The author of an ebook called Retire to Asia emailed me and suggested I introduce his book to my readers. He emailed me a copy of the book so I could read it myself, which I did.
First I guess I should say that retiring in Asia is what I did. I worked in America for 10 years and then quit and moved to Thailand. Ok, it’s not the same thing, because I was born and grew up in Thailand and I am a 100% Thai, not a farang who is looking to retire over here. For me it was more like going back home to retire, not moving away to retire. The information in the book is still pretty interesting for me. And it is a guide to not only retiring in Asia but also a guide for how you might want to live part time in Asia and part time in your home country.
About the book. It is pretty long for an ebook, 67 pages. The first part of the book sort of builds motivation for why you would want to retire in Asia instead of other places closer to the west like Mexico or Central America. The author has quite a few stories about his experiences in those places and the cost of things there.
Then the author talks about his method for living and having a great time very cheaply in Asia. Lots of it is about Thailand, so I guess he spent a lot of time here. It is all pretty basic stuff to me but probably useful for a lot of people. The truth is that when I travel around Thailand I stay at more expensive places than the ones he chooses. But I do eat like he does, at the small restaurants and street vendors. If you follow his advice you can stay very cheaply.
There is a section on making money in Asia. It is not very extensive but there are a few ideas in there that I have heard before and work for some expats.
Then there is a section on various ways to make sure you have a visa that lets you stay long term in the country you want. Retirement, student, spouse, etc. visas. And a couple of ideas about how easy a business visa is in some countries. It is not full of details – you would need to investigate on your own once you have a basic idea. From doing a lot of translations of visa paperwork I know there are a lot of issues for visas in Thailand. It sounds like some neighboring countries make it a lot easier.
A short section on buying or renting is included along with a number of links to Thai real estate agents. Buying is a complicated issue for foreigners. For me, of course, I buy so that I can add to my vast holdings of prime real estate, hehe (am I kidding?).
Another short section about expat social life and how to get it started. I think that part of life in Asia is easy, at least in Thailand – you will have a lot of friends quickly.
There is a section called “The Police and You” that discusses how to stay out of trouble. That’s a pretty good idea. The author says he has never had an encounter with police – that is just pure luck or good karma, because even if you are not doing anything wrong there usually comes a time when they want some money from you, even it is just 100 baht. But the advice in that section is good for avoiding serious trouble.
The last part of the book has sections dedicated to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines and India. He covers some of the highlights for expats living in several cities in each country and also things like eating and renting versus buying. Some interesting hints are also included, for example, why an education visa might be a particularly useful way to stay in Chiang Mai long term. There are some nice color photographs in each section of scenes from each country.
Overall, it seems like an interesting book for westerners who might be considering retiring in one of these countries. I think it would be a good basic starting point that might help you decide where to retire or live part time, and from there you would investigate more details. More about the book and how to order it is on his Retire to Asia page.
Tags: retire
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September 10th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
I want to retire to some tropical beach resort.
September 11th, 2009 at 2:18 am
[…] We Won’t Go! THE NATION – Aids Temple: Display of Corpses a “Rights Violation” ASIAN SWEETHEART – Book Review: Retire to Asia! WSJ – (Thai) Asian-American Designers Rising THE LOCAL – Swedish Politician Mulls Thai Bows to […]
September 11th, 2009 at 2:47 am
I know a lot of retired farangs living here in Thailand… and their biggest problem is of course, money… most of us didn’t really save towards our retirement… But it’s still possible to live comfortably here if you get out of the big farang cities… I live out in the country in Lopburi, and get along quite well on my social security…
September 11th, 2009 at 2:56 am
Lots of those around here.
September 14th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
Al, I want to be retarded on some tropical beach, again.
The plans are once again in motion so it won’t be long.
It seems I must avoid renting things from Thai people while I am retarded.
http://www.phuketgazette.net/news/index.asp?id=7773
There seem to be so many Thai scams anymore it is getting hard to focus on the holiday.
The warnings from the Home Office and “others” is that actually it is safer to not spend money in Thailand.
The problem actually starts in the airport upon arrival………..duty free………..to many cigarettes………..taxis………etc.
If one is not careful it goes very much downhill from there.
What is left for the brown girls if this nonsense is not sorted out?
September 16th, 2009 at 4:40 am
Well, I got the book and it sounds good to me. If there are pretty women like this site shows isn’t that reason enough. Not gonna wait till I’m old and tired and everything I have gets used up.
I’m not worried about scams. I’m not worried about police though I agree there are good ideas about that in the book, yes. I just want to go to a more relaxed country where my money goes further. In the States when you are over 50 you are old. It sounds like in Thailand and other places over there life is still fun.
I urge everyone to try a trip there,like I am. Don’t worry about the media scares. Scams, silly ass Swine Flu…what else you gonna worry about when you could be over there seeing girls like out hostess going up the escalator.
September 16th, 2009 at 8:09 am
I am an American and have lived, worked, and now retired in Thailand. Best decision of my life. Ken’s book is a fun read, and contains accurate helpful information. Luxury living for pennies – says it all!