Thailand Ranked 9th Globally For Retirement; Government Accelerates Development of Thailand as a Premier Destination for Retirees Worldwide

On July 1, 2569, Deputy Government Spokesman Lalida Peraiswivattana announced that Thailand has been ranked by International Living, a leading U.S. media outlet focused on living abroad and international retirement, in their Global Retirement Index 2026. Thailand achieved 9th place globally and 1st place in Asia as an ideal retirement destination, with a total score of 80.0 points.

The evaluation was based on seven key factors:

- Housing - Visas and retiree benefits - Cost of living - Development and governance - Climate - Healthcare systems - Livability

The assessment drew from input by experts, journalists, and expatriates actually residing in each country, reflecting Thailand's potential as a retirement destination for seniors worldwide across quality of life, healthcare systems, cost of living, and living conditions.

Peraiswivattana noted that Thailand earned outstanding scores particularly in cost of living with 96 points, reflecting excellent value relative to quality of life. The country scored 84 points for development and governance, demonstrating infrastructure readiness and public administration capability. Healthcare systems scored 79 points, reflecting internationally recognized medical standards, while visas and retiree benefits also scored 79 points, further enhancing Thailand's appeal as a global retirement destination.

This ranking aligns with the government's policy to elevate Thailand as a Medical and Wellness Hub and advance its healthcare, medical, and wellness industries. The government is promoting health tourism, elderly care, and high-value medical services alongside improving public health services, developing infrastructure, and creating livable environments for both Thai citizens and foreigners.

The government is committed to positioning Thailand as a world-class retirement destination, generating revenue from tourism and healthcare services, increasing investment, and distributing economic opportunities sustainably to the population.

Marcelo Bielsa, head coach of the Uruguay national team, has denied any personal conflict with Federico Valverde, despite moving the player to a fullback position. Uruguay's disappointing performance under Bielsa at the 2026 World Cup saw them eliminated from group play with just 2 points from 3 matches. One notable point of scrutiny has been the relationship between Bielsa and key player Valverde, particularly after he was substituted in the 60th minute during Uruguay's 0-1 loss to Spain. At a recent press conference, Bielsa addressed the issue: "I've never had a problem with Valverde, and I've never been as lenient with any other player because I believe he deserves it." "I believe substituting him in the 60th minute didn't put him at a disadvantage. I have always shown him great respect for his football style. If there are any disagreements, I would overlook their origins." "I told Valverde that I might use him as a left-back, and I mentioned the top five wingers he could stop. I told him I could play him as a winger or midfielder. He told me to use him in whatever position I need."

Norwegian striker Erling Braut Haaland has explained his decision to keep his hair long in a ponytail style, attributing it to advice from Swedish football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic. During a recent media appearance, Haaland recounted Ibrahimovic telling him: "Don't cut your hair—your strength is in it. What else can I do? I have to listen to him." Fox Sports, where Ibrahimovic now works as a World Cup analyst, shared the clip. When Ibrahimovic saw it, he responded: "I truly believe in it. When I was playing and things were going well, I wore my hair in a ponytail. I remember Haaland doing the same when he first came into the spotlight. We had the same agent, who has since passed. I saw him with that long ponytail, and my agent told me he saw Zlatan in Haaland. I told him to keep the hairstyle because it would take him as far as he needs to go."

Singer Yuki Hai Thong Kham amazed viewers by seeking blessings from temple spirits, claiming to receive three lottery numbers that perfectly matched her stated preferences. In the previous draw, while attending Pum Phuang's event, she obtained the two-digit number 48 exactly, which she attributed to a lucky star-patterned dress. The lottery program Huay Kra-Aeng Lottery Plus revealed footage of Yuki's experience, where the previous draw had brought her complete success. She posted asking, "48 hit perfectly last time! Wherever it hits, we'll follow... Will it come again this time?"

Yuki explained that at Wat Thap Kra Dan temple, when she reached into the lottery ticket container seeking the spirits' guidance, two numbers flowed into her hand. She drew them out, and they formed 48 exactly, which she played with the star-patterned dress combination and won substantially.

For the July 1, 2026 draw, Yuki stated she favored number 79 before requesting the spirits for two definitive numbers. During a video call to the temple at the show's conclusion, Yuki bowed respectfully before drawing. She reported feeling two numbers enter her hand but accidentally drew three. When opened, the three numbers were 179, shocking both Yuki and host Art because they contained the 79 she had mentioned liking. Art exclaimed that it matched exactly what she had said, prompting Yuki to express amazement. When Yuki apologized for drawing three instead of the requested two, Art joked that the spirits had given extra, saying "Last time two numbers, this time three, consider it a bonus, child."

Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old rising star for Spain, has expressed confidence in his ability to handle the pressure of competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As a key attacking player for the reigning European champions, Yamal faces mounting expectations both at club and country level.

His prominence at Barcelona since a young age, combined with wearing the club's prestigious number 10 shirt, has intensified the pressure he faces when playing for Spain. In recent comments, Yamal stated: "I understand that people focus on the most exciting positions. Pedri and Rodri are both excellent, but the pressure I have—being Barcelona's number 10, playing on the wing—I'm happy with it. Pressure comes when you can't do what they want, but I can."

Regarding his current fitness level, Yamal explained: "I'm doing very well and feeling great. I'm training with commitment and excitement for this moment. Right now I'm at about 80-90 percent and getting better. It's not declining. I'm ready for 90 minutes."

Spain will face Austria in the round of 32 at 02:00 AM Thai time on July 2.