Chiang Mai

Martin Woodtli moved his mother with Alzheimer's from Switzerland to Thailand in 2002, later establishing a dementia care home in Chiang Mai called Baan Kamlangchay in 2003. His mother's improved quality of life in Thailand inspired him to create the facility to help others facing similar challenges.

Brendan Pon and his wife adopted a flexible FIRE strategy to spend more time with their children, moving from Canada to Thailand and later Japan. The FIRE movement emphasizes aggressive saving and intentional investing to achieve financial independence and retire early. Rising costs in Canada and the desire for quality family time influenced their decision.

Retirees from around the world are moving to Chiang Mai, Thailand, due to its affordability, safety, and relaxed lifestyle. The city offers low-cost housing, affordable food and healthcare, and a cultural emphasis on a slow, unhurried way of life known as 'sabai sabai.'

The article highlights Chiang Mai's five-year digital nomad visa and Lisbon's expat infrastructure as top destinations for young adults living abroad in 2026.

Chiang Mai's New Year celebrations are disrupted by severe smog from wildfires, prompting emergency declarations in three northern Thai provinces. Air pollution has spiked, worsening health conditions and harming tourism, while war-related price increases add to regional challenges.