subject: Living In Thailand: Ten Reasons For Moving To The Land Of Smiles [print this page] There are almost as many reasons why people may want to start a new life abroad as there are people who want to. Whatever the motivation finding a place in the sun, escaping from the humdrum of the workaday life, looking for a fresh start, matters of the heart, finding a place to retire to, a host of others, there are many reasons why you should seriously consider choosing Thailand as a place to settle. Here are just ten of them:
The Great Climate. Thailands tropical climate is a major attraction for many. With no real winter to speak of (although it can get chilly in the northern hills) and a relatively mild monsoon season with few real typhoons, the climate is great for those that enjoy hot days and sultry nights. The hot season of March through May is the only drawback, as these months can be sweltering, but many residents feel that this is a small price to pay for sun-drenched days beneath the palm trees.
The Interesting People. Fun-loving, friendly, reasonably hard working, and generally polite, the Thais are an easy bunch of people to get along with. Thailand also boasts an eclectic and fascinating expatriate community and as a major tourist destination, you will meet people from all over the world.
The Delicious Food. If you like Asian food and like it spicy, Thailand is the best place in the world to live. A bewildering array of fresh tropical fruit complements a fantastic range of curries, soups, rice dishes, and seafood. Even if you cant take too much spice, the Chinese culinary influence is strong and Bangkok and most large urban centres have a host of western, Japanese, and South Asian outlets to tempt you. Add to all of this the cheap prices and you can be sure that you will never go hungry in Thailand
The Cost Of Living. In a word, cheap. Housing is very affordable, although of varying quality, utilities and services are very inexpensive, transport costs virtually nothing, and food and drink are very reasonably priced. In Thailand, you very much get what you pay for, but the real advantage is that you are able to live high or live low. If you are on a budget, you can make your money go a long way and have a good lifestyle at the same time. If you can afford the high life, its all there.
The Good Medical Facilities. Medical facilities in Thailands urban centres are so good that many people from more affluent countries are now taking medical holidays to Thailand. The countrys plastic surgery industry is booming and packages are now available that combine cosmetic surgery and other types of operation with recuperation at one of the many recently opened health spas. Every provincial capital has at least one private hospital of international standard or very close to it, and with medical bills and insurance being very affordable, staying healthy in Thailand should not be a problem.
The Fascinating Culture. Thailands rich artistic tradition, colourful and ornate temples, highly complex and varied social structures and excellent art galleries and museums can provide a lifetime of interest. There is always something to learn, always something new to discover. Many long-term residents say that they can only scratch the surface of this truly captivating country.
The Great Outdoors. Combine Thailands areas of outstanding natural beauty with the increasingly high quality of sporting and leisure facilities and you have a paradise for the outdoors lover. Golfers will drool over some of the courses on offer with ridiculously low green fees. Scuba diving and other water sports are easily found. The national parks are wonderful. Or you can just take a walk in the rice paddies for free. All of this on your doorstep.
The Growing Business Opportunities. Thailand is one of the most attractive exotic countries in which to explore new business opportunities; only Malaysia and Singapore in Southeast Asia are comparable. Whilst the red tape is annoying, scams and rip-offs need to be borne in mind, and cultural hurdles need to be overcome, the recovering Thai economy, a stable political situation, a reasonably skilled workforce and the business-friendly attitude of the current government make available serious opportunities for the top-dollar investor and small businessman alike.
The Pace Of Life. One of the great aspects of life in Thailand is that you can live fast or live slow, or somewhere in the middle. Its up to you. It is quite easy to go on a history-making splurge in Bangkok if you have the willpower, the stamina, and the money, just as its as easy to lose yourself for months or years in the tranquil natural beauty of the northern mountains. With so much variety on offer, you can choose your own lifestyle in Thailand.
The Fun. Like to party? So do the Thais! If there was ever a country where you may just be able to have too much fun, this may be it. Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Koh Samui are Thailands well-known fun factories, but if you are prepared to mix with the locals even the small, out of the way places can be great for socialising. Many expatriates need a regular check of the fun meter to make sure that other aspects of their life are not being neglected.
This is an excerpt from the Living In Thailand eBook, 400 information packed pages to jump-start your new life in Thailand. Available from http://www.living-in-thailand.net
Living In Thailand: Ten Reasons For Moving To The Land Of Smiles
