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 hidden costs of ignoring pre-existing conditions in Thailand

    The Thaiger key takeaways Not declaring pre-existing conditions can result in denied claims, high costs, or visa problems. Cigna provides coverage for common chronic conditions like diabetes and arthritis with high limits and direct billing. Honest disclosure ensures proper coverage,...

  • How to travel around Thailand for under US$30 a day | Thaiger

    How to travel around Thailand for under US$30 a day

    The Thaiger key takeaways Staying in budget hostels or guesthouses and eating street food keeps daily expenses low. Mixing buses, trains, and budget flights allows affordable travel between cities and islands. Free or cheap activities, such as temples, markets, parks, and festivals, offer cultural experiences without overspending Travelling around Thailand on a budget of just US$30 (under 1,000 baht or…

  • 808 Festival 2025 announces return to Thailand with an explosive lineup | Thaiger

    808 Festival 2025 announces return to Thailand with an explosive lineup

    Thailand’s biggest electronic music festival is back and bigger than ever. 808 Festival 2025 returns to BITEC Bangna from December 5 to 7, 2025, delivering three nights of a world-class lineup packed with global heavyweights and next-generation stars. Marking its 12th anniversary, the iconic year-end festival once again cements its place as the ultimate EDM landmark of Asia, uniting fans…

  • Why Arise Vibe works for remote workers and creatives | Thaiger

    Why Arise Vibe works for remote workers and creatives

    In 2025, remote work is more than just flexibility; it’s a way of life that demands spaces designed for focus, comfort, and creativity. Phuket has quickly become Southeast Asia’s top base for digital nomads, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want the island atmosphere without losing everyday convenience. Beyond its beaches, the island offers a way of life that has it all:…

  • We Are The World: A global health platform launched to bridge chronic illness and mental health gaps | Thaiger

    We Are The World: A global health platform launched to bridge chronic illness and mental health gaps

    A new Asia-based global health initiative has launched in Bangkok, aiming to tackle chronic diseases, mental health gaps, and confusion around medical information by combining traditional and modern healthcare systems. The nonprofit platform, called We Are the World, seeks to serve over 1 billion people with chronic illnesses and 20 million new cancer patients each year. Its goal is to…

  • How to experience the Phuket Vegetarian Festival in 2025 | Thaiger

    How to experience the Phuket Vegetarian Festival in 2025

    The Thaiger key takeaways The Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2025 runs from October 20 to 29, filling the island with sacred rituals, parades, and vegan food stalls. Watch the street processions in Phuket Town, visit famous shrines like Jui Tui and Kathu, and try local Jay dishes marked with yellow flags. Stay near the action in Phuket Town or unwind at…

  • 5 must-try American restaurants in Bangkok | Thaiger

    5 must-try American restaurants in Bangkok

    While Thai food is unbeatable, sometimes one can’t help but long for a taste of the USA in Bangkok. Maybe it’s the craving for a perfectly charred burger with melted cheese dripping down the sides, a stack of fluffy pancakes drowned in maple syrup, or the comforting smell of slow-smoked barbecue. Lucky for you, the Big Mango has plenty of…

  • Celebrating the Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2025: Where to go and what to eat | Thaiger

    Celebrating the Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2025: Where to go and what to eat

    The annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival is one of the most popular festivals in Thailand. Also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival or Jay Festival, the celebration takes place on the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar. And this year, it falls on October 20 to 29, 2025. During the festival, those who celebrate will observe a strict vegetarian…

  • Moving to Thailand? Here are the health documents you should prepare before you go | Thaiger

    Moving to Thailand? Here are the health documents you should prepare before you go

    The Thaiger key takeaways Valid passport, visa documents, health certificate, and vaccination records are essential for immigration and medical care in Thailand. Health insurance that meets visa requirements, like Cigna, provides protection, direct billing, and access to a wide hospital network. Keeping personal medical records and prescriptions up to date ensures quick treatment and smooth communication with doctors Moving to…

  • Raids expose illegal migrant schools in Samut Sakhon | Thaiger

    Raids expose illegal migrant schools in Samut Sakhon

    Police, education, and administrative officials raided two illegal schools in Samut Sakhon where hundreds of migrant children were being taught by unqualified staff without permission. Over 900 migrant students and dozens of unauthorised teachers were discovered during a major raid on two illegal schools in Samut Sakhon province on Thursday, October 9. The operation targeted two buildings in Krathum Baen…

  • Centara elevates Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival spirit with Suan Bua’s royal herbal vegan creations and ‘food as medicine’ philosophy | Thaiger

    Centara elevates Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival spirit with Suan Bua’s royal herbal vegan creations and ‘food as medicine’ philosophy

    As Thailand celebrates the annual Tesagan Gin Je, or Vegetarian Festival, from October 21 to 29, Centara Hotels & Resorts embraces the spirit of purity, mindfulness, and compassion through food. At the heart of this celebration stands Suan Bua at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok – a pioneer in authentic Thai dining that is redefining the boundaries of…

  • PM Anutin blasts NHSO as hospitals buckle under Gold Card debt | Thaiger

    PM Anutin blasts NHSO as hospitals buckle under Gold Card debt

    Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has confirmed that hospitals nationwide are owed large sums under the Gold Card scheme, prompting urgent talks on government action. His comments came after Mongkutwattana Hospital in Bangkok announced the suspension of outpatient services for Gold Card patients due to unpaid medical bills exceeding 110 million baht. “The NHSO owes nearly every hospital in the country.…

  • Axi deepens commitment to Thai traders with localised support, payment solutions, and tailored services | Thaiger

    Axi deepens commitment to Thai traders with localised support, payment solutions, and tailored services

    Axi, a global leader in online trading, is expanding its commitment to the Thai market with enhanced localised services that bring everything in one place for traders. From native-language support and seamless payment solutions to personalised account management and tailored education, Axi ensures Thai traders enjoy a trusted and culturally relevant trading experience. 24/5 Thai-language customer support across channels Axi knows…

  • Vana Showcase unveils the next wave of specialty beer in Thailand | Thaiger

    Vana Showcase unveils the next wave of specialty beer in Thailand

    Vana, formerly known as The Brewing Project, has recently hosted the Vana Showcase at the ASAI Bangkok Sathorn, a reception for prospective partners, F&B owners and managers. The event introduced attendees to the next generation of speciality beer in Thailand and celebrates Vana’s recent rebranding, which emphasises its Thai identity and solidifies its position as Thailand’s fastest-growing craft beer brand.…

  • Upcoming halloween themed events in Bangkok | Thaiger

    Upcoming halloween themed events in Bangkok

    Spooky season is coming! Bangkok is, of course, already in full fright mode. From haunted houses and rooftop raves to puppy cafés with dogs in costumes, the city’s got something for every kind of trick-or-treater. So if your Halloween costume is ready but you don’t know where to go yet, here is our list of upcoming Halloween-themed events in Bangkok.…

  • What is seblak and why is everyone in Bangkok talking about it? | Thaiger

    What is seblak and why is everyone in Bangkok talking about it?

    The Thaiger key takeaways Seblak is a spicy, chewy Indonesian street food made from rehydrated crackers cooked in a rich, aromatic broth. The dish went viral in Bangkok after a local influencer’s TikTok video sparked a nationwide craving. You can find seblak in many places across Bangkok, from Indonesian eateries to instant packets. As an Indonesian, it’s exciting to see…

  • SAFE Fertility Clinic: Raising the bar for ICSI/IVF excellence in Thailand | Thaiger

    SAFE Fertility Clinic: Raising the bar for ICSI/IVF excellence in Thailand

    SAFE Fertility Clinic is recognised as one of Thailand’s leading fertility clinics. They are driven by a commitment to building trust, introducing advanced technology and most importantly, offering compassionate care for their valued patients aspiring to parenthood. SAFE Fertility Clinic holds the distinction of being the leading fertility clinic in Thailand to receive accreditation from the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee…

  • What you can expect to see at the annual Naga Fireball Festival | Thaiger

    What you can expect to see at the annual Naga Fireball Festival

    Deep into the monsoon season that is winding down and Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent) coming to an end, a quiet stretch of northeastern Thailand bursts into life with one of the country’s brightest and festive events in Thailand, the Naga Fireball Festival. Held annually along the Mekong River in Nong Khai Province, this mysterious event attracts both locals and travellers…

  • Bank of Thailand likely to hold policy rate at 1.5% | Thaiger

    Bank of Thailand likely to hold policy rate at 1.5%

    The Bank of Thailand is anticipated to maintain its policy rate at the upcoming meeting tomorrow, October 8, as it evaluates economic data and allows time for the new governor to adjust to the role. Pipat Luangnaruemitchai, chief economist at Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group, stated that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will likely decide tomorrow to keep the policy rate…

  • KIS International School Bangkok partners with Verkada to elevate campus safety with Thailand’s most advanced security platform | Thaiger

    KIS International School Bangkok partners with Verkada to elevate campus safety with Thailand’s most advanced security platform

    KIS International School (KIS), a leading IB world school in Bangkok, announced a major partnership with Verkada, the global leader in cloud-based physical security. This collaboration brings Thailand’s most advanced school security system to the KIS campuses, setting a new standard for student safety and well-being in the region. Designed with simplicity in mind, Verkada’s six product lines, which are…

  • This hotel on Sukhumvit 12 is also a speakeasy | Thaiger

    This hotel on Sukhumvit 12 is also a speakeasy

    The Thaiger key takeaways The Lobby Bar & Bed is a great hotel option for digital nomads, expats, locals, and tourists in Bangkok who want more than just a bed because it allows you to work, socialise, and sleep without ever leaving the building. Airbnb suites with tasteful design and skyline views give you comfort and privacy right in the…

  • Top mistakes expats make when choosing health insurance in Thailand | Thaiger

    Top mistakes expats make when choosing health insurance in Thailand

    The Thaiger key takeaways Being uninsured or relying solely on travel insurance leaves expats exposed to high medical costs in Thailand. Ignoring coverage limits, exclusions, waiting periods, and network restrictions can create unexpected financial burdens. Understanding deductibles, copayments, and flexible payment options ensures better control over healthcare expenses and peace of mind Living in Thailand as an expat means getting…

  • What makes the durian the king of fruits? | Thaiger

    What makes the durian the king of fruits?

    To some, durian is one of the tastiest fruits that they swear by, while to others, it is the smelliest waking nightmare that they will experience. For all of the history, reasons, and opinions, the durian’s reputation precedes it, and in Southeast Asia, it reigns supreme as what most call the “King of Fruits.” A thorny monarch with a history…

  • TrustFinance launches 2025 awards to honour excellence in finance | Thaiger

    TrustFinance launches 2025 awards to honour excellence in finance

    TrustFinance, a global platform for financial reviews and reputation management, today announced the launch of the TrustFinance Awards 2025, continuing its annual tradition of recognising the companies and leaders driving progress across the financial sector. Established in 2022, the TrustFinance Awards highlight organisations that demonstrate excellence, transparency, and innovation. The awards cover six categories, which are: Forex Crypto Stocks Fintech…

  • Bank of Thailand to roll out white-label ATM licences next year | Thaiger

    Bank of Thailand to roll out white-label ATM licences next year

    The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is preparing to issue new business licences for white-label automated teller machines (ATMs) next year, aiming to expand access to financial services and promote inclusion across the country. The new licensing scheme, part of the BoT’s Financial Landscape 2025 framework, will allow both banks and non-bank operators to install and operate ATMs under their own…

  • The International School Golf Tour powered by Foresight Sports returns to Thailand for 2025–26 season | Thaiger

    The International School Golf Tour powered by Foresight Sports returns to Thailand for 2025–26 season

    The International School Golf Tour (ISGT), powered by Foresight Sports, is back for the 2025–26 season, bringing together over 500 student golfers from 35 international schools across Thailand. With eight ISGT tour events and one international championship, this season is shaping up to be the most exciting yet. The ISGT has become the ultimate stage for young golfers to showcase…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend (October 3 to 5) | Thaiger

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend (October 3 to 5)

    How is it already the 10th month of the year? Time is surely flying by this year, and Bangkok isn’t wasting a single weekend. Everything you can imagine is happening in the city, from a toddler’s abstract art show to a haunted rave, vintage treasure hunting, and climate-driven meetups. If your calendar is still empty, here’s our curated list of…

  • Art exhibitions in Thailand [2025] | Thaiger

    Art exhibitions in Thailand [2025]

    Thailand has seen some exciting art exhibitions in 2025, but there’s still much more to look forward to as we head into the year’s final months. From soul-shaking artworks to rule-breaking performances, there’s plenty of creative energy waiting to be explored and enjoyed. If you’re not sure where to start, these are the art exhibitions across Thailand that are helping…

  • 5 cafes in Ari, Bangkok worth checking out | Thaiger

    5 cafes in Ari, Bangkok worth checking out

    The Thaiger key takeaways Ari’s cafes stand out for their authentic charm, welcoming vibes, and emphasis on quality coffee and brunch options Popular spots like Yellow Lane, Josh Kaffa, and Porcupine blend community, events, and good food to create lively neighbourhood hubs From hidden gems to well-known favourites, Ari offers spaces where locals and visitors can linger, work, or enjoy…

  • 12 Thai street foods foreigners rate as the worst, but locals love them | Thaiger

    12 Thai street foods foreigners rate as the worst, but locals love them

    Thailand’s street food scene is beloved for its bold flavours, affordability, and vibrant culture. But not every dish lands the same way for every diner. According to TasteAtlas, a global platform dedicated to traditional food and travel, some well-loved Thai street foods are ranked among the least favourite by international visitors. In its 2025 list of 12 Worst Rated Thai…

  • Blue Elephant celebrates 45 years as a global ambassador of Thai cuisine | Thaiger

    Blue Elephant celebrates 45 years as a global ambassador of Thai cuisine

    This year marks a significant milestone for the Blue Elephant Group as it celebrates its 45th anniversary, a testament to decades of dedication to authentic Thai cuisine, innovation, and hospitality. Founded in 1979 by visionary entrepreneur Karl Steppé and Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, Blue Elephant has grown from a single restaurant in Brussels into an internationally acclaimed beacon of…