Thai cuisine has elements in common with both Indian and Chinese food, but offers advantages over both. The aromatic flavours are more prominent and varied than in Chinese food, and the majority of dishes are lighter and less fatty than Indian foods.

Rice, vegetables, fish and fresh herbs and spices are essential elements. Some common Thai ingredients, such as turmeric, which has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, are often included in lists of so-called “super foods”. When one also considers the relatively small amount of red meat used in Thai recipes, it is not surprising that it is regarded as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world.

But, health considerations aside, the best reason to try Thai food is its impressive range of flavours. To get the full benefit of the experience, it is a good idea to partake of a meal served in the traditional manner. The company of two or three people is so much nicer than dining alone, so a Thai meal should be a communal occasion. In general, the more people present, the more dishes will be ordered, and the more different things may be tried. As a rough guide, it might be expected that two people would order three dishes in addition to their rice. Three diners might order four, or maybe five, dishes.

When the food arrives, each dinner guest will receive an individual plate of rice, which forms the base upon which she may construct a meal according to taste from the dishes that have been ordered. Each will choose whatever she fancies from the shared dishes and add it to her plate of rice. While eating the meal, soup may be enjoyed as an accompaniment and does not have to be taken as a separate course. This sometimes surprises first-time diners.

Thai food is usually eaten with a fork and spoon; something which greatly reassures those who might have expected to have to master the unfamiliar technique of chopsticks. Chopsticks are actually used rarely, generally only for eating some noodle dishes. As all elements of a Thai meal are usually served in nice, bite-sized pieces, it is easy to eat one’s dinner with dignity.

In some part of Thailand, as in many parts of the world, it is common to eat food directly with the right hand instead of using cutlery. Practicality, and the sometimes rather rigid British sense of propriety make this an uncommon technique to use in restaurants, and it probably goes without saying that the spoon and fork option will be seen as preferable by all present!

Amongst the fare, one might find various snacks and side dishes such as rice cakes, satay (a kebab-like meat snack, skewered with bamboo and often served with a peanut sauce) and spring rolls. General dishes might include omelettes and stir fried or sweet and sour dishes. Soups, curries and various dips are all likely to make an appearance, as is a salad. The Thai salad is, however, often a little different from its conventional British counterpart in the use of sweet, sour and salty flavours along with the spiciness of chillies.

Like many Asian cuisines, Thai restaurant cookery has made the occasional adaptation to take advantage of ingredients local to the country in which it operates. Broccoli, for example, is used in many British Thai restaurants, but it is rarely used in Thailand itself.

It is beyond the scope of this article to describe in detail the flavours of individual Thai dishes. Suffice it to say that there is something to suit every palate. Thai cuisine specialises in balancing spicy, sweet, sour, salt and bitter flavours, and as fresh herbs generally take precedence over strong spices, those flavours are perhaps less daunting than those in some of the fierce curries to be found in Indian food. That is not to say that Thai curries lack fire, but the spice-heat is perhaps more fleeting than that from Indian foods, and thus the palate is more quickly free to enjoy the flavours of other dishes. The meal is usually rounded off with a welcome sweet or fruit desert to contrast with the spices and herbs of the main meal.

A Thai meal is a visual experience as well as an olfactory one. The presentation of many dishes is colourful and rich in varied textures. The attractiveness of the food, the richness of the flavours and the emphasis in communal enjoyment of the meal make Thai dining an experience that should not be missed.

Bangkok is the largest as well as the capital city in Thailand, strategically located in the heart of South-East Asia. Once a small trading center, Bangkok has now become one of the world’s most popular destinations, and is regarded as the gateway to the country.

Residential property in Bangkok includes everything from houses, townhouses, and housing estates to condominiums, flats, and serviced apartments. In fact, the city boasts of some of the most wonderful residential properties in the world. Perhaps most sought after among the residential property types in Bangkok are apartments. You can see high-rise apartment blocks dominating the city’s skyline. This option is highly popular among expatriates, since it is mostly attached with round the clock security services and repair services, apart from facilities such as state of the art fitness rooms, children’s play area, and garden.

Another popular category of residential property in Bangkok is condominiums, which is more or less like apartments, only with the exception that they are mostly individually owned. This in turn allows you to rent it directly from the owners. Both furnished and unfurnished condominiums units are available. One of the specialties of condominiums is that it is the only type of property that could be owned by foreigners.

Residential property market in Bangkok also consists of serviced apartments. This choice is a great alternative over expensive hotel rooms, and is regarded as an excellent accommodation option for frequent business travelers as well as tourists who are here for long stays. Further, a host of benefits could be derived via living in a serviced apartment, including, privacy, excellent living style, and competitive rates.

A serviced apartment is mostly complete with all facilities and amenities that an upscale hotel renders, such as, tastefully decorated rooms, most sophisticated entertainment facilities, restaurants, superb dining facilities, swimming pool, 24-hour service, and daily maid services. Apart from these, some of the most luxurious apartment blocks come with facilities such as laundry services, coffee shop, convenience store, and bakery. The cost of a serviced apartment usually depends on the nature, size, number of bedrooms, and facilities and amenities in it.

Residential properties in Bangkok is primarily concentrated around such areas as Chiang Mai, which in turn is a much favored spot among foreign nationals who are looking to settle down here permanently. Also, hot spots for residential units in Bangkok are Ram Intra, Rangsit, Nonthaburi, and Chang Wattana. Since it is within easy reach of almost all top attractions and superb facilities in the city, such areas as Central Business District are much sought after.

In addition, it can be provide you with a continuum of financial as well as personal benefits. However, a foreigner cannot easily own a residential property in Thailand, since laws in connection with Thai property acquisition is nationalistic. In fact, leasing is one of the most popular options for foreigners who cannot purchase a property in Bangkok.