If you are thinking of living or retiring to Thailand the chances are that you are no stranger to Thailand. Thai people their customs and culture. There is still much to take in consideration.

The Main Advantages is the cost of living and tropical climate. Thailand's world  renowned hospitals provide excellent health care plans. Dental treatment is at a faction of the cost of the western world, and you don't have to wait weeks for an appointment. In most cases they attend to you the same day.

Thai laws and regulations are very different from western law; you need to have a basic understanding of them. The golden rule, don't rush into anything. Take time to evaluate situations before making a decision. Much can be learnt by reading the many expat forums on Thailand. The following points can be taken as a guide line.

1) Thai Lawyer is often over looked, living long term in Thailand. It's important that you have your own independent Thai lawyer. On no account should you use the vendor's lawyer when entering into a legal transaction.

2) Thai Visa Requirements if you are 50 or over you can apply for a Thai retirement visa, conditions apply, and it has to be renewed annually. Details can be attained from the Thai Immigration Bureaus website Bangkok, application forms can be downloaded.

3) Working in Thailand Non Thai Citizens are required by Thai law to have a Thai work permit to work in Thailand. Thai and International companies based in Thailand normally take care of it for you. Many Thai companies also provide health care insurance plans.

There are many western professionals working in cities, towns and islands in Thailand. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chonburi, Pattaya and Phuket are the main locations. Salaries are low compared to the western world. The cost of living combined with the tropical climate and quality of life are the main attractions.

4) Health Care It is recommended that you take out one of the various health care insurance plans that are available in Thailand. Choose a plan that suits your requirements and take your time to evaluate whats on offer. Health care should be your number one priority if you are thinking of living, working or retiring in Thailand.

5) Location making your home in Thailand is not a vacation. Sure you have got access to all the amenities the country has to offer, but you can't holiday 365 days of the year, every year.

Most cities and islands in Thailand have an expat community. Bangkok,  Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Samui all have a large communitly of expats. Futher information can be attained by reading the expats forums, on Thailand.

Depending on your individual requirements. Chiang Mai in the north, Thailand's second city, is a great retreat. Plenty to do, good accommodation and restaurants, also there are plenty of expats living there. Those of you that want sun, sea and surf, Phuket Koh Samui and Pattaya are idea retirement locations.

Pattaya is less expensive than Koh Samui and Phuket, and offers good value for money with all the amenities of modern day living. Its an idea location if you want to take the full advantage of living in Thailand. Close to Suvarnabhumi Airport, accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, good international restaurants, excellent seafood, plenty of sporting activities and entertainment.

6) Rent or Buy? Thinking of buying property or renting, if you have the funds available to purchase a Property in Thailand it reduces your monthly outgoings but there are some disadvantages. Its much easier to buy property in Thailand than to sell it. Should you decide to rent it, return is low, compared to the capital invested.

Condos or apartments are a better investment than houses. You also have the advantage that you can own them in your own name. Studio condos will cost between one and two million baht, price will depend on size and location and amenities on offer. The high end of the market you can pay over twenty million for a three bedroom luxury apartment in a top location.

There are plenty of one bedroom apartments on offer between four and five million baht, again price depends on standard and location. If you are serous about owning your own property in Thailand, buy new off plan, in your own name, invest no more than you can afford.

When you take into consideration the value and prices of property in locations like Phuket and Koh Samui. Similar properties can be purchased for lot less money in Pattaya or Chiang Mai. My advise rent first, understand the formalities enjoy Thailand, wait a year or two until the right property becomes available in a location of you choice.

For many renting is a better alternative. (Your not tied to any location) by paying six months or a years rent in advance its possible to rent a studio condo for six to eight thousand baht a month, an two bedroom town house or two bedroom bungalow from ten to fifteen thousand baht a month.

Details of the different types of visas available for Non Thai Citizens can be attained from the Thai Immigration Bureaus website application forms can be downloaded and posted or taken to your counties Thai Embassy or one of their Consulates.

Forums are a useful resource of information. Pattaya Expats Club has a lot of useful information from expats living in Thailand. Likewise Chiang Mai Expats Club provides much information on northern Thailand, they both are worth a visit if your thinking about living or retiring in Thailand.