Pagey, they probably have lifelong friends, family, favorite restaurants, habits, sports etc. that they enjoy back home and feel comfortable with. One of the biggest mistakes people make when they retire is moving, even Americans from one state to another (like to Florida). You're leaving all your friends and familiar places behind; retirement should be comfortable and not having to deal with new previously unknown issues every day. It should be enjoyed with your friends, family, and all the same hobbies and sports you enjoyed before you retired. When people get older, they need that familiar support even more and what do most do?... Move away from it and become unhappy or bored. I've seen it happen with many people and I've seen it shorten their lives.Midlandmike, if they are retired and bored when here, what will they do differently in their home country to alleviate the boredom ?
I also agree with Buksida..... but only if you're young like he is. Retirement is different. With a young family and a decent job or income I can understand how you can enjoy the travel near Thailand. Frankly, I'm not interested in going to another tropical country just like this one but with different customs. I crave western civilization like a lot have admitted now that I have opened the door to that conversation.
My wife is not interested in that either. Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Viet Nam are all just different variations of Thailand. She wants to go to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and back to the U.S.A.
Caller has a point in that last post. The happiest retirees I know here (Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, etc.,) come here for 3 or 4 months a year during their bad winters and spend the rest of their time in familiar surroundings. If you can afford that, I think it's the best way to go.