The capital of Thailand is Bangkok, which is the largest city in Thailand and also owns one of the world’s biggest international airports. Thailand has 75 provinces and two special governed districts: one is Bangkok and the other is Pattaya. Thai population is virtually made up by ethnic Thai and Lao and more than 94% of them are Buddhists. Thai people worship Buddha and ancestors and that’s what makes the Thai culture. Thai people respect their religion and ancestors so much that it comes into their way of greeting each other: they greet other people with a prayer-like gesture. Thais are very friendly and smiling, that’s why this country is also called “the land of smiles”. Thai people like talking openly to everyone, including foreigners. Tourists coming to Thailand are always warmly greeted by all Thais, from kids to old people. Even if you don’t know much about the Thai language, you can still have a good time interacting with the local residents.

Thailand is a typical tropical country with a hot and humid climate. There are two seasons in a year: the dry and the rainy season. The rainy season is from July to November. It is very inconvenient and uncomfortable to travel in the rainy season. The best time to come to Thailand is from February to March when the weather is the finest and the beaches are the most beautiful.

Thailand has never been colonized. Since its foundation date in 1238, Thailand has been growing and has become one of the most prosperous countries in Asia. The official currency in Thailand is the Baht, which exchanges at about 34 to the US dollar. Nowadays Thailand has a fast growing and open economy which benefits a great deal from the tourism industry. More than 10 million tourists go to Thailand every year, but this number fell sharply after its tsunami disaster at the end of 2004. The most badly affected area is Phuket – one of the most beautiful destinations for tourists, with its glorious beaches. Much advertising effort has been made since, to recover the tourism industry.

Besides tourism, agriculture is also the strength of this country. Thailand has been the leading country in exporting rice for more than a decade. However, the Thai economy and food chain has been stricken once more by the recent avian flu epidemic which has adversely affected poultry farming in the entire area.

In contrast to the beautiful city sights, grand hotels and luxury resorts, a large proportion of the Thai population still live in poverty in suburban areas and ragged villages, although the government is always trying to develop the Thai economy as well as improving the living standard for the poor across the country.

To some, this is the end of the road of years of heading off to work each day.To others, it is a fresh start in life, the excitement of new things each day on their time and terms.

Some have meticulously financially planned for retirement. Many others find themselves at retirement age with little or no plans, and savings to match. The amount of money that the experts suggest will be necessary to retire comfortably is ridiculous!

If you are at retirement age you are probably saturated with retirement information including financial planning, pension plans, social security, retirement communities, medical expenses, insurance, and other choices to be made.

As you read this article, we are at a point in time where some choices are being made for us. Let me give you just one. It is no longer possible to retire in the US, UK, or many Western Countries because of the high cost of living. The cost of living in the USA goes higher each day, groceries, gasoline, medical bills, dental bills, home repair bills, and the list goes on. Unfortunately, many who have worked a lifetime are not really enjoying their Golden Years but are just barely getting by.

There is a better way! It is possible to have luxury living in retirement for pennies – not just “getting by” on your retirement pension. There are places that are more affordable, and have a quality standard of living. It is simply a matter of knowing how and where.

Asia is the most exciting continent on earth, and Thailand is an excellent country of choice. There is something for everyone, depending on your likes and requirements, large cities like Bangkok, small rural villages, beach resort areas, charming islands, lakes, cool mountains, good weather, great food, and friendly people. Thailand is filled with beautiful exotic locations where you can live on a shoestring and not have to sacrifice anything.

Let the entire country of Thailand be your “retirement community”. You will have affordable housing, modern shopping centers, banking and ATM facilities, fine restaurants, entertainment, good public transportation, movie complexes, health spas, fitness centers, social clubs, golf courses, and an incredible amount of sporting activities. Language is not a problem, but learning a little basic Thai is both fun and useful. And what about healthcare? Thailand is one of the leading countries for “Medical Tourism”, because the Thai medical profession is one of the most advanced in the region. Major hospitals are internationally accredited, and reasonably priced! For those who want to semi-retire, you can earn extra income in Thailand with an Internet business like affiliate marketing, stocks or forex trading, or even teach English part time.

Why not retire in a country where senior citizens are respected. I am a senior citizen living in Thailand. Someone always gives me a seat on a crowded bus or the subway. When I go to the bank, I’m always escorted to the front of the line by a bank official. People are always helping me. It’s great to live in a country where older people are looked upon with esteem and consideration.

The bottom line is that you can retire in Thailand and live a more relaxed, happier life on less money. This retirement paradise is real. As you read this, many people, just like you, are already experiencing this lifestyle. Why not join them? Each day is precious and we should be enjoying life to its fullest. The best is yet to come.

The Thai language is not that difficult to learn and there are many resources online. There are also paid programs like Pimseleur or Berlitz. Many sites also have downloadable mini-dictionaries in English, Thai and phonetics. This way you can try to speak the word or phrase and as a last resort, just point. You can also download files so that you can hear how words are pronounced. I have had both bad and good experiences speaking Thai. Some people like the fact that I can speak enough to get by and can understand more. Some tell me that “I know too much” and I take this as a compliment since that means that they can’t rip me off.

Loi Krathong Festival Thailands loveliest festival is celebrated on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, usually mid November. It is particularly picturesque amid the ruins of Sukhothais Historical Park. The festival is believed to have originated in Sukhothai some 700 years ago. When one of the kings concubines fashioned a lantern from carved fruit, bearing a lighted candle and sent it floating away during one of the kings nightly river cruises. Come anytime of year if your looking for something different and dont forget to enjoy yourself, as this is a culture that has to be seen to be believed.