Love is a many splendored thing. Or so many people think. But really, how many great loves does one person have in a lifetime? One - if you're lucky. In this fast paced world where the search for love has become ever more elusive, it is comforting to know that you can still find love beyond the distant shores. And Thailand may just be one of the promising places to find your one true love.

Fret not. You will see that in Thailand, people are more laid back or Thais say "sabai sabai". Anything goes in the endearing Land of Smiles. There are many opportunities to meet new friends and a potential "significant other" in this country. Thais are renowned for their warmth and hospitality and their easygoing nature makes it all the easier to relate even to new acquaintances.

Relationships between farangs (Thai slang for western foreigner) and Thais are common in Thailand. Most have met while the foreigner was on holiday here - perhaps, along the pristine shores of an island; in a raucous street party or a busy Bangkok night club; or have previously met in online dating websites and then decided to meet in person later on. Many of these relationships end up in a happy marriage, which has sparked more interest to search for real love in Thailand.

As for foreigner ladies on the lookout for love, many exciting things also await for those ready to meet other foreigners as well as Thai men. Thai men are gentle by nature and treat women with utmost care. Once again, tolerance remains the best approach, but at the same time a certain degree of self-control is expected. Losing your temper or making a scene in public is frowned upon. Despite a thriving sex and entertainment industry, most Thais are by nature conservative. Public display of affection is not common and some couples only go as far as holding hands.

Thailand is also well known for its vibrant gay dating scene, embracing age and nationalities of all forms. There are a lot places for gay entertainment in Thailand, be it in gay clubs, saunas, gay-friendly restaurants and more. Meeting Thai men for the pursuit of pleasure may also eventually end up in something serious. But just like in any relationship, don't just throw caution to the wind; use your best judgment.

Expats need not worry about being too busy to pursue an active dating life, as a lot of chances to meet new people are offered in Bangkok by reputable match making agencies. There is a burgeoning demand for life-and-work balance; hence these agencies are set up to cater to the needs of these busy professionals. For a fee, these agencies will get to match you with someone of the same interests, background and lifestyle while considering overall compatibility. The concept of lunch dates has also been elevated to a new level by the same dating agencies. For the more adventurous, mark your calendar and join some speed dating events where you can meet potential partners who share the same interests with you.

We all know that not all fairy tales end in happy-ever-afters. And nothing can be more real than love and life itself. The most important thing to remember when meeting a new acquaintance or dating in Thailand is to have patience and an open mind. Keep in mind that culture differences and language barrier is inevitable so don't write her or him off just yet.

Some may consider Bangkok as the entertainment capital of Asia and this reputation has also conjured up images of marred sexual health and social self-indulgence. You are advised to keep safe at all times when engaging in any sexual activity, as Thailand reportedly has one of the highest HIV-positive and AIDS cases compared to other Asian countries. Always keep in mind that anything we do is with consequence, so make a constant mental note to use protection at all times.

Finding your true love is never meant to be easy. And while the chances of meeting new people have increased over the years; the ugly side of dating continues to resurface every now and then. Online dating may seem to be the most convenient way to meet new people out of your comfort zone, but it can also turn into a stressful experience with the threat of scammers or con artists enticing you with the promise of real love. There have been numerous reports of foreigners having been tricked into sending money for their Thai lovers, only to find out that their Thai lover is married or dealing with several boyfriends at the same time!

While Thailand has the promise of a multitude of exciting adventures, much is left on you how to make the most of it. When it comes to romance and relationships, we all hope for the best. But also prepare for the worst. In the midst of all these, perhaps the best and most simple piece of advice can be summed up in two words - be yourself! Oh, and also tons of luck.