PeterRS Posted yesterday at 01:59 AM Posted yesterday at 01:59 AM As Thailand seeks to increase its revenues by attracting more and more of the richer expats as retirees, it might begin to consider what has happened in another popular destination, Portugal. For those living in Europe - or even further afield but anxious to consider retirement in Europe - Portugal became so popular it was top of most lists for quite a few years. Retirement visas were cheap, regulations relatively easy and the possibility of citizenship and free healthcare after 5 years very enticing for some. Those now considering a European country best forget about Portugal. It has become so popular that Lisbon, once the most affordable capital in Europe, is now its most expensive. Foreigners have snapped up so many apartments, many merely as second homes, that prices have gone through the roof and Portuguese cannot afford to live there. This is a country where 60% of the population earns less than US$1,000 a month. Finding even an affordable 20 sq. m room is now difficult. Near most of Lisbon's tourist destinations, short term rentals now account for 70% of all accommodation. The number of hotels has tripled. Naturally parts of the country remain much less expensive. But the retirees want to be based mostly in the bigger cities of Lisbon and Porto. Being far larger than Portugal, Thailand is unlikely to find itself in such a drastic situation as Portugal. But as the government tries to find more cash, the danger is it will either make life more difficult for some Thais - or drive exiesting retirees elsewhere. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jun/25/lisbon-europe-portugal-golden-visa-capital-investors-short-term-rentals Ruthrieston, vinapu, TMax and 1 other 4 Quote
Olddaddy Posted 21 hours ago Posted 21 hours ago This is why I don't like going to Pattaya/Thailand during high seasons Boys will ask for bigger money and expect it because too many richer two weeks millionaires floridarob 1 Quote
