Welcome to Thailand

Hospitality – The Thai version

Having grown to become one of the world’s leading tourist magnets, Thailand has been able to attract a significant number of people from all over the world, all year-long into its beautiful terrestrial by creating social policies which consolidates its economic development. Often called the land of smiles, Thai’s are known to be some of the most hospitable and welcoming people in the world.

Thailand certainly can’t be described as an underdeveloped country, in fact, it is said to be a newly developed country being the 8th largest economy in Asia and the 2nd largest in South Eastern Asia. Its economy is largely dependent on the export of agriculture industry. The industrial sector makes up 39.2% of the annual GDP while services account for 52.4%.

This shows why tourism has become a vital contributing factor to the country’s economic growth. The International Money Fund (IMF) published a 3.9% GDP growth rate in 2017 and 4.2% in 2018. The economy has been rapidly growing with its current GDP at $601.4.

Taking into consideration the rich cultural heritage, breath-taking temples, paradisiacal sandy beaches, street foods and an exquisite nightlife, Thailand has made improvements to the wellbeing of its people by making the country a hospitable paradise for visitors.

visit thailand

The Thai problems

Socio-economic crises

The question which follows is if the Thai authorities have been able to fully utilize this economic growth prospect by impacting in the lives of its citizens. Thailand faces serious social crises as a result of the failure of its economic posture.

    • Unemployment. Not creating enough opportunity in the service sector, the Thai government have tried giving room to engage in self-indulging exercises which will generally generate income to themselves.
    • Corruption. One of the biggest problems in Thailand. The authorities have over time successfully usurped government funds which are meant for grass root development and favouring friends, family or relatives as against merited individuals. This has affected the livelihood of the common Thai citizen who has to go the extra mile to fend for themselves.
    • Security. Though Thailand is relatively safe in the urban centre most especially in Bangkok, the same cannot be said for towns on the outskirts
    • Alarm rate of teenage pregnancy. This has become a serious problem in the country. The United Nations Populations Fund in 2013 described the phenomenon as an economically destabilizing factor. The increasing number of births rates from children between the ages of 15 and 19 will, in the long run, put a strain on the nation’s economy.
    • Prostitution. Young girls over time resort to prostitution as a means of livelihood. This is as a result of the unavailability of money to the general populace.

Did you know?

The average Thai lives on a less than 7750 THB per month in Bangkok. This is equivalent to $233.30 USD and is even lesser in the countryside.

thai nightlife

Visiting Thailand?

As a tourist, the effect of the socio-economic crises may come off as good or bad news to you. Whichever it is, you need to know how to adapt to the situation and get the best out of your trip.

Your budget

Thailand is a travel hub; there are different people with diverse spending capacity. You must know which of the categories you fall under. Whatever it may be, Thailand can cater for all.

Street food VS Restaurant

Both street food vendors and restaurants offer sweet Thai delicacies, but of course, with different styles. It all depends on your preference.

The street food can cost between $1- $3 depending on how much food you order, while a restaurant will likely charge you $8 and above.

Places you might want to go

Since Thailand covers for both high end and low-end trips, here are some of the places you might want to visit, irrespective of your budget.

    • The city of Bangkok. Enjoy the Nightlife, the serene environment at day, the food, the temples and friendly faces.
    • The Thai New year. If you plan to visit the between 13th-15th April, make sure not to miss the Songkran water fight. It is an all-new experience: a three-day long water fight.
    • Hike at the Khao Yai National Park. Lush green environment, elephant gazing with a beautiful guest house. What’s not to love?
    • The temples. Chiang Mai is a place filled with a wonderful market and beautiful age long temples which are a great tourist site
    • Visit the Tropical Island.
    • Visit the Sok National Park.
    • Go to Ko Lanta
thailand white temple

Activities

Thailand is not a boring spot, during your trip, there are plenty of activities you can engage in;

    • Jungle trek. Explore Thailand and its beautiful terrestrial.
    • Learn to cook. Interesting right? But Thailand gives you that opportunity to learn its delicacy.
    • Take a night train
    • Scuba Dive
    • Visit the Grand Palace.

What next?

In all, the country is a backpack worthy experience. You can adapt to the socio-economic conditions and simply have a fun, exciting and thrilling trip. Remember, you can travel cheap or expensive. The choice is yours; Thailand still offers the best experience irrespective of its problems.