Welcome to Thailand!

Come, wake up. It' s time to get up and go to work. Besides, you won't want to miss Bangkok's glorious summer sunrises. I took this from our apartment in July. I'll make the coffee.


Thailand is one of my favorite countries on the planet! I feel as at home in Bangkok as I do in my own home town these days. I have been coming to Thailand since January 2006. Medical tourism is sort of a national passion in Thailand.

The Thai government has decreed that it wishes to establish Thailand as a medical hub of Southeast Asia. To this end, it has committed resources including time, cash, and human capital in various departments of government. The university teaching hospitals are involved as are the private hospitals.

In Thailand, the first thing you will notice is the graciousness of the people. It truly is the land of smiles. What was and still is truly amazing to me is that the people are gracious despite financial adversity, crowding and in some cases, (not all) abject poverty. For the most part, the Thai people possess a quiet dignity that beckons to me and always makes me happy to return.
Thailand offers many excellent reasons to return - frequently. My favorite Tailor in Thailand is Lord's Tailor on Sukhumvit Road. Here, Danny, Happy, Anan and their capable assistants Rushan and Suresh will take their time to assist you in selecting wonderful fabrics and do whatever it takes to ensure the perfect fit. I now have 9 suits designed by them, and Jackie Hodges has 10!...and I was sworn to secrecy on what else! I can tell you that we each also now have custom tailored silk pajamas and several silk blouses. The suits that I wear for work and speaking engagements are either custom tailored here from Lord's Tailor or they are Christian Dior. If you visit them, tell them Jackie and Maria sent you, and have them identify for you our favorite little Thai restaurant behind their shop for Pad See Lew (with chicken or pork) for when you are done or if you have a fitting near lunch time. If I keep going back, I am going to need a bigger closet!


Another thing you must absolutely do in Thailand is to take time for a culture and history tour. to properly prepare for this, buy a guidebook, any one - and read it. Then remember to bring supportive footwear, a camera appropriate clothes. My suggestion for this is a wicking shirt like those made by Royal Robbin or Ex Officio, and hiking pants with zip off leggings. In Buddhist countries, it is inappropriate to visit their temples and sacred places in immodest clothing. While you can wear a tank top or short sleeve tee shirt, bare arms and legs are not appropriate. With the two above suggestions you can tie the shirt around your waist when not wearing it, and keep the leggings in the pocket of the pants until you need them. Also, bear in mind that you will be removing your shoes frequently, so take along some socks that you will wear and consider velcro sandals as you will leave them outside, unattended, as your tour the temples.