Thailand’s Physical Landscape

GraySpirit | Jul 15, 2009 | Comments 0

If you choose Thailand as your retirement destination, you will discover that from an environmental perspective there are many Thailands to choose from. Thailand’s physical landscape offers someone who is planning to retire abroad with a range of climates and environments from which to choose a location for living abroad.

Thailand’s Physical Landscape and the Retiree

Location and Size: the Kingdom of Thailand is located in Southeast Asia. It is 198,115 square miles in size (513,115 square kilometers). The country is bordered to the west by Burma, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, and to the south by Malaysia. Historically, its location has served as a major route connecting south Asia to southeast Asia. This aspect of Thailand’s physical landscape has resulted in many influences that have shaped Thailand’s people and culture over its history.
Thailand has two major seacoasts. The Andaman Sea and Strait of Malacca lie to the west and the Gulf of Thailand to the east and south of the country and provides the country with a over 1,600 miles of coastline.

Thailand’s central location is ideal for retirees who plan to travel throughout Southeast Asia. It’s central location makes it one of the best places to retire if you wish to travel to Vietnam, Burma, Malaysia, Indonesia, and other Asian countries.

Mae Ya Falls in mountainous Chiang Mai region.

Topography: there are four major regions in Thailand’s physical landscape. A mountainous region runs from northern Thailand down to its southern peninsula. Mountains and valleys generally run north to south and have elevations that reach as high as 8,000 feet. The higher elevations result in a cooler climate that supports a more heavily forested landscape. Rivers that begin in this mountainous region flow southward and feed into the Chao Phraya River.

The northern mountain region has historically been a little isolated from mainstream Thailand and remains the home of many indigenous people. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have become popular tourist and retirement destinations to expatriates who prefer the less hectic lifestyle of a smaller city.

The second major region of Thailand is the Chao Phraya river valley. The valley area which has fertile alluvial soils and a regular supply of water has historically been the major agricultural region of the country. Rice is the major crop grown here and is the “rice” basket of Thailand. The convenience of low elevations combined with river transport has also made this the most populated part of the country. Bangkok, the capital of the country is located in this physical landscape region. If a large urban setting is your preference for living abroad, Bangkok may appeal to you.

To the northeast, Thailand’s physical landscape is dominated by the Khorat Plateau, a region of rolling hills and lakes that ultimately drain into the Mekong River. The tributary rivers that flow into the Mekong also makes this a key agricultural region.

To the south, Thailand’s last major physical landscape region is a peninsula that offers a coastline rich area with many beaches and scenic islands. Popular tourist resorts have emerged in this area, but much of the local economy in surrounding still depends on a more traditional fishing lifestyle. Phuket island is probably the most popular retirement destination or short term vacation and travel destination.
Thailand’s physical landscape offers the retiree a variety of environments in which to live. Choices are modern urban, resort or rural living. Retirees may also choose between mountain or beach environments.

Climate: Thailand physical landscape is dominated by a tropical climate with high temperatures that range from 77°F to 86°F. The region experiences a wet and dry season. The dry season runs from December to February, with May through September being the wet season characterized by heavy rainfall. Relative humidity is usually over 80% during the rainy season.

The seasonal wet and dry climate is the result of Asia’s monsoon. During winter months, cold and dry air flows from central Asia out to the ocean. The produces a distinct dry season. During summer this pattern reverses, and warm, moist air flows from the ocean onto the continent and brings heavy rains.

Retirees who desire a tropical climate will not be disappointed. However, a cooler climate can be found at higher elevations in the mountains of northern Thailand’s physical landscape.

Resources: in addition to the agricultural river valleys, Thailand’s physical landscape is the source of hardwood forests and minerals that have contributed to Thailand’s economy. Agriculture, forestry and mining have been traditional economic activities in recent history.

More recently, the country’s large coastline and scenic mountains are also valuable physical landscape resources upon which a thriving tourist industry is growingsteadily.

Retirees looking for a more economically stable country will find Thailand a good pick. Thailand’s physical landscape offers the country a solid resource base for tourism and a variety export oriented industries and more than likely contributes to the overall political stability of the country.

Beach on Phuket island in peninsular Malaysia.

Thailand’s Physical Landscape and the Retiree: Thailand offers the potential retiree a variety of different physical landscapes to choose from. Southern and peninsular Thailand offers much coastline and tropical beach living for ocean lovers. Living choices for the retiree include lively international tourist resorts or small fishing villages outside of the urban centers.

To the North, a cooler, more isolated, and less populated region is available for those wanting a getaway from the urban lifestyle found in Thailand’s coastal areas. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are popular retirement destinations for retirees. Combined with cool mountain landscapes, this region is becoming a popular tourist destination off the beaten path.

Thailand’s physical landscape is geologically stable and not as vulnerable to major volcanic and earthquake activity. However, it does lie near countries such as Indonesia which lies in geologically active areas. In 2004, major Indonesian earthquakes did trigger tsunamis that damaged many parts of Thailand’s coast. Retirees selecting a coastal area for living should keep in mind that tsunamis can be generated by seismic activity in surrounding countries. However, if you are to analyze Thailand historically, the region is relatively stable.

Thailand’s physical landscape receives high marks for offering the retiree a range of environments for living abroad. It’s rich agricultural, forest and mineral resource base has also contributed to the economic growth and stability of the country. Thailand’s physical landscape provides the retiree with choices of an active urban, rural village, vacation beach resort, or idyllic mountain getaway lifestyles for retirement living.

Retiree’s ranking of Thailand’s Physical Landscape: 5.0/5.0

(Photos by: Paul van Lint (cover), PR, Wasan Markjang, and Clix)
(Map: Yahoo Maps)

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