About Thailand

The name 'Thailand' evokes visions of sandy beaches, crystal clear blue waters, pristine tropical jungles and a quality of life that most of us can only dream about. Voted the third-best country in the world to visit in a 2007 Condé Nast Traveller survey, Thailand has become one of the world's top destinations for both visitors and for people seeking to buy a home abroad.

With an area of more than 513,000 sq km, Thailand is roughly the same size as France. The climate is sub-tropical to tropical, with short rainy seasons, long hours of sunshine and an average annual temperature nearing the 30° C mark.

For decades, Thailand's economy has consistently been the strongest in Southeast Asia. The inflation rate continues to remain low, hovering at around 2% for most of this decade and expecting to remain at around the same level over the next year. Growth has averaged between 5-7% during the same period, net export performance has continally beaten the predictions of financial experts and the Thai stock market has remained one of the strongest in the entire region.

While there are many factors behind Thailand's robust economy, its growing popularity with visitors has made tourism a key component in its economic success. The sunny kingdom is now Asia's #1 tropical tourist destination, with only China leading Thailand in the number of annual foreign visitors to an Asian country.

With a well-developed system of golf courses, boating and water sports facilities and a number of other such activities geared primarily toward men, Thailand has long held great appeal for male visitors. Recently, however, the number of female visitors has climbed as well, from about 38% in 1995 to almost one-half today of the total number of annual visitors to Thailand.

The main reason for this trend lies in a nationwide shift toward creating and promoting activities that attract female visitors as well as male. Whereas men have always had plenty of exciting and interesting things to do in Thailand, women now have a full range of spas, yoga and exercise studios, traditional and modern shopping centres, health and wellness centres, cooking schools, language schools, craft-making schools and various other such activities to keep them entertained.

With a wide range of lifestyle activities for both men and women, a reputation as one the region's safest holiday destinations and a kindly, welcoming culture awaiting you every time you arrive, it is easy to see how "Amazing Thailand" really does seem to be the place that has something for everyone.