A growing number of British 'flashpackers' are flocking to Thailand to take advantage of its boutique hotel market, it has been claimed this week.
The country is renowned for being a popular destination for backpackers and gap year travellers, with its beautiful beaches and relatively inexpensive lifestyle.
But now more and more honeymooners and baby boomers are said to be heading to its shores in order to take luxury holidays.
Alyson Cook, editor of Luxury Travel Magazine, explained: "The younger generation like the combination of a wonderful beach holiday in places like Ko Samui [and] the opportunity to travel up into places like Chiang Mai.
"But Thailand now appeals to the baby boomers looking for more privacy and looking for more understated luxury.
"They have also perfected the spa side of the market and that, increasingly, is very high on the luxury travellers' list; a decent spa is almost a pre-requisite."
Thailand was voted the second most popular travel destination for British tourists by the Kuoni Long Haul Report of 2008.