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Business Insider
19 hours ago
- Business
- Business Insider
I want to retire early, so I moved my family to Thailand to save money. Take a look inside our $1,200 family home in Bangkok.
I moved my family to Thailand for a better quality of life. I want to retire by 50, and Thailand offers a cheaper cost of living to make that happen. Here's a tour of our beautiful apartment in the heart of Bangkok that I could only dream of having in the U.S. It took me too many years of my life to realize I don't want to work until a typical retirement age. My ex- father-in-law was a catalyst for this realization. I met Steve when I was 17 (I'm now 44), and he was one of the hardest-working men I knew. There were times when he held two or even three jobs to support his family, and he worked hard at everything he did. What's sad is that he worked until the day he found out he had stage 4 pancreatic cancer; he died three weeks later at 61. His death was part of the reason I decided I didn't want to work into my 60s, and conversations with my children helped me see that my identity is more than my work. Although I own a business, I'm working toward the goal of retiring by the age of 50, and moving to Thailand is the only way I could make that dream a reality. We moved to Thailand for a better quality of life. Retiring early in the US would be difficult due to the high cost of living and healthcare, even with insurance. My wife and I decided that moving out of the US permanently would be our best option to achieve our financial independence goals. After researching, we decided to move to Thailand, a country with a relatively easy visa process, affordable healthcare, cheaper everyday living expenses, and a thriving economy. My wife, our daughter, our niece, and I secured five-year Destination Thailand Visas (DTV) within a few weeks after deciding to move. I found a beautiful apartment in the best location for a reasonable price. It was easy to set up our life in Thailand, and I didn't have to go through the bureaucracy I've experienced my entire life in the US. I landed in Bangkok and toured the apartments the next day. By the end of day two, we had signed a two-year lease for our dream apartment. The rent is $1,200 a month, but our monthly living expenses for everything are less than $3,000 a month, which is about one-tenth of what we paid in the US. Our apartment is close to Bangkok's public transportation. The apartment is within walking distance to Terminal 21, a large mall, numerous coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities. Bangkok is quite the city that never sleeps, and you can find many places that are open 24/7. The apartment is just under 3,000 square feet with a comfortable living room and a balcony overlooking the pool. The building and apartment are pet-friendly, so we brought our two cats with us. The building installed netting on the balconies so that the cats can spend time outside. The apartment was furnished, but we also bought some of our things to make it more comfortable. There is a nice-sized kitchen with a balcony — which houses our washer and dryer. The kitchen is fully equipped with an oven, a gas stove, and plenty of counter space. Conveniently, a washer and dryer are on a small, netted balcony right outside the kitchen. There is a formal dining room area, where we keep our filtered water. We have a large dining room table, built-ins with storage space, and another balcony offers a dining area that's also netted. Since the weather is good all year round, we're storing our larger suitcase on the balcony. I turned the fourth bedroom and bathroom into my office. I own a business and wanted a space to work outside our bedroom. The fourth room would typically be a maid's quarters or a small bedroom, but I converted it to my office. I installed a mobile AC unit, bought a desk, and purchased a comfortable reading chair for breaks. The office is located on the same floor but is detached from the apartment, making it a quiet space. Our primary bedroom is large with an ensuite and a balcony. When we moved to Thailand, we thought we'd be moving to a smaller space than what we're used to in the US. But the apartment we got exceeded our expectations in terms of size. The master bedroom came with a king-size bed, a large TV on top of built-ins, lots of closet space, a large bathroom, and an area for my wife to have a mini office. We are quite comfortable. Our daughter and niece have more space than they had in the US. Our daughter and niece live with us, and occupy the second and third bedrooms, which are also spacious. Each room has a bathroom, a queen-size bed, and a good-sized TV. Our daughter's room also features a separate vanity area. We're very happy with our new family home, especially since it's saving us money. I'm not sure if we'll stay in this apartment for all five years of our visa, but we're very happy with it right now. The apartment has more space than anticipated, it's close to everything we need, and the building staff has been incredible. We made the right move for our family, and we've accelerated our journey toward financial independence by increasing the amount we're saving.
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Business Standard
21-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Thailand's nomad visa for remote workers and freelancers: Decoded
Last year, Thailand launched the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) programme, which has since drawn over 35,000 applicants, according to official data. The visa targets remote workers and digital nomads by offering a low-cost, long-stay alternative that ties into the government's wider efforts to lift tourism and economic activity. The DTV is a five-year, multiple-entry visa that allows each stay to last up to 180 days. To apply, individuals must show financial reserves of 500,000 baht (roughly Rs 13.3 lakh) and pay a one-time application fee of 10,000 baht (around Rs 26,673). The relatively modest financial bar, combined with Thailand's existing appeal among budget-conscious travellers and remote professionals, has set the programme apart from pricier options elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Eligibility spans beyond tech workers While the DTV supports traditional categories like freelancers, self-employed professionals, and remote employees, it also opens the door to a broader range of travellers. Applicants can qualify through Thai soft power activities like Muay Thai training, culinary courses, or wellness tourism, making the programme accessible beyond the usual digital nomad crowd. Children under 20 and spouses can be included in the visa application, which has helped attract applicants looking for extended family stays or a base in Asia. Who can apply and what you can do • Be at least 20 years old • Have 500,000 baht (about Rs 13.3 lakh) in personal funds • Pay the visa fee • Show proof of employment with a registered company or provide a portfolio if self-employed Permitted activities under the DTV include: • Muay Thai and Thai cuisine courses • Attending seminars and educational events • Participation in art and music festivals • Collaboration with Thai or international talent • Receiving medical treatment • Spectating or joining sporting events What the DTV offers and what it doesn't The DTV comes with several upsides. According to the Thai embassy: • Remote work rights for overseas clients • Visa extension for up to 180 days for an added 10,000 baht • Tax exemption on foreign income (for stays under 180 days) • Eligibility for nationals from 93 countries • Dependants can accompany the primary visa holder However, there are some key restrictions: • DTV holders are not allowed to work for a Thai company unless they obtain a separate work permit • switching to another visa type will lead to automatic cancellation of the DTV Documents required for dependants To apply for the DTV as a spouse or child of a primary visa holder, the following documents are needed: • Passport valid for at least six months • Recent photo (within six months) • Proof of current residence, such as a bank statement or utility bill • Bank statement showing at least 500,000 baht or equivalent in INR • Relationship proof (birth certificate, marriage certificate or adoption document) • Personal details of the primary visa holder, including passport and DTV approval • Visa fee of Rs 34,500 • Employment contract or professional portfolio indicating remote worker, freelancer or foreign talent status The visa allows multiple entries over five years. Red tape and banking trouble Though the visa has generated strong interest, it hasn't been without snags. Because the DTV is classified as a long-term tourist visa, some holders have reported difficulty in opening bank accounts. According to the South China Morning Post, Thai banks have demanded additional documentation from DTV holders, leading to processing delays and inconvenience—particularly for those who rely on local accounts to manage day-to-day expenses. Tourism hopes tempered by economic headwinds Thailand's economy has come under pressure, even as new visa categories like the DTV attempt to inject momentum. The World Bank this month trimmed its growth forecast for 2025 to 1.8 per cent, citing weaker exports, domestic political uncertainty, and a soft tourism recovery. Visitor numbers have also been revised down. Thailand now expects to receive 35.5 million tourists in 2025, compared to the earlier projection of 39 million. Officials say arrivals from China have dipped sharply, in part due to safety concerns linked to scam operations and abduction reports, as well as broader economic tightening across the region. Along with Thailand, several countries offer digital nomad or remote work visas similar to DTV. These visas are meant for foreigners who wish to live in a country while working remotely for a non-local employer or as freelancers. Here are some examples: 1. Portugal – D7 and Digital Nomad Visa D7 Visa: For those with passive income, but often used by remote workers. Digital Nomad Visa (launched 2022): For remote workers earning at least €3,040/month (about Rs 3 lakh) (4x Portuguese minimum wage). 2. Spain – Digital Nomad Visa • Requires income of at least €2,334/month (about Rs 2.34 lakh). • Valid for up to 5 years. • Available to non-EU nationals working remotely for non-Spanish companies. 3. Estonia – Digital Nomad Visa • One of the first to offer such a visa (2020). • Requires proof of €3,504 monthly income (about Rs 3.52 lakh). • Allows stays up to 1 year. 4. Croatia – Digital Nomad Residence Permit • Valid up to 1 year. • No income tax on foreign income. • Minimum monthly income: about €2,300 (about Rs 2.31 lakh). 5. Greece – Digital Nomad Visa • Minimum income: €3,500/month (about Rs 3.52 lakh). • Visa valid for 1 year, renewable for 2 more. • No Greek taxes if staying less than 183 days/year. 6. Indonesia (Bali) – Second Home Visa • Initially targeted retirees and investors, now expanded. • Remote work permitted if not employed by Indonesian entity. 7. UAE – Virtual Working Programme (Dubai) • One-year remote work visa. • Requires proof of $5,000 monthly income (about Rs 4.32 lakh). • Includes residency ID, banking access. 8. Barbados – Welcome Stamp • One-year visa for remote workers. • Must earn at least $50,000/year (about Rs 43 lakh). 9. Georgia – Remotely from Georgia • Open to nationals from 95 countries. • Income requirement: $2,000/month (about Rs 1.72 lakh). • Allows 180-day stay or more. 10. Mauritius – Premium Visa • Valid for 1 year, renewable. • No local income tax if income is from abroad.
Business Insider
19-07-2025
- Business Insider
I moved my family to Thailand, and it was surprisingly easy. I set up our new life in less than a week — without spending a lot of money.
The cost of living in the US was too much, so I moved my family to Thailand. I got an apartment, our visas, and set up our life in a matter of days. I wish I had moved to a country with less bureaucracy sooner, because life is much easier. I don't have the closest relationship with my parents, but I'm grateful that they exposed me to travel early in life. My mother is Kenyan and sent my brother and me to live with our aunt in Kenya when I was 12 years old. That trip to Kenya, as well as trips throughout my formative years, instilled in me a love of travel. As an adult, I continued to travel and even moved my family from Wisconsin to Maui. I've also lived in Medellín, Colombia, in several countries in Europe, and have spent periods traveling continuously. My wife and I have six children between us, all of whom are now adults. When we thought about how we wanted to spend our empty nest years, we decided the goal would be to retire early at 50 (for me) and 55 (for my wife) and to move abroad. Thailand offers the cost of living we're looking for with affordable, world-class healthcare. What we didn't expect was how easily we could set up our lives in a foreign country. It's too expensive to retire in the US The cost of living in the US continues to rise, especially in Florida, where we used to live. When we looked at the numbers, it became obvious that we couldn't reach our financial goals if we stayed in America. Since we've traveled extensively, we've come to realize that many countries offer a better cost of living and lifestyle upgrades, such as the ability to hire help, affordable healthcare, easy-to-obtain visas, and the opportunity to save more of our money due to lower expenses. We weighed our options and decided to call Thailand home. Within three days, we were set to live in Thailand After deciding to move to Thailand with a few of our adult kids, we got to work, applying for visas and exploring areas where we wanted to live. I also booked a trip to Bangkok to set up our life. I set up apartment tours before I left the US. I landed in Bangkok, toured four apartments the next day, and signed a two-year lease by the evening of the second day. The lack of bureaucracy and fees was shocking compared to what I'm used to in America. I didn't need a credit check (or the credit check fee), a background check (or the background check fee), renter's insurance, or to pay the $8,550 in upfront costs we paid for the last place we rented in the US. I also didn't have to wait a few weeks to a month for everything to process. I paid the first and last month's rent via the Wise app, and our family was set. The apartment complex helped us set up all of our services (electricity, WiFi, water) the next day. Securing visas was surprisingly easy, too. Before I left for Thailand, we were approved for a five-year DTV visa, which was granted in less than a week. It was surprisingly easy to move abroad The process of setting up our life in a new country contrasts with the lengthy and bureaucratic processes I've faced in every place I've lived in the US throughout my life. It was never quick and always involved numerous layers. The beauty of a life with less bureaucracy is that it frees my mind and finances. Rather than always being on the grind and hustling to pay for life, I have access to affordable care, lifestyle upgrades, and lower costs in Thailand. Since moving abroad, I've been working less and spending time doing fun things like reading, watching movies, learning a new language, and exploring the country. My income has also gone further. I wish I had moved across the world sooner.
Time Out
18-07-2025
- Time Out
Bangkok ranked best city in the world for digital nomads
Bangkok just snagged another crown, and this one's for the laptop-and-a-backpack crowd. Yep, a massive new survey from Hotelwithtub has named the Big Mango the number one destination in the world for digital nomads. The ranking wasn't just a vibe check; it analysed data from over 1,300 cities, focusing on key factors like affordability (for solo travellers and families), safety, quality of life, and online buzz. Basically, what many of us have known for years is now official: for a perfect blend of work, culture, and chaos, Bangkok is the place to be. The capital earned a final weighted score of 91 out of 100, landing in first place with strong marks across the board. Feedback from nomads gave it an impressive rating of 4.55 out of 5. It stood out particularly in affordability, with solo remote workers able to live comfortably on around B50,000 per month. It also scored well for its solid infrastructure, efficient public transport and abundance of coworking spaces – from sleek downtown towers to cosy garden cafes. Other standouts included safety, connectivity, and return rate, suggesting that many nomads not only love their first visit but often come back for more. With over 23 million visitors each year, the metropolis remains one of the most visited and internationally connected cities in Asia. And it's not just Bangkok flying the flag – Thailand is the most represented country in the ranking, with seven cities making an appearance: Bangkok (No. 1), Nakhon Ratchasima (No. 5), Koh Phangan (No. 13), Chiang Mai (No. 26), Koh Lanta (No. 45), Phuket (No. 59), and Krabi (No. 93). For those considering a longer stay, the country recently introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), designed for remote workers and freelancers. The visa allows stays of up to 180 days per entry, with the option to extend for another 180 days. It's valid for five years and provides multiple entries.
Buzz Feed
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Forgotten Disney Classics That Deserve More Love
When Disney is at its peak, it is easy to understand that certain movies will slip through the cracks in terms of being adored by the masses. On the always lively subreddit r/Askreddit, Reddit user u/mevin_ asked: What is the most underrated Disney film? The answers revealed that people have been overlooking many great films: "The Aristocats is the most underrated, of course. Everybody wants to be a cat." "I have a soft spot for The Black Cauldron. While not being objectively great, it does have an unbeatable '80s dark fantasy vibe that I love." "Tarzan. The music absolutely slaps." "The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under: A pair of adventures overshadowed by movies that followed." "I'm old. Fantasia." "I would say Treasure Planet." "Disney's The Kid starring Bruce Willis and Spencer Breslin. Hilarious." "The Hunchback of Notre Dame has my fave song ('Out There'), best villain and best villain song ('Hellfire'). Very underrated movie." "I don't know if it is considered underrated, but the one I enjoyed the most with my kids was The Jungle Book." "I loved The Lion King II: Simba's Pride! I saw it so many times as a kid. But I do wonder what I would've thought of it if I'd seen it for the first time as an adult." "Brother Bear is also very underrated!! Peak movie" "Honestly, I think the most underrated Disney film is The Emperor's New Groove. It's so funny and has such a unique style, but it doesn't get as much love as the classics." "Meet the Robinsons." "Honorable mention goes to Cinderella III: A Twist in Time. It took a lot of crap DTV sequels to get there, but by god was it worth it. Please watch this movie if you haven't, it's unironically the best DTV sequel in Disney history by a mile, and is better than some of their actual theatrical releases." "Atlantis: The Lost Empire. I miss Jim Varney." "Tomorrowland. It's a film for our times, but because the teenage lead is female, it didn't receive as much promotion or advertising as it would have if the lead had been male. George Clooney and Hugh Laurie are in excellent supporting roles, and there's a young female robot who gets to kick butt and be sarcastic. I always cry over the end, but also feel optimistic about the future, basically the only movie that makes me feel some optimism about the future." "Oliver & Company." "Bedknobs and Broomsticks." "Hercules has got the best songs ever!" "Invincible." "Babes in Toyland." "The Fox and the Hound." "The Great Mouse Detective." "The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea." "A Bugs Life. 🐛" "Flight of the Navigator (1986)" "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh." And finally, "Cool Runnings!" Which Disney movie do you think is criminally underrated? Comment below and stream your favorite Disney classics on Disney+.
