Retirees Choose Thailand for Affordability and Safety, Leaving Doha and the US Behind
Kevin Elliott and his wife Camille moved to Hua Hin, Thailand in January after Kevin's job in Doha, Qatar ended. They chose Thailand over returning to the US or other retirement destinations due to lower cost of living and accessible retirement visas.
The couple spent about eight years in Doha, where Kevin worked. After his contract ended, they traveled to Hua Hin in November to evaluate it as a retirement location. Within a month, they signed a lease before their Qatar visas expired.
"We wanted to live off Social Security alone, which influenced the choice of Thailand."
— Kevin Elliott
Key Facts
- They moved from Doha to Hua Hin on January 1.
- Their monthly rent is 28,000 Thai baht (approximately $870) for a three-bedroom house in a gated community.
- They brought two dogs from Qatar, costing about $750 in paperwork and airline fees.
- They later adopted two additional puppies.
- The couple aims to keep monthly expenses under $2,500, though they are still assessing their spending.
- They estimate they will receive about $4,000 per month from Social Security once they file.
Statements from the Couple
- Kevin said they wanted to live off Social Security alone, which influenced the choice of Thailand.
- Camille noted the house needed work but liked it, and the greenery reminded her of Jamaica.
- Kevin said adjusting to the heat and language barrier has been challenging.
- He stated they feel safer in Thailand than in the US, citing concerns about gun violence.
- The couple said they have not yet fully engaged in the expat social scene but plan to.
"We feel safer in Thailand than in the US."
— Kevin Elliott
Background
As of December 2024, at least 7,178 US retirees in Thailand received Social Security benefits, according to US government data. The couple's decision not to return to the US was influenced by political divisions and high cost of living.