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.

  • 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…

  • 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 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…

  • Kao Industrial (Thailand) wins three honours at HR Asia Awards 2025 | Thaiger

    Kao Industrial (Thailand) wins three honours at HR Asia Awards 2025

    Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese manufacturer of consumer and chemical products, has proudly announced a significant achievement as it received three prestigious honours at the HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia Awards 2025. The company was recognised with the flagship award, Best Companies to Work for in Asia, along with two additional accolades: the…

  • 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…

  • All about the Mid-Autumn Festival in Thailand (and where to find the best mooncakes) | Thaiger

    All about the Mid-Autumn Festival in Thailand (and where to find the best mooncakes)

    The Thaiger key takeaways The Mid-Autumn Festival has deep cultural roots dating back over 3,000 years, symbolising harvest, reunion, and gratitude. In Thailand, celebrations combine traditional moon worship with lantern parades, cultural shows, and family gatherings. Bangkok hotels and restaurants offer limited-time mooncakes. The Mid-Autumn Festival is widely celebrated in Thailand due to its large Chinese population, which makes up…

  • Blue by Alain Ducasse and Baan Tepa unite for a Michelin-class dinner | Thaiger

    Blue by Alain Ducasse and Baan Tepa unite for a Michelin-class dinner

    Blue by Alain Ducasse, a one-Michelin-star fine dining French restaurant, presents a new dimension of flavors with the exclusive dining experience Blue by Alain Ducasse x Baan Tepa 4-Hands Dinner, born from the collaboration of two world-class chefs: Chef Evens Lopez, Executive Chef of Blue by Alain Ducasse, a one-Michelin-starred French fine dining restaurant for five consecutive years, and Chef…

  • How much does it cost to see a doctor in Thailand? | Thaiger

    How much does it cost to see a doctor in Thailand?

    Thailand is known for its high-quality yet affordable healthcare system, but how much does it really cost to see a doctor? As an expat, this question might be crucial for budgeting your health needs. The answer depends on whether you have health insurance or not, and the difference can be significant. Let’s explore the costs, compare insured versus uninsured expenses,…

  • Moving to Thailand? Meet AA Insurance Brokers, the broker expats trust most | Thaiger

    Moving to Thailand? Meet AA Insurance Brokers, the broker expats trust most

    Moving to Thailand is an exciting new chapter, but it also comes with important things to plan, like finding the right insurance. That’s where AA Insurance Brokers can help. With over 20 years of experience and a strong reputation among expats, they offer clear advice and trusted coverage tailored to life in Thailand. AA Insurance Brokers is also an award-winning…

  • More Thai women opting out of motherhood, survey shows | Thaiger

    More Thai women opting out of motherhood, survey shows

    A nationwide survey conducted by the Thai Health Department has revealed that only 63% of Thai women aged 19 to 49 wish to have children, raising concerns about future birth rates and the need for stronger state support around reproductive health. The study, which included 404 women with an average age of 34.2, also found that just 53% possessed sufficient…

  • Where to go cycling in Bangkok? Here’s our 5 spots | Thaiger

    Where to go cycling in Bangkok? Here’s our 5 spots

    I’m sure we all know that Bangkok isn’t shy about showing its traffic. Look around and you’ll see tuk-tuks whizzing past taxis, motorcycles squeezing between cars, and you’ll hear the thick hum of city life pressing in from every angle. And yet, if you know where to look, there are places where the pace softens. Places where wheels spin through…

  • Why is Thai sex tourism so famous worldwide despite being illegal? | Thaiger

    Why is Thai sex tourism so famous worldwide despite being illegal?

    The Thaiger key takeaways Thai sex tourism remains highly visible internationally despite being illegal, fueled by economic demand, historical factors, and tolerance within certain legal grey zones. Red-light districts in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Hat Yai dominate the scene, while rural poverty and limited opportunities have historically driven participation in the industry. Legal enforcement is inconsistent, and ongoing debates around…

  • Axi expands innovation with ‘everything in one platform,’ reinforcing global reputation for reliability | Thaiger

    Axi expands innovation with ‘everything in one platform,’ reinforcing global reputation for reliability

    Global online broker Axi is strengthening its position as one of the industry’s most trusted names, combining top-tier regulation, multi-asset platforms, its funded trader program Axi Select, and award-winning innovation to meet the evolving needs of traders worldwide. Founded in 2007, Axi has grown into a global brand with clients in more than 100 countries. The broker is regulated by…

  • ICS Lifestyle Complex partners with Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok Riverside to offer exclusive privileges for valued guests | Thaiger

    ICS Lifestyle Complex partners with Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok Riverside to offer exclusive privileges for valued guests

    ICS Lifestyle Complex, located right across ICONSIAM, is delighted to enhance the experiences of valued guests through a special collaboration with Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok Riverside. Launching an exclusive campaign titled Special Privilege for Hilton Garden Inn Guests, the collaboration offers ONESIAM members and hotel guests the opportunity to enjoy a unique shopping and lifestyle journey with discount coupons redeemable…

  • Rediscovering Southeast Asia’s timeless charm | Thaiger

    Rediscovering Southeast Asia’s timeless charm

    The chime of temple bells at dawn in Bali. The sizzle of woks down Bangkok’s neon alleys. The kaleidoscope of spices in Singapore’s cultural enclaves. For many travellers, Southeast Asia is well-worn and familiar territory. But in 2025, travel isn’t just about going somewhere new. It’s an opportunity to revisit with a fresh perspective. Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report reveals the draw…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend (September 26 to 28) | Thaiger

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend (September 26 to 28)

    How is it already the end of September? Bangkok is seeing out the month in full swing, with a calendar that’s as varied as the city itself. This weekend’s got comedy nights that’ll have you crying, coffee parties, film fests, and a lotus ritual you’ll want on your story. Here’s our curated list the best things to do in Bangkok…

  • Contemporary living in Phuket: What expats really want | Thaiger

    Contemporary living in Phuket: What expats really want

    Phuket isn’t just a holiday destination anymore. It’s where people come to live well and not just for a few weeks in December, we’re talking full-time, all-in, this-is-home kind of living. What draws people in might be the morning sea breeze, the beachside smoothie bowls, or the sunset motorbike rides along the coast. But what makes them stay? That’s a…

  • Sole & Soul Sunset Journeys: Volume 8 ‘Sip & Scream: An Expressionist Sunset’ | Thaiger

    Sole & Soul Sunset Journeys: Volume 8 ‘Sip & Scream: An Expressionist Sunset’

    Creativity takes a bold turn this October as Sole Mio Boutique Hotel & Wellness presents Sole & Soul Sunset Journeys: Volume 8 – “Sip & Scream: An Expressionist Sunset.” Taking place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, and inspired by Edvard Munch’s iconic masterpiece The Scream, this Halloween edition blends guided painting, seasonal flavours, and rooftop experiences into one unforgettable evening…

  • St. Andrews Green Valley receives the Wellbeing Award for Schools | Thaiger

    St. Andrews Green Valley receives the Wellbeing Award for Schools

    St. Andrews International School, Green Valley is proud to once again have been officially recognised with the Wellbeing Award for Schools (WAS) in their recent re-accreditation. The award, developed by Optimus Education in partnership with the National Children’s Bureau, acknowledges the school’s ongoing work to prioritise mental health and wellbeing across its community. The school first earned the award in…