Since Thailand has held its hand out to foreign retirees contemplating a life in the country, the amount of people retiring to Thailand has escalated. As of 2008, Thailand is now right up there in the footsteps of Singapore as one of the best ranked countries in Asia for expatriates. There are numerous reasons why retirees choose Thailand to settle down.
- For some they spend their days away from it all in some remote rural village, while others enjoy all the latest mods, cons and treats which the country has to offer.
- For others Thailand is bargain for money, a really affordable place to live the good times at only a fraction of the cost one would pay in a developed Western country.
- Some folk retire in Thailand and enjoy the simple Thai-Thai way of life, mingling only with the locals and dining on traditional Thai food and fruits. For others however, they prefer to continue in the company of fellow country men while just enjoying the courtesy and smiles of the Thais – immersing totally in a foreign culture, is of course, not everyone’s cup-of-tea.
The Thai Way of Life
One doesn’t have to be anywhere near a millionaire to enjoy a considerably decent standard of living in Thailand; the cost of living is extremely reasonable yet the standards are high. Many foreigners coming to Thailand very much appreciate the laid-back way of life and the easy-going nature of the people. The country’s quiet areas are quite idyllic for a non-stressful, contented and peaceful life.
Thai Food
The international popularity of Thai food has escalated over the past few years and has risen to the rank of one of the world’s most favourite cuisines. The food is made up of a combination of extra ordinary but wonderful flavours: spicy, sweet, savoury, sour, tangy, salty and bitter. Unlike the world outside of Thailand, Thai food can be enjoyed on every kind of budget, whether it be at a luxurious 5 star hotel or a street hawker stall. As for the latter, a handsome meal for two consisting of even seafood and meat should cost no more than ten US dollars. For vegetarians or vegans in Thailand wishing to ‘eat out’, it is advised that they learn some basic Thai language so being able to explain clearly to the vendor in charge.
Other Food in Thailand: It is absolutely no problem to find typical Western fast food joints in the major cities. Popular ones with Thais and foreigners alike include KFC, Mc Donalds, Pizza Hut and Burger King. If such places aren’t to ones taste, there are a plentitude of Western restaurants in the country’s tourist areas. The major cities are also packed with Chinese, Japanese, Korean and even Indian restaurants.
Thai People
The Thais are a friendly, laid-back, non-aggressive and non-confrontational people who are known world wide for their impressive smiles – even to complete strangers.
Thailand is 90% Buddhist with most others made up of Muslims. It is the deep south of Thailand, with its Malay and Indonesian influence which is predominantly Islamic. The Thai-Chinese make up the majority of the country’s urban folk while the original Thai-Thais prefer their more traditional rural roots. The northern Thais are Lanna in origin and their ancient roots lie in Burma, Tibet and southern China. The north-east of Thailand has a close relationship with the neighbouring country of Laos and the ‘Isaan folk’ still cling to much of the original Thai-Lao way of life, and especially the Lao language.
Thai Currency
The currency of Thailand is the Baht, and as of April 2008 1 Euro = 50 baht, 1USD = 31 baht and 1GBP = 62 baht.
Thai Coins
There are 100 satang to the Baht but they are used less and less frequently these days (only in supermarkets/convenience stores and buses)
Thai coins used are:
- 25 Satang
- 50 Satang
- 1 Baht
- 2 Baht
- 5 Baht
- 10 Baht
Thai banknotes are:
- 10 Baht (now rare) - Brown
- 20 Baht - Green
- 50 Baht - Blue
- 100 Baht – Red
- 500 Baht – Violet
- 1,000 Baht – Grey
For currency exchange in Thailand, main banks are open 9:30am – 3:30pm Mon – Friday with some smaller branches (in store) operational at the weekends too. Otherwise, currency can also be exchanged at major hotels at a slightly lower rate. Travelers’ cheques are widely popular and offer the best exchange rate, it is advised though that they ought to be carried in only major currencies such as the Euro, USD and GBP.
Debit and credit cards, like Master Card, Visa and American Express card are widely accepted in Thailand.
There are no restrictions in Thailand to the amount of foreign currency brought into the country, but there are however, regulations concerning the import and export of the Baht. Currently, no more than 50,000 baht per person can be imported or exported at any one time. For anyone intent on importing or exporting anything around 50,000+ baht it is advised to speak to an officer in the know beforehand.
Thailand’s Airports
Suvarnabhumi International Airport: Suvarnabhumi airport is a legend in itself, first thought of in the 1970s – it took a record breaking 30+ years before it was finally completed. The airport, opened in September 2006, is now one of the largest and busiest airports in Asia accommodating approximately 58 million passengers in 2008. Even though the airport is known as Bangkok International Airport, Suvarnabhumi is located just outside of the capital in Samut Prakan province. The airport can however be easily and conveniently accessed from Bangkok at any time of the day.
Don Mueang International Airport: Don Mueang, built in 1914, was until the opening of Suvarnabhumi, Thailand’s major airport. The airport was first shut down after the opening of Suvarnbhumi, however, due to the enormous amount of traffic coming in and out of Suvarnabhumi, it was decided to re-open Don Mueang for some non-connecting domestic commercial flights. The airport is situated in northern Bangkok and is easily accessible.
Chiang Mai International Airport: This airport is the gateway to the north, accommodating approximately 2 million passengers a year. It currently serves 10 different airlines.
Hat Yai International Airport: This airport is located in the southern province of Songkhla in Hat Yai city. It is a major hub airport in the south of Thailand serving more than 800,000 passengers per year.
Phuket International Airport: Phuket airport situated on the island of Phuket is a major destination for tourists visiting this tropical island. In terms of the amount of passengers, this airport is second only to Suvarnabhumi.
Chiang Rai International Airport: Even though it is officially called an international airport, this airport located in the very north of Thailand has yet to accommodate any international flights. It serves around half a million passengers a year.
Islands & Beaches
Thailand is home to undoubtedly some of the most stunning islands and beaches in the world; evidenced by the innumerable amount of Western movies which have been shot there. Many, especially in the south of Thailand, are ideal for snorkeling, rock climbing, sunbathing and all kinds of water sports. Some of the most popular Islands in Thailand include:
- Ko Phi Phi (Maya Bay)
- Ko Phang-ngan (Hat Rin Beach)
- Phuket (Patong Beach)
- Ko Samet
- Ko Samui (Chaweng Beach)
- Ko Similan
- Ko Chang
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