Real Estate Property Investment Series: Focus Thailand 2007

Real Estate Property Investment Series: Focus Thailand 2007

• By Rhiannon Williamson

There is no denying the appeal of Thailand - from a travel and tourism perspective, from a retiree perspective and theoretically from a property investor's perspective. The country is under priced, it is stunningly beautiful, it has increasing numbers of visitors annually and slowly but surely it is building up an international retiree community...however, a great deal of the nation's investment appeal has been taken away from the market for a number of reasons.

Firstly the government does not want short term speculation in any of its investment markets and this includes

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Thailand

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Thailand

• By Sachin Jadon

Recently, Thailand has seen a massive growth in tourism, and has emerged as a much-preferred holiday destination worldwide. Thousands of travelers from far corners of the world visit this captivating land annually. And the reason is obviously not just one or two. It offers a diverse range of tourism attractions, which simply caters travelers of all moods. Beautiful landscapes, virgin islands, heart-throbbing actions, enlivening spiritualism and rich cultural heritages - the country has something for everyone. Some places in Thailand are globally famous for their notorious nightlife and invite youngish travelers in hoards.
Here're some reasons why Thailand is a must-visit Destination
1. Affordable: Who doesn't want an affordable vacation? And Thailand is one such place where you can enjoy luxury holiday at highly reasonable rates. Shopping, accommodation and other travel amenities are also affordable in Thailand. Even in its cosmopolitan cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Nonthaburi, cost of living is reasonable.
2. Natural Brilliance: Thailand is a scenic wonder with almost all facets of nature being available here. Gorgeous tropical islands, lofty mountain ranges, dense green forests and scintillating rivers & waterways provide a feast for eyes. This lovely nation boasts an impressive aqua and wild life, making it beloved to nature-enthusiasts. Several national parks and animal reserves protect rare species of wild animals, birds and reptiles. Enchanting flora & fauna is also worth exploring in Thailand.
3. World-class tour facilities: if you're a leisure traveler and wish to spend holiday in lap of luxury, Thailand is just a place for you. Visit any of its holiday destinations, and you find yourself amid fascination modern ambiences. World-class hotels & resorts, varieties of dining options and healing body treatments give travelers a feel of exoticism. Thai massage and ayurvedic treatments are globally famous for being relaxing and rejuvenating. Well-improved infrastructure and smooth connectivity add some more to your comfort in Thailand.
4. Adventure: It wouldn't be wrong if you call Thailand the adventure capital of Asia. From mountain walks to deep sea diving, and wildlife safari to river rafting; Thailand has adventure for everyone. Take a tour to Chiang Mai to feel nature and adventure from close. Enjoying thriving water sports in Phuket and Pattaya is simply a memory of lifetime. Wildlife excursion is another rewarding experience for adventure buffs. Also, you can see amazing species of whales, crocodiles and birds during Thailand tour.
5. Good Weather: Thailand features reasonable weather year-round. Though summer is hot and humid, the beaches and islands in Southern Thailand make perfect gateway at this time of year. The best time to visit Thailand is between October to March, when rain and humidity are at their least. If possible, avoid rainy season, from June to September, if you plan a Bangkok tour.
Thailand is safe for travelers, and one can easily explore all its corners with some basic precautions only. The best way to plan your Thailand tour however is through a reliable travel agent. Buy a Thailand package and ensure a stress-free holiday experience.
Hungry Bags is a reliable travel agency offering wide range of Thailand packages and Bangkok packages to ensure travelers a delightful Thailand tour.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sachin_Jadon
http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-5-Reasons-to-Visit-Thailand&id=7127279

Travel, Accommodation and Food in Thailand

Travel, Accommodation and Food in Thailand
By Matthew Kepnes

• Visiting Thailand - Great to Visit

Thailand is a great country to visit because contrary to popular belief, getting to and around the country is very easy. You can get to Thailand by bus, air or rail from many different countries all over the world. There are even private chartered tours to Thailand and there is also the possibility of taking some sort of a package deal which covers your food, accommodation, travel and sometimes even activities when you get there.

• Airlines

Thailand is great to visit because of how easy it is to get there. Thai Airlines flies to many of the cities in Thailand from departure points all over the world. Not only that, but many Asian airlines have flights to Thailand as well. If you're staying in another Asian country such as Japan or China, it's extremely easy to get to Thailand. Thailand in essence can serve as a great hub to explore the rest of Asia as it is located centrally.

• Trains and buses

You can get to Thailand very easily from any of the neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh or India using very reliable train and bus services. Trains especially can be a lifelong experience because of all the different people you can have the potential to meet while traveling. Inside Thailand, trains and buses are also very reliable for getting around.

• Where to stay

It's great to visit Thailand throughout the year. The weather is temperate, sub-tropical and tropical. Regardless of where you'd like to stay in Thailand, there is always accommodation available to meet all of your needs. You can stay in luxury hotels in some of the biggest cities as well as the tourist beaches such as Phuket. You can often rent serviced apartments, guesthouses and villas. Thailand also has an excellent homestay industry. You can through a package deal be set up with a family in a village. This is known as village tourism and Thailand is one of the leaders in the world using this form of sustainable tourism.
Finally, for the more adventurous, Thailand also has many cheap but good youth hostels as well as camping grounds. Furthermore, it's also possible to stay in health resorts and spas throughout Thailand as some of the best hot springs and thermal baths in the world can be found in this Asian country.

• Gourmet cuisine

Another reason why Thailand is so great to visit is that the food is absolutely exquisite. In many places, food is available 24 hours a day, so it makes no difference when you get hungry there will always be something to eat. You can order food directly to your hotel room or eat at one of the fine restaurants in the downtown areas of the largest cities. You can also eat at some of the fantastic fast food places, which are nothing like Western fast food. They use only fresh vegetables, meat and rice and you can get amazing meals. Thai food can be sweet, spicy, savory or any mix of the above.
Matthew was an English teacher in Thailand for two years and traveled extensively around it. He's spent a lot of time visiting Thailand and especially traveling around Chiang Mai because he thinks it is the best city in the country.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Kepnes
http://EzineArticles.com/?Travel,-Accommodation-and-Food-in-Thailand&id=5568859

Medical Tourism in Thailand

Medical Tourism in Thailand

• By Dave Berger

There is a lot of talk about going overseas for heath care. It is known as medical tourism.
A couple years ago I was vacationing in Thailand. Thailand is known for pristine beaches, Buddhist temples, lovely people and now medical tourism.


I am over 50, in pretty bad shape and I smoke. As I was walking down the street, I had a sharp pain shoot through my head behind my eyes.
Let me tell you, it scared the crap out of me. I thought I might be having a stroke. I had never worried about this kind of thing before. I hate getting old.

I had a physical at the Bangkok chain of hospital that have facilities all over the country. These hospitals cater to expats and medical tourists. I had received what I considered to be excellent care at a greatly reduced price compared to the US. I called and made an appointment.

They still had my stats on file from the last time I had visited. My "regular" assigned doctor at the hospital is a cardiologist. Since the pain was in my brain, they assigned me to a neurologist.
The neurologist performed a complete physical including reflex tests. She drew some blood and sent it out for testing. She concluded that I had not had a stroke and guessed that I probably had a nasal infection.
Much as I like and respect Thai doctors, I did not feel comfortable with the prognosis. I asked her if she was sure. Without being at all upset, she said if I wanted an MRI to confirm her opinion, I could be scheduled within an hour or so. I decided to go ahead with it.

Just in case you are not familiar, an MRI is Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This is the big donut looking machine that they slide people into on TV.
I went to a very new and modern part of the hospital. I was sent to a changing room with lockable lockers to undress. I changed into a hospital robe and was slid into the donut. They put a cage around your head so you do not move much.

Some MRI's require an injection of a magnetic dye so your circulatory system can be mapped. In my case, they were only doing the brain so it was not necessary. After about 45 minutes of loud clanking, I was done. I was directed back upstairs to wait for the neurologists to explain the results.
Several large 17X24" x-rays were produced. The computer diagnosis was written right on the film. It said I probably had sinusitus, an inflammation of the sinuses. I was prescribed an antibiotic.
They also gave me copies of my brain scans. In addition to a new tan, I got medical tourist souvenirs and a great story.

What would this cost in the US? $500? $1000? $2500? more?
Total Cost: $175USD

David Berger is a frequent overseas traveler. His views on the medical treatment in Thailand are available at [http://www.Medical-Tourism-Reviews.info]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Berger
http://EzineArticles.com/?Medical-Tourism-in-Thailand&id=3002705

Metamorphosis Medical Retreats (MMR) Focuses on Cosmetic Tourism

Metamorphosis Medical Retreats (MMR) Focuses on Cosmetic Tourism

• By Justin Lacombe

Affordable cosmetic surgery like breast implants, tummy tuck, liposuction, face lift, and rhinoplasty are available by qualified plastic surgeons in Thailand.


These specialty companies has brought focus on elective surgeries to the medical tourism market. While there are many Medical Tourism companies sprouting up all over, until recently, nobody has been specializing in cosmetic & dental procedures. With a target on aesthetic/cosmetic surgeries, they have been able to select facilities that offer premium services in this field. Bundled with phenomenal follow-up care and vast local knowledge, medical tourists will agree that this is the route to take for individuals interested solely in cosmetics and dentistry.


The current global economic crisis coupled with the popularity of cosmetic surgery holidays has fueled one of the fastest growing industries worldwide. Medical Tourism and Cosmetic Tourism is a booming industry throughout the Western world. While some may question the quality of care available at some of these destinations, those who have seen what is offered certainly do not. The facilities in these third world countries are anything but third world hospitals. Many of these facilities are equally equipped to their Western counterparts. Even ex president George W Bush entrusted the expertise of the physicians at the Bangkok Hospital Group while he was on tour through South East Asia. His personal physician was amazed by the level of competency of the staff.


These capable hospitals and the excellent tourism options available in Thailand make it a good choice for the medical tourist. Surgical goals can be easily achieved with affordable and high quality cosmetic surgery in Thailand.
Cosmetic Surgery Thailand
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Justin_Lacombe
http://EzineArticles.com/?Metamorphosis-Medical-Retreats-(MMR)-Focuses-on-Cosmetic-Tourism&id=2038443

Yacht Charter in Thailand

Yacht Charter in Thailand

• By Ken Jones

The choice of yacht charter in Thailand is wide and includes; bareboat yacht charter, luxury crewed yacht charter, skippered yacht charter, monohull and catamaran charter and both sail and motor yacht charter.
Many of beautiful islands of Thailand are only accessible by sea and a yacht charter is a great way to explore this area. The main yacht charter area is amongst the islands of the Andaman Sea.

Different indigenous cultures have existed in Thailand since the time of the Baan Chiang culture. Due to its geographical location, Thai culture has always been greatly influenced by India and China as well as the neighbouring cultures of south east Asia. The first Thai state is traditionally considered to be the Buddhist kingdom of Sukhothai founded in 1238. A century later, the larger Siamese kingdom of Ayutthaya overshadowed Sukhothai's power. Ayuthaya fell in 1767 to Burmese forces. The current era of Thai history began in 1782 following the establishment of Bangkok as capital of the Chakri dynasty under King Rama I the Great.

European powers began travelling to Thailand in the 16th century. Despite European pressure, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been colonized by a European power. Despite this, Western influence led to many reforms in the 19th century and major concessions to British trading interests. This included the loss of the three southern provinces, which later became Malaysia's three northern states.
In 1932, a bloodless revolution resulted in a new constitutional monarchy. During the war, Thailand was allied with Japan. Yet after the war, it became an ally of the United States. Thailand then went through a series of coups d'état, but eventually progressed towards democracy in the 1980s
Thailand, Phuket and the Andaman Sea have gained a reputation for being a top yacht charter destination. There is an abundance of islands to visit, some developed but most not. Several national parks and reefs offer great opportunities for diving and fishing. Most of these picturesque islands of the Andaman Sea are accessible by boat alone and a yacht charter is one of the few ways to see them.

Yacht charter in Thailand is relatively easy and relaxing with well charted waters, small tidal ranges, an absence of strong currents, and an abundance of sheltered yacht anchorages with excellent holding ground. Sailing conditions are close to perfect all year round. Basic necessities like fuel, water, fresh produce and provisions are readily available and may be found on many of the islands. The waters are teeming with fish which you can catch yourself or which you can buy or barter for with fishermen. Most of the islands will also have inexpensive restaurants where you can enjoy Thailand's great cuisine.

Thai cuisine blends five fundamental tastes: sweet, spicy, sour, bitter and salty. Some common ingredients used in Thai cuisine include garlic, chillies, lime juice, lemon grass, and fish sauce. The staple food in Thailand is rice, particularly the jasmine variety rice, also known as Hom Mali rice, which is included in almost every meal.

Phuket has emerged as a leader in Thailand's thriving tourism industry. As the hub of the Andaman Sea and Thailand's largest island, Phuket is the perfect base for a yacht charter. There are beautiful remote islands and beaches, crystal clear waters, fascinating geography in addition to restaurants, nightlife and great shopping. From Phuket there is immediate access to sailing in stunning scenery and literally hundreds of isolated yacht anchorages from which to choose.

The Thai people are legendary for their welcome: Thailand is often called the " Land of Smiles". The cuisine of Thailand is probably one of the best in the world and eating out is so cheap that there is no temptation to cook on the yacht. Thailand is a romantic and alluring destination for any yacht charter holiday.
The international airport on Phuket offers direct connections to many international destinations in addition to connecting flights from Bangkok. Thai is the official language and but English is spoken widely. The currency is the Thai. US Dollars are used extensively. Major credit cards may be accepted in hotels, restaurants and some shops.

Thailand has two distinct seasons. From November to April the weather is consistently sunny and dry with temperatures at around 30°C degrees. The predominantly light to moderate northeast winds are ideal for sailing. From May to October the southwest winds pick up and are sometimes quite strong with occasional squalls. Weather conditions during this period are generally good. Although you can expect rain showers but they tend to be short lived. Winds blow from 5-20 knots over the two seasons.

Phang Nga Bay is a typical Thai yacht anchorage with the stunning sea-mountains that rise vertically out of turquoise waters. Numerous safe anchorages are available in the sheltered bay. Use a tender or dinghy to explore the small coves, intriguing caves and inland lakes.

The waters around the islands off Krabi are crystal clear. Although Krabi can be crowded, its beaches are stunning. Phra Nang beach is particularly dramatic with its mountainous rock pillars that tower over creating one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

The Koh Dam Group is suitable for an overnight stop. Koh Dam Khwan has a beautiful sandy split beach that is only revealed at mid tide. This is a lovely spot to anchor off and enjoy a few secluded hours with nothing else around.

The Phi Phi Islands are among the most spectacular of Thailand with their magnificent scenery, secluded bays and white sandy beaches. Enjoy the restaurants and live entertainment offered on the island.
Langkawi with its 99 surrounding islands is a paradise that longs to be discovered. Tourism has is on the increase. Only 4 of these islands are inhabited. If you are looking for an idyllic isolated experience these are the perfect cruising grounds for you. A one way yacht charter from Phuket requires 10 days and crew.
Diving in Thailand is great. The waters of the Andaman Sea are filled with a wonderful diversity of marine life, including coral and some of old shipwrecks for diving enthusiasts to discover. Lots of boats equipped with scuba diving equipment and many diving centres around the Islands.

There are several well known sailing regattas in Thailand; Visit in December and join in the celebrations surrounding the annual Phuket King's Cup Regatta that attracts some of the best world's yachtsmen. With a range of yacht classes from racing yachts, sport boats, cruisers and classics. QBE Phang bay Regatta, held annually over Chinese New Year, is Phuket's newest Regatta. It is fast gaining a reputation as one of the most fun Regattas in Asia.


Ken Jones runs a Crewed Yacht Charters Guide.
Follow this link for more info on Thailand Yacht Charters.
See our Cruising Guide for Thailand Marinas.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_Jones
http://EzineArticles.com/?Yacht-Charter-in-Thailand&id=1096913

Medical Tourism Guide For Medical Treatment Abroad

Medical Tourism Guide For Medical Treatment Abroad

• By Zoumanan M. Debe

A global economic recession is at hand, but it is no secret that the United States is one of the most affected countries all over. Many citizens are doing their best to make ends meet, even those with urgent health and medical concerns who are waiting in line for treatments. A recent but increasingly popular trend in the American health community is medical tourism. Also known as medical travel, health tourism, overseas healthcare, or healthcare travel, medical tourism is a broad term encompassing all sorts of overseas travel to receive medical, dental, or surgical treatments. Read more of this guide and get a better understanding.

• Reasons for Receiving Treatment Abroad

Various reasons abound for the thousands of Americans who travel overseas to receive medical care abroad. The primary reason is the huge savings they get from having their treatments abroad instead of in the U.S. In India, Thailand, Bolivia, and Argentina, four of the hottest medical tourism spots, a person can receive surgical treatment that costs up to 90 percent less than here, without crimping on the quality of treatment received. Furthermore, many patients in the U.S. are relegated to a long waiting list where it takes up to a year before they can have treatments. Many medical tourism destinations, such as Singapore and Bangalore, allow you to have the operation right after the day you hop off the plane.

• Medical Tourism Guide to Destinations

By far, the most popular destination is India, where many facilities are accredited by the U.S. Joint Commission International and the treatments are for complex abnormalities, such as cancer, eye disorders, diabetes, infertility, heart problems, and orthopaedics. Other treatments may also be for stress management, facial and body procedures, weight management, sex change, and hair replacement. Other countries that have established themselves in this burgeoning industry are Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Turkey, Israel, Malaysi, the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore.

• Considerations for Choosing a Destination

It is important that you plan your trip way ahead of the date of the medical procedure. Applying for a long leave at work is a must; so is incorporating a long leeway at the end of the procedure to allow you time to recuperate or visit your medical practitioner for post-operation treatments or checkups. Do your research on the destination you plan to visit and the medical procedure and have your current physician become actively involved. He will still be your doctor after the operation when you get back home. Also, think of possible language barriers. Some medical tourism hotspots where most people can understand and speak English fluently are Singapore, India, the Philippines, and South Africa.

• Risks of Medical Tourism

Generally, the quality of healthcare you can get abroad is up to par with that you can receive for such an exorbitant price here. It is not medical standards that some people are wary of, but several environmental factors inherent to the destination. For instance, warm and tropical countries such as India and Thailand have higher rates of infectious diseases (i.e. dysentery, influenza, tuberculosis, etc.) which are not encountered as frequently in the north. But by choosing the right hospital the risks of medical tourism are quite small.

• Free Medical Tourism Guide

For a great free medical tourism guide [http://www.debsonmedicaltourism.com/] that goes into more detail on what's involved in getting a medical procedure done in another country I recommend you visit the Debson Medical website at: [http://www.debsonmedicaltourism.com/] and download the guide.
Debson Medical is a company specializing in the provision of medical tourism health services, including pre- and post-operative care, care management, travel, and vacation planning.
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http://EzineArticles.com/?Medical-Tourism-Guide-For-Medical-Treatment-Abroad&id=4397141