Friendly visa policy puts Thailand among world's top 10 retirement destinations

Thailand was ninth on the list, which was topped by Portugal.

The rest of the top 10 were Mexico, Panama, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Spain, Greece, Italy and France.

To compile the list, International Living asked its ever-expanding network of editors, correspondents, and contributors all over the world to find the best places for retirement based on factors such as cost of living, visa policy, climate, housing, and healthcare.

"Thailand has been a popular destination for retirees for decades and provides long term visas for people over 50," the Irish publisher said.

"Foreigners are able to buy condos very easily and there are bargains everywhere," International Living said. "It is possible to buy a two-bedroom condo for under US$30,000 and rentals can be as cheap as $180 per month if you need something small and quaint."

Thailand launched its Long Term Residence visa program last year, which allows foreigners to stay in the country for up to 10 years with multiple entries. The new visa program is an effort to boost the Thai economy post Covid-19.