An Icelandic retiree has revealed how moving to Thailand allows him to live comfortably on his pension, with monthly rent of just £240 for a fully-equipped studio apartment. Bragi Jonsson, 69, who worked as a security guard before retiring in 2021, has been escaping Iceland's harsh winters since 2020 by spending extended periods in the Southeast Asian nation.
Sun-Seeking Retirement Strategy
Bragi Jonsson's dislike for Iceland's freezing temperatures has transformed his retirement completely. Since 2020, he has adopted a seasonal migration pattern, spending the colder months in Thailand's tropical climate. During a recent interview in Pattaya, a vibrant coastal city on the Gulf of Thailand, Bragi explained his lifestyle choice while enjoying January temperatures of 30°C.
"This is my fifth time I've come down here," Bragi shared. "It is pretty nice." He is part of a growing trend of Europeans who are making Thailand their home for part or all of the year, attracted by favourable visa regulations introduced in 2024 that extended visa-free tourism access to 60 days.
Remarkable Cost Comparisons
The financial advantages of living in Thailand compared to European countries are substantial according to Bragi's experience. His current accommodation costs just £240 monthly for a studio apartment that includes water, electricity, and internet services.
"It is much cheaper to live down here than in the UK or Iceland," Bragi explained. "I've got a lovely place down here and it's cheaper to go out dining than cooking at home."
He provided specific examples of Thailand's affordability:
- A meal course costing £4 would be considered expensive
- Pad thai, a popular local dish, is available at very reasonable prices
- A good steak with beer costs approximately £5
- Large bottles of Chang or Singha beer retail for around £1.60 in shops
Lifestyle and Future Plans
Bragi has embraced a minimalist approach to possessions throughout his life, never wanting to own property. "The most expensive thing I've owned is a car," he noted. He maintains a permanent address in Iceland and has pre-settlement status in the UK, but his long-term goal is to establish more permanent residency in Thailand.
When asked if he misses anything about Iceland, Bragi responded emphatically: "Nothing. I wouldn't survive up there. The rent is so expensive. And it is damn cold over there."
His current plan involves spending seven to eight months annually in Thailand, with potential visits to other Southeast Asian destinations like Bali or Vietnam. "I am definitely not going to Iceland," he stated. "I don't worry about anything. I am just living life."
Alternative Accommodation Solutions
When not in Thailand, Bragi travels extensively through house-sitting arrangements organised via HouseSitMatch. This innovative approach has allowed him to stay in over 70 properties across the UK and Europe without paying rent or household bills.
He has developed an interesting method for exploring new areas: participating in Geo Caching, a GPS-based treasure hunting activity. "It has taken me to so many places that I would never have known about," Bragi explained. "You can do it anywhere in the world and it keeps you fit and healthy."
Broader Tourism Trends
Bragi's experience reflects broader patterns in Thailand tourism. According to Thomas Cook data, couples account for 51% of all bookings to Thailand, with a notable trend toward luxury accommodation. An impressive 93% of bookings made this month have been for four- and five-star properties.
Nicholas Smith, holidays digital director at Thomas Cook, commented: "We've seen bookings to Thailand increase by more than 400% year-on-year, as holidaymakers look to stretch their budgets further while still ticking off long-haul, bucket list destinations."
Thailand's appeal extends beyond retirees to include approximately five million foreign residents, with around 300,000 hailing from North America, Europe, or Australia. The country's combination of affordable living, warm climate, and streamlined visa processes through systems like the Thai e-Visa and Digital Arrival Card continues to attract international visitors and residents seeking quality of life improvements.
