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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    See the best of Northern Thailand this winter on a budget

    The Thaiger key takeaways Peak season brings higher prices, but smart planning and local know-how can help you experience Northern Thailand affordably. Chiang Mai, Pai, and Chiang Rai offer plenty of free or low-cost attractions, from temples and canyons to...

  • 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…

  • Phuket cracks down on vapes with schoolyard smoking ban | Thaiger

    Phuket cracks down on vapes with schoolyard smoking ban

    Phuket officials launched a campaign in local schools to ban smoking and vaping, aiming to protect students’ health and raise community awareness. The Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) has launched a new campaign to make local schools entirely smoke-free and e-cigarette-free, starting with five pilot institutions. The initiative was officially rolled out at Baan Mai Riab PPAO School (Tantikowit Bamrung),…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend (October 10 to 12) | Thaiger

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend (October 10 to 12)

    The Thaiger key takeaways Bangkok’s October weekend lineup includes cocktail events, horror events, and more. Highlights include The Bangkok Bar Show at The St. Regis and Thai Book Fair at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. This weekend is also a great time for those who love vintage shopping. October in Bangkok is anything but calm. Between world-class bar takeovers, rooftop…

  • 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.…

  • 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…

  • The smart buyer’s guide to upgrading your lifestyle in Phuket | Thaiger

    The smart buyer’s guide to upgrading your lifestyle in Phuket

    When people talk about upgrading in Phuket, it’s less about square metres and more about carving out a lifestyle that feels right. For many buyers, moving from a standard condo or a city apartment to something more refined is about embracing space, privacy, and amenities that enhance daily living. In Phuket (and many areas across Thailand in general), buyers are…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Outdoor adventures in Thailand for adrenaline seekers | Thaiger

    Outdoor adventures in Thailand for adrenaline seekers

    The Thaiger key takeaways Thailand provides a wide range of adventure activities, from whitewater rafting and rock climbing to ziplining, scuba diving, and skydiving, suitable for all skill levels. Macro and marine life exploration, Muay Thai camps, kiteboarding, ATV riding, and mountain biking add diverse experiences for thrill-seekers. Following local safety rules, choosing guided tours, and using travel insurance like…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Opening your first trading account? Here are 7 tips every smart trader checks before they begin | Thaiger

    Opening your first trading account? Here are 7 tips every smart trader checks before they begin

    Investing in 2025 is more open and convenient than ever. Accessing global financial markets is no longer a distant affair. Whether it’s the foreign exchange market (Forex), indices, commodities like gold and oil, or even stocks of leading global companies, anyone can get started easily by opening a trading account with a brokerage firm (also referred to as a broker).…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Baht holds steady as US shutdown spooks global markets | Thaiger

    Baht holds steady as US shutdown spooks global markets

    Thailand’s central bank reassured the public that no irregularities have been seen in local markets after the US shutdown triggered global financial jitters. The shutdown, which began after the US Senate failed to approve a temporary spending bill, has unsettled international markets and raised concerns over delayed economic data critical to the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decisions. Yesterday, October 1,…

  • 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…

  • CHERY enters the Thai EV market with a grand premiere | Thaiger

    CHERY enters the Thai EV market with a grand premiere

    CHERY, a leading automotive brand under the globally recognised innovation leader Chery Automobile, unveiled the Chery Thailand Grand Premiere Launch, marking the official price announcement of the V23, a 100% electric SUV with a stylish design for urbanites, as well as the debut of the TIGGO8 CSH, a 7-seat premium SUV crafted for modern families. The launch event, which took…

  • FBS launches “Refer & Rise” IB Fest with big rewards | Thaiger

    FBS launches “Refer & Rise” IB Fest with big rewards

    FBS, a leading global broker, is celebrating its October in Thailand with a new Introducing Broker (IB) campaign, “Refer & Rise ยิ่งชวน ยิ่งได้!”. Running from October 1 to 31, 2025, the promo rewards FBS partners for bringing in new active traders and helping them start their trading journey. Shine bright. Take the trophy. FBS IB partners now have the chance…

  • How to plan a holiday in Sriracha your whole family will love | Thaiger

    How to plan a holiday in Sriracha your whole family will love

    The Thaiger key takeaways Novotel Marina Sriracha & Koh Si Chang offers two seaside stays in one, both family-friendly and by the water. With Kids’ Club pools, safe beaches, and family dining, the hotel provides a stress-free holiday destination in Thailand. Enjoy up to 20% off, free kids’ meals, and weekday perks until November 30 by making a direct booking.…

  • How fragile are Thai roads? | Thaiger

    How fragile are Thai roads?

    The Thaiger key takeaways Recent road collapses in Bangkok, including a sinkhole near Tao Poon MRT and Charoen Krung Road, highlight serious structural weaknesses. Monsoon rains, soft soil, poor drainage, and rapid urbanisation worsen road conditions, making accidents and damage more likely. Authorities promise inspections, improved drainage, and contractor accountability, but systemic infrastructure and planning issues remain unresolved Thai roads…

  • Where to experience Thailand’s nightlife without the tourist traps | Thaiger

    Where to experience Thailand’s nightlife without the tourist traps

    The Thaiger key takeaways Local nightlife in Thailand offers a calmer, more authentic experience compared to crowded tourist areas, with options ranging from Bangkok’s RCA and Thonglor to Koh Samui’s Lamai and Maenam beaches. Night markets, small bars, and beachside venues provide cultural immersion, live music, and local flavours while avoiding overpriced tourist traps. Safety and planning are essential; using…

  • Thailand confirms 33 cases of new global Covid strain XFG | Thaiger

    Thailand confirms 33 cases of new global Covid strain XFG

    Thailand has reported 33 cases of the new Covid-19 strain XFG, most of them in Bangkok, with health officials stressing it causes only mild symptoms. The Department of Medical Sciences announced yesterday, September 30, that XFG has now become the dominant Covid-19 strain worldwide, although there is no evidence to suggest it causes more severe symptoms than previous variants. Thailand’s…