For years, Thailand has been widely labeled as “the retirement paradise for Western seniors” in media reports. However, as Chinese tourist numbers decline, many long-term expat friends here are leaving or planning to depart. While Thailand once boomed in tourism over a decade ago, some argue it now overstates its global appeal—even as it simultaneously opens tourist visas and complains about “low-end” visitors reluctant to spend. The sight of street-side cannabis shops and soliciting workers has drawn comparisons to a venue that compromises its image while expecting elite clientele.
Geographical proximity and visa convenience have long made Thailand a go-to for Chinese travelers. But alternative retirement destinations exist. For instance, Europeans don’t need 10-hour flights or ¥5,000+ tickets to Thailand; from Berlin, flights to Turkey or Spain start at ¥500, with daily departures. Spain’s Canary Islands (where Sanmao and José lived), Mallorca (featuring 43 Blue Flag beaches), and Tenerife offer pristine waters and resident-friendly policies—some islands even have German signage and communities, sparking jokes about German “territorial claims.”
While Thailand is famed for Western seniors with local partners, Western retirees—especially women—often choose Turkey or Egypt, where younger men openly welcome them, challenging the one-sided narrative.
The world offers diverse options. Stepping beyond familiar choices reveals that destinations like Spain’s islands, not just Thailand, deserve the title of “retirement havens”—and perhaps it’s time to reassess the hype.
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