Thailand is able offer a lot for much less. It is a newly industrialised country with an economy which has been consistently and steadily growing over the last two decades. Despite setbacks in the 1998 during the Asian Financial crisis and the 2001 general global slowdown, the Thai economy has continued to grow between 5-7% per year since 2001.

Thailand is rich in natural resources: around 27% of the land is farmed with rice plantations accounting for over half of the available land. Many fruits and vegetables are grown year round.

Food and drink costs are much cheaper in Thailand compared to Western Europe: it is estimated that the average person spends around $100 per month on grocery and fresh food items, though costs can be considerably cheaper if you shop at the local fresh food markets as opposed to delis and supermarkets.

Similarly, eating in restaurants is much cheaper in Thailand, though prices will vary depending on location and style of cuisine. Food markets and street vendors sell a variety of freshly prepared local food including curries, soups, noodles, rice and desserts which are very cheap and popular with Thais and foreigners alike.