Thai Life
Thailand guides, travel tips, cultural insights, and essential local information—discover everything you need to know about living, visiting, and experiencing the Land of Smiles. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted source for Thailand guides.
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Sponsored Is private health insurance in Thailand worth it? Real costs vs risks explained
Thailand has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options. Public hospitals offer affordable care, but many people, including expats, choose private health insurance for faster service, modern facilities, and more treatment choices. To decide if private health...
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Why trucks and buses in Thailand are moving works of art
Light bouncing off six dozen chrome-coated side-view mirrors. Rows of Michelin Man figurines sit proudly on the cabin roof. Sprawling intricate murals depicting anime characters, cartoon superheroes, and fantastical dreamscapes. If any of these images are familiar to you, then you’ve likely seen the elaborately decorated and modified lorries and buses in Thailand. Perhaps you’ve also wondered why these Thai…
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Citi Foundation and Bangkok Community Help Foundation unveil the ‘Center of Dreams’
Citi Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting economic stability and social responsibility through a funding grant of 16.5 million Thai baht to the Bangkok Community Help Foundation for the establishment of the Center of Dreams, the first homeless shelter located in Bangkok’s inner city. The centre offers essential facilities as well as vocational skills training. By the end of…
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Branded residences gain ground in Asia’s Property Market with Thailand taking the lead
A quiet transformation has been shaping Asia’s residential landscape for over a decade: the rise of branded residences. Once a niche offering, this category has grown into a significant segment of the region’s property market. Blending high-end real estate with the services and credibility of globally recognised brands, branded residences are increasingly appealing to discerning buyers, and Thailand is at…
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How much does a two-bedroom condo cost in Bangkok?
How much would you guess a two-bedroom condo costs in Bangkok? Three million baht? Ten? Ask around and you’ll get wildly different answers. Some people imagine sky-high prices like in Singapore or Hong Kong. Others assume it’s cheap across the board. But the truth is that Bangkok’s property market is more varied than you might think. For those considering a…
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Cafe culture for people who refuse to make coffee at home
Many people, when they hear the word ‘cafe’ they think of Paris, New York, Vienna, maybe even Melbourne, but did you know that Thailand, especially Bangkok, is the cafe capital of Asia? No? Well, of course, you didn’t hear that, because I made it up. Shame on you for believing a random article on the internet. Jokes aside, Thailand does…
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Untranslatable Thai words that carry more meaning than you think
Ever stumbled across a Thai word that just doesn’t quite make sense in English? Thailand’s language is filled with beautiful, emotionally rich expressions that reflect the country’s culture, values, and daily life. These words are often untranslatable, not because English lacks vocabulary, but because the feeling behind the word is hard to pin down. Here are four Thai words you’ve…
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Thailand’s Red Train: What to know about the SRT Royal Blossom
If you’ve seen a sleek red train while gliding through TikTok or rolling past misty Thai hills, you’re not imagining it. That’s the SRT Royal Blossom, Thailand’s latest generation of long-distance trains, quickly becoming a travel favourite among explorers. With their deep red carriages that were refurbished from Japanese Hamanasu cars, reclining seats, air-conditioning, and luxurious interiors, these new trains…
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Dating in Thailand: Confused, colonised, and 46 years old
Before we start, let’s get this out of the way: Yes, there are plenty of happy, healthy couples who met in Thailand, built a life here, and aren’t walking red flags with passports. This column isn’t about you, so you can relax. Now buckle up. We’re talking about the other ones. The ones who think love is a tourist attraction…
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Meow Chicken Rice: Thai restaurant goes viral after Gundam anime shoutout
After the dish khao man gai (chicken rice) was name-dropped in episode 10 of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, curious fans in Japan began searching for it online. To their surprise, their search didn’t just lead to a recipe. And it led to a real Thai restaurant called Meow Chicken Rice in Saraburi. The restaurant’s name just so happens to match…
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Glam Estate Group unveils 8 Atelier Residence, redefining approachable luxury living in Phuket
Glam Estate Group has officially launched its newest residential project, 8 Atelier Residence, a 48-unit luxury condominium in the sought-after Pasak neighbourhood of Choeng Thale, Phuket. This refined low-density development promises to offer a fresh take on boutique condo living by combining timeless Indo-Chinese aesthetics with modern-day functionality. Thus, positioning itself as a standout in a market dominated by high-end…
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Hot Phuket property deal: Arise Vibe launches limited offer on only four units, now from 2.5m baht
Phuket’s property market is full of big names and high prices, but some of the most exciting opportunities are happening just outside the spotlight. That’s where you’ll find Arise Vibe. Set in Si Sunthon, one of Phuket’s fastest-growing areas, this new residential project is turning heads for all the right reasons. It’s close to international schools, minutes from the airport,…
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Helmet Heroes Thailand transforms from one helmet to global impact, securing major brand sponsorships in 17 Months
Helmet Heroes Thailand, the visionary non-profit dedicated to providing free (TIS Certified) motorcycle helmets to children, proudly announces its remarkable growth from a single helmet donation to significant brand sponsorships within just 17 months. Ducati Motors, Thailand, B Quik, and Triumph Motorcycles have all shown support, as has Bangkok Hospital. This rapid expansion underscores the urgent need for child road…
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Live smart in Phuket: Discover Arise Vibe’s stylish living in a growing neighbourhood
Si Suthon, part of Thalang district, was long overshadowed by its more famous coastal neighbours. Now, however, it has become one of Phuket’s most promising real estate zones. Located between the airport, Bang Tao Beach, and Phuket Town, Si Suthon offers a blend of convenience, accessibility, and quiet charm. It’s also where you’ll find Arise Vibe, a new residential project…
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8 Atelier Residence Phuket: Boutique condo living with timeless style and prime investment potential
If you’ve been exploring Phuket’s real estate landscape, chances are you’ve heard about Choeng Thale’s Pasak neighbourhood. A quiet, green enclave favored by those seeking refined living away from the noise of Bang Tao’s beachfront without compromising on convenience or quality of life. Now, in the heart of Pasak Soi 8, 8 Atelier Residence offers a bold new take on…
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7 Tips for choosing the best health insurance in Thailand for expats
Many expats in Thailand don’t give health insurance much thought because the country’s healthcare system is excellent (arguably the best in Southeast Asia) and, for the most part, affordable. But affordability doesn’t mean it’s cheap, and it certainly doesn’t mean medical bills can’t add up quickly. Expat health insurance is still one of the most essential things to have. It…
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Thailand’s emotional pull that keeps travellers coming back
In his memoir A Moveable Feast, the American author Ernest Hemingway wrote about his struggles and journeys in Paris. “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you… For Paris is a moveable feast.” His description of enjoying oysters by the…
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Confessions of a soi dog
You’ve seen us. We’re on every soi, under every noodle cart. At every 7-Eleven door, like we’re bouncers. And no, we’re not lost, we live here. You’re the one who wandered in with your Google Translate with zero street sense. We soi dogs are the last free beings in this country. No leash, no rent, no vet bills, no Instagram.…
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Alarming financial inequality in Thailand
Recent data from the Bank of Thailand reveals a concerning financial disparity: approximately 89% of the nation’s bank deposit accounts contain less than 50,000 baht. This statistic underscores the fragile economic state of a significant portion of the Thai population, many of whom rely on daily wages and lack sufficient savings to withstand unforeseen financial challenges. The financial inequality in…
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Being Thailand 2025 highlights Thailand’s evolving role as a global wellness economy leader
As the global wellness landscape continues to shift alongside changing consumer demands and travel behaviour, Thailand is increasingly recognised as a model of adaptive leadership in the wellness economy. And it was at the new industry strategic touchpoint, Being Thailand 2025 in Phuket, where the country’s role in shaping wellness-oriented tourism, hospitality, healthcare, and consumer markets, was assessed. Over the…
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Bangkok’s 15-minute living: Why location still matters more than ever
Bangkok is a city that moves fast… well, except during rush hour where the traffic will have you questioning your life choices. When you’re stuck in a taxi for 40 minutes just to get to your nearest supermarket, you start to realise that where you live in Bangkok matters just as much as how you live. That’s why the concept…
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From coastal cool to quiet chic: Which Phuket lifestyle is right for you?
It’s not hard to understand why people lose entire afternoons scrolling through Phuket property for sale listings. The views are lush, the sunsets come with their own colour palette, and the price tags (if you know where to look) are still less terrifying than anything in London or Hong Kong. Living in Phuket is a dream for many. But as…
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Khao Lak and Phang Nga tourism sector gains momentum with infrastructure and hospitality investment
phuket touriTourism in Khao Lak and the wider Phang Nga province is demonstrating robust post-pandemic growth, underpinned by rising international arrivals, increasing hotel performance metrics, and new project developments across the hospitality and infrastructure sectors. According to C9 Hotelworks’ Khao Lak and Phang Nga Hotel & Tourism Market Review 2025, Phang Nga recorded over 4.1 million guest arrivals last year,…
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A pivot to lifestyle as Phuket’s property market continues to surge
Phuket’s property market is continuing to thrive despite global economic volatility as the sector moves increasingly towards condominiums as lifestyle becomes the new luxury on the island, as delegates heard at the Asia Connect: Phuket Property Pulse event. Held at Andara Resort & Villas, in conjunction with Property Guru Thailand and C9 Hotelworks, the top-level industry gathering further heard speakers…
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Dot Property launches ‘Dot Property Exclusive’ to connect developers, agents, and buyers in Thailand’s real estate market
The leading property portal Dot Property has just launched a new, streamlined service called Dot Property Exclusive in a mission to make buying and selling homes in Thailand more connected, transparent, and efficient. Part of the company’s New Homes department, this new service directly connects developers, agents, and buyers through exclusive listings, centralised tools, and AI-powered support. Dot Property Exclusive…
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Phuket property market in 2025: Evolving with demand and diversification
Phuket’s real estate market is undergoing a significant transformation in 2025, marked by growing inventory, shifting buyer preferences, and intensifying competition. The latest Phuket Property Market Update by C9 Hotelworks reveals a dynamic landscape shaped by lifestyle migration, maturing development ecosystems, and rising price premiums, particularly in branded and well-located properties. Performance in early 2024 and emerging trends The first…
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Where is Bangkok’s most expensive land? Here are the top 10 locations
You thought rent in Bangkok was high? Try buying land. Prime plots in the city centre are now going for millions of Baht per square wah (a Thai unit of land measurement). These prices officially place Bangkok among the most expensive places to buy property in Southeast Asia. But how expensive could it be? To give you a hint, even…
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Is Thailand suffering from overtourism?
As the years have passed, Thailand has grown into a bucket list essential for travellers all around the world. For those looking for stunning natural scenery or bumping nightlife, Thailand has proved to be the place to be. Though in more recent years, overtourism has become more and more of a topic within the media. At the same time, however,…
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5 Thai habits you didn’t know are secretly saving the planet (and what we can learn from them)
Thailand’s full of things that make you look twice, like the tuk-tuks, the tangled electric wires, and the fact that it can rain sideways and still feel like summer. But hidden in the chaos are everyday habits that are, without meaning to be, surprisingly eco-friendly. Spend a bit of time here and you’ll spot the small, brilliant habits everywhere, the…
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Why are boat noodles served in tiny bowls and why you’ll need at least five
If you’ve ever sat down at a boat noodle shop in Thailand and been surprised by the size of the bowl, you’re not alone. Boat noodles, or kuai tiao ruea (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ), are famously served in bowls so small you could almost finish one in three slurps. But behind these tiny servings lies a rich tradition that has helped turn the…
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Thailand’s thrift culture is reviving 2000s fashion
The return of butterfly hair clips, low-rise jeans, cargo pants, and baby tees might feel like just another passing trend on TikTok but there’s more to the Y2K revival than nostalgia and glittery accessories. Around the world, and especially here, Y2K fashion Bangkok is quietly or not so quietly making its way back into the mainstream. What used to sit…
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