OldSiam

Although you can technically drive in Thailand on an international driver’s license, there are some reasons why you should be getting a driver’s license in Thailand. International driver’s licenses are intended for temporary use–when you are visiting somewhere. If you are an expat living in Thailand for more than a few months, you need a Thai driver’s license because insurance companies require it. Additionally, when you have a Thai license, you can show it at any of the national parks and tourist attractions and avoid paying the tourist prices. You can do the same with a Thai work permit but if you are living here on a retirement visa, you will not have one of those. The final reason is because if you get stopped by a police officer there is a chance that he will not accept your international driver’s license. Here is the basic procedure you will go through when obtaining your driver’s license in Thailand. Proof of Address The first document you will need when getting a driver’s license in Thailand is a letter from either your embassy or Thai immigration that states your address in country. Going to Thai immigration to get this letter is probably the easiest route. The immigration officer will give you a form to fill out, charge about 200 THB, and then send the letter to you in the mail. Some sources say that an immigration officer will come to visit you at your residence but this rarely happens in busy places like Bangkok. Make sure you make a copy of the picture page on your passport and your current visa page for the immigration officer. Medical Certification Another document needed will be the medical check. You only have to visit any hospital or street clinic and the staff there will know what to do. The check only involves making a determination if you are reasonably healthy and of sound mind. The cost for this check varies however it is minimal. Other Forms Make sure that you take your international driver’s license or license from your home country before getting a driver’s license in Thailand. If you have this, and it’s valid, you will not have to take a written or driving test. The other forms necessary include copies of your passport picture page, TM card that was stamped when you entered the country, and current visa. Keep in mind that you need a non-immigrant class visa in order to get a license. Make sure that you take your passport as well. Going to the Department of Land Transport This is the agency that you will see when getting a driver’s license in Thailand. It would be a good idea to take someone with you who can speak, read, and write Thai however this is not an absolute necessity. You will hand over all of your documentation at the front desk and then be directed to another station where they have you fill out another form. It is best to get to the department early because the line gets quite long. In Bangkok, the Department of Land Transport office located across from Sukumvit 62 opens at 8:00 A.M. however lines form around 7:00 A.M. The Tests For those who do not have a current international license or license from their home country, they may have to take both a written and driving test. The written test is in Thai and it is okay to have a Thai-speaking person assist you. For the driving theory test, you will be shown a video (which will be in Thai language) and then given a 30-question computer test. You will need to score at least 23 on it. The second, for those without a current foreign or international license, will be a driving test where you will be provided with an automobile from the department. You will need to prove that you can effectively and safely maneuver a vehicle by doing things like backing straight, making turns, and parallel parking. Everyone, when getting a driver’s license in Thailand, takes these three tests: color blindness, peripheral vision, and reaction time. The color blindness test involves basic recognition of colors. The peripheral vision test requires that you place your chin on a machine and then the operator will ask you to respond when you see flashes of light at your side. And the reaction test puts you on a machine with an accelerator and brake pedal. You accelerate and respond by braking when the signal indicates to do such. Final Steps When you have all of the required forms submitted and passed all of your tests, you will finally go to get your picture taken for the actual license. The fee is 105 THB. Your first license is considered temporary and only good for 1 year. After that, you can get a 5-year license. Keep in mind that different branches of the Department of Land Transport may do things slightly different. For example, you might have an expired foreign license which would theoretically mean that you would have to take the written and driving test but on occasion, officials at the department have been known to overlook it. Like with anything in this country, always smile and be cooperative and you will be surprised at just how easy getting a driver’s license in Thailand is.

Thai massage is one of the skills that makes the country famous and it isn’t because of sleaze either. In fact, there are many qualified Thai massage practictioners across the city who have been properly trained in this ancient art that derives from Ayurvedic medicine and has been passed down through the generations. Most famously it is taught by the monks at Wat Pho and is considered a very healthy and rejuvenating treatment. Of course, many visitors to Bangkok imagine a trip to a massage shop as something entirely more discreet and dirty, and if that’s what you are after we recommend you read our page on body massage. For the rest of us, receiving a Thai massage in Bangkok is one of those activities that ought to be top of your list, and it’s a great way to soothe the aches and pains and relieve the stress of a busy day hitting the pavements in Bangkok. It’s surprisingly cheap and during a one or two hour session you will be gently kneaded, stretched, contorted and ‘re-aligned’, leaving you a relaxed and rejuvenated. Massage is an integral part of life in Bangkok as it is through the rest of Thailand. Within Thai families it is a common practice for family members to massage one another, especially young people massaging their elders as a sign of respect and affection. Often individual family members pass down techniques in massage that have survived through the generations. Not surprisingly then, there are hundreds of Bangkok massage shops dotted throughout the city offering a full range of massage services at excellent prices. Massage services can be found in small shops throughout the city and in the lobbies of many hotels. Prices for an hour of traditional Thai massage can range anywhere from Bt150 per hour and up. It’s cheaper if you visit an out-of-the-way shop and only have a basic massage. It’s far more expensive in hotels, luxury spas and if you choose extras such as using herbs etc. There are actually several different massage types and techniques. Thai massage: which involves vigorously treating more than 100 areas of the body, using hand pressure and the masseuse’s own body to apply forces that aim to work pressure points, and re-align energy lines in the body. Ideally, this process takes at least two hours and can be a little uncomfortable at times, but leaves you feeling very relaxed. Oil Massage: is gentler than Thai massage and involves deep muscle tissue treatment using specially blended therapeutic oils. Of course it leaves you a little oily afterwards, requiring a shower to freshen up, but can be a very sensual experience. Foot massage: works the internal organs of the body through manipulation of pressure points on the soles of your feet in much the same way as reflexology. This is another skill that has been passed down through the ages and can be quite effective in producing a mild detox effect on the body. The centre for massage in Thailand is the school of natural medicine at Bangkok’s Wat Pho. The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is well renowned for its massage school and for preserving the practice of Thai massage, which has been a practice passed down for centuries in Thailand. Visitors to Wat Pho can enjoy a massage at the skilled hands of the practitioners there for 250 baht an hour, or 350 for a massage using herbal medicines and hot compresses. Visitors to Bangkok can also take some of the ancient techniques of Thai massage home with them by enrolling in a 10- to 15-day massage course at Wat Pho, which costs about 4,500 baht. Those looking for a good massage should keep an eye out for massage shops run by blind people in Bangkok, as many blind people study and become quite adept at providing Thai massage services. Those looking for a good massage should keep an eye out for massage shops run by blind people in Bangkok, as many blind people study and become quite adept at providing Thai massage services.

As unfortunate as it may be, people tend to view other people based on stereotypes rather than their actual experience. International stereotypes for Bangkokians are… unfortunately not very pretty, or accurate for that matter. Mainstream media, news and movies have created a horribly distorted image of Bangkok. Fortunately for you, we are about the set the record straight once and for all. Which Thai stereotypes are true, and which ones are complete bull? Ladyboys in Bangkok This is probably the most typical Thai stereotype that Thai people find while they are abroad. I’d go around and introduce myself as a Thai person, and quite often these are the first questions I’m greeted with. “Are there a lot of ladyboys in Bangkok?”. “Do you know any ladyboys in Bangkok?”. Many people with a lot of nerves may go as far as asking if I’m a ladyboy myself. I would find it hilarious, except for the fact that these ladyboys questions and stereotypes are alarmingly frequent to the point that it starts to get annoying. The truth is there are ladyboys in Bangkok, yes, but they are typically only in a few areas. That area is tourist attractions, bars and clubs. Hence many foreigners will head back home after their epic journey and tell the tales about their misadventures that involve ladyboys in Bangkok city. Only if you venture outside these areas, you will find out that the transgenders are only responsible for a very small fraction of the entire population. Not 50% of Thai populations are transgenders, in fact not even 5%. So the blatant claim that it is easier to find ladyboys in Bangkok than actual women is NOT true. Bangkok is a ground zero for political coup and dangerous protests During political unrests, Bangkok is represented in the major news websites as a war zone. Many people were put off by the notion that there is a ‘civil war’ going on in the city and that their friends, or families in Thailand are in a life threatening situation. My friends would hit me up all the time asking if I’m doing okay Funny thing is, amidst all this ‘chaos’ Bangkok seemed to be going through. 99% of the populations are doing just fine. Even people in the protests are doing very well. In fact some people are doing ‘better’. Many people in these political protests often find that they can make money full-time while pursuing their political ideology. There are shops, food stalls, clothing stores that keep popping up everywhere during the protests. These protesters often go on thriving for weeks if not months on end. Many claims that all the protests are not healthy for the economy, while that may be true, these protestors clearly doesn’t seem to have that problem. Personally, I remain neutral during all the protests, but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy shopping at these places with my family. It’s like shopping at a street fair, except with more political ads. Bangkok is a sex industry This is the most notorious claim I’ve heard about Thailand. Matter of fact is sex tourism is the problem every developing country (and the already developed ones for that matter) have to face. Contrary to popular beliefs, sex industry and prostitutions is illegal in Thailand and is considered a crime. All parties involved in an act of prostitution will be considered criminal and will face charges as well as possible jail time. Remember that the next time your friends considered coming to Bangkok for ‘sex’, we have a million other things we actually offer. Bangkok is dirty and under-developed If you look at South East Asia as a whole, you will find that most countries, with an exception being Singapore, are currently going through a period of big changes. We have been seeing more growth and development than in the past decades. The truth is, whether or not a place is ‘developed’ or not is all very relative to where you came from and what you have experienced. Thailand as compared to the UK or Sweden would be considered underdeveloped. Thailand as compared to countries that are still struggling for access to clean water would be considered highly developed. Just like every other countries, some areas in Bangkok are better-off than others. If you walk along the BTS lines and get off at Siam or Thonglore and Ekamai, you will clearly see the growth, development and high levels of prosperity. Newer malls such as the Emdistrict are one of the slickest looking and trendiest malls in South East Asia. These areas can be easily stacked up against places like Time Squares in New York, or Union Squares in San Francisco. Know where to look and what to look for, you shall be surprised what Bangkok has available for you. Something about Elephants, Muay Thai and spicy food All these seriousness aside, there are many funny inside jokes and Thai stereotypes that people say which has never failed to put smiles on my face. After multiple series of Tony Jaa’s movies, many people believe that Elephants are integral parts of Thai culture, which is true to a certain extent, but not to the point where everybody ride elephants to school, or that we have them in every household and garages. In some remote parts of Thailand, elephants are still considered a method of transportation. Another hilarious Thai Stereotype is that every single Thai person knows Muay Thai. If you ask around, you will realize that majority of us barely know anything about Muay Thai beside the fact that it is a type of Martial arts. Beside being the biggest product that got most exposure in the west, Muay Thai culture is pretty exclusive to very few Thais. Last, but not least, a major Thai Stereotype is that our food here is unbearably spicy. This is most likely the only stereotype on this article that is true. I still struggle to re-adjust myself to Thai food every time I came back to Bangkok after a few months. So definitely be afraid, be very very afraid. That’s it for the top Thai Stereotypes! Let us know what is the no.1 Thai Stereotypes you have most frequently heard of in the comment section below (aside from the obvious ladyboys in Bangkok jokes). As always, have a nice day!

The go go bar scene has become somewhat tamer than the legendary days of Bangkok’s naughty past and now consists many of bikini clad girls pole dancing on a stage unenthusiastically. The girls are available to go home with you, and are generally stunning, though far more expensive that those available in the numerous girlie bars. Many of the girls look disinterested and the punters appear to be straight off the plane. Apart from being a tourist attraction, with nice bodies to watch, most of these have a dull atmosphere. However with stunning figures, parading around under bright lights almost naked, Bangkok go go girls have not become any less of an attraction. Soi Cowboy, Nana Plaza and the venerable Patpong are the main venues for Bangkok go go girls with hundreds of young women taking to the stage every night. Go go entertainment in Bangkok Many of Bangkok’s go go bars feature simply a continual run of songs in different musical styles – thumping dance beats and in some cases rocking tunes – and go go girls of seemingly different levels of enthusiasm dancing, or at least doing their best imitation of a dance, to the music. In many cases dancing equates to swaying back and forth around a pole or up and down the stage in order for them to have a look at the interested parties in the bar and vice versa. While several Bangkok go go girls listlessly follow the music until the song ends and their shift on the stage is over, other go go bars feature dance routines, also of various quality. Likely the best go go bar in Bangkok as far as this is concerned is the Long Gun Bar in Soi Cowboy, which features regular shows that are choreographed beforehand and feature displays of acrobatics mixed in with the typical go go show. In addition to the shows some bars feature go go girls dressed according to a theme, such as the Playskool bar in Nana Plaza, which features waitresses and dancers in the cute Bangkok university students getup. Inside Bangkok’s go go bars Bangkok’s go go bars are set usually set up with the stage at the centre (or off to the side in a very small bar) and seating placed around it, often in benches, which if a bar is crowded can make it difficult to find a seat. The waitresses are very attentive at these places and will do their best to find you a seat. Most of the girls dancing at the go go bars have to appear on stage at certain times determined before their shift at work begins. Even if you have purchased a “lady drink” (see Bangkok bar girls) don’t be surprised if your go go girl still springs up at a song change for another go on the stage. How it works Most men in these bars sit alone facing the dancing stage, the lights are very dim, the music loud, and often the place empty. The waitresses will insist on you buying a drink, often one of the girls not dancing will sit down suggestively next to you and ask for a ‘lady drink’ (the standard watered down, overpriced variety found in these bars). You can choose any of the dancing girls to sit with you. The tab is almost always popped into a holder in front of you so you can keep an eye on the prices. If the place has sex acts on stage the drinks get more expensive, and if you’ve been talked into an ‘upstairs place’ by a tout, expect a nasty surprise when you’re done drinking (we advise you to avoid even stepping into such places). If you like the girl you’re with, you can pay her bar fine (between 300 and 500 baht) and off you go. She’ll want to negotiate her fee before you leave, which is anything from 1500 to 4000 baht, depending on ‘short’ or ‘long’ time. Some places have rooms on the premises.

Beer is one of the things that connect people worldwide. Each country has its own brew and travelers often revel in the opportunity to try the local lager. Thailand is no exception and those who choose to visit the bars will find that three Thai beers show up on almost every drink menu in the Kingdom. Making the choice of which malty beverage to imbibe could be the difference between a well-complimented meal, an unforgettable night and a torturous morning after. Chang (ABV 6.4%): Named after Thailand's national animal, the elephant, it's easy to see why Chang beer is so widely consumed throughout the country. The green and gold labeled lager has a strong presence no matter where you turn. The recognizable elephants are even prominently displayed on the kits of Everton FC in England. The wide-mouth can allows drinkers to quickly ingest the rice brewed beer and note its cotton candy-like maltiness. It is advised to drink up quickly, as the decidedly non-organic taste comes through as the drink gets warmer. Chang's taste and low carbonation make it an ideal drink to consume while enjoying typical bar snacks, characterized by salty and fatty flavors. Moo dad diaw (sun-dried fried pork) and peanuts with fried basil leaves are two dishes that would go exceptionally well with the lager. It is also worth warning prospective drinkers that this beer may taste especially bad coming back up. Singha (ABV 5.0%): Singha, pronounced simply as "sing" locally, prominently displays the eponymous mythological lion on its label. Between its 80 years of existence and lucrative partnerships with Chelsea and Manchester United, Singha is difficult to miss. "The Original Thai Beer" is made from barley malt giving it a less processed flavor with high carbonation and a smell that lingers on the breath, announcing to all that you have been relishing in its earthy taste. The crisp and light lager pairs well with seafood and other Thai foods that are less likely to be found at a simple street-side stall. Many would consider Singha to be the best of Thailand's mass brewed lagers and the higher price tag supports this opinion. Leo (ABV 5.0%): While the depiction of a ferocious leopard on its label may be intimidating to some, Leo may be the most widely consumed beer in the kingdom. Brewed by the same company as Singha, Leo targets the medium segment of the Thai population and is often priced at or slightly above Chang. Leo is quite simply the most neutral beer. It has less carbonation than Singha, but more than Chang. Its taste is rather bland but not too watery, similar to an American malt liquor. While this may not sound appealing, it gives Leo the benefit of being extremely drinkable. It is ideal for those who are averse to taking risks with their beer choice. Another hidden benefit of the rather flavorless lager is that it goes supremely well with the vibrant tastes of Thai food. Leo will not get in the way of the ferociously spicy som tum or the hot and sour tom yum about to be devoured. Chang, Singha and Leo are the most popular Thai beers in the Land of Smiles, however other beers are widely available. Phuket beer is a rare brew that is widely considered to be much better than the big three. "Economical" beers also exist such as Archa, Cheers and Thai beer. It's best to stay away from the latter three, unless you find solace in a good, morning hangover. Popular regional beers are also easily found with San Miguel Light from the Philippines dominating the market for light beer and Beerlao from Laos being hands down the best lager in Southeast Asia. Imbibe and enjoy, beer drinkers, and do not forget what was learned here today. Chon gaew!

So you’re coming to Bangkok and looking for a sexy girl to keep you company for a few hours or days but don’t want to go looking for the go go bars or hang out in sleazy pits. In fact if you are new in Bangkok and want to cut straight to the chase you’re spoilt for choice with dozens of Bangkok escorts agencies to keep things simple, convenient and discreet. But they do tend to be much more expensive than the bars of Nana or Soi Cowboy, however the standard of girls is generally higher. Bangkok escorts are now very easy to find and arrange thanks to the internet, where you will find plenty of well maintain sites that list lots of beauties to choose from with multiple pictures and even some ‘chit chat’ from the girl, so you have an idea of what she likes to do and where she will draw the line. Many of these girls are also only part-timers, often promoting themselves as ‘students’ or ‘office workers’ and they do tend to be better educated or at least more up-market than the go go girls. The range stretches from models at 10,000 baht a night to simple working girls who might be a little chubby but will come to your hotel for 1000 baht. Bangkok escorts can be arranged by phone, in the past they would send a motorcyclist around with a portfolio but it’s now much easier to use the internet. You can of course just ask for a couple of girls and once they have shown up you can take your pick, pay the discarded ones a little bonus for their time (250 baht) and send them home, but this isn’t very fair. Escorts agencies also have the advantage of supplying non-Asian women who can’t get away with working in Thai go go bars. Several Bangkok escorts’ agencies that advertise themselves as being upscale offer the company of their escorts for a flat fee that covers only the platonic company of an escort, with anything additional being left to the discretion of the escort and client. Sometimes those seeking out the services of an escort agency are looking for just that, an escort, whether for a social engagement where one does not want to go alone, or simply to have along as a knowledgeable companion when touring Bangkok. Many of these girls offer their services as tour guide companions but the fee they charge for this might be quite high. Even if you aren’t having sex with them you are denying them work opportunities elsewhere. Services offered by Bangkok escorts and their agencies are limited only by the imagination with many agencies willing to cater to even the most seemingly obscure taste. Bangkok escorts can also be arranged for those who want to have any type of massage, from traditional to oil and beyond. Typically Bangkok escorts will charge about 3000 baht for an evening and more if you wish them to remain over night, similar girls out of a bar will cost 1500 baht. Bangkok escorts work on both an in-call and out-call basis. This means that several are willing to entertain callers in their apartments and, the majority, are usually only a phone call away from being able to meet you at your hotel. If you make an advanced booking prior to landing in Bangkok you can have a Bangkok escort meet you at the airport. Aside from ads in newspapers, the Internet is the best source for finding escort agencies. Some hotel concierges can also arrange this but enquire discreetly, some hotels really frown on this. It’s worth shopping around as prices can vary wildly. You don’t get the luxury of seeing the girl in the flesh before committing to have her come to your place, or spending time chatting her up to see if she’s going to be wild or mild in bed, but they are generally are a better class of girl and it cuts out the fuss and hassle of trawling the bars. Bangkok Bar Girls Welcome to the ‘city of Angels’ Bangkok is certainly one of the naughtiest cities in the world, with thousands of Bangkok bar girls who work in the city’s various ‘red light’ districts. Yes, it is an unquestionable fact that many men pencil in a stop to Bangkok on their calendars specifically so that they can have some fun and you needn’t look to far or empty your wallet too much to enjoy a steamy night out (or in). Bangkok bar girls are famous for their sex appeal, friendly and fun nature and easy approach. Unlike other red light districts in the world, Bangkok is very relaxed and it’s bar girls very welcoming. This is an introductory guide, but if you’re familiar with Bangkok bar girls then maybe you’ll be more interested in our pages on where to find go go bars and bangkok escorts. Bangkok bar girls — who are they? The overwhelming majority of Bangkok bar girls come from Isaan, the Northeast region of Thailand, they come from poor rural areas where job opportunities are low paying, they move to Bangkok and join the bar girls scene as a way of earning more money. With their dark complexion, sultry looks and sexy bodies they are almost certainly a hit with the foreign men and whole generations of girls from Isaan and other working class areas have been following a well worn path here for financial improvement. The bar scene holds an added appeal for these women as most do not have an education beyond the sixth grade level. Some of these bar girls also have fatherless children and extended families to support – others might have a layabout boyfriend at home who they support financially. Some do this out of a feeling that they are saving these girls from a hard life, regardless bar girls are often looking for a foreign boyfriend, so the two ends meet. Even as a visitor, don’t ever imagine that your girl thinks of you as special. She might be attracted to you and find you far more fun and generous and caring than the rest, but the moment you leave she’ll be back in the bar working, even if you send her money and she promises to spend her time at language school. The opportunities for them are just too good to pass up, besides the bar scene is often the only place in Bangkok that they feel comfortable. Of course there exceptions to the rule and you may meet a sweet girl who has just started or really doesn’t want to be there, and was just waiting for someone, anyone, to come along and take her out of there. But these are few and as a newcomer you are unlikely to see through any deception. While the vast majority of Bangkok bar girls fall under this category, the bar girl scene is so vast and densely populated that it includes women from all parts of the country as women of different educational and economic backgrounds. In fact as Bangkok becomes increasingly modernised, it is far from unheard of for female university students to work in the bar scene in order to have the funds required to purchase the latest in mobile phone technology and brand name clothes. Lady drinks Sit down at a bar and begin chatting up Bangkok bar girls and soon the request will come for you to buy a drink. This is the infamous Bangkok bar girl ‘lady drink’, and it is one way to pay the rent if you insist on just chatting without taking one of them home. Lady drinks are usually a set price (more expensive than your drink but not unreasonable – about 120 baht) and they are often watered down to prevent the girls getting too drunk. Remember, Thais have a lower alcohol tolerance, but if you want to get her ‘softened up’ then order her a beer. The girls are pretty forward and suggestive from the start and you may end up being immediately talked into buying a drink right away for a girl other than the one you might have your eye on. For sure, they wont allow you to sit more than 10 minutes without buying a drink. Buy one for yourself and not a girl then they will think you are ‘kii nieow’ (stingy) and leave you alone. Bar fines Now for the bar fines! When you’ve decided to take a girl out the bar with you, you will have to pay a ‘bar fine’. These vary from 200 to 500 baht and can be quite a rip off. It’s useful to know what the bar fine is before you start spending money on drinks. The more commercial and obvious the place the more the bar fine. Up market places tend to charge more. This fee is separate from anything you later agree with girl, though you can usually bash her down in price if the bar fine has been excessive (she gets some of it anyway). The ‘fine’ is added to your bill and you usually pay the girl. All of this is controlled by the ‘mamasan’ – who is vaguely equivalent to a pimp but serves a bigger function of taking care of the girls (often they all live together on the premises), acting like a bigger sister and wearing the big boots in the place. Mamasans are often ladyboys or retired bar girls. The bar girl scene The bangkok bar girl scene is nothing more than a huge financial osmosis which draws vast amounts of money out of the wallets of us flush farangs and into the needy pockets of thousands of sweet, deceptive players who can often be ruthless and without conscience. If you want to play, then keep this in the back of your mind the whole time. It’s not surprising that the bar girl scene in Bangkok is popular among expats and tourists with its ready supply of beautiful women Thai girls. The scene is loose, unrestricted and at times a wild party atmosphere. Most bangkok bar girls speak enough English to get by. Of course, many ‘farang’ men living in Bangkok have a great time with this and some are even stupid enough to fall in love with a bar girl. Some do this out of a feeling that they are saving these girls from a hard life, regardless bar girls are often looking for a foreign boyfriend, so the two ends meet. Even as a visitor, don’t ever imagine that your girl thinks of you as special. She might be attracted to you and find you far more fun and generous and caring than the rest, but the moment you leave she’ll be back in the bar working, even if you send her money and she promises to spend her time at language school. The opportunities for them are just too good to pass up, besides the bar scene is often the only place in Bangkok that they feel comfortable. Of course there exceptions to the rule and you may meet a sweet girl who has just started or really doesn’t want to be there, and was just waiting for someone, anyone, to come along and take her out of there. But these are few and as a newcomer you are unlikely to see through any deception. While there have been cases of foreigners wedding a bar girl and the relationship actually being a success over the long-term, this is generally not the case. Most relationships between foreigners and bar girls fail for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the massive gulf in terms of culture, economic status, and earning power. Choosing to enter the bar girl scene for a Thai women represents a choice that clearly breaks from what is accepted in Thai society and as such, women in this scene, in some but not all cases, may not hold too high a standard in terms of honesty etc. Add to this the fact that the girls’ friends are likely all in the bar circle, and the odds thin out even further when it comes to dating success with a bar girl. Enjoy their company, have a laugh, pay them money, but in most cases it is inadvisable to start a relationship with Bangkok bar girls. As the popular saying goes; ‘you can take the girl out of the bar but you can never take the bar out of the girl’.

Without its famous massage parlours the Bangkok sex reputation simply wouldn’t be quite the same. They certainly are an attraction for some and offer a more discreet and sometimes sensual experience than simply picking up a girl from the go go bars. In fact these ‘full body massage’ places are far less easy to find your way to than the obvious girlie bar areas and are most often frequented by Thais. Sex massages in Bangkok are offered at many venues across the city, and your best chance of finding one of these is in Thailand is in Bangkok where they are widely permitted. Since the sex takes place on the premises they need to operate in the shadows of the law and therefore aren’t generally found in the popular tourist areas. Usually a tuk tuk driver will offer you a flyer to these places. Inside a Bangkok sex massage parlour It works like this; a selection of ladies, ranging from a handful to dozens, sit in a ‘fishbowl’ with one-way mirrors and you relax in the sofas on the other side, while you take your time over a beer to choose one (indicated by numbers). After paying up front your experience begins with a sensual soaping down in a bath, provided by your naked hostess of choice. After this you get to romp on an adjacent double bed and it’s usually all over within 90 minutes. The quality of the venues, the selection of the girls and the price vary widely - especially at peak times but you can expect to pay 1500 to 2500 baht. If you are visiting and have been taken there by a taxi driver you’ll have little choice but to accept what’s on offer but locals know better, and will often do the rounds of several places in an evening to find good value. The most expensive sex massage parlours in Bangkok don’t always have the best girls, and even a big selection can be quite uniform - aimed at Asian tastes for white skin ultra-skinny girls which you might not find appealing. If a minibus full of Japanese or Koreans has arrived before you then the price will be inflated and the selection poor. Some sit around waiting for new girls to emerge, but these are the busiest in the house. There are a few tips to getting the most out of these Bangkok sex massage parlours. Timing is essential, never go on a weekend or at the end of month, when they are busiest. Typically a parlour will have two dozen girls on duty but few of them will be really worthwhile. Of course different girls appeal to different tastes but by 9pm only the dregs are left. Often they have different prices for different girls (usually shown by colour of numbers), depending on who is most popular. Luckily Thai men have altogether different tastes. The other big question is how they perform, and this unfortunately is very hit and miss. Since the girls can’t detect your presence in the room there’s no way of seeing how they react to you. There’s no fraternising over a few drinks to get an idea of how much ‘fun’ she is likely to be. But you do get a chance to chat with them a bit and see how ‘interested’ they are. Few will speak English and often these girls have experienced such a high turnover of men that they simply lie there and let you get on with it, which is a bit of a turn off. Occasionally you get a girl who senses a big tip and the whole experience is memorable. Others tend to need extra tipping to get them to give you a proper service, demanding extra for every additional request you have. Once you’ve cum, it’s all over, regardless of how long it took, and you’ll have to pay extra to linger. Sex massage parlours in Bangkok are ideal if you need to be discreet or want a quickie without a big drinks bill or bar fine, but they can be far less satisfying than meeting a lovely bar girl and taking her back to your place. Dirty massages A far tamer massage often given is known as the dirty massage. This is an oil massage where you get massaged in ‘additional places’ for an extra fee of about 500 baht (on top of the 200+ baht for the massage). There are places that specialise in this and others that will oblige, provided you are in a private booth. Many of the masseuses in Bangkok (except in hotels and spas) will agree to this but it really is dependent on them. Generally the closer the place is to a go go area and the more ‘welcoming’ the ladies, the more likely they will be to offer. This is usually done in a teasing manner, occasionally brushing their hand over your privates. So you needn’t worry, lie back and enjoy the drawn out experience, it’s far more fun. Some of these ladies will even agree to move the massage back to your place, which will cost more, and can lead to ‘the works’, if you’re lucky (and pay them well). Sex massage parlours in Bangkok There are many massage parlours all over Bangkok, especially in some of the more touristy areas, and often it can be difficult to suss out whether your chosen venue is indeed a sex massage parlour, or just a ‘normal’ one. This is complicated further by the fact that the differences between the two types of establishment are often quite blurred; you can be in a place which seems like a regular massage shop, but can be engaging in activities which will certainly be more at home in a place which offers ‘special massages’!

Many of those living in Thailand only know that today they do not have to go to work. This is exciting for many, and can also be difficult to discover exactly what the significance of the day is. While it may appear to be just another day “Buddha Day,” Asarnha Bucha day is, in fact, one of the most holy days of Theravada Buddhism. The holiday lands on the full moon of the eighth lunar month. On this day, hundreds of years ago, Buddha gave his first sermon following his enlightenment. The sermon itself took place at Deer Park in Benares, India. The sermon was attended by five ascetics. Buddha taught these men the Four Noble Truths. These Truths explain the conceptual framework of Buddhism and enlightenment. They are the understanding that life is suffering, suffering is caused by craving, there is an attainable state beyond suffering and craving, and the final truth is the path to attain this state. After the sermon, the monks decided to become followers of the Buddha and, therefore, the first order of monks was started. Asarnha Bucha day also marks the beginning of Vassa, which is commonly referred to as Buddhist Lent in the West. Vassa lasts three lunar months. Most monks will remain in their monasteries for the duration and spend their time meditating. Many Buddhists will refrain from cravings such as meat, alcohol and smoking. Thais will celebrate the day in various ways. Most will go to temple, listen to sermons and make merit. In the evening candles are lit and they circle the temple’s stupa three times. In places such as Ubon Ratchathani, they have an entire candle festival in which elaborate candles are displayed and paraded through the city. In Saraburi, monks will walk the town and locals will make offerings of flowers in their alms bowls instead of food. In sum, Asarnha Bucha is one of the most important days of the Theravada Buddhist tradition. It is mostly important because it marks the date in which the Buddha delivered the vital framework and teaching to reach enlightenment, but also celebrates the founding of the first order or monks and the beginning of Vassa.

Under the inspirational leadership of King Ramkhamhaeng, the Sukhothai empire of the 13th century was the first seriously successful attempt to unify the Thai lands. The art and architecture of this Buddhist kingdom are distinguished by the lotus-bud cheri, a religious tower capped with a tapered final, and sublimey graceful images of the walking and seated Buddha. Modern versions of these ancient artefacts are scattered throughout the hotel and its extensive gardens, while a whole row of red-brick chedis set in a lotus pound form a dazzling ensemble in the hotel’s main internal courtyard. The guest rooms, meanwhile, evoke the glories of the country’s medieval past in more subtle ways, with their refined use of teak floors and Thai silk wall hangings. The Sukhothai likes to think of itself as a sanctuary in the hustle and bustle of one of Asia’s most crowded cities, an oasis of tranquility to still the beating heart of the overwrought traveller. Situated in the embassy district of south Lumphini Park, it is indeed a haven from which to sally forth into the frenetic commercialism of downtown Thanon Silom. While you won’t want to miss out on the attractions of this fascinating city, facilities like the Sukhothai’s award-winning Thai restaurant, set on an island in a lotus pond, and the garden spa, which harnesses the natural benefits of its green surroundings, will surely keep luring you back.

The Marriott name has been considered synonymous with great hospitality for decades. With five-star hotels in most major international cities, the Marriott certainly knows how to pamper its guests with world-class facilities and luxurious comforts. Naturally, to cater for business travellers whose work takes them away from home for lengthy periods, the Marriott created its signature Executive Apartments. Much like the Marriott hotels, these apartments afford the ideal combination of home-style living with all the indulgences of hotel services. The Mayfair Marriott in the heart of Bangkok is no different. Situated in the central business district, and close to the main embassies, the Mayfair Marriott offers extended-stay travellers a plush base away from home. Just minutes away are the city’s major department stores, excellent Thai, Asian and international restaurants, as well as Skytrain stations. Step out of the property’s doors and you’ll be greeted by the greenery of Lumpini, Bangkok’s biggest park. With a serene lake, jogging trails and plenty of well-tended gardens, Lumpini provides and oasis of nature, away from Bangkok’s busy urban life. Inside the apartments, the furnishings are just as comfortable as they are elegant. A gourmet kitchen compliments your culinary skills, but if you lack in that department, the Bistro lounge or the new Pool Bar offer a delicious alternative. There is a total of 162 residences, in one- two or three-bedroom configurations. Spacious and sophisticated, they all measure a minimum of 54 sqm and go up to 186 sqm of luxurious living space. Each has the full complement of hotel-style services- laundry, grocery delivery, room service, minimum twice-weekly housekeeping, concierge and business services. To unwind or add a spot of activity to the working day, a large swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and state-of-the-art gym on the 25th floor offer stunning views of the magnificent city below. And on weekends, exploring Bangkok’s unbeatable sights is easy. The Marriott Mayfair can arrange tour’s of the city’s most revered temples, its floating markets, rose gardens, and even crocodile wrestling and elephant shows. Indeed, all the excellent services of a five-star hotel can be expected at Marriott Mayfair Exclusive Apartments. The only difference is that guests call these stellar apartments ‘home’.

Located right in the heart of South East Asia, Thailand is an amazing country with mass appeal attracting millions of visitors every year. The country is famed for its culture, cuisine, beautiful scenery, palm fringed beaches, irresistible tropical islands and its famous capital Bangkok is a vibrant city full of energy and growth - there is an endless array of international standard shopping, entertainment and dining, one simply could never get bored here! The Thai government has been keen to attract foreign investment putting policies in place to make Thailand a favourable country for investing - in 2011 foreign direct investment expanded 17% to 180 billion baht. Like London, Paris and New York, Bangkok's history is inextricably linked to the river that flows through it, the Chao Phraya. It remains in many ways the pulse of this great city and continues to play a key role in the life and growth of Bangkok. The Chao Phraya is not only an exciting and dynamic context for the development, but also provides an unprecedented level of privacy and exclusivity afforded by its' over 200-metre width. It is the unique setting of The River upon the banks of the Chao Phraya that distinguishes this project and sets it apart from any other in Bangkok. Located in a prime area of the city, opposite some of Bangkok's most prestigious addresses and commanding stunning views back towards the skyline. At over 250 metres in height The River will be one of Bangkok's tallest structures, and a new world class icon of waterfront living. On one side of each tower, an elegant curved glass facade arcs majestically above the water. On the other, straight sides and deep articulations provide architectural interest and a very contemporary feeling. The towers have been carefully sculpted into a series of cascading and varying heights and the vision of creating Bangkok's premier residential development required that luxury and privacy took precedence over density. The two tower scheme fulfils the promise of uncompromised views, while at the same time creating a new iconic landmark on the Bangkok skyline. Facilities include a unique riverfront promenade area for entertainment and dining, sky gardens, state of the art fitness suite, infinity lap pool, leisure pools, ample car parking, 24 hour security. The design of the apartments within The River is based on the belief that the sophisticated client of today deserves a wide range of choices when it comes to choosing their living environment. Units ranging from compact studios all the way up to large duplex units provide a plethora of living arrangements based on unit layout, floor level and the views afforded. The River's interiors have been painstakingly crafted by legendary French interior design specialists J+H Boiffils - the team behind the interiors of The Emporium and Siam Paragon in Bangkok, Le Printemps in Shanghai, and some of the most stylish condominiums in Paris. Every condominium at The River features the highest quality finishes and fully-fitted kitchens, as well as state-of-the-art smart living solutions by Siemens or equivalent. The River is Bangkok's finest waterfront condominium and offers an unrivalled choice of luxurious apartments, duplexes and penthouses in 2 iconic towers on the banks of the famous river that flows through Thailand's vibrant capital. The River has an exclusive and prime location right in the heart of Bangkok's only true 5 star neighbourhood and commands stunning views across the river and to the city's skyline. The River is a prestigious waterfront development comprising two unique towers of exceptional style and offers supremely luxurious properties with one of the best addresses in Bangkok. The 2 towers that make up The River have a prime location on the banks of the world famous river Chao Phraya and boast 120m of exclusive river frontage. The development also includes a river promenade with a variety of entertainment and fine dining experiences, a state of the fitness centre, riverfront gym, sports courts, riverfront infinity pool, leisure pools, breath taking sky gardens and 24 hour security. The unique location of the river allows residents to be right in the heart of Thailand's capital city with easy access to Bangkok's business and shopping hubs coupled with all the pleasures of waterfront living. The apartments and duplexes are luxurious and thoroughly modern in every way. The building position and orientation were extensively studied in order to ensure unobstructed views out from every unit. Pricing in The River starts ranges from just $195k usd for a fabulous studio up to $8.7m usd for an outrageous penthouse! With its highly desirable location, rental returns at The River are expected to be 7% The developer - Raimon Land is a multi award winning real estate company and one of Thailand's finest. Listed on the Thai stock exchange, Raimon Land has 7 successfully completed projects located in Bangkok and major Thai resorts.

International schools in Thailand are something you will quickly notice when arriving in the country and there are plenty to choose from no matter where you make your abode. These are schools that follow British, American, Australian, and Singaporean curriculum and where English is spoken as the primary language. The fact that that English is spoken is mainly the reason why expats want to send their children to these schools. Also, graduates from these schools usually go off to college in western countries having been prepared for further studies that equip them to do such. These schools provide the highest quality education and here are some other useful bits of information on them. The Benefits on International Schools in Thailand Besides being a place where your child can be taught in English, there are other distinct advantages to international schools. Because these schools are privately funded through tuition, they generally have more money to put back into resources, teachers, facilities, and equipment. Teachers are paid better at these schools than anywhere else in Thailand so you naturally get better quality. International schools are also up on the latest trends in using information technology in order to facilitate classroom learning therefore they tend to have modern servers and software. Thailand international schools are also accredited and there are accrediting organizations that come annually, study the school, and then make recommendations to management. They are also regulated by the Thai Ministry of Education to ensure that children receive Thai cultural training which is critical to having a better quality of life here. Another important benefit is that students attending these schools get an education in a multi-cultural environment. The student population does not just come from the United States and United Kingdom. They come from all over the world since English is the universal language. What will it Cost? Thailand international schools are pricey so you should make sure that you get what you pay for. The prices range from around 100,000 THB to as much as 500,000 THB per year. They also have registration fees that can be between 5,000 THB and 75,000 THB. The bottom line is that pricing depends on the school. Practically all of these schools have a website and publish their prices. Expect to pay lower tuition for beginning grades and to pay higher as your children get older. If you have more than one child, there may be a discount for that. What to Look for in an International School? There are some international schools in Thailand that miss the mark when it comes to quality. It could be for several reasons. Remember that these schools are a business and if their enrollment is low it will more than likely affect how much tuition can be put back into them. Nonetheless, there are details to look for when evaluating an international school for your child. First, the school should promote and insist on English as the primary language used. Many affluent Thai, Korean, Indian, and Chinese families also send their children to international schools and insist on English as well. An international school teacher should never be providing instruction in anything other than English. Second, you want to look at the facilities. Are they well kept? Are classrooms clean and organized? Are classroom sizes reasonable? Are they air conditioned? Do washroom facilities have soap and tissue (you would be surprised that some do not)? Another question to ask when choosing among Thailand international schools is if there are scholarship programs available. Many of these schools award scholarships to top performing students each semester and it is a way to save if you have a child who works exceptionally hard in school. One way to determine if the school is giving a quality education is to look at how many of the graduates are attending universities in places such as the U.K., U.S., Australia, or any other top-name school outside of Thailand. You also need to look at the kinds of standardized testing students are being administered in their junior high and high school years such as the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). Another way to make sure your child gets a well-rounded education at an international school in Thailand is to look at the after-school programs offered. These are offered at an additional fee however their prices are not unreasonable. These could be courses in dance, guitar, Thai language, and even other world languages. An international school in Thailand, in order to be accredited with the Thai Ministry of Education, must also instruct children in Thai language and culture. This is a definite plus because it allows your children to get more out of their Thailand experience. Get all the facts about these schools prior to your departure from your homeland and find the best among Thailand international schools that meets your needs.

Like all Banyan Tree properties, the Banyan Tree Bangkok sits like an oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the Thai capital. Enter its doors and the soft, comforting scent of exotic lemongrass premeates your being, evoking a rich and immediate sense of serenity and relaxation. Just 30 minutes away from Bangkok International Airport, the Banyan Tree Bangkok is the only all-suite hotel in the heart of the City of Angels, and boasts the tallest garden spa. The building it occupies soars up to 61 floors, and right at the apex of this arresting structure is the Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar. Shortly after it opened, Vertigo was awarded the Best New Restaurant Award 2002 by Bangkok Dining and Entertainment magazine. At sunset, this sprawling space under the stars come alive, as guests arrive to watch the brilliant shades of crimson transform into the darkness of night. Set on a former helipad, the restaurant affords an outstanding 360-degree view of the city, with glittering landmarks-behold the Grand Palace twinkling in gold, the Royal Chapel, the Chao Phraya river, Wat Pho temple, National Museum and the serene Emerald Buddha. Thanks to this stunning landscape, an excellent team of service staff and a mouth-watering menu of international cuisine, the Vertical Grill and Moon Bar has become a favourite haunt for visitors from every corner of the world. Able to seat up to 100 gests, Vertigo is divided into three sections a cosy romantic dining courtyard, a hip private party lounge, and the sultry Moon Bar for cocktail chill-out sessions under the stars. So popular is this venue that some of the city's most glamorous parties and events, from fashion launches to birthday celebrations, have been held here. The cuisine of the Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar matches its spectacular views, with dishes like Red Mullet En Papillote with Thyme, Grilled Oysters with Parmesan Cheese and Mediterranean tapas, guaranteed to tantalise the tastebuds and lift the spirits. Most of its creations encompass barbecue items-straight from the grill onto your plate. All these are best enjoyed with a glass of fine champagne, wine or cocktails, as you watch the panoramic setting sun disappear below the lights of Thailands capital city.

Located in the heart of Bangkok’s business, shopping and entertainment district, The Dusit Thani, Bangkok has made a name for itself as one of the city’s finest hotels. Amongst its 517 luxurious appointed guest rooms are its unique Thai Heritage Suites that bear distinctive decorative motifs from this rich culture. State-of-the-art business and fitness facilities, as well as the essential amenities, make your time here a pleasure. Complementing these, the hotel boasts fine food and beverage outlets to suit the most demanding of tastes. The jewel in Dusit Thani’s culinary crown is its French fine dining restaurant D’Sens. This remarkable restaurant was modelled on the famous Le Jardin des Sens in Montpellier, France-one of the only 27 restaurants in France to be awarded three prestigious Michelin stars. D’Sens was created by twin brothers Jacques and Laurent Pourcel, hailed by gourmands around the globe as two of the world’s finest chefs. Influenced by their home province of Languedoc in southern France, the brothers have produced a menu combining Mediterranean-style cooking with carefully selected Thai ingredients. The result is a truly memorable dining experience redolent with exciting tastes and dramatic flavours. Unsurprisingly, gastronomes have been flocking to D’Sens since it opened in 2004. Insurpassable cuisine demands divine decor: at D’Sens the interiors were created by international designer, Imaad Rhamouni. Pass through a spectacular curtain of handcrafted glass beads before being guided to a private booth, decked with leather banquettes and chairs, posed on Paul Smith carpets. Admire huge aquariums full of tropical fish or the breathtaking views of the city and Lumpini Park below. After dinner, enjoy drinks at Dusit Thani’s MyBar-a wild mix of modern decor with illuminated white glass and polished metal trims. sit back in MyBar’s plush lounge and lap up live jazz from the resident band. When the band takes a break and the DJ appears, groove to R&B and pop tunes before calling it a fabulous night.

In 1982, as Bangkok celebrated its bicentennial, a hotel was designed and built as a meeting place of two worlds: one of efficiency and practicality, and the other of Thai graciousness and tradition. The layout of the hotel was based on a typical Thai home and features two atriums or courtyards connected to its main area. Corridors and room entryways face a huge tropical garden that offers serenity and respite. Almost a decade later, this grand architectural landmark is now known as Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok. Over the last few years, it has been refurbished and restored to perhaps even greater grandeur, and has consistently won awards and accolades for it hospitality, design and service. Located on Rajadamri Road – One of the city’s most famous boulevards- the hotel features 340 superbly decorated rooms, including 24 suites and eight unique Garden cabanas. These are luxurious environments that reflect the design philosophies of this urban resort. Thai silks, cotton and sumptuous chenille fabrics pay homage to its Thai heritage, accented by a colour scheme of powder red, gold and celadon green. All the rooms at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok are amongst the delicious Thai Restaurant in Bangkok. Good food complements excellent design, with bottles of Thai spices lining the restaurant’s teak shelves, and gunnysacks of rice and salt sitting on ledges around the room. Enjoy the hotel’s other dining outlets as well: Biscotti, an Italian restaurant; Madison, contemporary American steakhouse; and Shintaro, which serves innovative Japanese cuisine. All are designed by award-winning Tony Chi, and draw a regular crowd; both day and night. Discerning shoppers can take their pick of premier stores at the Parichart Shopping Arcade. You’ll find the best Thai silks, arts, crafts and gems, as well as salons and tailors. And if you need a massage to soothe aching muscles, the hotel’s Health Club boasts treatments like Thai and Oriental massages. Indeed, there is something for everyone at this Thai legend.

Since 1876, The Oriental, Bangkok has served as a beacon of light and warmth on the capital city’s Chao Phraya river. A landmark that represents the grandeur of Thai hospitality, The Oriental has inspired some of the world’s most famous writers. Noel Coward, Somerset Maugham and Joseph Conrad have all enjoyed its sumptuous suites, distinctive ambience and distinguished service fit for royalty. In September 2005, the completion of the multi-million dollar restoration of The Oriental represented a new era for this Thai legend Recognised as one of the world’s premier city resorts, it retains its nostalgic charm with its magnificent colonial architectural styles and glorious landscaping. Guests can choose to stay in one of 393 superbly appointed rooms, including 35 luxury suites, looked after by an attentive staff of over 1,000. Each guest room is exquisitely decorated with rich Thai silk fabrics, beautiful heavy woods and gilded accents. Natural light flows are unbridled. A large part of The Oriental’s heritage is in it renowned culinary experiences that date back to 1958, when Le Normandie, a French restaurant with sweeping views of the river and the city, opened its doors on the top floor of the hotel’s Garden Wing. The restaurant’s tradition of hiring three-star Michelin chefs continues today. Four other restaurants- The China House, Lord Jim’s, Sala Rim Naan and Ciao-serve a mouth-watering array of cuisines from Chinese, International, Seafood, Traditional Thai and Italian. Meanwhile, the Oriental Thai Cooking School offers lessons in fine Thai cuisine, Classes are limited to just 15 students so that personalised attention and participation are key. The Oriental Spa, voted ‘Best In The World’ by Travel & Leisure magazine, and recently ‘Best Overseas Spa 2005? by Conde Nast Traveller, UK, is a temple of well-being. It is set in an old teakwood house with only 14 private suites to ensure luxury and exclusivity. The gentle spa therapists have been specially trained in the ancient art of natural Thai remedies. As befits a hotel of such stature, The Oriental also has all the modern conveniences that allow business travellers to effectively work and play, High-speed internet access is available in all rooms and state-of-the-art business centre provides professional support. A luxurious fleet of BMW 7 series limousines is also available along with experienced drivers with their reputation for courtesy. With its 130th anniversary in 2006, The Oriental’s unique style, superb facilities and impeccable service are well worth celebrating.

Moving is stressful, moving to another country is even worse and moving to a country in the midst of developing Southeast Asia may seem downright daunting. Preparing to live in an entirely different climate, culture and environment is a huge task and it’s hard to know where to start. Luckily, with Sukhumvit Condos, you’ve got an on-the-ground team to help out. First of all: breathe. It’s important to reassure you that while Thailand is undoubtedly a developing country, Bangkok is leaps and bounds ahead of many of the outlying provinces. And while things aren’t perfect, there’s more on offer here than you might think and in many ways, life is actually objectively easier here than in many western cities. For example, you can use any number of apps to deliver food from your favourite restaurants around town, directly to your door, 24 hours a day. Not so very third-world, eh? Bangkok is a cosmopolitan city that prides itself on convenience and service. So, aside from a very few items you may want the moment you step off the plane, and those irreplaceable items with sentimental value that you can’t live without, there’s very little you might need that you can’t buy here. From the pharmacy Medicines for which you would need a prescription at home can usually be obtained easily, over the counter from reputable pharmacies. However, the preference for and availability of antibiotics makes it harder to get the multivitamins or cold and flu sachets you might usually reach for before you head to the doctor. As for cosmetics, the department stores stock a huge range of international brands; though when it comes to toiletries, things can be a little trickier. Thanks to the Asian preference for pale skin, many skin care products and even deodorants have whitening agents. For the same reason, sun bathing is not a popular activity among locals and sunblock is more expensive than you might expect; as for fake tan? Forget it! Stock the fridge Basic groceries are a cinch and getting your fresh fruit and veggies from the market can be a real adventure, but if you’re pressed for time, the supermarkets are convenient and comprehensive. Many stock imported brands, which, although more expensive, will generally satisfy your homesick cravings. Having said that, some familiar brands have been altered for local tastes. Ketchup and baked beans, for example, are often much sweeter than you might be used to. As for chocolate, even Snickers and Kit Kats are modified so as not to melt so quickly in the heat, so they taste a little different. Keep yourself entertained Bookworms, relax; there are a number of chain and independent bookstores with a great range of English language books. But it can be handy to invest in a Kindle or similar if you’re after specific titles. On that note, most gadgets will convert easily with a standard adaptor plug, available at the airport or in many 7-Elevens, though it’s always worth checking the voltage, to be sure. Outfits and ensembles When it comes to packing your wardrobe, obviously be aware that your outfits for city living will be different from your island holiday get-up. Thailand is hot but in the city, you’ll find yourself in arctic air conditioning a lot of the time. Bring a capsule wardrobe to cover all occasions and remember, most of your favourite high street and designer brands are here, not to mention countless street, night and weekend markets where you can pick up bits and pieces to refresh your look. It should be noted that it is harder (but not impossible) for gents to find shoes bigger than a UK size 10 and for ladies to find bras larger than a D cup. To sum up, when organising your suitcases or container shipments for the move to Bangkok: bring just your essentials and favourites and be prepared for some minor adjustments. For more tips, stay tuned to the blog and if you have any questions about our comprehensive shipping and moving service, get in touch.

Whether you are eating Thai food in the Land of Smiles, or going out to a Thai restaurant back in the States, the dining experience is enhanced knowing and using proper Thai dining etiquette and ordering correctly. First, know the basic foundation of Thai food: There are four seasonings — salty, spicy, sour and sweet — and you will want to order various dishes that ensure a balance of flavors and textures. The concept of Western dining and Thai dining are completely different. In a European or American restaurant, meals usually consist of a starter, then a salad, usually accompanied with lots of fresh bread, followed by the main course and ending with a desert. Each person orders as an individual, and rarely is food shared. In Thailand, however, there is no such thing as a “starter” and there is no dish that belongs to any one person. To Thais, all dishes are to be shared. n Thailand, a formal dinner would include a soup (which is served at the same time as all other dishes) or a spicy curry. If there is a curry, most would put the curry on top of the rice. There are many different types of curries, some mild and some very spicy. For Americans looking for non-spicy food, Yellow curry is usually the most mild of the curries. (See Comparing the Different Thai Curries). For a formal Thai dinner, there would be several stir fried dishes, usually vegetables combined with chicken or pork (beef is not widely used in Thailand, and not particularly recommended). A center piece dish of a grilled fish is usually included. There is often a tangy salad, like Som Tam (spicy Papaya Salad) and a noodle dish (Pad Se Ew) which often combines vegetables and meat or seafood. Most Thai salads are called “Yum” (as in Yum Talay for a Seafood Salad), but the word Yum actually refers to a dressing made up of fish sauce, lime juice, sugar and chilies. Light and acidic, Yum works as a palate cleanser between other foods. Deserts are sweet and light, which often include sweet sticky rice and coconut as the primary ingredients (sweet sticky rice and fresh mango with coconut milk is a standard). All the dishes (except the desert) will usually be placed on the table at the same time and eaten in no particular order. If not all dishes arrive to the table together (perhaps the grilled fish takes a longer time), it is customary for Thais to eat whatever comes to the table as it arrives. Rice is an essential element of Thai food. In fact, the Thai word “to eat”, is Gin Kao, which literallytranslates to “eat rice”. Rice should be flavorful, and most Thai restaurants will serve quality Jasmine rice which has a special taste and smell reminiscent of Thailand. Often there will be brown, black or red rice available (especially in Northern Thailand) or a often a mixture of these styles of rice. These are especially flavorful and I recommend them whenever it is are available. The number of people seated at the table determines the number of dishes ordered. All dishes are shared and enjoyed together. The more people the better, which allows everyone to sample a greater number of dishes and have more variety of flavors and textures. Thais will eat very slowly, enjoy the food, conversations, laughter and company. Each person at the table will be given a plate and a soup bowl, and the waitress will give each a serving of rice. That is about the extent of the food serving from the waitress, after that everyone is expected to add a small amount from the various dishes on the table. Someone at the table will ladle some soup in the individual bowls, and each person takes just a small portion of whatever appeals to them at the table. Savior one distinct flavor, and then move on to another flavor. Thais like to pick at food, helping themselves to the various dishes one serving spoon amount at a time. Take your time and try everything. When ordering in a Thai restaurant, don’t forget to specify your desired spice level, as neglecting to do so may leave your mouth burning. Remember that Thais eat their food extremely spicy, so don’t be too brave when ordering (unless chilies are a regular part of your diet). “Medium spicy” is probably “hot” for most Americans. “Mild to medium” may be a safer bet for Americans traveling to Thailand and not ready for the typically high spice foods of Thailand. For Americans traveling to Thailand and not ready for the typical high spice, it is good to learn the phrase, Mai Phet, which translates into “no spice” as an instruction to give to the Thai waitress, and then it will be only slightly spicy. Unless you are much prepared physically for a huge Spice level, never order anything from the menu in Thailand that says it may be spicy, like a “Spicy Grilled Tuna”. If you are that rare kind of person that loves spice, Phet Mach translates to a lot of spice. And for regular folks, Phet Nit Noi, means a little spice. Served with the courses are spicy sauces, the most common one in Thailand being Nampla Prik, which is a mixture of fish sauce with chopped green chili peppers and a touch of lime juice. This kicks up the spice level a lot. A red chili garlic sauce is also usually provided that is much more tolerable for Westerners. Sauces are often served in tiny little bowls next to your plate. Whenever I visit a new Thai restaurant, I always ask the server to recommend at least one dish which the chef does particularly well. This way you’ll be certain to sample the best of what that establishment has to offer. Also, it’s a good way to try out dishes you may never otherwise order for yourself. When eating, always wait for the host, usually the biggest noodle at the table (and the one who is going to pick up the entire tab) to invite you to help yourself before jumping in. When you’re finished there’s no need to place your utensils together, but leaving food on your plate may indicate you didn’t find the food tasty, which is always a big concern in Thailand. Finally, the bill, Check Bin. This is always left for the wealthiest or most important person to pick up. If that happens to be you, then take it as a compliment. A meal is cheap in Thailand, even if there were 10 mouths to feed, it won’t break the bank. They aren’t being rude; this is simply the way Thais gain respect by looking after the stomachs of the less fortunate. There should never be any discussion about the bill. If one person takes it and covers the cost, there should be no protest because in a sense it would be insulting the host. Payment of the bill should be done discreetly. If You are Vegetarian or do not eat Wheat and Other Diet Restrictions Look tofu dishes on the menu. If none are listed, ask which dishes can be made vegetarian. Be sure to specify “no meat” when ordering, even if the description of your chosen dish does not list meat. Thais often use small amounts of meat and/or seafood when preparing their dishes. There are always vegetarian dishes available in a Thai restaurant, because it is simply leaving off an element of the dish. Also, for those wanting no wheat gluten, understand that most soy sauce (which is often used in Thai stir fried cooking) usually contains wheat. Those allergic to Wheat should specify “no soy sauce” in the cooking. Other than that, there is seldom any wheat products used in Thai food. MSG unfortunately is often used in Thai cooking. It is a flavor enhancer, and sometimes when a Westerner has a non-MSG meal, they think it is “flavorless”. Actually, their palate is used to the MSG (used most heavily in Chinese restaurants) and they are simply missing that enhancement. However, MSG is not good for health, as it is like salt on steroids. Some Thai restaurants in the West promote that they do not use MSG, and for those concerned about healthy eatting, these restaurants need to be encouraged. Also, many Thai dishes contain Peanuts, and if there are allergies with this, you must tell the waitress. One main Thai dish, Param, is primarily peanuts, but also other dishes may have a small amount of peanut sauce added. Most Thai chefs are used to cutting out peanuts in meals (this is fairly common) and as long as they are told about it, this can accommodated easily. What to Drink Nothing goes better with spicy Thai food than a cold, light lager, especially on a hot day (that’s almost everyday in Thailand). If you like beer, ask your server for an authentic Thai brew like Chang or Singha. Thai beer is not up the standard of a good European beer — often Thai beer uses rice hops, for instance — but it is definitely “drinkable”. Tiger Beer, brewed in Singapore is my favorite beer taste in Thailand. If you prefer a non-alcoholic beverage, try Thai lime soda, made from key limes. Alternatively, water and green tea accompany most Thai meals. If a restaurant in Thailand may be a bit “iffy” in the sanitation area, it would be wise to have water with no ice. Water served in every restaurant would be bottled water, but the ice may not be. In my humble opinion, a good wine is an essential part of a meal. In Thailand, it is not easy to get a good wine, however. Import duties for wine are very stiff, and coupled with shipping costs, the best wine (which I am totally convinced originates from Northern California) are rare and expensive, and even just decent wine is high priced. There is more wine available from Western Australia and Chile, but it is also rather expensive for the fairly mediocre wines from those areas. European wines are available but expensive. There is wine produced in Thailand (they have their own wine producing areas), but the quality has yet to mature, and most seasoned wine drinkers would reject it. To have a good wine for dinner in Thailand, it is best to bring wine from your own collection brought in by suitcase. In the US and in Europe, Thai restaurants usually have a good selection, but it is important to get the right varietal to pair with Thai food. Traditionally, it has been accepted that white sweet wines, such as Gewurztraminer, Riesling, and off-dry to sweet German and Austrian wines are best to accompany the spiciness of Thai foods. Another good pairing would be a light dry Sauvignon Blanc. But there can be such a variety of tastes in Thai food that often other wines go well. Red wines are being more accepted as a good compliment to Thai food, but they should be on the light-side. A heavy Burgundy that is perfect for a Western beef steak would never pair well with Thai food, which tends to be light. My recommendation for a red wine for Thai food would be Pinot Noir. Actually, while I am not generally fond of Sparkling Wines (i.e., Champagne), some of the best Thai chefs claim that these wines are the very best for Thai food. Sparkling wines tend to have a lightness and sweetness to pair extremely well with spicy Thai dishes. In Thailand, Scotch Whiskey and American rye whiskeys are popular and many Thais will bring a bottle from home to go with dinner in a restaurant. Johnnie Walker, Jim Beam, Jack Daniels, and Chevis Regal are considered prestigious and popular, and actually make ideal gifts to Thai people from visiting Americans. The Spoon & Fork Thai people generally use a Spoon and Fork to eat. There are no knives on the table, but it is not necessary to use one with Thai food in any case. Chopsticks are used only with noodles (which is considered “Street Food” and is usually just for lunch). In remote areas of the Thai Northeast in Isaan, many eat primarily with their fingers. The generally accepted story is that all people in Thailand at one time used fingers for eating, similar to how food is eaten in India. In the later part of the nineteenth century, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) as part of his Westernizing process (to avoid threats of colonization), had a big European style feast prepared in to observe Western dining habits and utensils. All the Europeans in the City (which were primarily missionaries) were invited to the palace for the feast, and the main purpose for the King was to observe their dining etiquette. After his observations, he decreed that the Thai people shall use European utensils for dining, but he (wisely) decreed that Thai people have no need for a knife. The use of the Spoon and Fork evolved into the way Thai people use them now, and it is considered polite to use them in the correct way. The Fork is held in the Left Hand, and the Spoon in the Right. Use the Fork to push food onto the Spoon. Avoid eating with the Fork, as Thais consider this to be crude. Don’t ask your restaurant server for chopsticks. If they are needed for a noodle dish, your waitress would bring them to you with the dish. I am afraid many Americans typically ask for chopsticks out of a stereotype they may have about Asian people, and this is unfortunate. Always the Thai waitress will comply and bring the chopsticks if requested, but it sends a message to the Thai staff about the patron. The exception to this would be for Chinese or Japanese diners who are only accustomed to eating with the chopsticks, and it is well understood by Thai restaurant staff. Some Important Thai Phrases to know for Dinner In any good Thai restaurant in Thailand or anywhere else in the world, you would be greeted by the waitress saying “Sawadee Ka“, with her hands folded on her chest with a slight bow. An acknowledgement with a simple nod of the head, and a krup (or ka from a female) response is always appreciated. For sure you will be asked during the meal, “Alloy Mai?” (Is it delicious?) — or more precisely is would be Arroy Mai? with a trill of the r’s. Answer back “Alloy Alloy” or “Alloy Mach” (It is delicious, and it is very delicious). After the meal, you will be asked, “Im Mai?” (Are you full?}. The answer is “Im”. Meals are always an important part of Thai culture, and it is important to be polite at all times during dining. End the meal with “Kan Khun Krap” (Thank you, coming from a male speaker) or “Kan Khun Ka” (Thank you, coming from a female speaker), with hands together at chest level.

A Western expat in Thailand often has to think about making money. Thailand is a paradise in many ways, but if you don’t have any money, it can be a hell. Even if one is getting a steady pension check or social security or trust fund payout, there is always the fear that the dollar or other home currency can lose value in comparison with the Thai Baht, so it is important to find some kind of income stream locally. One of the ways to do that is to start your own business, but in Thailand there are special considerations that have to be taken into account. First of all, being an entrepreneur is not for everyone. Incomes go up and down, and there are always strange things that hit the business owner, making stress part of the price that must be paid. But that’s the same everywhere. You have it, or you don’t. In order to establish a corporation or partnership in Thailand (a Limited Company), a foreigner can own only up to 49% of the equity. That means there must be Thai partners that will own the majority. There are exceptions possible if you work through the Ministry of Commerce to set up a Foreign Business License, but these are typically granted for companies that start out with large capital amounts and will employ a lot of Thai people. An existing company that wants to set up manufacturing in Thailand for export would be a good candidate for that type of business license. Even with only having a minority share of the equity, control can still be held by the expat if he designs the business so that he is the managing director, and so that no Thai partner has a large portion of the ownership. It is essential that a Western expat employ professional Thai accountants and a lawyer to set up the company here. In order for an expat to work at the Thai corporation, a work permit must be obtained (with fees) and four Thai nationals must be employed for every one foreigner working at the company. And once working with a permit, you must pay yourself a minimum of 50,000Baht per month (about $1650 USD). There are businesses for sale in Thailand, but even with an existing business, the same rules apply for the new expat buyer. For my own situation, I partnered with my wife (a Thai national) and a couple of her close Thai relatives to establish our corporation, originally designed as just a travel agency (known as Top Thai Travel, Ltd.). As a company, we offer tours within Thailand and localized travel services, such as local specialized tours, Thai cooking schools, Elephant Farm experiences, hotel reservations and domestic air tickets. That has worked well, so we have since expanded that business to include a Thai restaurant, condo rentals for visitors to Chiang Mai, and a boutique fashion shop. For us, our main goal was to earn a little income while having fun Thai adventures, and in that regard, we have done very well. I found that actually establishing the corporation in Thailand was less cumbersome than back in the US, where we had to report to so many different redundant government agencies. An alternative for entrepreneurs to the restrictions of setting up a Thai company is to establish a sole proprietorship in the home country (like in the US). One can work this way as a contractor, such as writing articles for websites or publishing an ebook, or as a y small resale business, such as buying Thai products and exporting them back to your home market. A sole proprietorship puts things on a small scale, but also can be more flexible, with much of the work being done individually on a virtual basis. A work permit requirement is enforced only if the work is involving a Thai company or directly competes with Thai companies. For instance, if you are a financial consultant that is employed by Thai companies, you will likely need a work permit, and the same would be true if you operated a sole person travel agency serving foreigners visiting Thailand that competed with local Thai businesses. But if you are trading US stocks on the computer or building websites for American shops online, you should not have to worry about getting a work permit or other documentation. The Thai laws in this regard are vague and are subject to local interpretation, but generally if you don’t rock the boat for Thai businesses, you can probably work with little worry about permits. A Few Words on the Treaty of Amity There is a special agreement between the United States and Thailand to allow American businesses to operate in Thailand “on the same footing as Thai companies.” It is reciprocal, in that Thai companies can do the same in the US. This treaty was signed in 1966, and was due to expire in 2006, but it has been renewed for 3 months every quarter since it was due to expire. The point is that the treaty at this point is a bit tenuous and may go away at any moment. The relationship between the US and Thailand is not the same as it was in ’66 when Thailand greatly assisted the US in their war with Vietnam. During the sixties, there were many treaties between the two nations in many different areas. Rules are now being interpreted with the Treaty of Amity differently at different times by the Thais, so it is essential to have a good Thai attorney working in your behalf to set this up, who also will have the latest word of how it is working. The amount of capital that must be in a Thai bank to make the program work has gone up and down. American sole proprietorships (a single person working as a consultant or otherwise alone) was not required to employ Thais, but lately have been required to hire 4 Thais for every American work permit. There are types of businesses that are not permitted by Americans under the treaty, such as Land Ownership, Communications, Transportation and pulling out of any natural resources, like wood, precious metals or oil. While the Treaty is designed to put the American and Thai companies on equal footing, the Thais enjoy “Most Favored Nation” status with exports to the US having very low (or none at all) tariffs, while US imports into Thailand have very high tariffs. Just try buying a bottle of California wine or Skippy Peanut Butter at the Thai supermarket to see how these high tariffs on US products affect things. It is hardly “equal footing.” So like so many Agreements made between nations, the Treaty of Amity is not one that has matured into business fairness. It may work for some, but it is not an easy task to work under this framework. In practicality, Thai regulations allow the expat entrepreneur to get involved in a lot of small business that are independent but not interfering into the Thai marketplace. So for an expat to start up a little food cart businesses competing with Thai street vendors would really be totally impossible to do. Establishing a restaurant with Thai partners and employing Thais as staff is “do-able” with a little planning and business set-up. And an independent computer consulting business for international clients from a home office is very easy to establish as long as it does not involve Thai business as clients or competitors to any substantial level. There are lots of expats in Thailand involved in exporting Thai products. Some sell directly online through websites like Amazon and ebay, or on a dedicated shopping website. That usually involves pretty hefty shipping charges added on to the products sold, so many expat exporters partner up with someone in their home country to ship individual orders out to end users. Shipping a large amount via a container or even a partial container that will base cost on a square meter basis can be a lot more economical that sending out individual small shipments from Thailand. Finding unique Thai products that will have a steady market back home is the trick. Some products that seem to do extremely well are Thai Buddha statues, hand woven silk and finely carved wood wall art. There is so much available from Thai artisans that it is not difficult to find something that is truly different from other mass produced products that will always be appreciated in the West. I met an entrepreneur from Seattle that spent most of his time in Thailand raising orchids in his large greenhouse next to his home. The resources are plentiful in Thailand, and the climate is ideal for having product grow and developing unique colors and strains of the flowers. Then once a year he would head back to Seattle with a near full container load of the finest orchid plants one could find. Within a month back in his home country, he had it all sold with enough sales and profits to keep him going till the next trip. The limitations for an entrepreneur in Thailand, like a self-employed person anywhere, is to develop a business that you can do well and there will be a viable market, while working under the Thai legal regulations. The more creative, hard-working and skilled enterprises will always be the successful ones.

They dont call the Emporium Suites the ultimate serviced residence for nothing, Its arresting presence in the heart of Bangkok’s main Sukhumvit throughfare is the first sign of the plush grandeur that is accorded to all its residents. Step through is glass doors and a warm reception staff greets you, just like in a five-star hotel, except here, you can stay for a week, months or years – it is a place, after all, that many call home. Its decor is inviting and understated; hip yet elegant. Scarlet egg chairs dot the reception and lobby lounge against a backdrop of deep chocolate carpets and soft biscuit settees. In all its spacious suites, this warm decor carries through, with dark wood furnishings, rich olive carpets and cream accents that lift the ambience from modern contemporary to of-the-moment chic. There are a total of 378 suites, ranging in size from 65 sqm to a sprawling 515 sqm four bedroom penthouse. In one, two or three bedroom configurations, these luxurious suites command panoramic city views. They are equipped with all the modern conveniences that have come to be expected of any serviced residence worth its pricey designer chairs-high speed internet access, satellite TV, DVD player, stereo hi-fi and IDD telephone line. Even its kitchens are superbly furnished and equipped, built-in ovens and microwaves are elegantly streamlined with brushed metal finishes. Within the building is a range of facilities that would make any luxury hotel proud. A charming children’s playground could keep little tykes busy for hours, while a free-form swimming pool and jacuzzi allows adults to unwind in its liquid comforts, A state-of-the-art fitness centre lets residents do away with their external gym membership, while a sauna and steam room helps to work up a sweat without the treadmill. For exquisite pampering, the Clarins spa by Sense and Spirit is also on-site should residents feel like a much needed massage. Right downstairs sits the fashionable Emporium Shopping Complex, Bangkok’s exciting premier shopping, dining and entertainment venue. Schools, Embassies, Hospitals and Office Buildings are all within easy reach. Indeed the Emporium Suites are the ultimate home away from home experience for the discerning individual.

For expats, keeping fit in Thailand is about the same as in the country they came from. However, the distinct advantage is that most of the country enjoys warm weather year-round and the northern parts are relatively mild as far as cold weather is concerned. With all of the delicious food in this country, keeping fit is crucial to preventing weight gain and other negative effects from lack of exercise. Here are some fitness options for you as an expat living in Thailand. Fun Runs in Bangkok In cities such as Bangkok, there are organizations that sponsor marathon, walk-a-thon, and other “fun run” types of events. For example, a company known as Jog and Joy Thailand sponsors these types of events and they have a website where you can get all the latest information on those upcoming. General Running in Bangkok You will find that unless you go to a park with a running path, jogging in a city such as Bangkok will be quite difficult. The sidewalks are uneven and you are at great risk for twisting your ankle. Basically, you have to search a little harder for good places to run. Lumpini Park near Bangkok's Silom Financial District is one such park with an excellent running path and there are others. You should never attempt to run in the streets because of the many motorcycles that crowd them. Fitness Centers in Bangkok Fitness centers can either be expensive or bare-bones yet effective for keeping fit in Thailand. For example, in Bangkok, there is the Racquet Club on Sukhumvit 49. This is one of the long-time popular gyms among both Thais and foreigners alike but it is quite pricey. Do some shopping around as you can find places with promotions or back-street gyms in some narrow Bangkok alley. Places like Pattaya and Phuket also have gyms that are affordable and sometimes run by retired foreigners. It just takes some shopping around. One service that you will find in many of these fitness centers is the trainer service. You can hire a personal trainer who will call you up on the phone and motivate you to show up for a session and then work you hard when you get there. Many of these trainers are fitness certified. Some can be rather pricey as well so, here again, it takes a little shopping around. Protecting against the Thai Heat Some like to go running in the tropical heat of Thailand. It depends on your condition but if you are a beginner at this then beware. It is best to go running early in the morning. When you run, you should take care to replenish your water supply frequently. Wear a cap while running to avoid the direct rays of the sun. Dehydration is your worst enemy here. Aerobics at the Corner Thai people like keeping fit in Thailand. One activity you will see in cities such as Bangkok is the aerobic session at the street corner of a busy shopping center and sometimes even in the shopping center itself. For example, in the car park at the Lotus Tesco Center at the corner of Sukhumvit 50 and Sukhumvit in Bangkok, a group of aerobic enthusiasts meets and an instructor leads them from a stage. They meet every weekday at 6:00 P.M. You won’t see many foreigners in these groups and the instructor leads in Thai but everyone will warmly welcome you. You will get quite a workout as well. Walking in Bangkok Many senior expats in Thailand are retirees and some should exercise caution when doing intense high-impact workouts for keeping fit in Thailand. This is mainly because of the knees. Keep in mind that once you get a knee injury, it can take what seems like forever to heal. This is why for seniors, walking is the best activity because it is easy on the knees yet keeps the blood flowing and promotes cardiovascular health. There are many interesting sights in Thailand which makes walking a lot of fun. Walking is great for keeping blood pressure in check as well. Cycling in Bangkok Unfortunately, the cities in Thailand have not put a lot of development effort into creating bicycle paths such as you have in the country where you came from. While you will see the occasional bicyclist on the busy streets, it is not recommended. There are too many cars and motorcycles and this activity is dangerous on city thoroughfares. Swimming in Bangkok Another way of keeping fit in Thailand that is easy on the knees is just walking up and down the length of a pool. The resistance of the water and your attempt to maintain balance provide a good workout. The nice thing about the southern parts of Thailand is that you can go into an outdoor pool year-round. Dieting in Bangkok Exercise without the proper diet is futile. One advantage that you have living in Thailand is that there are many Thai dishes that are filled with vegetables. Just take it easy on the rice. You can order vegetable dishes with or without rice in just about every eating venue. In fact, Thailand would rather that you not waste the rice if you are not going to eat it. Therefore, a food vendor will ask the question “laad keow?” which means do you want the dish on rice or not. All you have to say is “Mai ao keow, ka/khrup” which means no rice (ka is the polite ending for females and khrup is the polite ending for males). It is too easy to fall into the pub trap here in Thailand. The pub trap, that many a foreign expat has fallen victim to, is to spend numerous leisure hours sitting and drinking beer while eating fried foods. Don’t let this happen to you because there are so many opportunities for keeping fit in Thailand.

Wireless road is Bangkok’s most sought-after business address, and the All Season’s Place Complex is the most cutting-edge office, retail, residential and hotel development. It is only natural then, that the hotel name on everyone’s lips is right at the heart of it all. Conrad Bangkok, from the Conrad Hotels group, is already well known as the city’s funkiest business hotel. It’s an oxymoron of a description but Conrad Bangkok balances classic sophistication with cutting-edge concepts. So if you’re expecting a traditional approach to Thai style, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Conrad Bangkok complements the best of its host city’s ancient and elegant elements with contemporary yet thoughtful precision. Think of the hotel as an elegant office block skilfully blending corporate chic with luxurious suites. Rooms are large, open-concept spaces, tastefully yet fashionably furnished, and equipped with every modern convenience: high-speed broadband internet access, laptop/facsimile/printer set-ups and a universal pin plug socket. The Executive floor rooms have it all, too: from private check-in to a well-equipped business centre, meeting rooms, and a relaxing Executive Floor lounge. It comes as no surprise that Business Traveller magazine rated Conrad Bangkok the ‘Best Business Hotel in Asia-Pacific’ for two consecutive years. It also won ‘Thailand’s leading Business Hotel’ in the Annual World Travel Awards 2005, and deservedly so. Once your working day is done, take a break on the rooftop jogging track, a dip in ozone-treated swimming pool or a pampering session in the spa. Ask for the indulgent pillow menu upon check-in to ensure your blissful slumber. It has everything from grass to natural rubber to ensure you drift off to an energising sleep. While word spreads about Conrad Bangkok’s state-of-the-art rooms and facilities, it is the hotel’s ritzy dining and drinking scene that attracts the most fashionable circles. Liu, another visionary concept by Zhang Jin Jie of Beijing’s Green T House fame, brings a Chinese gourmet revolution to Bangkok in both culinary and decorative styles. The dark shutters and jazz of the Diplomat Bar host Bangkok’s chic pre- and post-dinner set, while the 87 plus club is graced by the creative, socialite and business crowd. Indeed, the working trip has never been this pleasurable.

The name Jim Thompson has been associated with the finest Thai silk products since 1947, when James H W Thompson began his mission to save the dying craft of silk hand-weaving. Captivated by the alluring beauty and listre of the fabrics, the American entrepreneur set off to New York from Thailand, hoping to market his handwoven silks to sophisticated buyers. His idea worked; people fell in love with the fabrics and thus, Jim Thompson’s famous Thai Silk Company was born. Since then, Jim Thompson’s name has evolved into a internationally acclaimed brand. Today, the Thai Silk Company has 18 retail outlets in Bangkok and 15 more around Thailand. Its global network includes shops in Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Melbourne, Tokyo and Dubai, plus representatives in 30 other countries. Renowned for its innovative design using only the best Thai silks, the Jim Thompson team keeps abreast of world design and fashion trends by introducing new colours every season. Working with Thai designer Ou Baholydhin, ‘Living with Jim Thompson’ offers a refreshing approach to interior design and strikes a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal. Fabric details are kept simple so the focus can remain on the fine craftsmanship. Washable cottons, durable linens, raw and unwoven silk made up a collection featuring contemporary interpretations of Jim Thompson’s original bestselling designs, Within this collection are elegant garments and understated fashion accessories. Visitors can also experience the legacy of Jim Thompson’s famous hospitality if they choose to dine at Thompson Bar & Restaurant located in the Thai building just next to the Jim Thompson House Museum. Cafe 9 in the Surawong Road retail outlet or at Saladaeng Cafe, a standalone restaurant on Saladaeng Road. Graced with a sumptuous array of Thai favourites inspired by his renowned dinner parties and served up with Thai-style hospitality, the restaurants keep the popular host’s memory alive, feasting on Thai delights in an elegant setting is surely the next best thing to travelling back in time and dining at Jim Thompson’s famous table in his house on the Klong. As in ancient times, modern-day travellers to the Thai kingdom often return home laden with fine silk pieces. Gifts of silk are a traditionally Thai way of honouring loved ones. So, after enjoying lunch or dinner, you can browse the collections further for a gorgeous gift for that special someone.

Holistic Health is a combination of Emotions, Body and Mind. Only if all parts are optimal working together you will achieve a strong immune system that is able to maintain your health and fight infections. The feeling of loneliness can strike at any time and at any age. Going through a divorce, moving to a new town, losing your job, having your kids leave for college or losing a loved one can all trigger the emotion. Or worse, it can be a chronic sensation for people who feel like they can’t connect with others. Over time, loneliness can take a toll on your emotional and physical health. It has been tied to an increased risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s and depression. If you’ve been feeling lonely, a meditation practice may help. A small new study in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity found that seniors who engaged in an eight-week meditation program felt less lonely and lowered levels of inflammation markers, which can be precursors to chronic disease. For the study, volunteers learned mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), which is based on Buddhist meditation techniques that teach you to live in the moment and acknowledge sensations and thoughts without judging them. By focusing on and accepting the here and now, you learn to avoid rumination and self-criticism — factors that can contribute to stress and loneliness.

G-clubs aka Gentleman's clubs are private establishments that provide a nightclub atmosphere in a more sophisticated environment. Sometimes known as Coyote Clubs, or in some cases disguised as Karaoke bars, G-clubs are targeted at strictly male clientele and home to many ladies who will happily spend their time with customers in exchange for a few drinks, usually one every 45 minutes. However, the distinction between G clubs and go-go bars is that there is no option to pay the club to take a girl home early. The staff is comprised of, attractive, intelligent, young and fun Thai girls who provide great company and perhaps a dance or two. The only cost of spending time with one of the girls is the price of a drink, usually between 250-400 baht depending on the venue and membership. Although most clubs will allow non-members to pay for one off entry, the majority will promote, offer or expect visitors to sign up for private membership. Different types of membership are available and range from 5000 - 60,000 baht a year. Included in the price are a set number of bottles of spirits, mixers, discounted drinks, some ‘free girl drinks' and of course free entry. For the girls, drinks and a good time, an average price for a full night out in a G-cub ranges from 5,000-10,000 baht. The majority of established G-clubs in Bangkok are located in and around Ratchada and Lad Phrao, with the target audience mostly being Thai businessmen. Indeed, for those who can't converse at all in Thai, the full potential of many clubs will not be accessible due to the lack of English spoken. However, there are a few newer clubs that are more accommodating to farangs. For those completely new to the scene, there are a couple of decent, established clubs that offer starter memberships for 5000 baht, including 3 bottles of whiskey and discounted drinks. The Big Apple, situated in the Thonburi Plaza on Ramintra Road, is open from 8pm-3am and offers lots of girls and good music. Secondly, the Kachood Beauty Club, found in Moo 9 on Kaset-Nawamin Rd, is well respected for the high ratio of women to men. For those starting out and happy to spend a bit more, The Pimp, on Ramkamhaeng Road, is considered on of the best Gentleman's clubs in Thailand. Renowned for its quality of female company, the club is quite exclusive, with a 20,000 baht membership, which includes 12 bottles. Another top-rated G-club is the Rao-Srinakarin, on Srinakharin Road, which is well known for the quality of its shows performed by scantily clad girls. Memberships are available for 10,000 including 5 bottles, or 20,000 to include 12 bottles. For a more central and farang friendly option, C-12 in Sukumvit Soi 12 is well appointed with memberships from 10,000 and although the girls' drinks run at 400 baht each, English is widely spoken. For those wishing to mix with the Thai elite, St. Moritz, in Sukumvit soi 11, is the perfect choice. With some of the best looking girls in Bangkok, the elite of Thai society, as well as regular performances by Thai superstars, the memberships are expensive and only available on request.