American Couple Retires in Thailand Beach Town After Eight Years Abroad

Kevin Elliott and his wife, Camille, chose Thailand over returning to the United States after Kevin's job in Qatar ended. The couple had lived in Doha for nearly eight years following their move from South Carolina in 2018. They settled in Hua Hin, a coastal town about 90 miles southwest of Bangkok, on January 1.

The couple rents a two-story house in a gated community for 28,000 Thai baht, or about $870, each month.

The three-bedroom home includes a yard and represents an upgrade from their one-bedroom apartment in Doha, which cost about $2,100 monthly. The couple brought two dogs from Qatar and later adopted two more puppies. They aim to keep monthly expenses under $2,500 while waiting to begin receiving an estimated $4,000 in combined Social Security benefits.

Kevin Elliott said costs can rise if spending is not monitored against local Thai prices.

The couple has encountered monkeys in their yard and is adapting to Thailand's heat and humidity. They use ride-hailing apps for transportation and plan to purchase a car. Kevin Elliott, 63, and Camille, 62, said they have not yet fully entered the local expat social scene.

Kevin plans to join golfing groups once settled. They cited lower food costs and access to fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruit as advantages. Kevin Elliott said eating this way regularly would be cost-prohibitive in the United States during retirement.

The couple noted they have not felt unsafe in Thailand, in contrast to concerns about gun violence in the United States. They are still adjusting to the language barrier and slower pace of services compared with their time in Doha.