Start learning the language, if you can. This is a tonal language and requires extensive training, but try anyway. Native speakers always appreciate an attempt. The seminary students laughed at me, but were absolutely delighted I was trying.

Depending on when you go, you will need this. Even if it is not the rainy season, the humidity will require a waterproof map. When I told my Vietnam veteran friends I was going, they said be prepared to be hot. I said we live in Louisiana. How much hotter could it be? They laughed. Answer: Much much hotter and more humid by a long shot!!!

Since Bangkok has the population of a country, you need a guide to what is there to see. If you have time, this will provide the guide to other places, as well. I am told the beaches are incredible, but they are located in the southern Muslim area and a totally different people and culture.

If you go outside Bangkok, you will want to know about the exotic beauty of the birds.

Thai food is a journey. I have several Thai cookbooks. Love the food!

A big sport in Thailand. If you are sports-minded, try this, then go on to the experts.

I read this after returning home. I understood so much of cultural references and ambience because I had been there. It depicts the seamy side of Bangkok, infamous for seaminess. Wait, I did not visit seamy places, just heard about them...

This is another on my list of books to read. What would it be like to live in Thailand for a year? If you are willing to teach English to university students, your services for four month periods are desperately needed!

If you do live in Thailand for any period or retire there, Chiang Mai is a must-see place to visit. This is the land of the elephants, the national animal of Thailand.