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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    Why health insurance costs more each year and how expats in Thailand can save more money

    Each year, many expats living in Thailand see their health insurance premiums go up and often without a clear reason. This can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to plan your budget. But by understanding why prices rise and learning...

  • Thailand eyes kratom crackdown amid abuse fears | Thaiger

    Thailand eyes kratom crackdown amid abuse fears

    Thailand’s justice minister has vowed to rein in kratom abuse after nationwide reports of users mixing the herbal drink with narcotics. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong said new regulations may soon be introduced to restrict kratom leaf sales, following talks with Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin earlier this week. “On August 20, I discussed with the public health minister the necessity…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend and next (August 22 to 31) | Thaiger

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend and next (August 22 to 31)

    August in Bangkok isn’t slowing down, with the rain, the heat, and a packed calendar all proving it this weekend. You’ll find late-night parties, art that bends the imagination, films screened on ice, and dinosaurs stomping along the riverfront. If you’re still deciding where to go, here’s our pick of the best things to do in Bangkok this weekend (and…

  • 5 ways you’re losing money in Thailand | Thaiger

    5 ways you’re losing money in Thailand

    The Thaiger key takeaways Tourist restaurants, bars, and premium malls charge heavily compared to local markets and street food. High ATM fees, poor exchange rates, and careless money handling shrink your budget fast. Ignoring mobile plan renewals and overpaying for tours or taxis costs travellers far more than necessary. Visiting Thailand can be surprisingly affordable, but if you’re not careful,…

  • Summer Sonic Bangkok 2025: Get ready for a showdown in the capital! | Thaiger

    Summer Sonic Bangkok 2025: Get ready for a showdown in the capital!

    The countdown is on, only a few days to go! Get ready, because Summer Sonic Bangkok 2025 is just around the corner! On August 23 to 24, Bangkok will transform into the ultimate music capital with two blazing stages over two explosive days. If you miss this, you’re truly missing out! Don’t be mistaken, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill concert. It’s…

  • Welida Health, the personalised wellness centre in Bangkok that can help you feel like yourself again | Thaiger

    Welida Health, the personalised wellness centre in Bangkok that can help you feel like yourself again

    Life can get so busy that taking care of your health becomes something you plan to do ‘next week,’ but never quite manage. The deadlines pile up, your sleep gets shorter, and suddenly, you’re running on caffeine and stress, wondering why you feel so out of sync. But that’s exactly what Welida Health is helping people change. Located in Bangkok,…

  • Your guide to affordable seaside holidays at Thai Teaw Thai Fair 2025 | Thaiger

    Your guide to affordable seaside holidays at Thai Teaw Thai Fair 2025

    Who doesn’t love a great deal? If you’re already dreaming about your next seaside holiday, Thailand’s biggest travel fair is where you can turn those plans into reality while saving money along the way. The Thai Teaw Thai Fair is back to Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre for its 75th edition this August 21 to 24, and it’s bringing…

  • Tara Pattana International School joins International Schools Partnership | Thaiger

    Tara Pattana International School joins International Schools Partnership

    Tara Pattana International School (TPIS) has officially joined the International Schools Partnership (ISP), a leading global group of international schools consisting of over 110 private schools across 25 countries. The group currently educates over 100,000 students worldwide. This partnership marks a milestone in TPIS’s mission to deliver world-class international education in Pattaya. Becoming part of ISP strengthens TPIS’s position in…

  • Thai interest rate cut fuels stock market surge | Thaiger

    Thai interest rate cut fuels stock market surge

    Thailand’s stock market has been handed a shot of adrenaline after the Bank of Thailand (BoT) slashed its policy rate by 25 basis points to 1.50%, a move analysts say could send the SET index surging to 1,370 points by the year’s end. Market watchers hailed the rate cut as the start of “a policy-led re-rating phase” that will redirect…

  • Thai hospitals probed over fake migrant health certificates | Thaiger

    Thai hospitals probed over fake migrant health certificates

    Private hospitals in Thailand are facing a scandal after allegations surfaced that they have been issuing fake health certificates to migrant workers without carrying out proper medical checks. Deputy Public Health Minister Chaichana Dechdecho announced yesterday, August 19, that two to three hospitals are under investigation, with early evidence suggesting doctors signed off on the fraudulent certificates without conducting blood…

  • The Italian Table: A six-hands culinary collaboration | Thaiger

    The Italian Table: A six-hands culinary collaboration

    JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, the leading destination dining resort in Phang Nga, is proud to unveil The Italian Table on August 29 and 30, 2025, a two-night collaboration bringing together three of Thailand’s most visionary Italian chefs for one unforgettable dining experience. Hosted at Olive, the resort’s signature Italian kitchen, this special event is set to showcase the…

  • The essential guide to domestic flights in Thailand | Thaiger

    The essential guide to domestic flights in Thailand

    The Thaiger’s key takeaways: Thailand’s domestic network spans full-service and budget carriers, connecting major cities, islands, and regional hubs. Suvarnabhumi handles premium airlines, Don Mueang focuses on low-cost carriers, with a free shuttle linking both. Prices vary by season and route; book 1 to 3 months ahead (or longer for peak season) and compare carriers for savings. As of May…

  • Phuket fights against HIV: Bold plan to end AIDS by 2030 | Thaiger

    Phuket fights against HIV: Bold plan to end AIDS by 2030

    Phuket has declared an all-out war on HIV/AIDS with the launch of a high-powered workshop aimed at making the island Thailand’s first Province of Ending AIDS by 2030. The two-day event, which opened today, August 19, at the Bukitta Hotel in Phuket Town, gathered 50 representatives from health, government, and community groups. It was chaired by Phuket Provincial Chief Administrative Officer…

  • Australian Pharmacy Location Rules – Insights for success | Thaiger

    Australian Pharmacy Location Rules – Insights for success

    The Australian Pharmacy Location Rules were established under the National Health Act 1953 and are jointly overseen by the Australian Federal Government and the Australian Pharmacy Guild. These rules standardise the approval process for pharmacies to supply medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), allowing the store to be reimbursed for the gap between the patient’s out-of-pocket cost and the…

  • Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand? | Thaiger

    Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?

    Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand? Yes, you do get access to some healthcare for free only if you have a work permit and contribute to…

  • IHG Hotels & Resorts announces senior appointments ahead of the opening of Thailand’s first voco hotel | Thaiger

    IHG Hotels & Resorts announces senior appointments ahead of the opening of Thailand’s first voco hotel

    IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is pleased to announce the senior leadership team at voco Bangkok Surawong, with Walid Ouezini appointed as General Manager, Wipusana Sriwieng as Director of Sales & Marketing, and Patthira Weir as Director of Marketing Communications. Slated to open in late 2025, the hotel will mark the debut of IHG’s…

  • Kao unveils the ‘Kirei World’ Experience: Inspiring sustainable living through innovation at NST Fair 2025 | Thaiger

    Kao unveils the ‘Kirei World’ Experience: Inspiring sustainable living through innovation at NST Fair 2025

    Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese manufacturer of consumer and chemical products, has presented its immersive Kirei World Tour experience at the National Science and Technology Fair 2025 (NST Fair 2025), organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation under the theme Science in Action for Sustainable Community. The fair showcases Kao’s vision of creating…

  • Kristian Petersen appointed as General Manager of Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok | Thaiger

    Kristian Petersen appointed as General Manager of Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok

    Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok is delighted to announce the appointment of Kristian Petersen as General Manager, effective August 4. A veteran hospitality leader with over 20 years of experience with Marriott International, Kristian brings a wealth of expertise in hotel operations, pre-opening strategy, and brand transformation across Asia Pacific and Europe. Kristian most recently served as General Manager of…

  • Land of smiles, punchlines, and open mics | Thaiger

    Land of smiles, punchlines, and open mics

    Comedians who were interviewed Johnathan Samson Chris Wegoda Alex Latour People who think Bangkok is only temples, traffic, and tuk-tuks have clearly never been cornered at an open mic by a drunk Australian determined to share his new ladyboy joke. Open mic, you ask? Yes, stand-up comedy exists in Thailand, and it’s not just a hobby. It’s a stubborn, funny-looking,…

  • Hidden gems for Bangkok foodies | Thaiger

    Hidden gems for Bangkok foodies

    Let’s be honest, Bangkok’s food scene is no secret. From high-flying rooftops to humble street carts, there’s no shortage of places to fill your boots. But what about the tucked-away treasures? The off-the-radar spots you stumble upon and immediately want to keep to yourself? This one’s for the curious eaters, the adventurous diners, and anyone tired of the same old…

  • Planning to extend your Thai visa? Why health insurance is more important than ever | Thaiger

    Planning to extend your Thai visa? Why health insurance is more important than ever

    If you plan to stay longer in Thailand, having health insurance is now more important than ever. Thai immigration often asks for proof of medical coverage when you apply to extend your visa. This applies to many types of visas, like retirement or long-term stay. Choosing a plan from a trusted company like Cigna can make the process easier and…

  • Rhythm of Thailand: TAT’s mission to discover Thai charms | Thaiger

    Rhythm of Thailand: TAT’s mission to discover Thai charms

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) continues to boost Thailand’s tourism momentum with its ‘Be My Guest’ project, in collaboration with the National Soft Power Strategy Committee (or Subcommittee for Tourism Industry Development under the National Soft Power Strategy Committee). The initiative drives the government’s soft power policy, intending to position Thailand as a leading global destination, while presenting the…

  • 5 hospitals in Thailand digital nomads trust most | Thaiger

    5 hospitals in Thailand digital nomads trust most

    Thailand is still one of the best places for digital nomads, thanks to its low cost of living, comfortable lifestyle, and good healthcare system. For remote workers living far from home, having access to a trusted hospital is very important. Most digital nomads look for hospitals that meet international standards, have English-speaking staff, and make it easy to use health…

  • Bangkok at dawn: A guide for morning people | Thaiger

    Bangkok at dawn: A guide for morning people

    Mornings in Bangkok feel like a quiet rebellion against the city’s usual chaos, no traffic, no sweat (yet), just movement and misty light. The sky trains hum almost empty. Streets lie open and unhurried, the air still cool, as if the city itself is taking a long, slow breath before the day begins. Some people simply aren’t morning people, and…

  • Mastering the foundations: A comprehensive guide to technical analysis theories | Thaiger

    Mastering the foundations: A comprehensive guide to technical analysis theories

    Technical analysis offers a structured approach to determining what to trade, when to enter the market, and how long to remain involved. Its core principle is simple: every known fact—economic or otherwise—is already reflected in the price. Thus, by observing price and volume alone, traders can discern patterns of crowd psychology and, in turn, anticipate future movements. In practice, any…

  • Not sure what to do for Mother’s Day in Bangkok? Here are some lovely ways to celebrate | Thaiger

    Not sure what to do for Mother’s Day in Bangkok? Here are some lovely ways to celebrate

    It’s Mother’s Day in Thailand tomorrow! Have you made plans yet? If not, there’s still plenty of time to surprise the matriarchs in your life with something thoughtful. The day is celebrated on August 12 to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s birthday, and in Bangkok that means restaurants, cafés, and attractions are ready with special menus, offers, and experiences. From…

  • Thailand permits agricultural drones under strict regulations | Thaiger

    Thailand permits agricultural drones under strict regulations

    The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has announced that agricultural drone operations will be permitted tomorrow, August 11 under stringent conditions, with a continued nationwide ban on other drones until August 15 or further notice. Both the drone and its operator need registration with the CAAT, along with obtaining agricultural flight authorisation. Operators must possess a clean record, operating…

  • Pay Thai car tax in minutes with new app: DLT (video) | Thaiger

    Pay Thai car tax in minutes with new app: DLT (video)

    Paying your annual car tax just got a whole lot easier—and you won’t even have to leave the sofa. The Department of Land Transport (DLT), in partnership with Krungthai Bank, has launched a groundbreaking service allowing drivers to pay their annual vehicle tax via the Pao Tang app. Officials say the move will save time, cut travel costs, and make…

  • Best weed shops in Khaosan Road, Bangkok [2025] | Thaiger

    Best weed shops in Khaosan Road, Bangkok [2025]

    “Can you still buy cannabis on Khaosan Road?” That’s probably the question on your mind after seeing the headlines. A lot has happened in Thailand’s cannabis scene over the past several weeks. New regulations were introduced, some dispensaries were forced to close, and at the same time, new ones opened their doors. Yes, it can sound a bit confusing, especially…

  • Admire Bespoke Tailor: Elegance, luxury and your style statement | Thaiger

    Admire Bespoke Tailor: Elegance, luxury and your style statement

    Admire Bespoke Tailor, a premium custom tailor in Bangkok, is renowned for its approach, which balances traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques. The tailor is no stranger to creating elegant, high-quality suits for clients from Thailand and around the world, where each piece is made with luxury in mind while also matching your style. Admire Bespoke Tailors: Suits that tell your…