{"id":37189,"date":"2014-07-15T01:49:14","date_gmt":"2014-07-15T05:49:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/?p=37189"},"modified":"2021-03-02T13:06:30","modified_gmt":"2021-03-02T18:06:30","slug":"thailand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/blog\/thailand\/","title":{"rendered":"Thailand"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thailand<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Kingdom of Thailand, otherwise known as the Land of 1000 Smiles, is the second largest economy in Southeast Asia<\/a>, after Indonesia. It also ranks second in Southeast Asia in external trade volume, after Singapore. In addition to a healthy economy, Thailand<\/a> offers a beautiful tropical climate, bustling, developed cities, warm hospitality, spirituality, and delicious food. It is steadily growing into an ideal location for expats moving abroad, looking for a change.<\/p>\n

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History<\/b><\/h2>\n

Unlike many of the countries around it, Thailand was never under European rule. It was an absolute monarchy until 1932, and then it became a constitutional monarchy, as it is today.<\/p>\n

Thailand has seen a lot of unrest in its years. Military dictators ruled from 1947 to the 2007, with brief moments of civilian government in between. Civil unrest has led to a couple of different coups over time, with the people resisting what they felt was a populist leader. In 2016, however, a new constitution was formed, and the country has only grown since. It now continues to thrive, especially in the tourism and export sectors. Bangkok is the most traveled to city in the world, which does wonders for Thailand\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n

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Culture<\/b><\/h2>\n

Most of the population (about 95 percent) of Thailand practices the Buddhist religion. They\u2019ve been practicing it since 100 AD, and it deeply impacts the Thai culture. This peaceful religion brings the people to project a peaceful, welcoming, and positive air. Politeness and respect for others is key among this population, and public displays of emotion are rarely seen. This could explain why expats moving abroad to Thailand always feel welcome. It can also explain the nickname, Land of 1000 Smiles.<\/p>\n

Thai cuisine is famous for its spices and for its incorporation of rice, seafood, and coconut milk in many of its dishes. The food is highly influenced by European and Chinese cuisines, but it is also influenced somewhat by the Buddhist religion. For example, large cuts of meat are avoided based on this influence. China\u2019s influence has brought Thailand the fast fry method used in dishes like phat thai.<\/p>\n

The Portuguese introduced the use of chilies in cooking, but Thai food is actually growing less spicy than it was once known to be. Indian curries are made with coconut milk rather than ghee, and turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass are used in many dishes.<\/p>\n

Another staple of Thailand is its silk. This is something travelers can find in Thailand in the form of pillows, scarves, ties, shoulder bags, and more. Wooden carvings are also very popular, and Chiang Mai (Thailand\u2019s second largest city) is the furniture capital of the country.<\/p>\n

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Residency<\/b><\/h2>\n

Thailand has a lot to offer expats and those looking for a tropical paradise to call home. While permanent\u00a0residency in Thailand<\/a>\u00a0is difficult to achieve, Thailand does offer a few visa options that can gain you quite a few perks.<\/p>\n