Thailand has been ranked as the world’s second-best country for retirement in 2026, according to the latest Retirement Abroad Index released by Expatriate Group.
The Southeast Asian nation placed just behind the Philippines and ahead of popular retirement destinations such as Colombia, Portugal, Spain, and France, reinforcing Thailand’s reputation as one of the top places for retirees seeking an affordable and comfortable lifestyle overseas.
The annual index evaluated 20 countries using five key criteria: healthcare quality, visa accessibility, health insurance requirements, cost of living, and expat community support and integration.
Thailand performed particularly well in the healthcare category, earning the joint-highest score alongside Spain and France. The report highlighted the country’s extensive network of internationally accredited private hospitals, particularly in major destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
The country also achieved a perfect score for health insurance requirements. According to the report, retirement visa options such as the Non-Immigrant O-A Visa require applicants to maintain health insurance coverage as part of the application process.
Thailand’s combination of modern healthcare, established retirement visa programs, and relatively affordable living costs continues to attract retirees from around the world. Many expats are drawn to the country’s warm climate, diverse lifestyle options, and large international communities.
The Philippines claimed the top position in the rankings, thanks to strong scores for affordability, visa accessibility, and expat integration. Colombia ranked third, followed by Portugal in fourth place. Sri Lanka and South Africa shared fifth place, while Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates tied for sixth. Spain and Indonesia shared eighth position, with Panama ninth and Qatar rounding out the top ten.
With its well-developed healthcare infrastructure, established expat networks, and retirement-friendly visa options, Thailand is expected to remain one of the most attractive destinations for overseas retirees looking to settle in Southeast Asia.
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