typically around £1,600 per month, depending on lifestyle. It is recommended to have at least £20,000 in savings for unexpected expenses.
UK state pensions can be transferred to Thailand, although a minimum 25% tax applies since Thailand is not on the HMRC overseas pension scheme list. Receiving funds directly from a UK bank account may avoid this tax.
Health insurance is required to access Thailand’s healthcare system. Costs vary depending on age and medical conditions.
Non-permanent residents cannot purchase property in Thailand, though renting is widely available.
Chiang Mai: Ideal for retirees who enjoy a relaxed city with historic charm. Excellent restaurants, bars, markets, outdoor activities and adventure opportunities.
Phuket: Perfect for a slower pace, natural beauty, beaches, hiking and fresh seafood
Bangkok: Best for those who prefer a busting urban environment. Excellent public transport, vibrant nightlife, historic sites and diverse food options
Transfers with standard banks can take 1–3 business days, but our platform is designed for faster processing, helping your money reach its destination promptly.
We offer a user-friendly web portal to all clients where you can set up, track and manage transfers yourself, giving full control without relying on slow manual processes. Alternatively, your free dedicated account manager can handle the transfer for you if you prefer a more hands-on service.
Our platform displays live rates upfront, so you know exactly how much the recipient will receive. There are no hidden fees or surprise markups.
We beat bank exchange rates by 2–5% on large transfers, helping your GBP go further when moving lare volumes of money to Thailand.
Yes. We support batch payments and scheduled transfers allowing you to make regular transactions with ease.
We use FCA-authorised payment services and hold all funds in safeguarded accounts, meaning your money is fully protected while you benefit from the best exchange rates.
Regency FX is a UK-based independent currency broker specialising in high-volume transfers. Our clients benefit from:
Even if you are only exploring property options in Thailand, contacting Regency FX can help you plan your budget. We monitor exchange rates on your behalf to maximise your GBP to Thai Baht transfers, making retirement abroad more affordable.
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