Marita Bester

Marita Bester is a freelance writer based in Bangkok. With a knack for uncovering the quirky, the cultural, and the profoundly human, she writes captivating stories about Thailand and Southeast Asia. From thought-provoking human-interest pieces to humorous and offbeat tales, her work brings the region’s rich history and culture to life. When she’s not at her keyboard, she pursues her other loves, like running, paddle boarding, travelling, reading and savouring a perfectly brewed cup of coffee.
  • Thailand TravelWhere are the tourists going to in Thailand?

    Where are the tourists going to in Thailand?

    Thailand has long been the go-to destination for those in need of—let’s say—a break from adult life. Over the years, I’ve heard countless stories from friends who jetted to Bangkok after a messy breakup or came to reset their lives in some way. It was low-cost, low-commitment, and full of soft landings. I knew people who camped on beaches, crashed…

  • Thailand TravelThe free spirited edge of Koh Phangan

    The free spirited edge of Koh Phangan

    Koh Phangan is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Known for its famous full moon parties, Koh Phangan also attracts digital nomads, spiritual seekers, and free spirit travellers looking for more than just a tan. In this YouTube video, in the section from timestamp 17:00 to 21:20, Flora and Note arrive at the entrance…

  • Travel GuidesBegpackers, buskers, and the ethics of modern travel

    Begpackers, buskers, and the ethics of modern travel

    In times past, the image of a wanderer abroad was synonymous with romantic adventure. From the 19th-century Grand Tour to the beat poets hitchhiking across Europe and Asia, travel was seen as a rite of passage for the young and curious. Wilfred Thesiger, who travelled through the Arabian deserts in the 1940s, captured the classic Western fascination with distant and…

  • Koh Samui TravelHas The White Lotus changed Koh Samui forever?

    Has The White Lotus changed Koh Samui forever?

    As the final scene of The White Lotus Season 3 fades out and the Ratliff family sails away from Koh Samui, one question echoes louder than the last gunshot: Will Koh Samui ever be the same? Over eight episodes, Thailand’s third-largest island was transformed into a cinematic dreamscape, but behind the lush cinematography lies a real island with real people.…

  • Hua Hin TravelWhat makes Hua Hin special?

    What makes Hua Hin special?

    Hua Hin quietly charms just about everyone who visits. It’s not just the soft beaches, the seafood, or the slower pace of life. There’s something else, something harder to define but easy to feel. This coastal town was once the chosen getaway of Thai royalty. Today, it’s become a favourite for families, retirees, digital nomads, and weekenders from Bangkok. The…

  • Koh Samui TravelHow Southeast Asia can capitalise on The White Lotus Effect

    How Southeast Asia can capitalise on The White Lotus Effect

    Since The White Lotus checked into Thailand, so has the rest of the world, or at least, they’re trying to. With sweeping drone shots of Koh Samui’s turquoise waters, and a cast of rich, unhappy people sweating their way through wellness retreats, infinity pools and luxury suites, Thailand has never looked more glamorous. To understand the real impact behind the…

  • Things To DoSongkran essentials: What you need for an awesome water festival

    Songkran essentials: What you need for an awesome water festival

    Every April, Thailand erupts into the world’s biggest, wildest and wettest water fight. But Songkran, the Thai New Year, is more than just a massive street splash fest; it’s a celebration of renewal, tradition and togetherness. Recently recognized as a Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage, Songkran has deep roots in Thai culture. Traditionally, it was about honouring elders, visiting temples, and…

  • Bangkok TravelJim Thompson: The man, the house and the mystery that won’t die

    Jim Thompson: The man, the house and the mystery that won’t die

    Tucked away in the heart of Bangkok is a place of intrigue, art and one of Thailand’s greatest mysteries. If you love art, design, or a good mystery, then the iconic Jim Thompson house should be on your must-visit list. A house designed for beauty and secrets This isn’t just any old house. Completed in 1958, Jim Thompson’s home is…

  • LifestyleHave you eaten rice today? A love language shrouded in simplicity

    Have you eaten rice today? A love language shrouded in simplicity

    In many parts of Asia, especially Thailand, rice is life. It’s the steaming bowl that soothes after a long day, the humble plate shared among friends and family. It’s the ever-present comfort food that feels like a warm hug. As one of the world’s largest rice exporters, Thailand’s relationship with rice goes far beyond economics. Here, rice doesn’t just fill…

  • EntertainmentThe White Lotus Season 3 is deliciously unhinged

    The White Lotus Season 3 is deliciously unhinged

    Finally, The White Lotus Season 3 has graced our screens, and let me tell you, it’s wild, mysterious, and darkly hilarious as I hoped it would be. Suppose the first two showed us the cracks in the glossy facade of the ultra-wealthy. In that case, this season is about smashing that facade entirely, wrapping it in layers of Thai spirituality,…

  • Thailand TravelPlaces around Hua Hin that you should visit [2025] | Thaiger

    Places around Hua Hin that you should visit [2025]

    Hua Hin, with its powdery beaches and breezy, laid-back vibe, has always been a beloved escape from Bangkok’s frenetic pace. But venture just a little further south and you’ll discover a trio of enchanting beach communities that seem to have been plucked straight from the pages of Country Life magazine. Life slows down on this quieter, more untouched stretch of…

  • EntertainmentWhat happens in Thailand stays: Unpacking the themes of The White Lotus

    What happens in Thailand stays: Unpacking the themes of The White Lotus

    The White Lotus returns on February 16 for its much-anticipated third season, this time in idyllic Kho Samui. The trailer teases us with glimpses of candlelit shrines, full-moon parties, luxury spas, and, of course, monkeys which is a motif that seems to hint at some deeper themes. While I can’t claim to know exactly what will happen, I have some…

  • Environment NewsIs it too late for Thailand’s dugongs?

    Is it too late for Thailand’s dugongs?

    Long ago, dugongs were hunted across Southeast Asia for their meat, tusks, and bones. In some regions, their body parts were thought to hold magical powers. Dugong tears, in particular, were said to bring good fortune or even love. But in Thailand, these gentle sea cows often inspired more reverence than harm. Along the Andaman coast, dugongs became symbols of love,…

  • EntertainmentGetting the best out of Koh Samui’s White Lotus frenzy

    Getting the best out of Koh Samui’s White Lotus frenzy

    The island of Koh Samui shimmers like a jewel in the Gulf of Thailand. Its powdery white sand beaches, fringed with swaying coconut palms, have long been a cherished secret for those seeking laid-back luxury. But, as with all secrets, this one couldn’t stay hidden forever. Recently, the island’s gentle ocean breeze has carried more than just the scent of…

  • LifestyleFlying too high – The risk and responsibility of modern influencers

    Flying too high – The risk and responsibility of modern influencers

    Long ago, on the Greek island of Crete, a brilliant inventor named Daedalus crafted wings of feathers and wax to escape captivity alongside his son, Icarus. The wings were a marvel of human ingenuity, a gift of freedom. Before they took flight, Daedalus gave Icarus a warning. “Fly too low, and the sea will drag you down. Fly too high,…

  • Environment NewsMoo Deng: Thailand’s personality of the year

    Moo Deng: Thailand’s personality of the year

    Time magazine’s annual selection for Person of the Year often reflects on the individuals who have captured global attention. While it is usually presidents and influential figures, it is clear here in Thailand who truly deserves the title. Forget the political icons—our beloved Moo Deng, the pint-sized pygmy hippo, has captured hearts, taken over social media, and established herself as…