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.

  • How hard is it to get a Thai visa during Christmas and the New Year? | Thaiger

    How hard is it to get a Thai visa during Christmas and the New Year?

    For many travellers and expats, the end-of-year holiday season is both a festive and logistical hurdle. Whether you’re planning a quick return to Thailand or managing your visa renewal as an expat, the Christmas and New Year period can complicate things. So, how hard is it to get a Thai visa during this busy time of year with Christmas and…

  • Wattanosoth Cancer Hospital in collaboration with BDMS Wellness Clinic enhances cancer care with ICHOM standards | Thaiger

    Wattanosoth Cancer Hospital in collaboration with BDMS Wellness Clinic enhances cancer care with ICHOM standards

    Wattanosoth Cancer Hospital continues to advance the quality of its cancer care under the guiding concept of Care Beyond Cure. The hospital is committed to providing Total Cancer Care, which means going beyond medical treatment to support the patient’s physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being, as well as fostering a sense of hope. This approach ensures that patients and their…

  • TrustFinance announces winners of the 2025 awards, celebrating excellence and community trust in global finance | Thaiger

    TrustFinance announces winners of the 2025 awards, celebrating excellence and community trust in global finance

    TrustFinance is pleased to announce the winners of the TrustFinance Awards 2025, recognising outstanding achievements across the global financial industry. Now in its fourth year, the Awards highlight companies and creators who demonstrate excellence, innovation, transparency, and strong community trust. The 2025 programme features two major tracks: the Performance Awards, based on TrustFinance’s evaluation criteria, and the Community Choice Awards,…

  • XM Gala 2025: The grand night from Bangkok to the world | Thaiger

    XM Gala 2025: The grand night from Bangkok to the world

    A spectacular night in Bangkok that shone on the world stage, XM celebrated its 15th anniversary with “XM Gala 2025”, an exclusive gala dinner where art, technology, and luxury seamlessly intertwined. The event captured XM’s image as a truly global broker trusted by over 15 million clients across 190 countries. Bangkok, the heart of global connection On November 1, Bangkok…

  • Renting a car in Thailand for the Christmas holiday in 2025: What you need to know | Thaiger

    Renting a car in Thailand for the Christmas holiday in 2025: What you need to know

    As the festive season approaches, many expats and tourists in Thailand are planning their holiday getaways. While flying and public transport are common choices, renting a car offers unmatched freedom, whether you’re heading to the mountains of Chiang Mai, the islands of the south, or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. But before you hit the road, here’s everything you need to know…

  • Rangoon Tea House celebrates its ICONSIAM debut with a cultural showcase of tea, music & modern Burmese flavours | Thaiger

    Rangoon Tea House celebrates its ICONSIAM debut with a cultural showcase of tea, music & modern Burmese flavours

    Rangoon Tea House (RTH) officially celebrated the launch of its newest branch at Iconsiam with two intimate VIP & Media preview events on November 27 and December 1, marking a major milestone in the brand’s expansion in Thailand. The opening introduced guests to the Modern Burmese Brasserie experience that has made RTH a Yangon icon, now reimagined for the riverside…

  • Crypto moves in: How digital assets are rewriting Thailand’s real estate playbook | Thaiger

    Crypto moves in: How digital assets are rewriting Thailand’s real estate playbook

    The conversation around cryptocurrency and property in Thailand is shifting fast. What began as a fringe curiosity among early adopters has now moved into mainstream development boardrooms, where digital assets are being discussed not as a future concept, but as an emerging transactional reality. At last week’s The C9 Sessions – Phuket Real Estate Forum 2025, the sentiment was clear:…

  • French cheese, Italian wine, and warm conversations when dining at The St. Regis | Thaiger

    French cheese, Italian wine, and warm conversations when dining at The St. Regis

    At VIU, the signature restaurant of The St. Regis Bangkok, luxury dining takes on a refreshingly different tone. The setting may be elegant, but the atmosphere leans far from the formalities often associated with five-star dining. Instead, guests are invited into a space that feels more like an evening among friends and family, where conversation flows as easily as the…

  • Inside the workshop of Bangkok’s best tailor: Jesse & Son Tailors | Thaiger

    Inside the workshop of Bangkok’s best tailor: Jesse & Son Tailors

    When travellers search for the best tailor in Bangkok, one name continues to stand out: Jesse & Son Tailors. This family-run bespoke tailoring house has built a reputation as one of the most trusted and respected custom suit tailors in Bangkok and Thailand. Located in the heart of Sukhumvit Soi 10, just minutes from BTS Asoke and Nana, Jesse &…

  • Perfect Tailor BKK: Best tailor in Bangkok and one of the best in Thailand | Thaiger

    Perfect Tailor BKK: Best tailor in Bangkok and one of the best in Thailand

    If you’re searching for the best tailor in Bangkok and one of the best in Thailand, look no further than Perfect Tailor BKK. Located on Sukhumvit Soi 45, this refined boutique has become a go-to destination for locals, expats, and international visitors who understand that true style begins with the perfect fit. Formerly located in the iconic Pathum Wan Area…

  • Cheap flights in Thailand you can find this Christmas and New Year’s holiday | Thaiger

    Cheap flights in Thailand you can find this Christmas and New Year’s holiday

    As the festive season approaches, Thailand’s airports start buzzing with flight activity. Whether you’re planning a domestic beach escape or a long-haul adventure abroad, finding a cheap flight during Christmas and New Year’s is no small feat. With high demand, prices spike quickly, and the best deals are often snapped up months in advance. But if you’re just starting your…

  • Siam Paragon marks 20th anniversary with ‘A Journey of Extraordinary Dreams’ | Thaiger

    Siam Paragon marks 20th anniversary with ‘A Journey of Extraordinary Dreams’

    Siam Paragon, a global landmark destination that also ranks among the world’s most highly regarded and loved by visitors, continues to lead in delivering exceptional experiences that surpass expectations. This year, the iconic destination is hosting Siam Paragon 20th Anniversary: A Journey of Extraordinary Dreams, transforming every corner into a vibrant kingdom of happiness, featuring continuous entertainment, special performances, and spectacular…

  • Do we celebrate Christmas in Thailand? | Thaiger

    Do we celebrate Christmas in Thailand?

    Are you trading a white Christmas with a tropical one this year? Thailand is a majority Buddhist country, with about 95% of the population following the faith, so the local people don’t traditionally celebrate Christmas. However, the festive cheer is far from absent. In fact, Thais have found their own way of joining the seasonal celebrations, often with a unique…

  • What is the Maneki Neko (lucky cat) in Thai shops | Thaiger

    What is the Maneki Neko (lucky cat) in Thai shops

    Stroll around the neighbourhoods in Bangkok or anywhere else in Thailand, and you’ll spot tiny cats waving at you with one paw in a steady motion. They sit near tills, on restaurant counters, and in the corners of tiny market stalls. You’ll see them in other parts of the world, too, most often in a Chinatown. These cats are the…

  • Siam Paragon unveils a global first launch of the co-creating ‘NEXTOPIA, Prototype for The World of Tomorrow’ | Thaiger

    Siam Paragon unveils a global first launch of the co-creating ‘NEXTOPIA, Prototype for The World of Tomorrow’

    Siam Paragon has announced the launch of NEXTOPIA, The Prototype for World of Tomorrow, a new large-scale attraction co-created with global innovation partners, businesses, communities, and changemakers. The development marks a significant evolution in Thailand’s experiential retail scene and introduces an immersive, sustainability-focused concept located across 15,000 square metres on Floors 5 and 5A of Siam Paragon. Representing an investment…

  • Hungry Hub sets sights to expand into Malaysia as they ramps up their global OTA ambitions | Thaiger

    Hungry Hub sets sights to expand into Malaysia as they ramps up their global OTA ambitions

    Hungry Hub, Thailand’s leading one-stop online restaurant and hotel reservation platform, held the Hungry Hub Red Table Awards 2025 to recognise and honour top restaurant and hotel partners who have delivered outstanding experiences throughout the year. The event featured more than 48 prestigious awards across all categories, including Best Chain Restaurant, Best Rooftop Restaurant, Best Fine Dining, and Rising Star…

  • 10 restaurants in Thailand have newly awarded for the Michelin Star in Thailand [2026 edition] | Thaiger

    10 restaurants in Thailand have newly awarded for the Michelin Star in Thailand [2026 edition]

    The Michelin Guide Thailand 2026 edition has officially been unveiled, showcasing the latest full selection of 468 dining venues. According to the announcement on the official Michelin Guide website, the list includes: 2 Three Michelin Star restaurants (1 promoted from Two Michelin Stars) 8 Two Michelin Star restaurants (2 promoted from One Michelin Star) 33 One Michelin Star restaurants (3…

  • 808 Festival 2025 rolls out Phase 2 lineup, and it’s as stacked as ever | Thaiger

    808 Festival 2025 rolls out Phase 2 lineup, and it’s as stacked as ever

    Thailand’s flagship electronic music event, 808 Festival, is set to return to Bangkok from December 5 to 7, 2025, at BITEC Bangna. Just before the main event, organisers have revealed the Phase 2 artist roster, adding even more international firepower to an already explosive lineup. From bass house to hard techno, DJs and producers are flying in from across the…

  • Festive journeys at 7th Floor Restaurant to celebrate the season of flavour & joy | Thaiger

    Festive journeys at 7th Floor Restaurant to celebrate the season of flavour & joy

    This festive season, 7th Floor Restaurant at Sole Mio Boutique Hotel & Wellness invites guests to celebrate two unforgettable evenings above the lights of Bang Tao. From heartwarming Christmas dining to a dazzling New Year’s countdown, every moment is crafted to inspire togetherness, taste, and celebration — all enjoyed from the only rooftop in Bang Tao offering panoramic views of…

  • BigC Thailand Lucky Landing wins big and gives tourists a new reason to shop in Thailand | Thaiger

    BigC Thailand Lucky Landing wins big and gives tourists a new reason to shop in Thailand

    The Thaiger key takeaways BigC won the Gold Award for Excellence in Retail and Shopper Marketing for its BigC Thailand Lucky Landing campaign. The campaign saw rapid growth on XHS, with major increases in followers, engagement and post views. Online excitement led to real results in stores, including higher footfall and strong coupon redemption rates. Visitors coming to Thailand always…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend (November 28 to 30) | Thaiger

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend (November 28 to 30)

    Somehow, we’ve already reached the last weekend of November! The mood is starting to become a little bit festive as the holiday season approaches, with malls and hotels rolling out Christmas events. But there are still plenty of other things to do, too. There are cosy food events, easygoing markets, live music sessions, and a few small surprises dotted around…

  • British, American, or IB curriculum in Thailand: Which one actually fits your child? | Thaiger

    British, American, or IB curriculum in Thailand: Which one actually fits your child?

    Choosing the right curriculum is one of the most important decisions expat parents make when relocating to Thailand. With a growing number of international schools across the country, families often find themselves comparing the British, American, and International Baccalaureate (IB) systems. Each curriculum offers unique strengths and philosophies, but which one best fits your child’s learning style, goals, and personality?…

  • Trade together: Learn strategies from global pros with copy trading & social trading on FP Markets | Thaiger

    Trade together: Learn strategies from global pros with copy trading & social trading on FP Markets

    Before the internet connected everything, trading was truly a solo activity. Knowledge was limited to books or passed along within small circles. Whoever suffered a loss felt the pain quietly alone. Whoever discovered a good strategy might keep it for themselves. But times have changed. Today, the world of trading has entered an era of connectivity. Two terms have taken…

  • What is the claims process for expat health insurance? | Thaiger

    What is the claims process for expat health insurance?

    The Thaiger key takeaways Most expat claims move through a mix of direct billing at partner hospitals and reimbursement when treatment is paid upfront. Digital submission is now the standard route, with processing times usually tied to how complete the documents are. Ongoing support, status updates, and follow-ups tend to run through 24/7 customer channels, keeping communication consistent throughout the…

  • How to use Thailand’s toll roads: Easy Pass, M-PASS, M-Flow & More | Thaiger

    How to use Thailand’s toll roads: Easy Pass, M-PASS, M-Flow & More

    If you’re driving in Thailand, whether as an expat, long-term visitor, or local, you’ll likely encounter tollways. These roads save time, cut through city congestion, and connect provinces. But using them isn’t always intuitive. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigating Thailand’s expressways, including when to pay, how to get a pass, and tips to avoid fines or delays. On this…

  • What is ‘face’ in Thailand and how to avoid losing it (for anyone and yourself) | Thaiger

    What is ‘face’ in Thailand and how to avoid losing it (for anyone and yourself)

    If you are new to life in Thailand, there is one cultural idea that will help you settle in far more smoothly than memorising phrases or learning the bus routes. It is the concept of face and it has nothing to do with your appearance. It is about dignity, respect, and how people are perceived by those around them. Once…

  • Thaiwatsadu and BnB Home Under Central Retail roll out grand ‘Carnival Nutcracker’ Christmas décor universe | Thaiger

    Thaiwatsadu and BnB Home Under Central Retail roll out grand ‘Carnival Nutcracker’ Christmas décor universe

    Thaiwatsadu and BnB Home, Under Central Retail, the leading retailer of construction materials and home products, are ringing in the 2025 festive season with the launch of their Grand Christmas Decoration Universe. Presented under the theme Carnival Nutcracker, the campaign transforms every store into a one-stop Christmas décor destination, offering over 2,000 Christmas items, from premium fresh-cut trees imported from…

  • Which countries are exempted from needing a visa to come to Thailand? | Thaiger

    Which countries are exempted from needing a visa to come to Thailand?

    When planning a trip to Thailand, one of the first questions many travellers ask is, “Do I need a visa to enter?” The answer depends on your nationality and the length of your intended stay. As of 2025, Thailand has updated its visa exemption and tourist visa policies, aiming to make travel more flexible and attractive for a wider range…

  • Expat guide to Thailand’s healthcare system: Public vs private hospitals compared | Thaiger

    Expat guide to Thailand’s healthcare system: Public vs private hospitals compared

    The Thaiger key takeaways Thailand offers dependable healthcare through both public and private hospitals, each with strengths that suit different needs and budgets. Public hospitals provide skilled doctors and low-cost care, though the process moves at a slower pace with longer queues. Private hospitals offer fast service, English-friendly staff, and modern facilities, but come with higher prices that are easier…

  • How to make sure that your health insurance meets Thailand’s visa requirements | Thaiger

    How to make sure that your health insurance meets Thailand’s visa requirements

    If you plan to stay in Thailand for a long time, you must have health insurance that meets the country’s visa rules. This applies to Retirement (O-A and O-X) visas and Long-Term Resident (LTR) visas. Each visa type requires a minimum level of coverage for both inpatient and outpatient care, and some also need Covid-19 protection. Several approved Thai insurance…