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Thailand best-of guides on travel, lifestyle, entertainment, and property—discover hidden gems, top attractions, and expert tips. Explore with The Thaiger, your trusted source for the best experiences in Thailand.
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Thai healthcare scheme stable with 46 billion baht in reserves
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has assured the public that the 30-baht “gold card” Universal Healthcare Coverage scheme remains financially stable, with hospitals holding reserve funds of 46 billion baht after liabilities. During a meeting of the National Health Security Office (NHSO) board, Somsak addressed concerns regarding hospital budget deficits, which some attribute to the scheme’s compensation mechanism. Critics argue…
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What to do in Bangkok this weekend (June 6 to 8)
June in Bangkok is off to a lively start, with a packed calendar of art, music, food and community-driven happenings. Pride events can be found every where around the city, there’s craft beer on tap, ocean-inspired art to explore, and even a charity gala if you’re feeling fancy. Here’s what to check out this weekend. 7 Things to do in…
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Does your health insurance still cover Covid-19? What expats in Thailand need to check
Covid-19 cases are rising again in Thailand, with the Ministry of Public Health reporting that five provinces with the highest Covid-19 infections, with a national total of 324,692 cases and 69 fatalities. The spike comes as the rainy season begins and schools reopen, and the virus is expected to keep spreading, especially in places like Chiang Mai, where many expats live. Most cases…
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7 Tips for choosing the best health insurance in Thailand for expats
Many expats in Thailand don’t give health insurance much thought because the country’s healthcare system is excellent (arguably the best in Southeast Asia) and, for the most part, affordable. But affordability doesn’t mean it’s cheap, and it certainly doesn’t mean medical bills can’t add up quickly. Expat health insurance is still one of the most essential things to have. It…
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Your guide to shopping at an outlet store
Discovering amazing deals at an outlet store can be a game-changer for your shopping routine. An outlet store is designed to provide substantial savings compared to traditional stores. This is often achieved through the sale of surplus or overstocked items, discontinued products, or items that are nearing their sell-by date. It’s a place where you won’t just find traditional clothes…
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Thailand’s meth crisis sparks mental health fears
Thailand is battling a full-blown methamphetamine (meth) epidemic, with 1.5 million users nationwide and hundreds of thousands suffering serious mental health effects, according to bombshell new research unveiled this week. The data, released by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), paints a grim picture of widespread meth use and the severe impact it’s having on Thai society, particularly among youth. During a…
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Syphilis surge grips Phuket as tourism booms again
A shocking surge in syphilis cases has hit Phuket, with infections now reported in all three districts of the island province. Health officials are sounding the alarm as the rise coincides with the post-pandemic rebound in tourism and a return to riskier sexual behaviour. “Youths remain a high-risk group, but syphilis can affect people of all genders and ages who engage in…
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How one hospital visit in Thailand could cost more than your whole trip
Thailand is a favourite spot for travellers who want to enjoy more while spending less. From cheap street food to low-cost hotels and fun attractions, it’s easy to stretch your budget here. But there’s one thing many people don’t think about—a sudden hospital visit. It can cost more than your whole trip. You might save money day to day, but…
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Monsoon season in Thailand: Is your health insurance ready for the unexpected?
Thailand’s rainy season brings heavy rain that helps the land but also causes health problems. Flooded roads can lead to accidents, and standing water can spread illnesses like dengue fever. It can also be harder to get medical help quickly. In this article, you’ll learn about the health risks during the monsoon season and why it’s important to have good…
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What to do in Bangkok this June 2025
Didn’t we just celebrate the New Year? Somehow, it’s already June, and as you can expect, Bangkok is full of events to match the mid-year energy. From live music to anime exhibitions and thought-provoking art shows, there’s plenty to keep your weekends (and weekdays) interesting this month. Here are our round up of the best events happening in Bangkok this…
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Bangkok Pride events 2025: Where to celebrate Pride Month
Pride Month is here and Bangkok’s not holding back. With marriage equality finally within reach, there’s a real sense that the city’s ready to make history. The streets are louder, the outfits bolder, and the calendar packed with everything from sweaty all-nighters to river cruises, art shows, and rooftop cocktails. Here are the best parties, events, performances, and all things…
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Chon Buri hospital declares war on big tobacco and e-cigs
A Chon Buri hospital has gone full throttle in the fight against smoking, blasting Big Tobacco and vaping in a fiery World No Tobacco Day event. Somdet Phra Boromma Ratchathewi Hospital in Sriracha joined the global war on smoking yesterday, May 30, hosting a dynamic event for World No Tobacco Day at the Sri Sawarinthira Nusorn 150 Years Building. Leading…
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Confessions of a soi dog
You’ve seen us. We’re on every soi, under every noodle cart. At every 7-Eleven door, like we’re bouncers. And no, we’re not lost, we live here. You’re the one who wandered in with your Google Translate with zero street sense. We soi dogs are the last free beings in this country. No leash, no rent, no vet bills, no Instagram.…
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Thailand braces as new Covid variant NB.1.8.1 rises fast
Thailand’s health experts are keeping a sharp eye on a new Covid-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, which is rapidly gaining ground and is expected to become the dominant strain in the country soon. Dr Yongyot Thummavudhi, director-general of the Department of Medical Sciences (DMSC), revealed yesterday, May 29, that the World Health Organisation (WHO) is actively monitoring multiple Omicron variants. Among these,…
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What to do in Bangkok this weekend (May 30 to June 1)
Bangkok never lets a weekend go quietly, and the final days of May are coming in loud, proud, and full of flavour. Pride Month is nearly here, and the city’s wasting no time getting the party (and the purpose) started. From glamorous galas to slow rituals and loud dance floors, here are five things to do in Bangkok from May…
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Stretching into serenity: Pattaya Beach starts yoga countdown
Sun, sand, and salutations — Pattaya Beach transformed into a haven of calm as hundreds gathered to launch the countdown to the International Day of Yoga in a spirited celebration of wellness, unity, and global harmony. Marking “25 Days to International Day of Yoga,” Pattaya City joined forces with the Indian Association of Pattaya for a vibrant beachside event that…
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A rooftop evening of art, cuisine & connection at Sole Mio Boutique Hotel & Wellness
Rooftop views, summer bites, and creative sparks await at Sole Mio Boutique Hotel & Wellness this June. As the next chapter of the Soul & Sole Sunset Journeys unfolds, guests are invited to paint the flavour through an evening spent on the rooftop, featuring tartare tastings, signature cocktails, live art, and acoustic music, all set above Bangtao’s coastal skyline. Aligned…
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Denied a visa extension in Thailand? Here’s how travel insurance can help
Denied a visa extension in Thailand? It can be a stressful and confusing experience. Immigration rules are strict, and even a small mistake, like missing documents, overstaying a visa, or not showing enough funds, can lead to a denial. If this happens, you may need to leave the country quickly or face unexpected costs. This is where travel insurance becomes…
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THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2025 returns with a glimpse into the future of food
THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2025 has landed at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, and with it comes the most ambitious showcase of food innovation and culinary trends in Asia. The food exhibition brings together over 3,100 exhibitors from 50+ countries, all converging on Bangkok to map the future of food and beverage. Organised by Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP)…
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Top 5 kid-friendly experiences on Koh Samui
Experiencing Koh Samui with kids may just offer an adventure of a lifetime. The award-winning island, located in the Gulf of Thailand, features many educational activities set against the backdrop of a tropical paradise, Ann Carter writes. The island’s kid-friendly establishments focus on educational opportunities that blend a sense of community, nature-themed activities, and creative outlets. Koh Samui is where…
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Deadly flu surge sparks star-backed vaccine push in Pattaya
Bangkok Hospital Pattaya has launched a high-profile vaccine campaign to combat influenza following Thailand’s deadly flu outbreak earlier this year. Held in the lobby of Building E, the BDMS Preventive Vaccine event drew attention not only for its critical public health message, but also for its star power. Thai actor Art Phasut Banyam and his mother took centre stage to…
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Expat moms-to-be: Navigating maternity insurance plans in Thailand
Expecting a baby while living abroad can be exciting and a little overwhelming, especially for expat moms-to-be in Thailand. Maternity insurance is important because it helps cover the high costs of private hospital care and gives you peace of mind during pregnancy and childbirth. Many expats find it tricky to understand the different insurance plans, waiting periods, what is covered…
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How Thailand’s healthcare system compares to the U.S. and Europe for expats
If you’re moving abroad, healthcare is one of the most important things to think about. Many expats choose Thailand because it offers good medical care at a lower cost than in the US or Europe. Private hospitals in Thailand are modern and affordable and have English-speaking doctors, making them a popular choice. In this article, we look at how Thailand’s…
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Sun, sea, and soda: Gourmet Bar Hat Tham Phang on Koh Si Chang is too pretty to stay a secret
If you haven’t been to Koh Si Chang in a while, or ever, this is your sign. This sleepy little island off the Chonburi coast just got a caffeine jolt in the form of Gourmet Bar Hat Tham Phang. Perched just steps from the newly revamped Hat Tham Phang Beach, the café is the latest opening from Novotel Marina Sriracha…
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Thailand tightens medical cannabis rules: Prescription-only flowers
Thailand’s Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) has announced stricter regulations on cannabis, allowing the sale of cannabis flowers solely for medical use with a valid prescription. The move aims to crack down on recreational misuse while supporting legal medical treatments. DTAM’s director-general, Somruek Chungsaman, revealed the updated Public Health Ministry notification today, May 23, focusing on three…
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ISAAN SOUL PROUD: ISAANCF2025 returns to light up Khon Kaen
The clock is ticking; Thailand’s liveliest and most inspiring creative event of the year is fast approaching. Isaan Creative Festival 2025 (ISAANCF2025) returns for its fifth edition, this time, held under the theme ISAAN SOUL PROUD, from June 28 to July 6, 2025, positioning Khon Kaen as a regional creative hub of northeastern Thailand. Organised by the Creative Economy Agency…
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Understated elegance in the Maldives, is it possible?
The Maldives is certainly one of the most scenic beach destinations in the world. In the UK and many European countries, the islands are one of the top honeymoon destinations. The Maldives is also popular for winter holidays among couples and families. Blended among the regular travellers are celebrities. But do you notice them? Hardly, we guess. That’s because celebrities…
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The free spirited edge of Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Known for its famous full moon parties, Koh Phangan also attracts digital nomads, spiritual seekers, and free spirit travellers looking for more than just a tan. In this YouTube video, in the section from timestamp 17:00 to 21:20, Flora and Note arrive at the entrance…
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Gambero Rosso back in Bangkok
Mark your calendars for June 4, a date that promises to be unforgettable for Thai wine aficionados! Gambero Rosso is making a triumphant return to Thailand, the Asian market that’s currently bursting with potential. With the recent abolition of import duties, the appetite for wine is soaring, fueled not just by tourism but also by a vibrant new generation eager…
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Nomad insurance vs. Thai health insurance: what should expats in Thailand choose?
Expats in Thailand can use public hospitals or private healthcare, but most choose insurance to avoid expensive bills. If you’re staying long-term or working here, it’s important to pick the right type of insurance. This helps you get good medical care and keeps you in line with visa rules, like for the Retirement Visa, Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa, or Thailand…
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