There are three categories of Vets that make Thailand home. The first is the kind that desire cheaper living, the second is the hedonistic Vets engaging in their vices and the third is the culture, Buddhism, Muay Thai/fitness and healing types.
I’m writing this because I’m all three. I’ve meditated in northern mountain temples outside Chiang Mai, taught English in Bangkok, I’ve trained Muay Thai in Phuket and good Lord knows I’ve partied with Thai bar girls on Soi 6 in Pattaya.
Why Move Abroad?
Because the American dream was designed for us and yet less and less of us are living it…
Thailand stands alone on this earth because it has something for EVERY Vet. No matter what kind of life you’re looking for, trust me – it’s here.
The classic Vet (Pattaya) – Party Vibes + Biggest Vet Community
The fitness obsessed Vet (Phuket) Beach + Exercise Culture
The digital Vetrepeneur (Bangkok) City Life + Networking
The Vet familyor Single Female (Chiang Mai) Peace + Cafes
The old Vet (Hua Hin) Stability + Relaxation
The dual military couple (Koh Samui) Island + Smooth Life
I’m going to dive into these Veteran archetypes and lay out specific resources and strategies. Before I start, the biggest problem for a lot of Vets of my generation, is going to be the Visa situation.
Teaching English in Thailand
Thailand is notorious in the expat community for fucking around a lot with their visa processes and rules. The good news, if you’re 50+ then you are good to go with getting a pension and if you’re not then it’s time to be creative. Or have a lot of cash, that always solves problems too.
Note: Your VA disability will count as income toward the retirement Visa for 50+ Vetsbut we’ll explore your creative options.
Pattaya is a city literally built for American Veterans.
Before the Vietnam war, Pattaya was a simple fishing village. Then the American military chose it as a R&R destination and the world was never the same.
A few Air Force Vets came in 1966 and had themselves a grand old time and then spread the word...
Local businesses boomed, bars opened, hotels popped up and a city was forged around what American fighting men wanted. I don’t need to educate you on the Vietnam War but soldiers on R&R were going to party like it might be their last weekend alive. I know my uncles did.
Beer flowed and women from all over Thailand came to collect the paycheck of every fighting man about to get sent back into the Vietnamese jungles.
Currently, Pattaya isn’t an escape from war – it’s an escape from life. It’s a nonstop action type place and one of the biggest expat hubs and party locations in the world.
To me, Pattaya feels like the street we all know right outside of every military base. So picture strip clubs, vape stores, pawn shops, rip off car dealerships, cheap hotels, payday loan spots and liquor stores then you’re about right. It feels oddly like home if you’re used to military life.
That’s not to say that’s all there is, Pattaya is also the home to lots of female Veterans because of the expat infrastructure, great gyms and beach vibes. Especially in Jomtien, where most Vets end up living.
If you ignore the party scene, Pattaya becomes an interesting place – Temples, gardens, elephant sanctuaries, waterparks, island hopping, aquariums and even lots for kids. Pattaya has an enormous Veteran community, a lot of Vets live terrific, healthy and great beach lives here.
Healthcare
Pattaya is also the home to Heroes Total Wellness, the only Veteran FMP clinic in Thailand. Beyond that, Bangkok Pattaya Hospital accepts both FMP and Tricare. You’ll want to go to the International Insurance Department, with your FMP letter and ID to get set up.
Note: I would go to Heroes for FMP oriented healthcare and community. It’s only Vets in there and the staff is good. For serious healthcare concerns head to Bangkok Pattaya. Anything else can be paid out of pocket for a couple dollars.Healthcare is one thing you can trust in Thailand as an expat.
Lots of people in those groups are a wealth of information and resources. Not all VFW’s and Legion’s are created equally and they all have their own unique cultures. Some Vets abroad don’t like leaning into their military identity or associating with Vet organizations.
I think it’s important to remember that historically, we have our benefits because of efforts of the Legion and VFW.
Beyond that, the Veterans Bar at 57 Soi Pattaya 13/2 is a good place for a beer. There’s usually some Vets from the US and other countries in there telling war stories or bragging about Thai girls. If you’re spending time in Pattaya – you’ll bump into some Vets in shirts, hats or see some military tattoos.
It’s not hard to meet friends in Pattaya but like the military, it’s a very transient community.
Pattaya comes in about $1,800 to $3,500 from the low end to the high end. All depends on how many bar girls you’re buying drinks for. Looking at you David!
Phuket
If fitness is your jam, look no further. Fitness Street in Phuket is the most concentrated fitness, martial arts, and nutrition zones on the planet.
There are accommodations tailored directly to active lifestyles and you’re surrounded by inspiring, fitness minded individuals from around the world. It’s not just for hardcore athletes but if you’re serious about diving into healthier living, this is one of the best places in the world to do it.
Maximum Fitness in Phuket in Patong, where I’ve trained. Great gym, yoga, functional fitness and Muay Thai and 100 meters from the beach. Plus, massage shops and restaurants right outside.
Healthcare
You’ll want to head to Bangkok Hospital Phuket for your FMP and Tricare. Ensure you talk to them about direct billing, usually for FMP claims over a certain amount they will direct bill but not for small stuff. You’ll want to take them your FMP letter.
Apart from that, most small stuff in Phuket you can just pay out of pocket. Pharmacies have everything you need, even testosterone for the Marines who want to get all jacked up and tatted and train Muay Thai.
Healthcare is one of those things that is different for every Vet in Phuket and what you do is going to be up to you but there are Tricare options and private insurance options as well. Get some massages, take ice baths, watch the sunset from the beach and live stress free.
Unique Veteran Center For Addiction in Phuket
Miracles Asia is something I’ve written about extensively before and advocated for on my social media. It’s an addiction center for Veterans that accepts the FMP. Their minimum stay is 30 days and something EVERY VET in the world should look into if they are struggling with addiction.
I’m very passionate about this place. The military can be a pathway straight into addiction and this is the best option in the world for service connected Vets battling those demons.
Where to stay if you’re training….
Cocoville is walkable to all the gyms and has healthy eating. Sixpack Cottage is your cheap, training option. Good for Marines and not Air Force Vets. Blue Hotel for monthly stay (maybe $800) – Best to negotiate there.
If you’re planning on long-term in Phuket, once you get there and look around you’ll have a feel of what area works for you. If you want a more party, beach vibes then go to Patong.
Phuket is big and there are lots of good options, renting isn’t difficult. Don’t stress about locking in a place beforehand, go and stay at a hotel or Airbnb for a little bit and find the best situation for you.
Phuket comes in between $1,500 and $2,500 for most Vets on the fitness grind.
Bangkok
Bangkok is a scene. Everything is ultra convenient and a lot of Veterans love the big city vibes combined with safety. There is world class everything here and you can live in Bangkok for ten years and do half of everything.
The Veteran network in Bangkok is through the VFW and JUSMAGTHAI.
Visiting Wat Pho in Bangkok
My favorite area for Vets is along Sukhumvit, where I can walk to the BTS, gyms and nightlife. When I’m in Bangkok I usually stay near Nana, Asok and Phrom Phong on the BTS stops. If I can walk to a gym, malls, parks and nightlife then I’m happy.
I’d say on the low end Bangkok you can do for $1800 and the luxury end $3000 per month. Check out this video of a Canadian dude doing rapid fire apartment hunting in BKK. I always think I’m going to spend less in Bangkok and always spend more but a few nights at Soi Cowboy and my money has a way of getting away from me.
Chiang Mai
I was surprised how much I loved Chiang Mai. It’s significantly cooler in temperature than Bangkok and you get a higher class of expats and tourists than Pattaya. Life’s cheaper here as well, I met a Veteran who was living in a studio for $275. There’s cafes, bookstores, relaxed markets and history.
You don’t sacrifice any comfort in Chiang Mai and it’s less chaos, noise and a slower pace of life than Bangkok. You can really decompress there and most Vets live or stay near Nimman. To connect with the Vet community there – check out VFW Post 12074.
The GI Bill approved school there is Payap University and the two international schools I recommend to families are Panyaden and Singapore International.
Direct Billers for FMP Chiang Mai Ram Ingjai Mental Health Clinic Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai you can comfortably do $1,700 to $2,400.
Hua Hin
Hua Hin is the sweet spot of slow beach life. It’s very affordable, relaxed and a modest expat community. It’s a small town and has always had a Veteran population, so meeting people there is pretty easy. Check out this FB Group of Expats in Hua Hin.
There’s not much to say about Hua Hin, if you want a stable, peaceful life then it’s for you. There’s not nonstop energy and the night time there feels like a graveyard in some places. I have only spent a little time there but really enjoyed staying in Central Hua Hin near the night market.
I have met some Veterans who live in Hua Hin and hit up Bangkok when they want to shop or party or whatever else. Then I’ve met some Vets who live in Bangkok and go to Hua Hin to chill out and decompress for a week every month.
It’s perfect if the idea of slow mornings, coffee, beach walks, great food, quiet nights and repeat sounds like a good life. It’s a simple place. There’s a mixed expat crowd, last time I was there it was a lot of old Brits and Germans. Some of them were weirdos.
Koh Samui
Here you get island type freedom with enough infrastructure and enough amenities to make living long term desirable. Where you live here shapes your experience if you want to be in the mix or slightly outside of it. The cost of living can vary a lot here, depending on your lifestyle. It’s an island, which means things like outages although rare can still happen.
If you’re burned out, this is a good spot to head to. You have all the great things about Thailand, cheap massages, great fitness and street food while living on island time. From here, there’s a lot of island hopping, check out this nearby Veteran owned hotel on Koh Phangan: Puks Palace.
You’ll find the best places to rent there by going there and doing the leg work yourself. Prices will always be higher online and you’ll think it’s more expensive here than it actually is. There’s lots to explore, lots of places to snorkel nearby and great hiking to waterfalls.
The Problem
On the surface, Thailand is an easy place to stay forever. There’s great infrastructure, malls, natural beauty and great food. After a week here, you’ll imagine being here forever after the lifestyle surpasses all your expectations.
Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple. Thailand has a whole bunch of different visa options for people under 50. If you’re 50+, Thailand only cares if you have money and with a retirement pension or VA income, you’ll be G2G.
If you’re under 50
Visa Runs: This works until it doesn’t. But I do know Vets that have gotten away with it for a long time and some that eventually get refused entry. You currently get 60 days in Thailand that can be extended to 90. Then you leave and come back and do it again and again every 90 days. There’s talk of changing it so check current requirements.
Ed Visa: This is what I would recommend. You can even get one doing Muay Thai, learning the Thai language or the best strategy – use your GI Bill here at one of the schools. It’s affordable and some institutions and schools aren’t real strict on your attendance if you catch my drift.
Thailand Elite: This is for you ballers out there. You basically can just by a visa and it costs you $18,000 on the bottom end and there are different tiers.
Thai Marriage Visa: DON’T MARRY A WOMAN OR A LADYBOY FOR A VISA!!! lol but I got married to get out of the barracks and that obviously didn’t work so who am I to judge.
DTV Visa: Destination Thailand Visa. This is what most Vets try to get into, you have to show that you have some income and then demonstrate remote work or some type of courses, seminars, medical treatments, etc. This is more of a lifestyle visa for long term expats, the Ed visa is more of a student visa.
You need a little bit of a strategy when you’re planning on life in Thailand. But you’re a Vet, you can strategize.
Conclusion Time
Relocating isn’t just about changing countries, it’s about changing your quality of life. Better day to day living, improved mental health and the kind of existence you’re happy to wake up to. You can build a life that aligns with what you want. Check out my article: Is Veteran Expat Life For you?
Don’t live your entire life and never set foot in Thailand. That would be a shame. It really is one of the most magical places on earth. The Thai people are truly incredible in so many ways, the service here is amazing, the food delicious and everything about life here is healing.
One thing I appreciate about Thai culture is the balanced way about life here – there’s always time for work, leisure, recreation, partying and relaxing.
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