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...

  • Game, set, match: International beach tennis served in Pattaya | Thaiger

    Game, set, match: International beach tennis served in Pattaya

    The sands of Jomtien Beach in Pattaya, right in front of the Dvaree Hotel near Soi 12, have been transformed into an international sports arena as the Pattaya International Beach Tennis IFBT World Cup Tour 2024 is underway. This global beach tennis tournament is a spectacle that sports enthusiasts should not miss. Last night, the beach courts were buzzing with…

  • Phuket’s Tourist Case court division resumes after four-year break | Thaiger

    Phuket’s Tourist Case court division resumes after four-year break

    After a four-year hiatus, the special Tourist Case division of the Phuket Provincial Court has resumed operations. The announcement was made by Kriangsak Rodphanchu, who currently holds the position of Chief Judge at the Wiang Sa Provincial Court in Surat Thani, in addition to serving as the Acting Chief Judge of the Phuket Provincial Court. Initially opened on September 24,…

  • Phuket court to revive tourist section amid rising crime against visitors | Thaiger

    Phuket court to revive tourist section amid rising crime against visitors

    The Phuket Provincial Court is set to revive its tourist section in response to an increasing number of court cases involving tourists. This initiative is led by the acting chief justice of the Phuket Provincial Court, Kriangsak Rodpunshoo. He disclosed that the influx of both local and international tourists in Phuket has led to a spike in both criminal and…

  • Disabled son of Premier League star in Muay Thai ring goal | Thaiger

    Disabled son of Premier League star in Muay Thai ring goal

    The disabled son of a former Premier League football star is poised to shake the ropes and rattle traditions while taking a bow at the home of Muay Thai in Thailand on Friday. Jake Peacock, son of former Newcastle United and Chelsea captain Gavin, gets into the ring on Friday, April 5, for ONE Friday Fights 58 in Thailand against…

  • Italian national arrested for drunk driving in Phuket, Thailand | Thaiger

    Italian national arrested for drunk driving in Phuket, Thailand

    A drink driving incident yesterday led to the arrest of an Italian national in Phuket, Thailand. The man’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was found to be 95mg/dL, which is significantly above the legal limit. This 50 year old Italian man was apprehended by Patong Police around 4am in the vicinity of Loma Circle at the northern end of Patong Beach.…

  • Taking off: Passenger charges soar at six major Thai airports | Thaiger

    Taking off: Passenger charges soar at six major Thai airports

    Passenger service charges (PSC) at six major Thai airports have seen an increase, as announced by the Airports of Thailand Plc. The charges, applicable on both domestic and international departing flights, have been raised at Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Don Mueang, Hat Yai, Phuket and Suvarnabhumi airports. For international flights, the fees have been increased from 700 to 730 baht,…

  • Chiang Mai ranked among top budget-friendly retirement locations | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai ranked among top budget-friendly retirement locations

    The lively and diverse city of Chiang Mai in Thailand has been listed among 13 budget-friendly global locations where couples can retire and live comfortably on a modest sum of US$1,500 per month, according to a new survey from International Living. The city, an eclectic mix of Thai, Chinese, Indian, and foreign residents, is celebrated for its rich history, culture,…

  • US ambassador Godec to address town hall meeting in Phuket | Thaiger

    US ambassador Godec to address town hall meeting in Phuket

    The US Ambassador to Thailand is set to visit Phuket next week for a town hall meeting. The event will address issues concerning consular services and other matters impacting US citizens residing on the island. The town hall with US Ambassador Robert F. Godec gathering is scheduled to take place at The Westin Siray Bay Resort and Spa on Thursday, April 4.…

  • Political unrest fuels growth in Thailand Privilege Card membership | Thaiger

    Political unrest fuels growth in Thailand Privilege Card membership

    Political unrest and geopolitical conflicts worldwide have propelled the Thailand Privilege Card’s membership count to a staggering 3,871, according to the card’s operator. The card’s operator, Thailand Privilege Card Co (TPC), noted that the long-stay visa, spanning from five to 20 years across four membership categories, has been a significant draw for individuals in countries facing severe political challenges. Russia,…

  • Thai cops uncover British man’s drug stash in Phuket | Thaiger

    Thai cops uncover British man’s drug stash in Phuket

    A British man is facing a lifetime behind bars after Thai cops swooped on his hotel room and reportedly found a significant stash of illegal drugs. The British man, Stephen Mullady, was arrested on the spot for suspected cocaine dealing. The father of one, who had been socialising with friends, was arrested by Thai police who allegedly uncovered various illegal…

  • Thai airlines gear up for Songkran splashdown with extra flights | Thaiger

    Thai airlines gear up for Songkran splashdown with extra flights

    Thai Airways International, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet are gearing up for the Songkran festival, a major annual event in Thailand. With an expectation of a surge in travel demand, these airlines have announced the addition of extra flights and ticket discounts to accommodate this rise. Thai Airways International yesterday announced that it would supplement…

  • British woman’s Thailand epiphany leads to £6K savings a year (video) | Thaiger

    British woman’s Thailand epiphany leads to £6K savings a year (video)

    A British woman revealed her ability to save 274,000 baht (£6,000) a year after having an epiphany during a trip to Thailand. Chrissie Milan embarked on a no-spend challenge and is on course to accumulate nearly £6,000 by eliminating extravagant clothes shopping and costly dining experiences. The 25 year old Londoner began reassessing what she considers essential expenditure after having…

  • Retired Thai police officer survives attack by American bully | Thaiger

    Retired Thai police officer survives attack by American bully

    A retired Thai police officer narrowly escaped death when an American man allegedly assaulted him by choking him at a local village grocery store yesterday. The incident was reported to the police, who are investigating the matter and ensuring justice for both parties involved. The peaceful routine of a village grocery store was shattered when a 59 year old retired…

  • Phuket governor calls for probe into Laem Nga beach blockade | Thaiger

    Phuket governor calls for probe into Laem Nga beach blockade

    Phuket Vice Governor Sattha Thongkham demanded a probe into the barricading of privately owned land at Lemg Nga, located at the northern edge of Koh Siray, which has obstructed public access to Laem Nga Beach. This directive came on the heels of a protest by local villagers on-site on March 7. The locals voiced their demand for the restoration of…

  • Over 400 Thai firms suspected of foreign nominee operations | Thaiger

    Over 400 Thai firms suspected of foreign nominee operations

    An inspection by the Business Development Department has revealed that over 400 firms across Thailand’s major tourist hotspots may be operating under foreign nominees. The firms under scrutiny are located in bustling provinces including Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, and Chon Buri. The businesses investigated span various sectors, such as tour guides, restaurants, car rentals, hotels, and real estate.…

  • British man quits England for Thailand’s tropical tranquility | Thaiger

    British man quits England for Thailand’s tropical tranquility

    A disgruntled British man declared he had quit England for Thailand pledging never to return to his homeland. Riyan Ruparelia left Blighty for the Land of Smiles in January vowing he’d had enough of truth-twisting ruling Conservative Party, Sir Keir Starmer’s Tory-lite opposition Labour Party, and the economic destruction of the United Kingdom, and not to mention its soaring crime…

  • Foreign mafia concerns raised in Phuket by UTN deputy | Thaiger

    Foreign mafia concerns raised in Phuket by UTN deputy

    In the stunning tourist hotspot of Phuket, a concerning situation has surfaced. Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, the Deputy leader of the United Thai Nation, has brought to light allegations of foreign mafia gangs operating within the area. This revelation comes after a recent visit to Phuket, during which Thanakorn conducted an inspection and collected information about the matter. Phuket, known for its…

  • American expat escapes Thai jail time for scathing hotel review | Thaiger

    American expat escapes Thai jail time for scathing hotel review

    An American expat living in Thailand faced a nightmare scenario when his negative TripAdvisor review landed him in hot water with the law. Wesley Barnes found himself in a legal tussle after leaving a less-than-flattering review of Sea View Resort on Koh Chang. Barnes’ brush with the law began after he described the hotel’s staff as unfriendly and likened their…

  • British tourist injured in money dispute with Thai ladyboys in Phuket (video) | Thaiger

    British tourist injured in money dispute with Thai ladyboys in Phuket (video)

    Early morning in Karon, Phuket, saw a British tourist sustain a knife injury following a dispute over money with three local ladyboys in his condominium, located near the base of Kata Hill. The incident was reported at 4am to Police Lieutenant Surasak Sudmuang of the Karon Police, who promptly arrived at the scene with his team to initiate an investigation.…

  • Phuket gears up for annual Makha Bucha national Buddhist holiday | Thaiger

    Phuket gears up for annual Makha Bucha national Buddhist holiday

    The bustling town of Phuket is set to observe a moment of stillness as the main Phuket Immigration Office, alongside other government establishments, prepares to halt operations for the upcoming Makha Bucha national Buddhist holiday on Monday, February 26. This sacred holiday not only brings about a day of rest for public offices but also a countrywide prohibition on alcohol…

  • Bangkok airport battles congestion with tech amid tourism recovery | Thaiger

    Bangkok airport battles congestion with tech amid tourism recovery

    Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand’s busiest, is facing daily traffic congestion as vehicles compete for parking spaces. The problem is compounded by long queues at immigration and baggage claim areas due to inoperative kiosks and staff shortages. Tourist complaints prompted an unannounced visit from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who has since ordered airport authorities to quicken procedures to under…

  • Muscle madness: Strongman showdown set for Pattaya, Thailand | Thaiger

    Muscle madness: Strongman showdown set for Pattaya, Thailand

    Prepare to witness the power and prowess of Thailand’s strongest individuals. An exciting strongman competition, hosted by Bench Fitness Equipment and Thai Strength Club, is set to take place tomorrow, February 17, by the picturesque Mapprachan Lake in Pattaya. This thrilling event will showcase the strength and endurance of 55 robust competitors hailing from 14 different countries, all vying for…

  • Licence to vanish: British fraudster swaps UK for Thailand, leaves cops scratching heads | Thaiger

    Licence to vanish: British fraudster swaps UK for Thailand, leaves cops scratching heads

    A British fraudster swapped one resort town in England for another in Thailand to escape being charged with issuing fake driving licences in the UK, leaving the authorities puzzled about his whereabouts for over three years. Leon Childs, from Southend, found himself embroiled in a web of deceit when Paul Ridden, a 70 year old, allegedly confessed to peddling counterfeit…

  • Sheffield Wednesday fans chirp for change: Dejphon Chansiri urged to get out of club (video) | Thaiger

    Sheffield Wednesday fans chirp for change: Dejphon Chansiri urged to get out of club (video)

    Sheffield Wednesday fans ramped up the pressure on Thai businessman Dejphon Chansiri and his family to get out of the club. Wednesday supporters made their feelings known prior to and during the club’s English Football League clash with Birmingham City on Friday night increasing pressure on the Chansiri family, who owns the Thai Union Group, the world’s largest canned tuna producer.…

  • Phuket lights up with lanterns for annual Chinese New Year festival | Thaiger

    Phuket lights up with lanterns for annual Chinese New Year festival

    The popular seaside resort of Phuket has been brightly lit up with lanterns, signalling the start of the Phuket Lantern Festival. This annual event is an integral part of the Chinese New Year celebrations, with this year marking the Year of the Dragon. Saroj Angkhanapilas, the Mayor of Phuket Town, inaugurated the festival on a Saturday night at the Chartered…

  • Swedish and British nationals die in separate falls in Pattaya City | Thaiger

    Swedish and British nationals die in separate falls in Pattaya City

    Pattaya City, located in Chon Buri, Thailand, was the unfortunate scene of a tragedy as two foreign men – a Swedish national and a British resident – plummeted to their deaths in seemingly unrelated incidents just 30 minutes apart early Sunday. An official statement from Pattaya City Police Station, delivered by Police Inspector Police Lieutenant Aniruj Jeroh, confirmed the incidents…

  • Phuket security meeting enhances tourist safety for Chinese New Year | Thaiger

    Phuket security meeting enhances tourist safety for Chinese New Year

    A high-level security meeting was convened in Phuket yesterday, guided by the region’s top police officials and led by the Phuket Provincial Police Commander, Sinlert Sukhum. As per the directive of the Phuket Governor, the meeting aimed to bolster safety measures for tourists in anticipation of the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, occurring from February 10-15. The agenda of the…

  • Police crackdown on kidnapping for crypto ransom in Phuket, Thailand | Thaiger

    Police crackdown on kidnapping for crypto ransom in Phuket, Thailand

    Authorities in Phuket detained four foreign suspects in a brazen kidnapping that targeted a Russian couple in the island’s bustling streets. The assailants forced their victims to transfer cryptocurrency worth an estimated 30 million baht but upon interrogation the suspects maintained their innocence, claiming no acquaintance with the victims and identifying themselves as tourists. The incident, which unfolded yesterday, January…

  • Spread the word! More Brits in Thailand can now vote in the UK | Thaiger

    Spread the word! More Brits in Thailand can now vote in the UK

    British citizens living abroad are now eligible to register to vote in UK general elections, regardless of how long they’ve been living outside the UK. A new law has removed the previous 15-year time limit. Supporting the awareness raising campaign of the UK’s Electoral Commission, the British Embassy in Bangkok is calling on British residents living in Thailand to check…

  • Patong’s wild night: Tipsy Ukrainian tourist tamed after rowdy escapades in Phuket | Thaiger

    Patong’s wild night: Tipsy Ukrainian tourist tamed after rowdy escapades in Phuket

    A drunken Ukrainian tourist was apprehended in the early hours of yesterday in Phuket following a succession of boisterous episodes at Patong Police Station. Displaying signs of intoxication, the Eastern European man made an appearance at Patong Police Station yesterday, January 14, instantly becoming a source of disturbance and public inconvenience, revealed the local police. According to the Patong Police,…