Expats
Stay updated on the latest expat news and insights in Thailand with The Thaiger. Our all-inclusive coverage brings you vital information on residency, visas, work permits, property, healthcare, and other expat-related issues. Adapt to the Land of Smiles seamlessly with our advice, guiding you through various aspects of life as a foreign resident in this enthralling country.
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Why is Bangkok's air quality so bad?
Imagine waking up early in Bangkok and you see all the beautiful morning fog from your balcony, but as you sip your coffee you realise it's just Bangkok's air pollution that's making the sun rise aesthetic. Ranked as the 36th...
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Northern Irishman fights for life after Thailand holiday accident
Friends, family, and co-workers are rallying behind a Northern Irishman left fighting for his life following a shocking accident while on a dream holiday in Thailand. Ryan Daly, from Portadown, had set off on an ambitious round-the-world trip when tragedy struck, leaving him on life support and his loved ones in turmoil. The 27 year old care attendant, known for…
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Irish diver’s fate revealed on Thailand’s ‘Death Island’ (video)
In a heartbreaking twist that has sent shockwaves through a small Irish village, the tragic fate of a young Irish diver discovered lifeless on a Thai island has been made public. The body of Robert “Robby” Kinlan was found on January 9 in Koh Tao, ominously dubbed “Death Island” due to a chilling pattern of tourist fatalities. Initial post-mortem examinations…
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Everything you need to know about SMART Visa in Thailand
If you’re thinking about working, starting a business, or simply enjoying the perks of living in Thailand, the SMART Visa might be the golden ticket you’ve been searching for. Designed for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors, the SMART Visa makes it easier for foreigners to live and work in Thailand while contributing to the country’s growing economy. The SMART Visa…
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British swap gloom of Blighty for tropical Land of Smiles (video)
A recent survey has uncovered that thousands of British have swapped the cold, gloomy shores of Blighty in their thousands for the warm, welcoming, tropical beaches of Thailand. Financial technology company Wise reported that more than 40,000 British citizens have already set up camp and relocated to the exotic Land of Smiles. The Daily Mirror reported that British removal firm…
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Naked Russian man rescued by speedboat hero near Pattaya
A naked and exhausted Russian man was dramatically rescued by a heroic speedboat driver headed to Koh Lan off the coast of Pattaya. The incident, which unfolded about six kilometres from Pattaya, grabbed headlines due to the man’s dire predicament. Pracharat Satsuk, a 34 year old speedboat operator, revealed how he stumbled upon the struggling swimmer during his regular route,…
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Boy 7 killed by Thai mother rocks quiet Welsh town
Police in Wales reported that the death of a 7 year old boy at the hands of his Thai mother has rocked the quiet Welsh town of Haverfordwest. Seven year old Louis Linse was found dead in his bed, his life tragically cut short by his mother. Thai-born Papaipit Linse admitted to manslaughter by diminished responsibility, a truth that unravels…
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Khao San Road festive bookings hit a European slump (video)
The famed Khao San Road, once a bustling hub of backpacker activity in Bangkok, finds itself facing a slowdown in hotel bookings as the festive season approaches. According to Khaosan Business Association President Sanga Ruangwattanakul, reservations for the key dates of December 30 to December 31 have slumped to around 60%, down from 70% the previous year. This downturn is…
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Patong’s traffic issues persist due to private road ownership
Patong’s traffic woes continue to frustrate local government agencies as Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri highlights the challenges faced due to private ownership of Soi Saensabai. The notorious Phuket street is known for traffic congestion and safety hazards and has seen several pedestrian injuries, including those involving foreign tourists. The inability of Patong Municipality to impose any regulations or initiate improvements on…
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British expats uncovered in Thailand as UK probes pension fraud
In a fresh twist for British expats soaking up the sun abroad, the cloak of UK banking secrecy is about to be lifted if there’s a whiff of state pension fraud. The Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, currently being dissected in the House of Lords, is pegged to hit the legal books in early 2025. This new legislation will…
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Central Department Store Group and The 1 Launches The 1 EXPAT
Central Department Store Group, under Central Retail, has partnered with The 1—Thailand’s largest digital lifestyle and loyalty platform with over 21 million members—to launch The 1 EXPAT, a membership programme that redefines the shopping experience for expatriates in Thailand. Integrated within The 1 application, The 1 EXPAT is designed to provide expats with not only tailored shopping privileges but also…
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Premier League stars tee off in Hua Hin’s inaugural celebrity golf event
October 19 was a rainy day in Hua Hin, but it didn’t make the weekend any less memorable for golf and football fans alike. The inaugural Thailand Celebrity Masters, presented by Orchid Palm Homes, brought together football icons Gary Stevens, Emile Heskey, and Lee Sharpe for a friendly day of golf. Participants had the rare chance to see these English…
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Thai airports to launch biometric ID system this November
Six major Thai airports will introduce an automated biometric identification system using facial recognition technology later this year, allowing passengers to present their physical ID only once during their journey. This system, set to launch for domestic passengers on November 1 and for international passengers on December 1, will be operated by the Airport Authority of Thailand. Kirati Kitmanawat, the…
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Top Muay Thai gym shares 5 tips on how to apply for a DTV visa
Since the launch of the DTV visa, now the preferred option for digital nomads, remote workers, and frequent participants in Muay Thai courses, there has been significant interest from foreigners worldwide. However, many are confused about the application process. FITFAC Muay Thai Gym, a reputable gym with over 11 locations in Bangkok and one of the few gyms in Thailand…
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The fascinating history and facts of the Thai language
As Thailand becomes a hotspot for travel and a favourite destination for expats, more people are drawn to learn Thai to connect more deeply with the culture and people. With its melodic tones and distinct script, it may seem like one of the hardest languages to learn at first glance. However, it’s actually an incredibly captivating language. Together with ALA…
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Voted: Top 10 travel influencers in Thailand that you need to follow
For many, Thailand is the traveller’s ultimate dream. It is full of interesting and beautiful sights, delicious food, and some of the nicest people you will meet on Earth. However, there are probably too many things to see and there might be a lot more that you don’t know about Thailand and that’s where the top travel influencers come in.…
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Americans in Thailand to cast 2024 ballots outside US Embassy
Americans residing in Thailand are set to gather tomorrow, October 10, from 12 noon to 1pm to support US electoral democracy by casting their votes in front of the US Embassy in Bangkok. The event, known as the 2024 Election Ballot Walk, will see a large, non-partisan group of Americans walking down Witthayu (Wireless Road) from the Au Bon Pain…
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Thai visa shake-up: Southeast Asia consulates switch to e-visa only
Getting a Thai visa in Southeast Asia is about to become a high-tech affair. Starting next week, several Thai consulates across the region will be switching entirely to online e-visa applications, leaving traditional walk-ins a thing of the past. In a surprise move, consulates in Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kota Bharu), and Cambodia…
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Navigating visa & work permits for remote workers in Thailand
Imagine swapping your office view for Thailand’s breathtaking beaches. Gone are the days of hectic commutes and long lines, replaced with a hearty breakfast before you start your workday from your very own tropical home. After hours and on weekends, an entire country awaits exploration, all while maintaining your current job and salary. This lifestyle, once the domain of digital…
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How can foreigners become Thai citizens?
Some people might have thought that getting Thai citizenship is difficult. Just to be clear, it can be complicated, but there are pathways that you go through and become a Thai citizen. For many who have made Thailand their home, this step is a significant milestone. It signifies not just a legal status, but a deeper bond with the country,…
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Last chance for Thaiger readers: Get 10% off your health insurance—Offer ends in 5 days!
Did you know that treating a broken leg can cost around 200,000 THB for uninsured patients, and a three-day hospital stay for conditions like dengue fever averages 40,000 to 80,000 THB in Thailand? While healthcare in Thailand is more affordable than in many Western countries, serious medical treatments can still be quite expensive. Additionally, retirees need proof of health insurance…
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Pattaya Beach set to rock: Chon Buri music fest waves in the tunes
Pattaya Beach is about to be transformed into a musical paradise as the Chon Buri International Music Festival kicks off this weekend and continues the next. From 5pm to 11pm, Friday, September 20 through Sunday, September 22, music lovers can revel in a beachfront bonanza of sound and spectacle. And the best part? It’s absolutely free! Expect a star-studded lineup…
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The 10 (expat) influencers in Thailand you need to follow today
The online world is filled with unique influencers, each carving out their own space with distinctive content. In Thailand, the expat community is no exception, with many sharing stories, advice, and inspiration from their lives in the Land of Smiles. From travel bloggers and digital nomads to automotive enthusiasts and culinary explorers, these expat influencers have made Thailand their home…
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10 common mistakes to avoid while buying health insurance
Understanding health insurance can be tricky with all the options and terms. It’s essential to get it right to ensure both your health and financial security. With so many options and details, it’s easy to make mistakes that could affect you later. In this article, we’ll explore the ten common mistakes people make when buying health insurance. We’ll help you…
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Choosing the best health insurance for retirees in Thailand
Featuring sunfilled beaches, majestic palaces, and historical temples, Thailand is at the top of every retiree’s bucket list as the dream destination. Meanwhile, retirees should consider securing health insurance in Thailand to protect themselves wherever their journeys take them. Health insurance The obvious perk of having a comprehensive health insurance plan is that it can settle your medical bills through…
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Retiree’s paradise or visa maze? Thailand’s options but no land grabs
Thailand is a popular choice for foreign retirees, offering several visa types including annual extensions, a five to 20 year Elite visa, and a 10-year Long Term Residence (LTR) visa. However, none of these options allow direct land ownership, nor do they guarantee a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship. Foreigners can purchase condominiums but this typically doesn’t come with visa…
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Irishman’s fatal fall leaves Pattaya hotel guests stunned
Tragedy struck a swanky 5-star hotel in Pattaya in the early hours of this morning when an Irishman plunged to his death from the 31st floor. The Irishman, Michael Browne, shocked hotel staff and patrons as he fell to his death from the 31st floor today, August 19. The shocking incident, which has left the Pattaya police baffled, raises questions…
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British tourists breathe easy: Bangkok slips off the scam radar
Good news for British tourists heading to Bangkok for a holiday: the Big Mango has dropped five places from No.1 to No.6 as the globe’s most likely destinations to get scammed or robbed. Antivirus company McAfee compiled a new list highlighting cities where tourists are often robbed of their hard-earned cash, with a popular Spanish resort now claiming the top…
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Phuket motorists disrupted by Heroines Underpass pole relocation
Motorists in Phuket should prepare for further disruptions at the Heroines Monument as Thalang Traffic Police continue the relocation of power poles along Thepkrasattri Road. This work is part of the preparations for constructing the Heroines Underpass. The initial phase of this relocation project, which started last Wednesday, July 31, has been completed. Yesterday, August 4, Thalang Traffic Police announced…
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Top health and travel insurance companies in Thailand for travellers and expats
Do you plan on making Thailand your new home? Or are you planning on visiting Thailand on a short trip? While travelling and living in Thailand can be fun, you’ll also want to plan with your medical and travel insurance, providing you with comfort. When it comes to health and travel insurance for travellers and expats in Thailand, look no…
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SCB X delays end of Robinhood food delivery service
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) X PCL has made a significant decision to delay the termination of its Robinhood food delivery service, initially planned for the end of this month. The company yesterday, July 29, submitted a formal request to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) to extend the service’s operation. Manop Sangiambut, Chief Financial Officer of SCB X, revealed the…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.