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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

Pensioner finds cheaper life in Thailand after rent squeeze

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • A pensioner, Peter Stevenson, has moved from Australia to Thailand to live more affordably on his age pension.
  • Stevenson previously struggled with high rent and a shrinking budget in Australia's Yarra Valley, living in a converted shipping container.
  • He now lives comfortably in a two-bedroom home in Phuket, though he notes expensive healthcare in Thailand is a significant drawback.

Peter Stevenson, an Australian pensioner, has found a more affordable lifestyle in Thailand after facing significant financial pressures in Australia. He transitioned from living in a cramped, one-room converted shipping container in Victoria's Yarra Valley to a comfortable, air-conditioned two-bedroom home on Phuket Island.

I didn't have a life.

— Peter StevensonDescribing his previous financial struggles in Australia.

Stevenson explained that five years ago, half of his fortnightly income went towards rent in Australia, leaving little for utilities and food. "I didn't have a life," he stated, recounting a significant weight loss due to financial strain. The cost of living in Australia, particularly for renters, has become increasingly difficult, with median rents in regional Victoria rising by 36.4 percent between 2012 and 2024.

In contrast, his current life in Thailand allows him to live well on his age pension. He resides there on a retirement visa, which permits individuals over 50 to live in the country without working. Stevenson now enjoys amenities like going out for coffee and traveling around Phuket, noting that a taxi ride costs him $2, compared to $10 in Australia. His rent has decreased from $1,120 per month to $400 per month, enabling him to save a small amount.

I'm happy here.

— Peter StevensonExpressing his contentment with his current life in Thailand.

Despite the improved quality of life, Stevenson identified expensive health insurance in Thailand as a major drawback. "If I have a serious accident, I'm a dead man walking and that's the risk," he admitted. He also stated that returning to Australia would likely leave him homeless.

In Australia it costs me $10 to open the door of a taxi, here it costs me $2 to travel anywhere on Phuket Island.

— Peter StevensonIllustrating the difference in transportation costs between Australia and Thailand.

National Seniors Australia chief executive Chris Grice commented on Stevenson's situation, asserting that "Australians should not have to leave the country to improve their quality of life." He urged the government to consider the impact of its policy decisions on citizens facing such cost-of-living challenges.

If I have a serious accident, I'm a dead man walking and that's the risk.

— Peter StevensonHighlighting the significant drawback of expensive healthcare in Thailand.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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