Thailand is well established as one of the world's leading tourism destinations. Its attractions - scenic, cultural, culinary and sporting, as well as world-class facilities for health and fitness - are renowned.

What is perhaps less appreciated is that the Kingdom is ideal for longstay visitors, people with leisure time after retirement who would like to spend six months or a year to pursue new interests or simply enjoy a healthy, restful lifestyle. With no desire to seek work and with their own funds from home, such visitors will now find every opportunity to follow their dreams.

Recognizing the potential of longstay guests, the Royal Thai Government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), along with other government agencies and the private sector, are currently developing procedures and amenities to facilitate stays of longer than three months.

With a longer stay, visitors may come to regard Thailand as home away from home, and have the time to enjoy a whole wealth of the Kingdom's myriad attractions. Sightseeing and lazing on a tropical beach are, of course, a part of the pleasures, but he longstayer also has the advantage of being able to take up pursuits that require time. Learning the Thai language , finding physical and mental well being at a tropical spa, indulging in sports, especially golf, discovering true tranquility in a meditation retreat and much more.

Most amazing of all is the comparative low cost of living in Thailand, and the longstay guest will find his or her pension going much further than back at home. When you add the high standard of services and quality of facilities to the financial equation, the value for money that Thailand affords is unbeatable.

At the same time, there is no sense of being cut off from one's home country. Air links, computer and telecommunications are easy and convenient, while shopping, banking facilities, medical services and other amenities are all of true international standard.

Indeed, with considerable backing by both the public and private sectors, longstay visitors will find complete services and full peace of mind.