How to Retire in Thailand and Double Your Income: A 12-Step Program for Getting More Fun Out of Life
LIVING WELL IS THE BEST REVENGE! If you're a fellow victim of the financial crisis, you know that life has handed us a lemon right at the end of our working lives.  The trick is how to make lemonade out of it? Well, I've found that it really is possible to live in comfort and beauty on $1,200 a month--something that seemed impossible when I was expelled from the middle-class five years ago. (I grew up in Australia, lived in Japan, then got my doctorate at UMass, Amherst. I married, started several US companies and lived an enjoyable life, including regular visits to Paris for the French Open. The financial crisis wiped me out, and I'm now 72 years old and enjoying life more than ever, to my great surprise.) In Thailand my $1200/mo. Social Security check allowed me to rejoin the middle class. Here are a few more reasons (I've got 40!) to consider a new life in Thailand:   1. Culture: Thais have spent 2,000 years creating a culture devoted to happiness, tolerance, and beauty.  And that stuff about older people being respected?  It's true.  They really do! 2. Cost of living: If you live on a fixed income you can double it just by moving to Thailand. 3. Climate: Some like it hot, and Thai summers oblige. Some like it warm, and Thai winters are exhilarating. 4. Beaches.  You can vacation on exotic beaches for pennies.  (And explore exotic jungles for even less). 5. Beer and Great Places to Drink It. Something for every palate and budget: 65¢ for a large bottle served at your table: Singha, Leo, Chang, Tiger, Phuket, Klassik....and fabulous places everywhere to sit and drink it.  Whisky's good and cheap, too. 6. Flowers: Orchids grow profusely along busy streets. And orchids are just the beginning ofThailand's floral glory.  Thais adore flowers.  So will you. 7.  Smiles: Every meeting--even buying a carton of milk--begins with a smile, a bow, and a blessing.  The smiles came 1,000 years before the tourist slogan.  8.  Nursing, Medical and Dental Care. Many people live in Thailand primarily because of the quality and affordability of its medical care. 9.  Shopping. From banana leaves on the pavement at dawn to gigantic European hypermarkets, Thailand offers unparalleled, inexpensive shopping.