Discover the 12 most budget-friendly destinations to retire abroad where English speakers can thrive comfortably. These places offer a cost-effective lifestyle and cater to English-speaking retirees, providing a perfect mix of affordability and cultural immersion. Say goodbye to expensive living and embrace your retirement dreams in these affordable, English-friendly havens.
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Thailand has always been a popular tourist destination, but there is now a notable surge in Russian elites heading to Phuket, the country's largest island.
As Western countries impose restrictions due to Vladimir Putin's actions in Ukraine, many Russians are finding a warm reception in Thailand, as reported by Bloomberg. The Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports revealed that from January to June this year, over 790,000 Russian nationals visited the country, marking an astounding 1,000 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Phuket, in particular, welcomed more than half of these visitors, making Russians the primary group of tourists to the island, according to the Phuket Tourist Association. Yuri Vorona, a restaurant manager in Phuket, described the atmosphere as wonderful and peaceful, with many Russians seeking relaxation and tranquility
Moreover, Russians aren't just temporary visitors; a significant number of them are investing in properties. In 2022, 338 villas were sold in Phuket, with around half of those being purchased by Russians, based on data from real-estate agency Knight Frank Thailand. Russian speakers dominate the island's property market, as Christian Steinbach, the sales director at FazWaz property group, pointed out.
Besides the general Russian influx, Thailand is witnessing the presence of its ultra-wealthy. Russian oligarch Alexander Svetakov's superyacht was spotted in Phuket during Christmas, and billionaire Igor Rybakov held business-coaching classes on the island in January. To accommodate this growing Russian population, Thailand and its locals are adjusting accordingly. Phuket's airport now makes announcements in Russian, and the cuisine has expanded to include Russian delicacies like borscht and blini, alongside traditional Thai dishes like pad thai and tom yum soup. Russian bathhouses, rock concerts, and the recent opening of a Russian consulate further signify the adaptation to the increasing number of Russian expats. With the ongoing migration of Russian elites to Thailand, Phuket might soon be recognized as the "Little Russia" of the East. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
New Entrance Fees For Foreigners at Historic Sites & Museums in Thailand: What You Need to Know7/27/2023
On July 25, the Cabinet meeting approved a proposal to increase entrance fees for foreigners visiting historic sites in Thailand. However, Thai nationals will continue to pay the same rates as they have since 2008.
The new entrance fees for historical sites are as follows:
Additionally, four other registered historic sites and national museums that used to charge fees for foreign language audio guides will now offer them for free. These sites include:
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Phuket Police officers have conducted an investigation into complaints regarding foreigners working as barbers in Patong Subdistrict, Kathu District, Phuket Province. This occupation is one of the 27 jobs that are strictly prohibited for foreigners.
The business in question is located at 200 Pee Road, Rat Uthit, and it is managed by a Thai woman. Among the employees, there was a male barber named Osamh, who was found giving haircuts to tourists when the police arrived for their investigation on July 19. In response to the situation, the police requested to examine Osamh's documents related to his entry into Thailand and his work permit. However, it was discovered that Osamh did not possess a work permit. He held Jordanian citizenship and admitted to working as a barber at the shop. As a consequence, the officers arrested Osamh and took him to the Patong police station to formalize the arrest, inform him of the charges against him, and explain his rights. Another establishment that came under investigation was a beauty salon in Choeng Thale Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket. It was discovered that three Russian women, aged 34, 32, and 26, were either working or being employed as beauticians without the required work permits. The Ministry of Labour has recently issued a stern warning to employers and foreign workers to strictly abide by the law. Employers found hiring foreign workers without valid work permits or employing them for unauthorized work could face fines ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 baht per foreign worker. In cases of repeated violations, the penalties may include imprisonment for up to 1 year, fines of 50,000 to 200,000 baht, or both, as well as a three-year ban on hiring foreign workers. Foreign workers who engage in unauthorized work or work without proper permits could be fined between 5,000 and 50,000 baht and may also face deportation. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Thailand's lower cost of living and more laid-back lifestyle have become a draw for an increasing number of Hong Kong residents looking to relocate, which is fueling the country's property market as foreigners eagerly purchase flats.
David Chan, a 31-year-old real estate agent, made the move to Thailand in 2019 and now assists other Hong Kongers in finding property and settling into Southeast Asia's second-largest economy. Since the political unrest in Hong Kong and their personal dissatisfaction, Chan has noticed a 30% surge in demand and inquiries from Hong Kong residents interested in moving to Thailand. This trend is encouraging news for property developers, particularly after a challenging period during the COVID-19 pandemic when sales plummeted and inventory soared. Insiders believe the worst may be over for the sector, as sales are picking up, with one developer even expecting a 50% increase in demand from foreign investors. Property prices in Thailand are approximately one-quarter of what they are in Hong Kong, making it an attractive option for families with children. Additionally, many Hong Kongers have taken advantage of Thailand's residency programs, which allow them and their families to stay long-term in the country. These programs include a long-term resident visa scheme launched last year, with the goal of attracting 1 million wealthy investors or talented foreign residents over a five-year period. Successful applicants receive a 10-year, renewable multiple-entry visa, granting them the right to work in Thailand. Official data reveals that foreign buyers purchased property worth 158.6 billion baht (US$4.59 billion) in 2018 and 2019. However, sales to foreign buyers fell by roughly a third from 2020 to 2022, totaling 160.3 billion baht, according to government data. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Thai authorities have made a gruesome discovery in the case of the missing 62-year-old German real estate broker, Hans-Peter Mack. The dismembered body of Mack was found by Thai police officers, as confirmed by local police chief Tawee Kudthalaeng on Tuesday. The authorities made the discovery at 11 p.m. local time (1600 UTC) the previous day.
Mack, a long-time resident of Thailand, had been missing for a week, prompting the police to review security camera footage in hopes of locating him alive. Unfortunately, their search led them to a horrifying sight. Mack's mutilated corpse was discovered inside a chest freezer at a residence in the affluent settlement of Nong Prue. According to reports from the media, a woman who had met Mack shortly before his disappearance has been arrested. German mass-circulation newspaper Bild cited a source claiming that the meeting was related to the lucrative sale of two properties—a villa and a boxing hall—worth approximately 700 million baht (equivalent to around €18.2 million or $20 million). During the meeting, Mack's 24-year-old spouse received two text messages from him. However, she was unable to contact him again afterward. A Thai couple informed the police that a German woman had hired them to deliver the freezer to the house where it was eventually found, as reported by the English-language Bangkok Post. Law enforcement authorities identified a German man, a close friend of the German woman, through surveillance footage. He was seen driving a pickup truck used to transport the freezer. The investigation reportedly involves multiple suspects, including both German and Thai nationals. Investigators have discovered that a significant amount of money is missing from Mack's bank account, suggesting a potential motive of extortion. It is believed that he may have been subjected to torture prior to his death. Hans-Peter Mack, formerly a prominent figure at Munich corporate communications firm Media AG, was last seen driving his Mercedes sedan in the coastal city of Pattaya, where he resided with his Thai wife. The family issued a missing person announcement, offering a reward of 3 million baht (approximately $86,000 or €78,000) for information leading to his safe return, but there were no viable leads. On Sunday, Mack's vehicle was discovered in the parking lot of a condominium in Nong Prue. Authorities found traces of a cleaning solvent in the car, including on the seats, dashboard, and steering wheel, suggesting an attempt to destroy evidence. The German Foreign Ministry has acknowledged the case and is maintaining contact with Mack's relatives and Thai authorities as the investigation unfolds.
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On Sunday night in Bang Lamung district, two individuals from foreign countries were summoned for questioning regarding the disappearance of Hans Peter Ralter Mack, a German property broker. The identities and nationalities of the two foreigners were not disclosed, but they were accompanied by their legal representatives.
During the interrogation, the two individuals chose not to provide statements, opting instead for their lawyers to speak on their behalf. Subsequently, the police conducted a search of a residence located in the Chok Chai Garden 2 housing estate in tambon Nong Prue. This house belonged to one of the suspects; however, no suspicious items were discovered during the search. Sources close to the investigation revealed that authorities had come across financial transactions amounting to approximately 2 million baht, which raised suspicions and could potentially be connected to Mack's disappearance. Hans Peter Ralter Mack, aged 62, has been missing since July 4. According to his Thai wife, he departed their residence in Pattaya in his Mercedes-Benz to meet with a foreign property broker he had recently encountered. On July 5, the family lodged a missing person report with the police and later offered a reward of 3 million baht for any information regarding Mack's whereabouts. Additionally, a reward of 100,000 baht was offered for the recovery of his car. The silver Mercedes-Benz E350 was located by the police on Sunday morning in the parking lot of CC Condominium in tambon Nong Prue. The interior of the vehicle had been thoroughly cleaned, removing any potential evidence.
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