Don't overlook Central America. I take it from your posts that you are from either the US or Canada and Central America is an easy travel if it is necessary. Nicaragua and Panama are very attractive and still quite affordable. Their location close to North America will contiue to drive the real estate market and some decent deals are now available. I would also look at Mexico. I personally would avoid Belieze as it is ripe for explosion. I have not lived in Thailand but have many friends that do live there, all seem to like it. I am somewhat concerned about the slow but steady influence of the growing Muslim underclass in most of SE Asia and would not personally purchase property there myself. (Not that you can "own" real estate in most of the SE Asian countries)