This report examines the factors that influence where people choose to retire. It specifically compares the high cost of assisted living in home countries with the more affordable options in Southeast Asian hubs, such as Thailand.

本報告探討了影響人們選擇退休地點的因素。它特別比較了原居國昂貴的輔助生活成本與東南亞中心（如泰國）更實惠的選擇。

In Singapore, senior care is often defined by luxury developments like Perennial Living, which provide full wellness and medical services. However, the monthly costs for these suites range from S$8,900 to S$17,000, which creates a major financial barrier for many people.

在新加坡，長者護理通常由 Perennial Living 等豪華開發項目定義，提供全面的健康與醫療服務。然而，這些套房的月費介於 8,900 至 17,000 新加坡元之間，對許多人而言造成了巨大的財務障礙。

In contrast, Thailand—and particularly Chiang Mai—has become a popular destination for international retirees because it is affordable and offers good institutional support. Data from 2025 shows that nearly one million foreigners live in Thailand, with about 161,000 in Chiang Mai. This attraction is based on a lower cost of living, including cheap rent and consumer goods, as well as a healthcare system that can support international patients. Furthermore, US government data from December 2024 confirms that over 7,000 Americans receive Social Security benefits while living in Thailand.

相比之下，泰國——特別是清邁——因其價格實惠且提供良好的機構支持，已成為國際退休人士的熱門目的地。2025 年的數據顯示，近一百萬名外國人居住在泰國，其中約 161,000 人在清邁。這種吸引力源於較低的生活成本，包括低廉的租金和消費品，以及能夠支援國際病患的醫療體系。此外，美國政府 2024 年 12 月的數據確認，有超過 7,000 名美國人在居住於泰國期間領取社會安全福利。

People have different reasons for moving. Some prefer the 'sabai sabai' philosophy, which emphasizes a slower pace of life. Others, such as retirees from India, emphasize a better quality of urban life, including less traffic and improved safety. However, feeling socially connected is also vital. Evidence from Swiss-owned facilities in Chiang Mai suggests that having a community of people from their own country and speaking their native language is essential to avoid loneliness. Additionally, some retirees prefer integrating into a local neighborhood rather than living in isolated luxury villages.

人們搬遷的原因各異。有些人偏好「sabai sabai」的哲學，強調較慢的生活節奏。其他人，例如來自印度的退休人士，則強調更好的城市生活品質，包括較少的交通擁堵和更高的安全性。然而，社交聯繫同樣至關重要。清邁由瑞士人經營的設施之證據顯示，擁有來自同國的社群並使用母語溝通，對於避免孤獨感至關重要。此外，部分退休人士更傾向於融入當地社區，而非居住在與世隔絕的豪華村落中。

Current trends show a clear split between those seeking luxury institutional care and those who prefer affordable, community-based living environments that feel culturally familiar.

目前的趨勢顯示，在尋求豪華機構護理的人與偏好實惠、具有文化親切感的社區生活環境的人之間，存在明顯的分野。