The historic town of Hua Hin is the capital of the Hua Hin District which overlooks the Gulf of Thailand on the north-east coast of the Malay Peninsula. The town first appeared on the tourist map in the 1920s when members of the Thai Royal Family arrived here by train from Bangkok to spend their summers at the Klai Kang Won and Maruekhathaiyawan Royal Palaces. The town soon become a popular resort for wealthy Europeans living in South-East Asia.

Thailand alone has a population of almost 70 million. It has a dynamic economy which is a member of the 650 million strong ASEAN trading block which offers many exciting business opportunities in the region. Whilst the country is known as the ‘land of smiles’ visiting executives shouldn’t be lulled into a false sense of security when hoping to close deals in this part of the world. Thai business people are experienced and astute operators who will take their time in building relationships with foreigners before deciding whether to sign on the dotted line. In order to maximise their chances of success, Western business people visiting Bangkok should do a little research into the city and how business is conducted in Thailand.

Deciding where to stay on a first time visit to Bangkok can be somewhat overwhelming. It’s a vast city of almost 10 million people occupying almost 1,600 square kilometers. Its neighbourhoods are spread far an wide although an excellent public transport network ensures that visitors can easily get around. Accommodation ranges from 5-star luxury hotels overlooking the Chao Phraya River to basic backpacker hostels along the Khao San Road. With so many places to choose from it’s fair to say that there is something to suit every pocket in Bangkok, it’s just a question of researching the city’s main neighbourhoods and deciding which is most appropriate for you.

Having only heard glowing references to Thai food I found myself underwhelmed after my first few days in Bangkok many years ago. What nobody had told me was that you aren’t supposed to eat the lemongrass! Once I’d corrected this ‘schoolboy error’ I came to love the food of Thailand which is often best enjoyed from street vendors who operate from food stalls on the pavement with a few tables alongside. Vegetarian. chicken, pork and shrimp dishes are the most commonly prepared with a combination of aromatic ingredients such as garlic, shallots, coriander, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce and palm sugar. Thai people enjoy spicy food so you’ll often find a small bowl of spicy fish sauce (Prik Nam Pla) on the table. Made from lime juice, fish sauce and fresh chillies this innocuous looking accompaniment should be treated with respect!