Retiring to Thailand from Australia
Australian pensioners retiring to Thailand need to plan for four areas:
- how the Age Pension is paid overseas
- which retirement visa to use
- how tax applies to super and pensions
- private healthcare.
Phuket has direct flights from Australia, which makes it a practical choice for retirees who want to stay close to family.
Phuket Retirement Village is a retirement community in Thalang, Phuket. This guide sets out what Australian retirees should consider before moving.
How the Age Pension Works Overseas
Many Australians can keep receiving the Age Pension after moving overseas, but the amount may change.
- On departure: the Energy Supplement stops, concession cards are cancelled and the Pension Supplement is reduced. From 20 September 2026, the Pension Supplement stops entirely on the day you leave Australia.
- First 26 weeks: your base rate usually stays the same.
- After 26 weeks: your rate depends on your Australian Working Life Residence, meaning the years you lived in Australia between the age of 16 and Age Pension age. With 35 years or more, the rate generally stays the same. With fewer years, it is reduced proportionally. For example, 20 years would give 20/35ths of the normal rate.
Pensioners living overseas long term are paid every four weeks. Report your travel to Services Australia through myGov before you leave. Australia does not have a social security agreement with Thailand, so it is generally simpler to have your Age Pension in place before you move.
Thai Retirement Visas for Australians
Australians aged 50 or over can choose from several options:
- Non-Immigrant O (retirement): 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account or a monthly income of at least 65,000 baht. It is renewed each year in Thailand and does not require health insurance.
- Non-Immigrant O-A: a one-year visa applied for from Australia, with the same financial requirement plus health insurance with total cover of 3,000,000 baht (or US$100,000).
- Non-Immigrant O-X: a ten-year visa available to Australian citizens. It requires 3 million baht in a Thai bank, or 1.8 million baht plus at least 1.2 million baht in annual income.
- Long-Term Resident (LTR) Wealthy Pensioner: a ten-year option for those with passive income of at least US$80,000 a year.
Superannuation and Thai Tax
Withdrawals from super are generally tax-free in Australia once you are over 60. Thailand applies its own rules.
If you spend 180 days or more in Thailand in a calendar year, you become a Thai tax resident. Since 1 January 2024, a resident can be taxed on foreign income brought into Thailand. Australia and Thailand have a double taxation agreement, which may provide relief, but the treatment depends on the type of income.
Speak to an accountant experienced in both systems before deciding how and when to transfer funds.
Healthcare in Phuket
Medicare does not cover treatment in Thailand. Australian retirees should arrange international health insurance before moving.
Phuket has a well-developed private hospital sector. Bangkok Hospital Phuket and Siriroj International Hospital are both around 20 minutes from Phuket Retirement Village. Inside the village, residents can access 24-hour service, nursing care, residential care and medical services as their needs change.
Why Australians Choose Phuket Retirement Village
Phuket Retirement Village is in Thalang, the central part of the island, close to Laguna and its golf course, beaches, and shops. The airport is about 30 minutes away, which makes visits from family in Australia straightforward.
Residents live in private villas and share a restaurant, pool and on-site cinema. The same company that developed it manages the village, and the founding family has 44 years of experience in the UK retirement home sector. Villas are held under a 30-year ownership lease.
Steps to Take Before You Move
- Check your Australian Working Life Residence to understand your future pension rate.
- Speak to a financial adviser about super, the Age Pension and Thai tax.
- Choose a visa route and prepare your bank or income evidence.
- Arrange health insurance that covers you in Thailand.
- Tell Services Australia about your move.
- Arrange a visit to Phuket Retirement Village.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive the Australian Age Pension in Thailand?
In many cases, yes. Your base rate usually stays the same for 26 weeks. After that, it depends on how many years you lived in Australia while working.
Do Australians need a visa to retire in Thailand?
Yes. Most Australian retirees use a Non-Immigrant O, O-A or O-X visa. Australians are eligible for the ten-year O-X visa.
Does Medicare cover me in Thailand?
No. You will need private international health insurance.
Is my super taxed in Thailand?
It may be if you are a Thai tax resident and bring the money into Thailand. Take advice from an accountant familiar with the Australia–Thailand tax treaty.
How far is Phuket Retirement Village from the airport?
Phuket International Airport is around a 30-minute drive away.
Pension, visa and tax rules change regularly. This article was correct in October 2026. Please confirm current requirements with Services Australia, the Thai embassy and a qualified adviser