Kevin and Camille Elliott Retire to Thailand, Renting 3-Bedroom Hua Hin Home for $870
Updated
Updated · Business Insider · May 17
Kevin and Camille Elliott Retire to Thailand, Renting 3-Bedroom Hua Hin Home for $870
2 articles · Updated · Business Insider · May 17
$870 a month got the Elliotts a three-bedroom house in Hua Hin after Kevin Elliott’s Qatar job ended and the couple ruled out returning to the US.
Eight years in Doha helped shape the move, but lower living costs, accessible Thai retirement visas and a target budget under $2,500 a month made Thailand their preferred option.
The couple moved on Jan. 1 after a rushed house-hunting trip and visa process; relocating two dogs cost about $750, and they have since adopted two more puppies.
About $4,000 in expected monthly Social Security should cover their spending, while cheaper food, healthcare and a stronger sense of safety than in the US underpin their retirement plan.
At least 7,178 retirees in Thailand received US Social Security benefits in December 2024, reflecting a broader expat draw despite language barriers, heat and a slower pace of life.
Beyond their budget, what hidden costs and bureaucratic hurdles truly test American retirees seeking a paradise in Thailand?
With new Thai tax rules on foreign income, is living on Social Security abroad still the financial haven Americans expect?
As thousands of Americans retire abroad, what does this exodus reveal about the dream of a comfortable U.S. retirement?