My name is Alan and for years I’ve been showing that travel has many faces. Sometimes it’s a short trip to the Polish mountains, and sometimes a decision that changes the course of your life. If you’re interested in spending your golden years in Thailand, under the palm trees, far from chilly Europe, I invite you on a journey into the realities of Thai life. Thailand isn’t just about wonderful people and endless summer, but also bureaucracy and a different culture. In this practical guide, I’ll walk you through the formalities, costs and ins and outs of life in South-East Asia, so you can focus on experiencing it rather than worrying about visas or bills. Let’s see what retirement in Thailand looks like in practice, what the current views of life in Thailand are amongst fellow countrymen, and how to move to Thailand permanently without unnecessary stress.

What paperwork and visas are required to live legally in Thailand as a retiree?

Legal matters are the first step. Thailand is open to foreign seniors, but requires compliance with immigration procedures, so it is worth familiarising yourself with Thailand’s current visa requirements for seniors before your planned departure. The visa system seems overwhelming at first, but once you understand the basic rules, it becomes predictable and does not discourage you from travelling to this extraordinary place at all.

What are the requirements and how do you obtain a Long Stay O-A retirement visa for Thailand?

For your retirement visa to Thailand, formally known as the Non-Immigrant O-A visa, to be successfully granted, you must be aged 50 or over. A bank deposit (800,000 THB) shown in your account or proof of a steady monthly income (65,000 THB) is required. This is a strict requirement of the Thai Immigration Bureau. The process begins in Poland, where you submit your application at the embassy. In addition to financial evidence, you will need a certificate of good conduct from the National Criminal Register and a medical certificate ruling out infectious diseases such as leprosy, tuberculosis, elephantiasis (filariasis), drug addiction and tertiary syphilis.

The visa is granted for one year and allows for multiple entries. Remember also an important requirement: you must take out local health insurance in Thailand for pensioners with adequate cover. Verification of documents takes several weeks, so start gathering them in advance.

After a year, you will need to renew your visa at the local immigration office. The banking system there is meticulously checked, and it will be crucial to prove that the money has been transferred into your Thai account from abroad. Officials check bank statements, looking for international transfer codes to confirm the inflow of funds from outside Asia.

Is the Thailand Privilege visa a better option for a pensioner than the standard O-A visa?

The Thailand Privilege visa, which many still associate with its former name, the Thailand Elite visa, is a great alternative for those with greater capital who wish to avoid the annual red tape. It is granted immediately for 5, 10, 15 or 20 years. The cost of the basic (Gold) package for 5 years starts at a one-off fee of 900,000 baht. In return, you gain peace of mind and do not have to freeze funds in your account or prove your income. For many, this is a luxury worth the price.

Thanks to the Privilege programme, you become VIP guests. At the airport, you are greeted by an assistant and bypass the queues at passport control, whilst the programme’s staff help you with registration. Unlike the O-A visa, which requires you to keep track of deadlines and have state-provided insurance, with the Privilege visa you have complete freedom to choose your own insurance policy.

The decision depends on your budget and tolerance for paperwork. If you value comfort and time spent away from government offices, the Privilege visa will be a perfect fit.

What is the TM30 form and why must every pensioner submit it?

Registering your address via the TM30 form is a mandatory requirement to notify the immigration office of a foreign national’s place of residence within 24 hours of arriving at the address in question. In theory, this obligation falls on the landlord, but in practice, you will feel the consequences of any negligence. Without confirmation of TM30 registration, you will not be able to sort out anything at the office, including visa renewal or a driving licence.

On the day of your move, remind your landlord of this obligation. They can do this online, via an app or website, without visiting the office. As proof, you should receive a screenshot from the system or a paper receipt to keep in your passport. Look after it like the apple of your eye.

What is the 90-day registration requirement for pensioners in Thailand?

Every foreigner on a long-term visa must report their current address to the immigration office every 90 days. This is known as 90-day reporting, which serves the state’s record-keeping purposes. The registration is free if you complete it on time. The registration window opens 15 days before the designated date and closes 7 days after it.

There are three ways to complete the process:

• In person at your nearest immigration office.
• Via the agency’s official website or mobile app.
• By using a visa agency, which will do it for you for a small fee.

Personally, I recommend the online system, although it can be a bit temperamental and doesn’t always work on all browsers. If you leave Thailand, the 90-day counter resets when you re-enter the country.

How much does retirement cost in Thailand and what finances do you need to prepare?

Talking about money can be tricky, but planning your budget is the key to peace of mind. In Thailand, you can live on a shoestring at street stalls or spend a fortune on Western luxuries. Let’s look at the formal requirements, fees and the real cost of living in Thailand as a pensioner.

How much money do you need in a Thai bank account to retire in Thailand?

The required savings amount for a retirement visa is 800,000 baht deposited in a Thai bank account. The money must be in the account for at least two months before applying for a visa extension and for at least three months after it has been approved. This serves as proof to the government that you are able to support yourselves, regardless of how much your monthly pension from abroad is.

You cannot simply deposit cash at a branch. Officials require confirmation that the funds originate from abroad, so it is best to transfer them from a Polish account to a Thai one. Once the time requirements have been met, the balance in the account must not fall below 400,000 baht for the remainder of the year.

What is the minimum monthly income required to obtain a Thai retirement visa?

An alternative to freezing cash is to provide evidence of a regular monthly income of at least 65,000 baht. This can come from various sources; a Polish pension in Thailand transferred from ZUS, private funds, rental income from property in Poland or dividends all serve as excellent proof. It is important that these funds are regularly credited to your Thai account.

The Immigration Bureau requires 12 months’ worth of statements to prove the regularity of these payments. Be mindful of exchange rate fluctuations: a Polish pension worth 66,000 baht in January may be worth only 63,000 baht in July, in which case your application will be rejected. That is why many senior citizens use a mixed approach: they combine a smaller documented income with a bank deposit so that the total amounts to 800,000 baht per year.

How much does it cost to live as a pensioner in Thailand each month compared to Poland?

The average cost of a comfortable life for one person is 40,000–60,000 baht per month. If you visit any online forum about retirement in Thailand, you will quickly notice that this amount is comparable to living in a larger Polish city, but offers a much higher standard of living. Usually, the average pension in Thailand is enough to comfortably cover these living costs. For the equivalent of the rent for a prefabricated flat in Poland, in Thailand you can rent an apartment with a swimming pool, gym and security. Services (hairdressers, massages) and eating out are cheaper, whilst Western food products are more expensive.

Category of expenditure	Estimated monthly cost in Thailand (THB)	Comparison with Poland
Flat rent (Condo)	10,000 – 20,000	Similar, but with a higher standard of housing estate
Food (eating out + home cooking)	8,000–15,000	Cheaper if we eat Thai food
Transport and fuel	2,000–4,000	Much cheaper
Bills (electricity, water, internet)	3,000–5,000	Similarly, this depends on air conditioning use

The final bill depends on your habits. Experiencing local life is always cheaper than recreating a European lifestyle in the tropics.

How much do you spend on food in Thailand when living there permanently?

Food and street food prices are incredibly attractive, so monthly food expenses for one person amount to 8,000–15,000 baht if you combine local markets with visits to restaurants. A bowl of noodle soup or Pad Thai from a street stall costs just 40–60 baht, and you’ll pay around 100 baht for a filling lunch at a local eatery. As a result, many seniors give up cooking altogether, as tasty Thai food out and about is simply better value for money.

The situation changes when you start craving sourdough bread, good cheese or imported wine. Western products are heavily taxed. A piece of European cheese can cost 300 baht, and a bottle of wine – 600 baht. Discovering culinary gems at local markets, however, is pure pleasure and a great way to save money.

How much does electricity cost in Thailand if you use air conditioning constantly?

Electricity prices can be quite high, so a monthly electricity bill with intensive use of air conditioning ranges from 2,500 to 4,500 baht. The state rate for 1 kWh is approx. 4.2–5 baht. Remember that the tropical climate in hot and humid Thailand means that for most people, the air conditioner often runs for over a dozen hours a day, especially on muggy nights.

Here’s a tip for you: cleaning the air conditioner filters regularly, at least once every two weeks, can reduce your bills by as much as a dozen or so per cent, as dirty filters force the compressor to run continuously. When renting a flat, check whether you’ll be paying for electricity at government rates. Some landlords add their own mark-up, raising the price to as much as 9 baht per unit.

Is a Polish pension in Thailand subject to double taxation?

Poland and Thailand have signed a valid convention, namely a double taxation agreement. Under this agreement, pension and disability benefits are usually settled in such a way that tax on a Polish pension in Thailand is deducted in the country where it is physically paid out. This means that ZUS will deduct the tax advance in Poland, and the net amount will be paid into your account.

From 1 January 2024, Thailand requires tax residents (staying for more than 180 days) to declare income earned abroad. However, thanks to this agreement, tax paid in Poland can be credited against tax in Thailand, which in practice eliminates double taxation. It is worth keeping your annual PIT returns and having them translated into English. Consulting an accountant when taking your first steps will help you avoid stress.

How to organise your move and settle in Thailand step by step?

The logistics of moving to another continent require an open mind and patience. This is where the real adventure begins and where you step out of your comfort zone. Step by step, we will familiarise ourselves with the local financial systems and property markets.

How do you open a bank account in Thailand on a retirement visa?

With a long-term O-A visa, you can open a Thai bank account in a single visit to a branch. All you need is your passport and a certificate of residence. Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank are the most foreigner-friendly.

You can obtain a Certificate of Residence from the immigration office or the embassy upon presentation of your tenancy agreement and TM30 form. At the bank, be prepared to fill in a few forms. The process takes about an hour, and you’ll leave the branch with a debit card and access to a mobile app, which often replaces cash in Thailand thanks to QR code payments.

How do you transfer your Polish pension from ZUS to a bank account in Thailand?

Direct international pension transfers from ZUS to Asian accounts can be costly, so the most cost-effective method is to receive benefits into a Polish account using a multi-currency card and utilise platforms such as Wise, which offer transfers to Thai banks with minimal spreads. ZUS is obliged to send pensions abroad, but traditional SWIFT transfers incur high fees and unfavourable exchange rates.

By using fintech, you retain control over the exchange rate and can exchange zlotys for baht at the most favourable moment. It is important that the sender’s and recipient’s accounts are registered under the same name, which will make it easier later to prove the origin of the funds to the immigration authorities.

How much does it cost for a pensioner to rent a flat or house long-term in Thailand?

A good property rental doesn’t have to break the bank from the outset. Typically, the cost of renting a flat in Thailand on an annual lease ranges from 10,000 to 25,000 baht per month, depending on the location and standard offered. For 12,000 baht in Chiang Mai, you can rent a modern, one-bedroom flat in a complex with a swimming pool and security. A two-bedroom house with a small garden on the outskirts costs around 15,000–18,000 baht.

When signing a one-year lease, you must pay a deposit equivalent to two months’ rent and pay the first month’s rent in advance. It is best to look for flats locally. Book a hotel for a few days and walk around the area, asking about available properties at the building management offices. This guarantees the best prices and allows you to assess the neighbourhood in person.

Can a retired foreigner buy a flat in Thailand?

A foreigner may legally purchase a condominium (Condo), provided they acquire a freehold flat in a multi-family building, on condition that flats owned by foreigners do not exceed 49% of its total floor area. Of course, property prices in Thailand vary significantly depending on whether you are buying a flat in the capital or in the provinces. This form of ownership (Freehold) is registered in your name in the national register, giving you full rights to sell or inherit the property.

The situation becomes more complicated with houses on land, as Thai law prohibits foreigners from owning land. This ban is most often circumvented by a long-term 30-year lease (Leasehold) or by setting up a Thai company, which involves considerable costs. For those who value peace of mind in retirement, buying a flat is the safest option.

How do you exchange a Polish driving licence for a Thai one whilst living in retirement?

Exchanging a European licence for a local driving licence requires a visit to the Department of Land Transport and the presentation of an international driving permit (in accordance with the 1949 Geneva Convention). You will also need your passport, proof of residence and a medical certificate. In addition, you must present your Polish driving licence for inspection. If you hold an international driving licence, you are exempt from the tests.

At the office, you will only undergo short aptitude tests: braking reaction, depth perception and colour recognition. You will receive a new driving licence valid for two years, and subsequent ones for five years. The Thai licence often serves as local proof of identity, exempting you from the need to carry your passport with you.

How do pensioners get around Thai cities, and is it worth having your own car?

You can get around the cities by scooter, cheap taxis and local transport (songthaew). When it comes to convenient transport, apps such as Grab, Bolt or InDrive are a tried-and-tested option for seniors who value their comfort and do not want to get behind the wheel in the rather chaotic Asian traffic.

Owning a car is an investment in comfort, especially during the rainy season, but a new car costs from 600,000 baht. The second-hand car market, however, is very extensive, and many pensioners buy small city cars to explore the area independently. Riding a scooter gives a sense of freedom, but the statistics on accidents involving two-wheelers in Thailand are grim.

What are the procedures for bringing a dog or cat from Poland to Thailand for retirement?

International pet transport requires some preparation. To legally import a pet, you must obtain an Import Permit from the Thai Department of Livestock Development a few weeks before departure. This requires sending a copy of the pet’s passport, a microchip certificate and proof of up-to-date vaccinations. Before departure, you must also obtain a health certificate from the district veterinary officer in Poland.

The logistics of the journey are a challenge, as only certain airlines transport animals on such long routes. Smaller dogs and cats can travel in the cabin, which minimises stress. Larger animals will travel in the hold. Upon arrival in Bangkok, you must go to the veterinary quarantine point and pay the entry tax. With all the documents in order, the formalities at the airport take around two hours.

How to look after your health and safety in retirement in Thailand?

Well-being is the foundation of a successful, long-term journey, and access to good healthcare brings peace of mind. Let’s face it: retirement has its own rules, and proper provision is a sign of maturity.

What is the standard and cost of private healthcare for seniors in Thailand?

Private healthcare in Thailand’s renowned hospitals is of the highest global standard, and the superbly equipped facilities resemble luxury hotels. General medical care in Thailand for foreigners often pleasantly surprises visitors. Hospitals in the Bangkok Hospital or Bumrungrad groups have multilingual staff, and many specialists were trained in the US or Europe.

A doctor’s appointment costs 1,000–2,500 baht. An MRI scan costs around 10,000–15,000 baht, whilst more serious operations, such as bypass surgery, are priced in the hundreds of thousands. State clinics are cheaper, but waiting times and a lack of English-speaking staff can be a barrier. That is why foreigners almost always opt for the private sector.

What health insurance is required for pensioners in Thailand and how much does a policy cost?

Under the O-A visa regulations, every pensioner arriving under this scheme must hold a suitable policy covering outpatient treatment (OPD) for a minimum of 40,000 baht and inpatient treatment (IPD) for at least 400,000 baht. It is best to choose companies affiliated with the Thai Life Insurers Association, which guarantees acceptance of documents by the immigration office.

The cost of the policy depends on age and medical history. A healthy 60-year-old will pay around 40,000–60,000 baht for an annual health insurance package with providers such as LMG or Pacific Cross. After the age of 70, premiums rise, reaching over 100,000 baht per year. Please note that conditions diagnosed before purchasing the policy are usually excluded from cover.

Is it easy to buy medicines for chronic conditions over the counter in Thai pharmacies?

Thailand is renowned for its streamlined procedures when it comes to pharmaceuticals, and the general availability of medicines here is vast. In local pharmacies, you can buy many medicines for chronic conditions over the counter that are strictly regulated in Europe. Medicines for high blood pressure, cholesterol, thyroid conditions or even antibiotics are available immediately after consulting a local pharmacist.

This is a great convenience. My advice: when putting together a first-aid kit in Poland, make a note of the international names of the active ingredients, rather than the brand names. Thai pharmacists will have no trouble finding local, inexpensive equivalents. Of course, strong sleeping pills or psychotropic drugs are subject to strict regulations and are only dispensed by hospitals.

Is Thailand a safe country for elderly people travelling alone from abroad?

If you analyse safety in Thailand for seniors, you will conclude that, in terms of violent crime, it is a very friendly and peaceful country. Robberies or assaults are extremely rare; Buddhist philosophy condemns aggression, and older people are held in the highest regard by society here.

The real risks are road traffic and petty scams, such as tuk-tuk drivers overcharging. By using common sense and treating people with a smile, you will avoid most unpleasant situations. A certain level of personal safety in everyday life is an undeniable comfort, for which many of us have come to love Asia.

When is the grass-burning season in Thailand and how does it affect the health of pensioners?

Unfortunately, in certain months, air quality (during the burning season) drops drastically. The smoke season begins in late January or February and lasts until April. It mainly affects the northern regions of the country, particularly the charming and temple-filled Chiang Mai. Farmers burn crop residues en masse during this time, and the toxic smoke settles in the valleys.

PM2.5 pollution levels then exceed the limits by a hundredfold, which is dangerous for the respiratory and circulatory systems, especially for the elderly. Residents cope by installing home air purifiers and sealing their windows. Many pensioners see this period as the ideal time to head south to the coast, where the problem is much less severe.

How do Polish senior citizens cope with the heat and humidity whilst retired in Thailand?

It usually takes Europeans two to three weeks to acclimatise to temperatures of 35°C with 80% humidity. The early days can be tiring. Over time, the body learns to cool itself more effectively.

Seniors living there permanently adapt their daily routine to the weather: walks and visits to markets take place early in the morning or after sunset. The midday hours are spent indoors in air-conditioned spaces. Hydration is key, ideally with water containing electrolytes. Over time, the heat simply becomes part of the routine.

What are the inheritance laws in Thailand in the event of a foreigner’s death?

Formal inheritance of assets in a foreign country is a procedure worth considering in advance. In the absence of a will, Thai law dictates the distribution of assets among statutory heirs, which often involves a lengthy court process. Gaining access to a bank account or a vacant flat will be a nightmare for relatives in Poland without the proper documents.

The solution is to draw up a will in Thailand (Thai Will), which will precisely describe your assets. The document is drawn up in Thai and English by a solicitor or at the district office. This speeds up the process and relieves your loved ones of administrative burdens on the other side of the world.

Where is the best place to live in Thailand and what is daily life like for a pensioner?

Thailand is a country of fascinating contrasts, and your choice of destination will determine the pace of your daily life. So the question often arises: where is the best place to live in Thailand? Let’s consider together what kind of everyday experience you’re looking for: peaceful mountains, sunny islands, or perhaps a bustling, vibrant metropolis?

Why is Chiang Mai a popular destination for retirees and what are its advantages?

Chiang Mai, situated in the mountainous north, strongly attracts seniors with its relaxed pace of life, fascinating culture and relatively low cost of living. Ancient temples blend beautifully into the everyday landscape here, and the lush jungle invites you to commune with nature. In winter, temperatures here drop to a very pleasant 15°C in the evenings, which for many is a welcome change from the stifling, humid south.

Another advantage is the extremely close-knit community of Western expats, who organise get-togethers, golf tournaments and various workshops together. It’s easy to make friends here. Unfortunately, if you choose the Chiang Mai area, you will ultimately have to accept the problem of seasonal smog and, just in case, factor into your budget the occasional trip out of town in search of cleaner air.

What are the costs and lifestyle of a retiree on the island of Phuket?

The stunning island of Phuket is a dream come true for those seeking endless holidays under the palm trees, but such surroundings require a budget 30–50% higher than living in the north. Renting a spacious house with a swimming pool or frequent dining at expensive restaurants with sea views can significantly deplete your finances. Fortunately, the island itself is diverse: bustling Patong is a noisy entertainment hub, but Rawai and Nai Harn in the south offer the much-sought-after peace and quiet valued by older people.

By choosing this paradise island, you gain constant access to beautiful beaches, proximity to an international airport, excellent medical care and well-stocked European supermarkets. It is a great choice for those with a slightly higher budget who greatly appreciate the fresh sea breeze and the very international, even cosmopolitan, character of this place. You just need to keep a close eye on the ever-rising property prices in the area.

Is retirement in Bangkok a viable option for a European?

The bustling city of Bangkok, on the other hand, is an interesting choice mainly for those who greatly appreciate the unflagging energy of a big city, though this does require a considerable financial outlay from the outset. Renting a stylish flat in the heart of Bangkok, and close to a metro station at that, is expensive, and the daily struggle to navigate the concrete jungle in the intense heat can become very tiring over time. Living costs here are generally higher than in the provinces, especially if you are frequently tempted by shopping in the massive shopping centres.

On the other hand, however, this central hub offers the quickest and easiest access to leading hospitals, a rich, cosmopolitan culture and an excellent, fully organised infrastructure. The complete lack of need for a car is a significant saving in this respect, as public transport in the capital simply works brilliantly. For many retiring expats, however, the capital is far more often simply a stopover than a final destination for a long-sought-after retreat offering relaxation and absolute peace.

Where in Thailand are the largest communities of foreign retirees?

An expat community in a given region is extremely helpful in a new environment, making daily life and getting started much easier. Noticeable clusters of foreigners tend to form in beautiful locations with excellent infrastructure, greatly helping newcomers feel safe and right at home from the moment they arrive. You’ll easily find the most prominent and largest communities of Western seniors in such popular locations as:

• Hua Hin: A quiet, very peaceful, almost regal seaside town, just a 3-hour drive from Bangkok. Widely and passionately loved, especially by foreign golf enthusiasts.
• Pattaya (especially the quieter areas of Jomtien and Pratumnak): A colourful city that is highly appealing due to its relatively low prices for long-term rentals and a well-organised, extensive network of private hospitals.
• Chiang Mai: The tourist capital of the far north, a tried-and-tested mecca for many expats long seeking spirituality, consistently good coffee and deep, relaxing greenery.
• Koh Samui: A classic tropical island offering a wonderful sense of secluded freedom, whilst also providing luxury resorts.

A conscious choice of a specific location will ultimately have a significant impact on the people you spend your free time with and exactly where you spend it every day. Social gatherings are a well-known, indeed excellent, remedy for any temporary loneliness felt far from home.

Can you communicate in English in government offices and hospitals in Thailand?

The everyday language barrier is very rarely a noticeable problem in typical, highly formal situations. In well-known major cities, in all private hospitals and in large immigration offices, effective communication in English usually proceeds absolutely without any problems. There will almost always be someone who knows English well enough for your needs. Trusted medical and administrative staff are properly trained, and key visa forms always have official English translations available. The locals go out of their way to help, even if their rather distinctive local accent (often jokingly referred to as ‘Tinglish’) takes a little getting used to at first.

Minor communication hurdles naturally begin to arise a little further afield – only in the bustling local street markets, in tiny provincial restaurants, or during occasional, unexpected encounters with the local traffic police far from the big city. Out of a deep respect for your warm hosts, it is simply worth learning the absolute, most basic phrases of local Thai as soon as possible. Simply saying “good morning” or a loud “thank you” in their nuanced language can almost instantly and beautifully open their hearts to you, ensuring that from the very start, as guests, you are treated by everyone with incredible warmth and familiarity, rather than merely as walking wallets.

What Thai customs and cultural norms should a pensioner moving to Thailand be aware of?

The distinctive local culture and etiquette (Sabai Sabai) is firmly rooted in the social, indeed tradition-sanctified, concept of maintaining so-called ‘face’ within a group and resolutely avoiding any direct conflicts in public. For Thais, the widely known philosophy of ‘Jai Yen’, which literally means keeping a ‘cool head’, remains an absolutely crucial life principle. In sudden, difficult stressful situations, a nervous, uncontrolled outburst will do absolutely no good – a foreigner who raises their voice loudly and angrily will almost immediately and irrevocably lose the general respect of the crowd. A soul-soothing smile and practised, boundless patience ultimately open all official doors and resolve everyday, minor worries in a flash.

A huge respect for the institution of the monarchy, visible at almost every turn, is an absolute part of generally accepted social norms – absolutely any jokes casually thrown about in the crowd on this important subject are officially and severely punishable under local law. Out and about, also be very careful with gestures commonly used in haste. In the Buddhist tradition, the human head is considered a sacred part of the body endowed with a soul, so you must never accidentally tap anyone on the head, whether a stranger or, even more so, a local acquaintance. On the other hand, feet are generally considered dirty and unclean, so you must absolutely and consciously avoid, even reflexively, pointing them at strangers or at religious or ordinary household objects whilst seated. Obediently and routinely removing your shoes at the threshold before entering someone’s Thai home or even a small private shrine is simply an absolute domestic duty for a foreigner, sanctified for centuries.

What is the speed and stability of the internet in Thailand for people working remotely in retirement?

The excellent day-to-day digital infrastructure and internet are among the most appreciated and exceptionally strong assets of this dynamic region of the world. Thailand already boasts one of the fastest and uncompromisingly best fixed internet infrastructures in the world, often offering standards that are noticeably better than even in modern Europe. Affordable, reliable home fibre-optic broadband with high speeds of 1 Gbps/500 Mbps costs a mere 600–800 baht per month on a standard subscription. The connection offered there is extremely stable and performs excellently and reliably every day for mass 4K video streaming, hours-long essential video conferences, or even comfortable and efficient remote working from a home corner far from one’s homeland.

The extensive 5G mobile network, which has been expanding for years, provides seamless coverage across almost the entire vast country, with its transmitters easily reaching everything from secluded paradise beaches to hard-to-reach steep mountain villages – a fact that makes this country an extraordinary and virtually unrivalled phenomenon, dominating the entire surrounding modern Asian market in an absolutely crushing and merciless manner, and clearly and drastically outpacing the digitally backward standards still widely available in distant India, for example. Even a novice user, an ordinary Polish pensioner – let’s say, for example, the popular Mr Janusz – will, upon arrival, effortlessly connect and instantly configure incredibly generous and fully unlimited data mobile packages on his new local smartphone, and such a monthly expense is very low for a tourist and often a negligible cost in the overall annual budget – barely a few hundred baht tossed onto the counter. Thanks to these powerful, widespread technological conveniences, you can remain in constant, crystal-clear voice and video contact with your beloved ones on the other side of the world. It is precisely this invaluable and wonderful modern luxury of excellent, almost cosmic local high-speed wireless technology that makes it commonplace to that completely switching off digitally and relaxing, being completely offline from your phone for a moment, has simply become, in the tropics today, nothing more than your own personal, conscious and joyful choice for spending a peaceful day off – and is certainly no longer the compulsory and irritating, glitch-ridden necessity you are used to. At any free, convenient and relaxed moment of your wonderful, dreamlike and enchanting life under the bright, warm palm trees, you can calmly and at your own natural, leisurely pace joyfully discover this completely foreign and, at first glance, strange yet warm country in its entirety, freely sharing and generously posting live on social media these small, wholly positive experiences of the extraordinary and surprisingly fairy-tale-like, phenomenal, exotic world surrounding you on all sides, straight from the jungle, and then, blissfully and quietly, whenever here in the sunny south you feel within yourselves, with all your free strength, that natural, human, immense need for isolation and silence that comes with old age, with a smile on your face and peace of mind, simply at the last minute, charmingly cut yourself off completely with a single click from this modern, hurried digital network that tires the eyes and senses, and just like in the old analogue, slow, wonderful days of youth and past travels, half-dreamily immersing one’s life-absorbing, joyful senses in the incredibly vivid and constantly pulsating colours, scents and beautiful, loud sounds of free, wild nature, constantly all around, in the life of the town’s streets and the beach.