Retired In Thailand: A Federal Retiree's Guide

Thinking about retiring in Thailand on your federal pension?

Here’s what most videos won’t tell you: your Thai visa, FEHB coverage, Medicare decision, OPM annuity, and tax responsibilities are separate systems. Assuming that one automatically takes care of another can become a costly mistake.

I retired from federal service, survived a 327-day OPM processing wait, and began planning my own move abroad. This is the research I wish someone had handed me—developed specifically for FERS and CSRS retirees, not generic expats.

Inside the guide:

✅ Thailand’s retirement and long-stay visa options, including the financial, insurance, and documentation requirements you should verify

✅ What FEHB may cover overseas—and the questions to ask your health plan in writing

✅ Why Medicare coverage generally stays in the United States and what that could mean for your Part B decision

✅ How to receive your OPM annuity reliably while living abroad, including banking and transfer planning

✅ Important tax considerations for U.S. federal retirees living in Thailand

✅ Where to consider living based on healthcare access, cost, climate, and lifestyle—not just social media images

✅ Practical pre-departure checklists to help organize your move

✅ Official source links so you can verify the latest visa, benefit, healthcare, and tax requirements yourself