When Kevin Elliott’s job in Qatar wrapped up, he and his wife Camille needed a retirement plan. The couple had spent eight years in Doha after leaving South Carolina in 2018. They built friendships, traveled widely, and enjoyed the experience. Long term, they wanted a place where their Social Security could cover daily life.
After scouting Malaysia, Costa Rica, and Panama, they chose Thailand. In November, with their Qatar visas nearing expiration, they flew to Hua Hin and signed a lease on a three bedroom house in a gated community. Rent is about 28000 baht, roughly 870 dollars a month. They moved in on January 1 and brought their two dogs for about 750 dollars in relocation costs.
Their goal is to keep monthly expenses under 2500 dollars. They expect about 4000 dollars a month in Social Security. Fresh seafood, produce, and healthcare access drew them in. The neighborhood includes greenery, curious monkeys, and a growing circle of fellow expats.
Kevin says settling in takes patience, especially with language and paperwork. He aims to embrace local culture and treat this chapter as an adventure.
My Take…
When Kevin Elliott’s Qatar gig ended, he and his wife Camille faced the big question: now what? After eight years in Doha, having left South Carolina back in 2018, they had the friends, the passport stamps, the stories. What they wanted next was simpler. A place where Social Security actually covers real life. Imagine that.They scoped out Malaysia, Costa Rica, Panama. Nice. But Thailand won. With their Qatar visas ticking down, they landed in Hua Hin in November and leased a three bedroom house in a gated community. About 28000 baht, roughly 870 dollars. Move in day was January 1. Two dogs included. Relocation ran about 750 bucks.They are aiming to live on under 2500 a month, with about 4000 coming in. Seafood, produce, healthcare. Greenery. Monkeys. A small expat tribe. Kevin admits the language and paperwork can test your patience. Still, he is leaning in. New culture, new chapter. Cue the Eat Pray Love soundtrack, just with more spreadsheets.
Click on the link below for the full article:
https://www.businessinsider.com/couple-left-america-moved-abroad-retired-in-huahin-thailand-affordable-2026-5
