The first thing you should know is that properties change hands fast in Bangkok. So, when you have finally found that one property you like, try to stop yourself from wanting to see more “just in case there is something else out there”. Those who are decisive move in weeks after, excited while those who hesitate too long end up settling for second best and sometimes, may even cost them more in rent.

Call your agent immediately and tell them about your decision. You then need to decide what extras you need in the property and the price you are happy to pay. Then the agent can go off and negotiate on your behalf. Once the rental price and extra items are settled, you need to arrange for an initial deposit, or what we call a “booking fee” to secure the property. Putting down a booking fee guarantees you the property, so you can go off and start organising the move. Without it, there is always that chance that someone else might come along and take it from you. Basically, whoever puts down the money first, gets the property! To prevent that from happening, the initial deposit required here is usually equivalent to one month’s rent with the remaining to be paid at the signing of the contract. This can be done once the contract is approved on both ends.

If you are renting an apartment, which is owned by a single entity or business, chances are the contracts are not going to vary very much since these are very standard, thus you can quite confidently put down the deposit and then have the contract sent to you later. Most apartments are flexible on simple clause changes (within reason) but if you require a diplomatic clause included, it’s best you settle that before you put down the booking fee.

The standard security deposit in Thailand is two months rent, plus a month’s rent in advance. Therefore, you pay three months upfront when you move into a new premise. You are entitled to have that security deposit returned to you at the end of your lease term, provided the property is handed back to the owner in good condition, taking into account normal wear and tear. Should you break lease before the end term of your contract, the landlord can rightfully forfeit your despoit unless a diplomatic clause is applicable. However, a diplomatic clause is only applicable in cases of overseas job transfer, termination of work or political crisis, and requires company supported documents as proof. It does not cover situations when you’ve suddenly decided you need a bigger place and wish to move.

Skim through any tourist guide when you arrive in Bangkok and you’ll see a host of ads for the Ananda Club, Devarana Spa, Samsara Spa, the Oriental Spa and so on. The list seems almost endless. And they all feature glossy pictures of ecstatic spa-seekers lounging in pools strewn with petals or being massaged by four hands, or lying in seeming bliss with hot stones perched on their backs.

It all seems too good to be true. Perhaps anywhere else it would be but here in Bangkok, spas and salons are waiting to offer you everything from one-hour facial treatments to three-day packages that treat and delight every part of your body. Other special treatments and packages range from a one hour jet-lag killer to anti-aging, stress-relief, re-energizing and life-passage-support packages. Many spas are set in beautiful tropical gardens with pools and waterfalls.

The list of treatments seems endless too – body treatments, massage treatments, facial treatments, pedicure and manicure. And some of the hippest, most upmarket spas feature everything from colonic irrigation to flotation cocoons. Many spas offer specialities, focussing on ayurvedic treatments or organic sesame body scrubs for example. Whatever option you choose, sessions can be as long and as elaborate as your time and wallet allow.

Other than the tradition of Thai medicine with its focus on herbs and massage being perfectly suited for a spa culture, there are other reasons why Bangkok is ‘spa heaven’. For one thing, Thailand is blessed with an abundance of medicinal herbs including fruits such as papaya which can be used for beauty and detox treatments. Add to this a long traditional of service and caring and you’ve got the recipe for a vacation of sublime relaxation and beautification.