From the golden beaches..to the fabulous food...and friendly people....it's easy to see why Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles. It's also the land of affordable living. The country has a lot of options. Some foreign retirees choose to live in the hubbub atmosphere of Bangkok. Some live in the north of Thailand where life is quiet, peaceful, and very inexpensive. Others choose the south for its beautiful beaches.
Read the articles below for more information on Thailand.
Fast Facts
Population: 65,068,149
Capital City: Bangkok
Climate: Tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot and humid
Thailand Articles
- Sahara Calling: Africa’s Desert Delivery Service
Posted on February 21, 2012 by anon
Sahara Calling: Africa’s Desert Delivery Service often referred to as the “Blue Men,” for their indigo-colored robes, the Tuareg tribesmen of the Southern Sahara have worked the trans-desert trade routes for thousands of years.
- Good Fortune in Japan, Fishing in Africa…
Posted on January 19, 2012 by anon
A round-up of the weird and wonderful events taking place around the world over the coming months.
- Northern Thailand’s Umbrella Village
Posted on January 19, 2012 by anon
A grandmother sits barefoot on a bamboo mat, one leg straight in front of her, a thread stretched from her big toe to her lap. She’s threading thin bamboo ribs to become the top support of an umbrella.
- Most Exciting Haven: Entertainment and Amenities
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Robert Carry
Brazil, Scored 99/100 It’s no surprise that Brazil secured first place in the Entertainment …
- Thailand: Teach English Overseas
Posted on December 6, 2011 by Chris Clancy
About nine years ago I traveled to Thailand for a vacation…and I immediately fell in love with the place. The food, the culture, the beaches, the friendliness of the people…but most of all, the weather. Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles.” I think the Thais are so happy because every morning when they wake up they see the sun shining in their windows.
- Thailand’s Last Secret Getaway
Posted on November 29, 2011 by Robert Carry
Popular as the Thai islands are, if you know where to look, you can still find the Thailand of old—warm, turquoise waters…banks of vibrant coral…chalk-white sand…friendly locals—only minus the masses. I came across one such place during a recent trip around Southeast Asia. I probably shouldn’t be telling you this, but it’s an island called Koh Lipe.
- Bangkok’s Best Bargain Market
Posted on November 24, 2011 by Robert Carry
Thailand’s markets—jam packed with everything from knock-off designer bags to mangoes—are legendary. But if it’s true bargains you’re looking for, some are better than others.
- Five Strangest Travel Superstitions
Posted on October 27, 2011 by International Living
You may do little more than double check that the oven is off before you go on a trip, but in other parts of the world, travelers can get mighty superstitious.
- News and Notes From Around the World
Posted on October 27, 2011 by International Living
Globetrotter: Bite-sized news and notes from around the world.
- Property Picks: Dive Destination Homes
Posted on October 27, 2011 by International Living
In this month’s Property Picks, we’re highlighting properties next to some of the world’s best dive destinations.
- Events: Ecuador…Costa Rica…Thailand
Posted on September 16, 2011 by International Living
Here’s a quick round-up of some of the events coming up over the coming weeks and months.
- Turn Your Hobby into a Money Spinner
Posted on August 31, 2011 by Maggie Martin
I was on a side trip to Bangkok after attending an AWAI photo expedition in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. The traffic of the Thai capital is fast and furious.
- IL’s Best: 10 Cities Where You Can Eat Well
Posted on August 22, 2011 by International Living
From steaks in Buenos Aires to tapas in Madrid, some cities are worth visiting for the food alone. Below, our writers give their tips and recommendations for eating well in 10 of the world’s culinary capitals. First up is Bangkok. Bangkok’s lower Sukhumvit Road area is an oft-missed foodie’s paradise.
- Go East For Property Deals
Posted on August 12, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
Glass-flat turquoise water winks and sparkles then washes powder-white sand. This might just be the nicest beach I have seen. Considering I spend up to half my time scouting real estate opportunities, most of them beach, that says a lot.
- Making Money on a Secret Beach in Thailand
Posted on July 28, 2011 by Jason Gaspero
Can you really make a living as a freelance copywriter from anywhere in the world? Well… consider this. I live on a small island in Thailand. It’s called Koh Phangan. And even on a tiny tropical island in Thailand like here, you can get solid, reliable, fast-enough Internet access.
- See Asia from a Train in Old-World Luxury
Posted on April 18, 2011 by Roger Norum
My butler, dressed in a gold-leafed, mandarin-collared waistcoat, hands me a Jim Beam and Coke on the rocks. A woman wearing an elaborate silk gown bows her head as I enter the restaurant. A crooning piano player launches into “As Time Goes By” in a dimly-lit lounge bar next door…
- Voyage into a South-Asian Paradise
Posted on September 29, 2010 by Jean Flitcroft
It’s the stuff of dreams and fantasy-adventure stories—a bold rescue by the crew of an elegant ship.
- Look Like a Czech model for $3,054
Posted on July 29, 2010 by Josef Woodman
A new nose in Prague…a facelift in Thailand…a curvier chest in Mexico…cosmetic surgery used to be for the rich-and-famous only. But these days, it’s so affordable overseas, the middle-class masses are picking up their passports to seek a better-looking physique oceans from home.
- Globetrotter
Posted on March 1, 2010 by International Living
From finding teaching jobs in Thailand to buying and selling your guidebooks online – there’s something for everyone in this month’s globetrotter.
- Globetrotter
Posted on February 2, 2010 by International Living
Discover the easiest way to get to Latin America and learn about Thai Airways unique program that focuses on Asia’s world famous pilgrimage sites
- Globetrotter: October Issue 2009
Posted on September 29, 2009 by International Living
Become an experienced sailor in Thailand and break the Maya code in Mexico and beyond
- “I Saved $42,000 by Getting My Teeth Fixed in Thailand”
Posted on June 25, 2009 by Cheryl Newman
I didn’t go to Bangkok for the bars, the massages, or the temples—I went to get my teeth fixed.
- “We’ve explored dozens of countries in our 18 years of retirement”
Posted on August 27, 2008 by International Living
Since my husband Billy and I left the working world behind at the age …
- World news
Posted on August 27, 2008 by International Living
International Living’s monthly world news…
- “Billy and I are 55, and into our 18th year of retirement”
Posted on August 20, 2008 by International Living
Since my husband Billy and I left the working world behind at the age of 38 in 1991, we’ve been traveling the globe and have lived in dozens of countries.
- Sunshine, Snorkeling…and Hassle-free Health Care
Posted on July 28, 2008 by len
Monday, July 28, 2008 Read more about inexpensive health care overseas in International Living …
- Earn $4,000 for Writing a Simple Letter
Posted on July 24, 2008 by International Living
Friday, July 25, 2008 Find more ways to make money overseas in International Living …
- My million-dollar view from my condo in Thailand
Posted on April 28, 2008 by Stan Wulff
I am sitting in my 14th-floor condominium overlooking Jomtien Beach in Thailand and I still can’t believe my luck. I bought this place for $17,000 eight years ago and have been enjoying my million-dollar view every day since.
- My million-dollar view from my condo in Thailand
Posted on April 24, 2008 by International Living
I am sitting in my 14th-floor condominium overlooking Jomtien Beach in Thailand and I …
- The Best Place to Buy Plane Tickets (and Medicine…Wine…Cameras….)
Posted on January 25, 2008 by International Living
Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008 Read more about retiring overseas in International Living Postcards—Sunday Edition …
- Early Retirement Starts With Your Attitude
Posted on December 20, 2007 by International Living
Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007 Read more about retiring overseas in International Living Postcards–Sunday Edition …
- Thailand Country Report
Posted on December 3, 2007 by mlatini
Presenter: Thailand Country Report Back to The Ultimate Event II Download PDF
- Medical tourism—why more than 400,000 patients are flocking to Thai hospitals every year
Posted on October 30, 2007 by International Living
It’s the new buzz in travel—tourists not just visiting places to relax, unwind, play …
- Medical tourism—why more than 400,000 patients are flocking to Thai hospitals every year
Posted on October 27, 2007 by Joe Foley
It’s the new buzz in travel—tourists not just visiting places to relax, unwind, play golf, explore new cultures or cuisines, but to have medical check-ups, a new hip, or a simple bit of liposuction. It’s called medical tourism and is burgeoning throughout Eastern Europe and South Africa…but most of all in South East Asia. Time was, when the whole purpose of a vacation was to return feeling fitter and healthier and looking better—now that feeling is no longer left to chance or the right resort, the perfect beach and a classic course. It is to do with what procedures and operations and expert physicians can be experienced along the way. It also has to do with cost and comfort.
- No I "Do’s" at the Buddhist Wedding
Posted on October 9, 2007 by International Living
There is no "I do" part of the ceremony. To acknowledge their union, we …
- A rebellious Brit finds love in Thailand
Posted on October 3, 2007 by International Living
Neal Bambridge grew up in York in the north of England and attended University …
- Enjoy a luxurious lifestyle and an ocean view on a shoestring budget in Thailand
Posted on August 23, 2007 by Steenie Harvey
In Thailand you can live like a prince on very little. Just about everything is inexpensive. Four pineapples for $1…teeth-cleaning for $7…an hour’s foot massage for $6, getting a blouse washed after a mishap with a green chicken curry will set you back 25 cents. “Treats” can be afforded daily. At the markets, huge bunches of exotic blooms cost less than a couple of dollars. Even orchids are only 30 cents a stem.
- On the trail of the Khmer ruins in Thailand
Posted on August 22, 2007 by International Living
In the early morning calm, red sandstone walls loom above as dark clouds gather …
- Enjoy a luxurious lifestyle and an ocean view on a shoestring budget in Thailand
Posted on August 22, 2007 by International Living
By Steenie Harvey US$1 equals 32.87 Thai baht In Thailand you can live like …
- In Your IL Magazine This Month–On the Trail of the Khmer Ruins in Thailand
Posted on August 8, 2007 by International Living
In the early morning calm, red sandstone walls loom above as dark clouds gather …


























