Ryan Turner

Ryan is a journalist graduate from Mahidol University with a passion for writing all kinds of content from news to lifestyle articles. Outside of work, Ryan loves everything to do with history, reading, and sports.
  • GuidesWhy you still can’t get a direct flight from the US to Thailand | Thaiger

    Why you still can’t get a direct flight from the US to Thailand

    Thailand welcomed more than 35 million international visitors in 2024, and interest from US travellers continues to grow. Undoubtedly, Thailand has become a bucket-list destination for many Americans. Yet a question remains: Why are there still no direct flights between the United States and Thailand? In reality, the answer is quite complex. A mix of aviation regulation, airline economics, aircraft…

  • Thailand NewsKrabi monkey attack sends German influencer to hospital | Thaiger

    Krabi monkey attack sends German influencer to hospital

    A German influencer has described a monkey attack in Krabi that left her needing medical treatment after she was bitten while walking alone on a monkey-popular beach trail in southern Thailand. The incident occurred during her recent trip to Krabi and was later discussed publicly on her podcast. Julia Willecke, known online as “juliabeautx,” has more than four million Instagram…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesFebruary 16 weather: Cool mornings up north, more rain in South Thailand | Thaiger

    February 16 weather: Cool mornings up north, more rain in South Thailand

    Thailand will see morning fog and changeable conditions today, February 16, as a weak high-pressure system continues to cover the north, the northeast and the South China Sea, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). Cool mornings are forecast in the North and Northeast, while isolated thundershowers are expected in the Central region, including Bangkok and surrounding areas, as well…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok offers free Valentine’s Day marriage services with prizes for couples | Thaiger

    Bangkok offers free Valentine’s Day marriage services with prizes for couples

    Bangkok is set to celebrate Valentine’s Day 2026 with a citywide initiative allowing couples to register their marriages at 10 specially themed venues, including romantic and unique locations across the capital. Narong Ruangsri, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) permanent secretary, announced that couples can register either at district offices or at designated off-site events on February 14. Each location will…

  • Thailand NewsThailand to revise visa policies in economy revamp efforts | Thaiger

    Thailand to revise visa policies in economy revamp efforts

    Thailand’s Cabinet has formally approved a new phase of visa policy changes aimed at attracting more tourists, digital nomads, students, and retirees as part of a broader economic stimulus strategy. Deputy government spokesperson Aiyarin Phanrit confirmed yesterday, February 10, that the Cabinet has endorsed a proposal by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs covering short-, medium-, and long-term visa measures. The…

  • Thailand NewsThailand launches taxi QR code system for tracking, safety and complaints | Thaiger

    Thailand launches taxi QR code system for tracking, safety and complaints

    Thailand’s Department of Land Transport (DLT) has introduced a three-colour QR code system in taxis nationwide, allowing passengers to verify drivers, track trips in real time, estimate fares and file urgent complaints. The initiative aims to improve passenger safety and service transparency across the industry. QR code stickers are now being installed on approximately 70,000 metered taxis currently in operation,…

  • Thailand NewsUdon Thani MP candidate questions missing vote after casting ballot for herself | Thaiger

    Udon Thani MP candidate questions missing vote after casting ballot for herself

    A Parliamentary candidate in Udon Thani has filed a formal complaint after discovering that her vote, which she personally cast for herself and her party, was missing from the official tally. Former teacher and candidate for the Thai People’s Party in Constituency 2 of Udon Thani, 68 year old Yaowalak Khamsri, visited the provincial Election Commission (EC) office yesterday, February…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s corruption score falls in 2025 index | Thaiger

    Thailand’s corruption score falls in 2025 index

    Thailand’s score in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) slid to 33 out of 100, down from 34 the year before, placing the country 116th out of 182 countries in the global rankings, according to Transparency International’s latest survey released yesterday, February 10. The CPI, published annually by the global anti‑corruption watchdog, ranks nations by perceived levels of public‑sector corruption…

  • Thailand NewsOil spill from sunken cargo ship off Phuket not expected to threaten islands | Thaiger

    Oil spill from sunken cargo ship off Phuket not expected to threaten islands

    Authorities say a refined oil spill from a cargo ship that sank near Phuket over the weekend is unlikely to threaten nearby islands or coral reefs, with the slick now drifting out to open waters. The Pollution Control Department (PCD) confirmed yesterday, February 10, that the latest oil spill modelling shows the refined petroleum is moving southwest, away from coastal…

  • Thailand NewsPeople’s Party calls for vote recounts, urges probe into alleged election irregularities | Thaiger

    People’s Party calls for vote recounts, urges probe into alleged election irregularities

    The People’s Party is calling for vote recounts in 18 constituencies across Thailand, raising concerns over alleged irregularities in ballot counting and unusually high numbers of invalid votes in the recent general election. Although party leader and prime ministerial candidate Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut acknowledged the overall election outcome, he urged the Election Commission (EC) to conduct a thorough investigation into reports…

  • Thailand NewsFebruary 11 weather: Foggy mornings, warmer days, Southern rain | Thaiger

    February 11 weather: Foggy mornings, warmer days, Southern rain

    Thailand is waking up to foggy mornings and a slight warm-up today, February 11, as the moderate high-pressure system covering upper Thailand and the South China Sea continues to weaken, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). While temperatures are on the rise, cool conditions persist in the upper regions. Authorities are urging people to stay healthy amid the fluctuating…

  • Thai LifeChinese New Year in Thailand: History, tradition, and celebrations | Thaiger

    Chinese New Year in Thailand: History, tradition, and celebrations

    For most Thai-Chinese families, the real Chinese New Year typically happens at home. Celebrations centre around the family table, at the home altar, and perhaps in kitchens, where generations gather to prepare dishes together. Wander to Yaowarat during Chinese New Year, and you’ll understand immediately why this tradition matters. It gets really busy during this time, but the public festivities…

  • Tourism NewsThailand reforms business, visa, and social laws to attract global expats | Thaiger

    Thailand reforms business, visa, and social laws to attract global expats

    Thailand is undertaking its most comprehensive expatriate policy overhaul in decades, introducing reforms across business law, visa regulations, property ownership, and civil rights that collectively aim to position the country as Southeast Asia’s premier destination for foreign residents and investors. Announced progressively throughout 2024 and early 2025, these reforms respond to regional competition for foreign talent and investment, particularly as…

  • Thailand NewsAirAsia leaves 23 passengers behind on bus, cites miscommunication | Thaiger

    AirAsia leaves 23 passengers behind on bus, cites miscommunication

    AirAsia issued an apology following a coordination issue that left 23 passengers on a shuttle bus during boarding for a domestic flight from Bangkok to Hat Yai. The incident occurred on January 17 on Flight FD3116, which was scheduled to depart Don Mueang International Airport at 7.10am. A passenger later described the situation in a Facebook post published on January…

  • Thailand NewsBoT flags suspicious cash withdrawals, tightens online gold trading rules | Thaiger

    BoT flags suspicious cash withdrawals, tightens online gold trading rules

    Thailand’s central bank, Bank of Thailand (BoT), is cracking down on suspicious financial activity after unusual cash withdrawals totalling 250 million baht were flagged across commercial banks. BoT Governor, Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, revealed on January 28 that commercial banks have been ordered to urgently investigate irregular cash withdrawal patterns. In one case, a customer withdrew 250 million baht in a single…

  • Thailand NewsContent creator criticised for staged phone theft video on BTS | Thaiger

    Content creator criticised for staged phone theft video on BTS

    A staged video showing a mock phone theft on a BTS Skytrain has drawn criticism online after a Thai content creator posted the clip to social media. Online response centred on how such content might affect public perception of safety in Thailand. The video, originally shared on TikTok, shows the creator pretending to be distracted on his phone before another…

  • Thailand NewsJanuary 26 weather: Cool mornings, patchy fog, high-pressure system weakens | Thaiger

    January 26 weather: Cool mornings, patchy fog, high-pressure system weakens

    Thailand is waking up to cooler mornings and patchy fog today, January 26, as a strong high-pressure system hovering over upper Thailand and the upper South begins to weaken, following a forecast from the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). Temperatures are expected to dip by 1 to 2 degrees Celcius (°C) in several regions, with chilly to cold conditions reported in…

  • Thailand News‘Naturist’ resort in Thailand bans outdoor sex and photos, says guest | Thaiger

    ‘Naturist’ resort in Thailand bans outdoor sex and photos, says guest

    A Facebook user has drawn attention to a naturist resort in Thailand after sharing a personal review that included photos and a short video. The resort follows naturist principles, requiring guests to remain unclothed at all times when participating in activities such as swimming, sunbathing, walking, or using shared spaces. Wearing clothes is not permitted within the premises. According to…

  • Thailand NewsRussian doctor found dead in Pattaya after suspected attack | Thaiger

    Russian doctor found dead in Pattaya after suspected attack

    A Russian doctor was found dead in his hotel room in Pattaya earlier this month, with authorities investigating a possible link to a street assault he may have witnessed. Boris Tyutyunikov, a 41 year old oncologist from Krasnoyarsk, arrived in Thailand in early January and checked into a hotel on Jomtien Beach. He reportedly went silent on the same day…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok air quality hits dangerous levels, but what’s causing the PM2.5 surge? | Thaiger

    Bangkok air quality hits dangerous levels, but what’s causing the PM2.5 surge?

    Air quality in Bangkok was once again hazardous this morning, January 16, with PM2.5 levels across the capital soaring above safe standards, prompting health warnings and calls to limit outdoor activities. At 7am, the Bangkok Air Quality Information Centre reported the average PM2.5 level in the city was 57.3 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³), well above the national safety threshold…

  • Thailand NewsAnutin rejects 40k payout for victims of crane collapse | Thaiger

    Anutin rejects 40k payout for victims of crane collapse

    Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed strong disapproval of the proposed 40,000 baht compensation for victims of a fatal crane collapse, urging the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to immediately revise its approach to victim support. Yesterday, January 14, Anutin visited the site where a crane collapsed during a railway construction project, killing over 30 people. He received a briefing from…

  • Thai LifeHow does Thailand celebrate Teacher’s Day? | Thaiger

    How does Thailand celebrate Teacher’s Day?

    In Thailand, few roles are held in higher regard than that of a teacher. Each year on January 16, the country pauses to observe Teacher’s Day, an annual national occasion dedicated to recognising the people who guide, educate, and inspire future generations. The Thai saying “Kru kue mae-pim kawng chad,” meaning “Teachers mould the nation,” captures the spirit of the occasion.…

  • Thailand NewsJanuary 13 weather: Cold, haze persists, light rain in South Thailand | Thaiger

    January 13 weather: Cold, haze persists, light rain in South Thailand

    Thailand continues to experience cool to cold weather in the North and Northeast, with morning fog and dry air conditions, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecast issued today, January 13. A weakening high-pressure system over upper Thailand and the upper South is causing temperatures to rise slightly by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius (°C) in most regions. However,…

  • Thailand NewsThai flag flies high in Antarctic skydiving record | Thaiger

    Thai flag flies high in Antarctic skydiving record

    Thai doctor and skydiver Dr Thanaborworn Sirikunakornkul, also known as “Super Tum,” has set a Guinness World Record after completing a high-altitude skydive over Antarctica while carrying a giant Thai flag. The jump was confirmed by Thailand’s Public Relations Department. It marks another milestone for Dr Thanaborworn, who is Thailand’s first HALO-certified skydiver. HALO, or high-altitude low-opening, is a specialised…

  • Thailand TravelPublic holidays and observances in Thailand (2026) | Thaiger

    Public holidays and observances in Thailand (2026)

    As we step into 2026, now’s the perfect time to plan your year in Thailand. From nationwide festivals to regional celebrations, these public holidays shape everything from travel schedules to business operations and social gatherings. Here are our key dates for Thailand’s holidays and observances for 2026. Thailand holidays for January 2026 January 1 (Thursday) – New Year’s Day: A…

  • AutomotiveTesla Model 3 Standard launches in Thailand with a price cut | Thaiger

    Tesla Model 3 Standard launches in Thailand with a price cut

    Tesla has officially launched the Model 3 Standard in Thailand, introducing a more budget-friendly entry point into the electric vehicle (EV) giant’s premium lineup, positioned alongside fierce competition. With a starting price of 1,149,000 baht, this model is now the most affordable Tesla available in the Thai market, opening the door for more EV enthusiasts to join the Tesla ecosystem.…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok pushes back pet microchipping law to 2027 | Thaiger

    Bangkok pushes back pet microchipping law to 2027

    Bangkok authorities have postponed enforcement of an ordinance requiring pet microchipping and household pet limits, following concern from residents and animal welfare groups. Originally set to take effect on January 10, 2026, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Ordinance on the Control of Keeping or Releasing Animals will now be enforced from January 10, 2027. The Bangkok Metropolitan Council approved the…

  • Thailand NewsBritish teen held in Qatar for alleged cannabis trafficking from Thailand | Thaiger

    British teen held in Qatar for alleged cannabis trafficking from Thailand

    A British teenager remains in custody in Qatar after being accused of trafficking cannabis while transiting through Doha on his return from Thailand. Lino Neil, 18, was detained at Hamad International Airport on November 21 during a layover on his way back to Scotland. Qatari authorities allege he attempted to bring cannabis into the country. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and…

  • Thailand NewsPassenger fee hike set for Thailand’s international flights from Feb 2026 | Thaiger

    Passenger fee hike set for Thailand’s international flights from Feb 2026

    Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) will raise the passenger service fee for all inbound and outbound flights to 25 baht per person, effective February 1, 2026. The increase from the current 15 baht is aimed at stabilising the agency’s finances, which have been running at a deficit for years. Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director-General of CAAT, said the fee…

  • Thailand NewsTourists filmed in public lewd act in Phuket renew visa-free concerns | Thaiger

    Tourists filmed in public lewd act in Phuket renew visa-free concerns

    Two foreign tourists were caught on camera engaging in a lewd act on a public street in Patong, Phuket, prompting online criticism and renewed debate over Thailand’s visa-free entry policy. The incident occurred in a nightlife area near Bangla Road. According to initial reports from the Phuket Times, the individuals, identified by the page and eyewitnesses as men of Middle…