Today, close to 11,000 Swiss citizens live in Thailand, and about 43 per cent of them are over 65. By autumn 2025, Ruth and Wilhelm Pfister will be among them, ready to spend the rest of their retirement years in their new home country.
They’re especially looking forward to sunshine, the sea, immersing themselves in a new culture, and – not least – the fantastic golf courses. After years in eastern Switzerland, Germany and Zug, they’ll be relocating this autumn to the Lotus Well Resort in Hua Hin. Proof perhaps, that it’s never too late to embark on an adventure.
Looking forward to their life in Thailand: Ruth and Wilhelm Pfister. (Photo: private)
In his long and distinguished career, Wilhelm Pfister built up the professional haircare brand Goldwell in Switzerland, serving as its CEO. Now, the couple are heading to Southeast Asia. Thailand, with its idyllic beaches, vibrant traditions, and world-famous cuisine, fits perfectly with their vision of retirement. Since stepping back from work, they’ve often escaped the cold Swiss winter for warmer climes. Now in their late seventies, they’ve decided to make that seasonal escape permanent – a bold step, full of both uncertainty and exciting possibilities.
Mr and Ms Pfister, you’re set to move in autumn 2025. How did the idea of retiring abroad first come about?
We’ve always been drawn to the sun, splitting our time between summers in Switzerland and winters abroad. Around 20 years ago, we realised a long-held dream by buying a home in South Africa. Until COVID-19 struck, we spent many happy weeks and months there each year. But the pandemic brought huge changes. Rising crime rates and political tensions meant that we reluctantly sold the house and said goodbye to the country.
In the years that followed, we spent winters in various sunny destinations around the world. Yet the dream for a new permanent base never really left us. Our search for something suitable eventually led us to Thailand.
Why Thailand in particular?
We’d both had wonderful personal and business experiences there before, and we’ve always appreciated the extraordinary friendliness of the Thai people. The decision, though, came about almost by chance. We saw a TV report about the Lotus Well Resort, which caught our interest. When our son Dominic later visited the resort on his travels and came back full of enthusiasm, we started to seriously consider it. Last December, we booked a spontaneous three-week stay as a “test-run”. The beautiful setting and warm welcome from the Swiss owners confirmed what we already suspected: this was where we wanted to be, not just for winter but for good.
As passionate golfers, the couple appreciate the fantastic course at the resort.
What is the Lotus Well Resort? Can you tell us more about your new home?
The Lotus Well Resort is a retirement community designed mainly for German-speaking seniors. Established in 2007, it now has over 100 units.
Besides spacious communal areas, there is a wide range of activities – from aqua fitness in the pool and choir singing with accordion accompaniment to regular group golf outings. We love how easy it is to meet people there. Two on-site interior designers even helped us furnish our new place so it’ll feel like home from day one. Another draw was the dining: a Swiss chef ensures we can still enjoy the flavours of home. Here, enjoying a cervelat under swaying palms is just as likely as a perfect plate of pad thai.
What does making this move mean to you at over 75 years old?
At 79 and 75, we see this step as a gift. We’re excited about a modern, comfortable apartment close to the city, the beach, and the golf course – plus new friendships and an active social life. Of course, it takes courage, and saying goodbye to friends and family isn’t easy. But that’s part of the adventure too: the eagerness to discover Thai culture, uncover new traditions, and shape a different way of life. We feel very fortunate to be able to do this, and even happier that our poodle, Luana, is coming along.
What led you to open an account with Zürcher Kantonalbank?
We wanted a bank that we could really rely on. Friends recommended ZKB, so we looked into it. Of course, we also considered other options, but in the end, ZKB simply gave us the best gut feeling. The personal conversations and the ability to manage our finances from Thailand convinced us to open an account.
Are you emigrating? Zürcher Kantonalbank accompanies you with expertise.
What have you found to be the biggest challenges in preparing for emigration?
The administrative and bureaucratic side has been the most time-consuming. We tackled it step by step using a checklist. Along the way, both we and Luana got all the recommended vaccinations.
Parting with our home in Switzerland was another emotional milestone. After selling it, we decided to pass much of our furniture on to our neighbours and their son’s young family. It was comforting to know the pieces would be well used.
Even with this bold leap abroad, there’s no need to give up fondue chinoise – it’s on the menu in Thailand too! (Photo: private)
You’re now putting the final touches on your preparations. Is there any advice you’d like to share with readers who are considering retirement abroad?
Looking back, we realise we should have started our adventure when we were 70. Earlier is always better – but it’s never too late to make the leap and enjoy retirement in a place with a warm climate, solid infrastructure and high-quality healthcare. The keys are to be well informed, stay open to new experiences, and have the courage to let go of old routines.
We can hardly wait for what’s ahead and would tell anyone still hesitating: don’t just dream about it – make it happen! Every step into the unknown carries the chance of a richer, more rewarding life.