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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Phuket Environment: Summarizing sustainability for future
PHUKET: Recently, the Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus, held an “Open Week” conference with a wide range of activities and lectures. One of the highlights was a talk given by the eminent Korean environmentalist Professor Dai-Yeun Jeong, entitled “Beyond Sustainable Development: Towards Ecological Modernization”.Supported by many visual aids projected onto a large screen, Professor Jeong gave a detailed and…
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Tesco Extra officially open in Phuket
PHUKET: Tesco Lotus recently held the official grand opening for its first “Extra” format store in Phuket. The rebranding and re-opening of the shopping center, its main Phuket store located off the bypass road in Sam Kong, follows an extensive renovation project undertaken in the final quarter of 2013. The development also complements the grand opening of a new, full-sized…
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Phuket Property Watch: Walking in the shadows of dinosaurs
PHUKET: With New Year’s celebrations mostly behind us now, the question everyone has is what’s in store for fourteen? My biggest challenge each and every successive drum roll of another 365 (or 366 in the case of leap years) is to remember to change the date on whatever I’m writing at the time. Typically things settle down by February but…
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Phuket Explore: Escape to Koh Kho Khao
PHUKET: You know it’s going to be a good day’s cycling when you see more water buffalo than you do hurtling pick-up trucks, and when the smiling locals stop what they are doing and rush out to greet you with a hearty “Hello Farang!” Such pleasures are rarely found in Phuket these days, but just 80 kilometers north of the…
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Phuket Property Watch: A case of tech-induced nostalgia
PHUKET: It’s festive time in the US, which is where I am, hacking out this column caught in the joys of the holiday season. Or perhaps not. Having spent three days here since taking the great plane trip over the ocean, my mind calculates the time-line as some thirty-eight hours. But who’s counting? The short and sweet “me” springs to…
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Tech: Be forwarned about 4G in Phuket
PHUKET: Lest you think it’s 3G dejavu all over again, the current state of 4G in Phuket has a few interesting, new wrinkles. In many ways, the impending 4G roll out – which is already under way, at least in theory – isn’t nearly as confusing as the 3G rollout two years ago. Thank heavens! Let’s start with the basics.…
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Phuket Property: Centara anticipates tougher times ahead
PHUKET: The insight, influence and impact that the Bangkok-headquartered Central Group employs and exerts across nearly every sector in Phuket is undeniable. The group’s interests encompass retail, infrastructure, construction, real estate, and especially hospitality – through its flagship hotel chain Centara Hotels and Resorts (CHR). The Gazette recently caught up with CHR Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Chris…
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Boutique or bust – Phuket Prop Watch
PHUKET: Obsession is quite a long word – with its three little Ss that sort of roll off the keys with winding twists and turns. Nothing is as it appears, nor is there a straightaway to pull away from the pack. When it comes to design hotels, these enigmatic properties just love to live the “S” life, where the squares…
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Superyachts rock Kata
PHUKET: The Asia Superyacht Rendezvous kicks off today in the island’s south with a stunning array of sail and motor superyachts. S/Y Yanneke Too Sun, sailing and socializing will reign as sponsors Feadship and Boat International Media join the Rendezvous in welcoming owners, captains, crew and invited guests from around the globe to the host venue, Kata Rocks in Phuket’s…
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An invitation to Sleep With Me
PHUKET: A newcomer to the island’s hotel industry, “SLEEP WITH ME Design Hotel @ Patong” is comprised of 258 guest and suite rooms, overlooking the high-rises of Patong Bay. Located in the heart of Patong, close to Jungceylon Shopping Center, “Bangla Road” walking street and only a three minute walk to the beach, the hotel offers modern facilities, personal service…
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Phuket Events: 17th Andaman Motor Show underway at Central Festival
PHUKET: The 17th Andaman Motor Show was officially launched this afternoon on a jam-packed ground floor of Central Festival Phuket. The region’s most popular and anticipated automobile exhibition will last until Wednesday, December 18. Presiding over the opening ceremony was Phuket Vice Governor Phuket Vice Governor Somkiet Sangkaosuttirak, who was joined on stage in the official launch countdown by Phuket…
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To infinity and beyond – Phuket Diving
PHUKET: A tiny helmet diver stands at attention on the red rocks of a five-gallon freshwater aquarium. Having explored the treasure chest blowing bubbles through fake gold coins, as well as the single strand of Brazilian Pennywort – and even poked around the filter, he simply stands there watching sediment build on his feet, the occasional gold fish going belly…
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Phuket photographer revels in retro-pinup revival
PHUKET: “You don’t know what you want! Luigi know what you want!” The Italian photographer holding his camera out to the side, his other hand gesturing – thumb pressed against the tips of his fingers as if he’s plucking something out of the air and shaking it – is not Luigi. It’s Adriano Trapani of Phuket Paparazzi. Standing in front…
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Phuket Boat Show (PIMEX) looks set to break records
PHUKET: From small trailer-boats to luxury sailing and motor yachts, the on-water line-up for the upcoming Phuket International Marine Expo (PIMEX) is set to be the best yet. Virtually all of the major dealers and brokers in Thailand and the region are signed up and will represent all of the major global brands, including Ferretti, Pershing, Riviera, Jeanneau, Cantiere Della…
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Phuket Food: Think globally cook locally
PHUKET: First on a speedboat, through the deep blue waters, east from Phuket, then in a song taew, across the lush green jungle of Khao Yao Yai – and finally I’m there: a stone’s throw away from a fisherman’s village, surrounded by rubber trees, talking to a chef. Or should I say – a celebrity. With his recent appearance on…
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Phuket Diving: Plunging in before big splash in Bollywood
PHUKET: With her head down and pencil scribbling out numbers for a dive profile, it’s hard to believe that the woman on the far side of Scuba Cat’s Scuba Fun is about to make a big splash – not in the dive industry, but in Bollywood. Manasvi Mamgai, Miss India 2010 and Elite Model Management recruit, is about to debut…
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An incandescent talent – Phuket Books
PHUKET: Since the death of Walker Percy in 1990, Robert Stone has been the Big Kahuna of American literature. Here is what he has to say about Rachel Kushner: “The controlled intensity and perception in Rachel Kushner’s novels mark her as one of the most brilliant writers of the new century.” There is no denying the power of Kushner’s prose.…
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The ins and outs of usufruct – Phuket Property Legal
PHUKET: The right of usufruct is rarely used and often overlooked when it comes to securing one´s interest in immovable property. Usually, lease rights are registered against the property – providing use and possession rights for the benefit of the beneficiary until the lease is terminated or expired. The right of usufruct, which is a property right, the same as…
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Construction: Thai Watsadu Phuket now open for business
PHUKET: Numbered are the days of expensive and overpriced construction, home improvement, furnishing, landscaping and gardening materials in Phuket: The Central Retail Group have officially opened the doors of their Thai Watsadu store on Thepkrasattri Road in Thalang, just north of the Heroines Monument. Phuket Governor Maitree Inthusut presided over the ribbon cutting this morning, which was also attended by…
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Merry in the Maldives – Phuket Property Watch
PHUKET: I’ve spent more years than I can recall hovering around sea level. Visualize Robinson Crusoe walking around a desert island, umbrella in hand and deep in conversation with a coconut named Friday. A week ago I found myself on a small atoll about 45 minutes north of Malé, the capital city of the idyllic island nation, the Maldives. My…
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EKA – Putting her heart and soul into Phuket
PHUKET: Canadian born singer EKA recently arrived in Phuket and has begun performing with her newly formed band at venues around the island. More than a decade ago she was a member of the hit Canadian girl group “Jai” which topped the Canadian charts with their first single “Checking Me Out” for three weeks in 2000. After a long hiatus…
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Much ado about Ewan McGregor – Phuket Books
PHUKET: Movie star Ewan McGregor and his friend Charley Booring rode big BMW motorcycles from London to New York, chronicled in the book and TV documentary The Long Way Around. Nathan Braund has published a book called The Wrong Way Round to Ewan McGregor (FeedARead Publishing, funded by the British Arts Council, UK, 2013, 220pp). This slim volume is based…
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Phuket Gardening: A maze in a month?
PHUKET: Some weeks ago, I received a most unusual, perhaps I should say labyrinthine email – a request from Phuket resident Alex Riva who explained: “I am planning to plant a hedge maze and was wondering what is the most cost effective and recommended type of hedge.” Somewhat bemused, I wrote back requesting more specific details. The reply included the…
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Party with red passion – Phuket Events
PHUKET: SKAL International Phuket and South Thailand is holding its Annual Charity Dinner next Saturday, November 23, and it looks set to be the biggest yet, with loads of live entertainment and gourmet food. This year’s event, dubbed “Red Passion”, will be held at the island’s hottest new venue – Zazada Beach Club. It’s open to the public and will…
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Philippines Typhoon Haiyan Disaster Relief Fund in Phuket
PHUKET: The Philippines Typhoon Haiyan Disaster Relief Fund was started by the Rotary Club of Patong Beach, and aims to collect funds for the victims of the recent natural disaster. The donations will be sent directly to Philippine Rotary Clubs in the affected areas over the next few days and weeks, before being allocated in the most effective way. Already…
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Beasties and beauties – Phuket Gardening
PHUKET: In a recent email, a colleague enclosed some photographs with the observation: “At home I came across this group of [tiny] mantids – about 100 minimum” which appeared to be mimicking ants. He added: “Have you ever seen so many?” My response was “No”, but I said I suspected they had just emerged from the safety of their protective…
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Diamond condo sparkles – Phuket Property
PHUKET: Diamond Condominium, the latest project to be developed in Phuket’s high-end Bang Tao Beach area, is located just 400 meters from the beach, and minutes from the Laguna resort complex. The six rai (9,600sqm) property will contain four separate buildings surrounding a central swimming pool and landscaped community recreation area. In all, the four buildings will contain 388 units…
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Phuket Events: Abba-cadabra!
PHUKET: With no time machine available, it seems that only magic can take us back in time. But this past weekend at Laguna Phuket what took us for an amazing journey was music – and it certainly was magical!“The gates open at 6:30pm” the tickets clearly stated. But that didn’t stop a line forming in front of Laguna Latitude Marquee…
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Light shined on blackouts – Phuket Diving
PHUKET: The death of PADI professional and freediving enthusiast Denis Lipatov last month brought into sharp focus the specter that continues to haunt the sport of freediving – shallow water blackouts (click here for article). Even the term “shallow water blackout” is rife with confusion within the freediving community, and even more so within the scuba diving community and general…
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Phuket Gardening – A fly in the ointment
PHUKET: Insects are one of the most successful forms life has taken on earth. There are as many as 1,800,000 different species, probably more. And there is no shortage of them here in Phuket. Any self-respecting gardener will be aware of these “critters”: they lurk everywhere in our carefully tended flower beds, shrubberies and vegetable plots. And they are a…
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