An opposition parliamentarian on Tuesday said that Thailand should focus on other potential visitors after the country was named as one of the best places to retire.
Thailand was ranked the 11th best place to retire by International Living in its Annual Global Retirement Index for 2022, making it Asia’s top place to retire.
Pichai Naripthaphan, the Deputy Leader of Pheu Thai Party, told Thai Enquirer that temporary retirement visitors is a good step but not the main target visitors that the country should target.
“The government should not consider retirement visitors as Thailand’s main direction, the country should focus more on potential visitors including business visitors.”
Pichai made the statement in response to the government’s claim that its measures have pushed for economic growth and investment and elevated Thailand on the list of potential places for retirees.
“Thailand was named one of the most desirable places to retire even before the ruling government stepped in,” he said. “It’s not something new.”
Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, Government spokesman, told reporters, “The government’s measures to stimulate the economy have successfully attracted long-stay international visitors with high potential.”