Why Thailand?

We started our adoption research with an open-mind.  Domestic adoption of an infant? International adoption? Adoption from foster care? Embryo adoption?  The field of choices was WIDE open....though we were almost immediately led to international adoption.  I know there are plenty of children in the U.S. that need loving homes and a permanent family but we didn't need a baby (and there are plenty of prospective adoptive mommies and daddies out there that want a baby) and we didn't want have the uncertainty and potential heartbreak of trying to adopt from foster care.  Once we decided to go the international route, I did some agency research. Sidenote: Agency research is paramont.  We had to find an agency that was #1 ethical and had the best interests of the children they place at heart and #2 wasn't going to swindle us out of money.  We found these characteristics (and some very good client reviews) in the agency we chose.  We then could choose from their country programs.  Really all of their programs sounded terrific....China, Ethiopia, Taiwan, etc. Thailand stood out for us though for several reasons.  First, the agency functions as a child welfare organization in Thailand.  The foundation prioritizes keeping families together....if that is not possible, they try domestic adoption ...if an adoptive family in Thailand is not found, they look internationally.  Best interests of the child.  Secondly, while the children are waiting for their families, they are placed in foster homes.  Best interests of the child.  Third, we are just plain drawn to Thailand.  It's a beautiful country and from what we've read, the people of Thailand are characterized as relaxed, tolerant, unhurried, happy, willing to make compromise and conflict-avoiders.....totally our kind of people! We look forward to learning more about the country and culture during our (rather long) wait to child #3.