Guides

Thailand guides on travel, culture, cuisine, and lifestyle—discover top destinations, hidden gems, visa information, and essential tips. Plan your journey with The Thaiger, your trusted source for expert Thailand guides.

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    The guide to affordable healthcare in Thailand

    The Thaiger key takeaways Thailand’s healthcare system combines low-cost public services with world-class private hospitals. Private health insurance protects expats from major medical bills and meets visa requirements. Cigna offers expat-focused plans with direct billing, top hospital access, and 24/7...

  • What happens if you get hospitalised in Thailand without insurance? | Thaiger

    What happens if you get hospitalised in Thailand without insurance?

    If you get hospitalised in Thailand without insurance, it can be stressful and expensive. Thailand’s public healthcare does not cover foreigners, and private hospitals often ask for payment before giving treatment. Even public hospitals may delay care if you can’t pay right away. In this article, we’ll explain what to expect if you don’t have insurance, how much it can…

  • Answers to the most common questions about international health insurance | Thaiger

    Answers to the most common questions about international health insurance

    If you’ve been thinking of staying in Thailand long-term, you’ve probably already asked the big question, “Do I actually need international health insurance?” It’s a question that often comes up among expats, digital nomads, retirees, and even frequent travellers. Sure, we don’t think we would be the ones to experience a motorbike tumble in Chiang Mai, a dengue diagnosis in…

  • The authentic flavours of Puglia that you can catch at MOUSE – The ‘FINE Hiding’ Restaurant & Bar | Thaiger

    The authentic flavours of Puglia that you can catch at MOUSE – The ‘FINE Hiding’ Restaurant & Bar

    Alongside the Seri 6 alleyway, there is a hidden spot, seemingly unassuming from the outside, but it carries great intrigue, storytelling, and a fantasy theme beyond the facade. Just like its namesake, MOUSE – The ‘FINE Hiding’ Restaurant & Bar makes you pass through a tunnel to discover the treasure past the hole. The treasure in this case would be…

  • Silver Waves by Boon launches at Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok | Thaiger

    Silver Waves by Boon launches at Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok

    Following its exclusive media launch, Silver Waves by Boon at Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok is preparing to open its doors to the public this May, introducing the city to a new wave of Cantonese fine dining. Reimagined under the vision of Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon, the restaurant is set against a backdrop of sweeping river and city views from…

  • Thai parents are choosing this international school – here’s why | Thaiger

    Thai parents are choosing this international school – here’s why

    For students of St. Andrews International School, Green Valley, the school is less an institution and more a living, breathing part of their childhoods. The Thai Department makes sure language and culture are part of everyday life. Students grow up speaking Thai with ease, celebrating traditions, and understanding the stories behind them. Festivals, local customs, and the spirit of Thai…

  • Rate expectations: BoT tipped to slash interest rates | Thaiger

    Rate expectations: BoT tipped to slash interest rates

    Thailand’s top bankers are bracing for a financial shake-up, with the central bank set to cut interest rates this week as economic headwinds from abroad leave growth floundering. The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is widely expected to trim its key policy rate by 0.25 percentage points tomorrow, April 30, as the kingdom battles a growing storm of economic setbacks. Kasikorn…

  • Thailand vs. the West: What expats save on healthcare each year | Thaiger

    Thailand vs. the West: What expats save on healthcare each year

    Healthcare in Thailand is much cheaper than in Western countries, making it a great choice for expatriates looking for affordable medical care. Both public and private healthcare options offer high-quality services, with savings of up to 80% on procedures like cardiac surgery and diagnostic imaging. Routine medical care is also much cheaper, often costing 50-75% less. Expats can further save…

  • 180 countries, US$2 a day: The insurance built for digital nomads | Thaiger

    180 countries, US$2 a day: The insurance built for digital nomads

    Working and travelling as a digital nomad gives you freedom, but things can still go wrong. You might get sick, lose your bags, or face travel delays, and these problems can be expensive. That’s why many remote workers choose SafetyWing nomad insurance. It costs around US$2 a day and covers you in over 180 countries. You can sign up online,…

  • 5 Thai habits you didn’t know are secretly saving the planet (and what we can learn from them) | Thaiger

    5 Thai habits you didn’t know are secretly saving the planet (and what we can learn from them)

    Thailand’s full of things that make you look twice, like the tuk-tuks, the tangled electric wires, and the fact that it can rain sideways and still feel like summer. But hidden in the chaos are everyday habits that are, without meaning to be, surprisingly eco-friendly. Spend a bit of time here and you’ll spot the small, brilliant habits everywhere, the…

  • Ascott’s multi-typology strategy fuels expansion across the globe | Thaiger

    Ascott’s multi-typology strategy fuels expansion across the globe

    Building on strong momentum in 2024, which saw eight new property signings, more than double the previous year’s total, Ascott continues on its growth trajectory with three additional signings in the first four months of 2025. This brings Ascott’s brand portfolio to over 80 properties with more than 17,400 units, both operational and in the pipeline, across 43 cities. Across…

  • Meals for Myanmar – Bid. Dine. Give. | Thaiger

    Meals for Myanmar – Bid. Dine. Give.

    When disaster strikes, we come together. And in Bangkok’s food scene, we come together over good food. Bangkok Foodies recently launched Meals for Myanmar (#Meals4Myanmar), a bold and heartfelt campaign to help rebuild lives after the devastating earthquakes that recently struck Myanmar. Thousands have lost their homes, and with monsoon season fast approaching, there is a critical period to provide…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend (April 25 to 27) | Thaiger

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend (April 25 to 27)

    We’ve made it to the last weekend of April! This month has been nothing short of a kaleidoscope. Songkran soaked us, Easter brought the pastels, Earth Day brought us closer to nature, and the city’s galleries have been throwing open their doors for art exhibitions like it’s a full-time job. And just when you thought it might be time to…

  • UNICEF sounds alarm on Thailand’s rising child obesity | Thaiger

    UNICEF sounds alarm on Thailand’s rising child obesity

    Thailand once made huge strides in improving children’s nutrition but now a new health crisis is growing — and it’s expanding waistlines. UNICEF Thailand has launched a powerful new campaign called Kin Rai Dee (What’s Good to Eat) in response to rising childhood obesity rates and stagnant progress on tackling undernutrition in parts of the country, particularly the southern border provinces,…

  • Best weed shops in Sukhumvit [2025] | Thaiger

    Best weed shops in Sukhumvit [2025]

    Cutting through the heart of Bangkok, Sukhumvit has it all. Luxurious malls with every brand around the world, rooftop bars with overpriced cocktails, lush parks for when you need a breather, and enough traffic to test the patience of a saint. It stretches forever, and lately, it has become one of the hottest places to pick up a little something…

  • Experience the best of tropical fruits at Siam Paragon’s Tropical Fruit Parade | Thaiger

    Experience the best of tropical fruits at Siam Paragon’s Tropical Fruit Parade

    Siam Paragon, a top destination for Thais and visitors from across the globe, in collaboration with Gourmet Market, proudly presents Siam Paragon Tropical Fruit Parade 2025, one of Thailand’s most anticipated tropical fruit festivals. The event celebrates the richness of Thailand’s fruit harvest, featuring rare durian varieties and premium tropical fruits from across the country. Taking place from April 25…

  • Siriraj Hospital urges use of advanced radiology technology | Thaiger

    Siriraj Hospital urges use of advanced radiology technology

    Siriraj Hospital is advocating for the use of advanced technology in interventional radiology, a minimally invasive procedure that targets specific medical treatments. The hospital emphasised that investing in this technology could save more lives and has called on the government to consider its importance. Doctor Yongyut Sirivatanauksorn, director of Siriraj Hospital, highlighted the establishment of the Siriraj Centre of Interventional…

  • Crypto for Thai condos: A new approach for foreign buyers | Thaiger

    Crypto for Thai condos: A new approach for foreign buyers

    Thailand’s allure as a destination for investment and residence continues to attract foreigners. However, the complexities of international money transfers and Thai regulations can be a significant hurdle. Mantix offers an innovative new solution for foreign buyers to purchase Thai condos with cryptocurrency. Mantix, a European crypto payment service, chose Thailand as its initial market, offering a unique solution which…

  • The Art of Glow – Evening of creative expression, beauty & a gifted day of wellness | Thaiger

    The Art of Glow – Evening of creative expression, beauty & a gifted day of wellness

    Sole Mio Boutique Hotel & Wellness presents the third edition of its monthly series: Soul & Sole Sunset Journeys, themed The Art of Glow. As part of the celebration, guests will enjoy an evening of beauty and restoration, one invitation will be extended for a full day of complimentary wellness experiences, thoughtfully curated as a gesture of self-care. This special…

  • Bangkok through time: A city in flux and its spirit of resilience | Thaiger

    Bangkok through time: A city in flux and its spirit of resilience

    The recent earthquake, brief but unnerving, reminded residents that nothing, not even concrete or glass, is entirely fixed. And yet, in true Bangkok fashion, life carried on. Commuters returned to the skytrain. Street vendors lit their woks. The Chao Phraya kept flowing. In this fleeting moment of disruption, the city’s rhythm barely faltered, its quiet resilience taking centre stage. It…

  • Top 10 digital nomad destinations in Southeast Asia in 2025 | Thaiger

    Top 10 digital nomad destinations in Southeast Asia in 2025

    So far this year, more digital nomads than ever are choosing Southeast Asia as their base. From Bali to Ho Chi Minh City, this region offers everything remote workers need—affordable living, fast internet, great coworking spaces, and amazing culture. It’s the perfect mix of work and lifestyle. In this article, we’ll look at the top 10 digital nomad destinations in…

  • Finance Ministry confirms 10,000 baht digital currency distribution | Thaiger

    Finance Ministry confirms 10,000 baht digital currency distribution

    The Finance Ministry has confirmed the distribution of 10,000 baht in digital currency for phase three during the second quarter. The application is ready, with only integration with banks remaining. The release date for phase four has also been announced. Deputy Finance Minister Chulapan Amornvivat yesterday, April 22, stated that the ministry remains committed to its schedule for the economic…

  • World Bank backs Thailand’s retirement lottery to boost savings | Thaiger

    World Bank backs Thailand’s retirement lottery to boost savings

    Thailand’s retirement lottery has received international acclaim, with the World Bank calling it a “remarkable innovation” for boosting retirement savings. The scheme, which cleverly combines the public’s love for gambling with the need for financial security, has sparked significant interest at the World Bank-International Monetary Fund (WB-IMF) Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. The World Bank has expressed strong interest in…

  • The Taste of Childhood Memories: EKKALUCK to stage four-hands collaboration with Chef Tor & Chef X | Thaiger

    The Taste of Childhood Memories: EKKALUCK to stage four-hands collaboration with Chef Tor & Chef X

    EKKALUCK at Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection, unveiled an exclusive four-hands culinary experience, Taste of Childhood Memories, featuring two of Marriott International’s celebrated chefs: Teerathep “Tor” Tishabhiromya, Executive Chef of Madi Paidi Bangkok, and Attapol “X” Thangthong, Executive Chef of Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse. Over the next two months, the duo will share their most cherished dishes, including traditional…

  • FBS brings joy to vulnerable communities during Ramadan | Thaiger

    FBS brings joy to vulnerable communities during Ramadan

    FBS, a leading global broker, proudly concluded its Ramadan 2025 charitable efforts in partnership with SUKA Society in Malaysia and the Peduli Anak Foundation in Indonesia. With a total donation of US$20,000, FBS supported over 400 people across both regions. In collaboration with SUKA Society, FBS provided essential food supplies and Ramadan care packages to vulnerable communities. From March 18…

  • Twilight mixology with Aurelijus at AIR BAR, InterContinental Koh Samui | Thaiger

    Twilight mixology with Aurelijus at AIR BAR, InterContinental Koh Samui

    Join us for an exceptional evening at AIR BAR, InterContinental, Koh Samui’s most iconic venue, offering stunning sunset views that are as breathtaking as the drinks. On Tuesday, April 29, from 5pm to 11pm, join in on a one-of-a-kind evening featuring creative cocktails, delectable snacks, and live entertainment, all set against the backdrop of the stunning five islands. The event…

  • Hospitality meets the future at THAIFEX – HOREC Asia 2025 | Thaiger

    Hospitality meets the future at THAIFEX – HOREC Asia 2025

    From robot noodle chefs to zero-alcohol spirits and pizza cooked in under two minutes, THAIFEX – HOREC Asia 2025 had something for everyone working (or dreaming) in the hospitality industry. Held from March 5 to 7 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, the second edition of the exhibition brought together businesses, experts, and buyers to talk about what’s next in the…

  • Living on a budget in Thailand? Here’s how to stay healthy without breaking the bank | Thaiger

    Living on a budget in Thailand? Here’s how to stay healthy without breaking the bank

    Thailand is a popular place for people who want to enjoy a good life at a lower cost or even on a budget. Many expats, retirees, and digital nomads choose to live here because daily expenses are cheaper than in most Western countries. But staying healthy while saving money is just as important. This guide shares simple and practical tips…

  • Why are boat noodles served in tiny bowls and why you’ll need at least five | Thaiger

    Why are boat noodles served in tiny bowls and why you’ll need at least five

    If you’ve ever sat down at a boat noodle shop in Thailand and been surprised by the size of the bowl, you’re not alone. Boat noodles, or kuai tiao ruea (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ), are famously served in bowls so small you could almost finish one in three slurps. But behind these tiny servings lies a rich tradition that has helped turn the…

  • Phuket hospital seeks donations to build operating rooms | Thaiger

    Phuket hospital seeks donations to build operating rooms

    A Phuket hospital is making a desperate plea for public donations to build its own operating rooms, after receiving woefully insufficient funding from the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). Chalong Hospital, which serves more than 160,000 patients a year across the Rawai, Karon and Chalong areas, is in urgent need of six modern operating theatres — but only has a…

  • TAT to honour 100 top tourism businesses for excellence and sustainability | Thaiger

    TAT to honour 100 top tourism businesses for excellence and sustainability

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has officially launched the 15th Thailand Tourism Awards, inviting tourism operators across the country to join the prestigious competition aimed at recognising excellence and driving the industry toward long-term sustainability. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated that the organisation has spent nearly three decades championing sustainable tourism development. Since the inaugural awards in 1996, TAT…