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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What to do in Bangkok this weekend (December 5 to 7)
It’s the first weekend of the last month of the year and Bangkok feels ready for it. December always arrives with a little lift in the air. There’s plenty happening across the city, from art fairs and flea markets to music nights and outdoor concerts. Whether you want something calm or something louder, the weekend is packed, and it’s all…
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Thailand retirement visa insurance requirement explained (2025 update)
The Thaiger key takeaways Thailand’s OA, O-X, and LTR visas require health insurance. Minimum coverage varies by visa type, so applicants should confirm requirements with the specific Thai embassy or consulate. Local plans are cheaper and meet the basic rules, while international plans offer higher protection and broader access to private hospitals. Thinking about retiring in Thailand is something many…
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ICONSIAM to host ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2026’ showcasing Thailand as one of the world’s top countdown destinations
ICONSIAM, the global landmark on the Chao Phraya River, will host the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2026, a five-day festival from December 27 to 31 at River Park, celebrating its 7th anniversary and cementing Bangkok as a premier year-end destination. The festivities will feature world-class artist Mark Tuan and Thailand’s top artists, over 200 performers transforming River Park into an endless…
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The macro ties that bind gold and oil with the global economy
Defined by geopolitical friction and shifting economic priorities, 2025 was a year that enforced the long-standing ties between gold, oil, and the global economy. From tariff escalations between major trading blocs to renewed instability in key oil-producing regions, markets were repeatedly forced to reprice risk. And while equities absorbed the headlines, it was gold and oil that quietly revealed the…
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Looking for a view? SkyFlyers is one of the world’s tallest rides, now open in Bangkok
Bangkok has added a new high-flying attraction to its riverside skyline. SkyFlyers: Wings of Garudapterus, one of the world’s tallest swing rides, is now open to the public at Asiatique The Riverfront. This ride is offering riders an exhilarating, 360-degree view of the capital city from the height of a 36-storey building. This new ride spins 24 people at a time…
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Trat woman collapses after 10 months on diet pills
A 22 year old woman collapsed at her workplace in Trat and was rushed to the hospital late last night, December 3, after reportedly taking weight loss pills for over 10 months. Investigators suspect the pills, which she bought from an online shop, contain sibutramine, a banned substance linked to severe health risks. At around 10.30pm yesterday, reporters visited Trat…
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Central Pattana unveils Thailand’s first 14-metre-tall Ariel Castle at Central Phuket
Central Pattana Public Company Limited, the developer of Central shopping centres nationwide, has launched its global campaign, The Magical Stars. The campaign supports Thailand’s tourism and economy during the peak season, advancing the Festival Economy strategy and building a nationwide Happiness Ecosystem for all generations from November 14, 2025, to January 11, 2026. This year, Central Phuket introduces a new landmark, an immersive…
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Cigna’s 10% lifetime discount on global health insurance extends into December
Planning for long-term health protection while keeping costs manageable? Now extended into December, Cigna is once again offering a 10% lifetime discount on its individual global health insurance plans. Enrolling in a Cigna Global Individual policy allows you to enjoy reduced premiums for life, no matter where in the world you live. December offer: Save 10% on your premium for…
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See Tulips blooming right now in Bangkok at Suan Luang Rama IX Flower Festival 2025
Looking for winter vibes without the international flight? From December 1 to 10, Suan Luang Rama IX in Bangkok is home to a stunning seasonal showcase of Tulips blooming at the Suan Luang Rama IX Flower Festival 2025. This limited-time event lets you experience the magic of cold-climate flowers blooming right in the heart of Thailand. Held at the Thakol Phra…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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Taste ‘The Art of Wagyu’ with the finest Japanese beef at Goji Kitchen + Bar at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
Goji Kitchen + Bar, the vibrant international culinary marketplace at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, invites discerning diners to discover the finest wagyu beef this December, with an enticing 10-day promotion that will showcase a selection of handcrafted Japanese dishes. Running from December 5 to 14, The Art of Wagyu will give guests the chance to savour special menu items at…
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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…
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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…
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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:…
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Phrae school seizes student’s jacket in 9°C weather
A school in Phrae province is under fire after a teacher seized a student’s winter jacket for violating the school’s dress code during cold weather. A concerned relative brought the incident to public attention, sharing the incident on Facebook yesterday, December 1. The student, from Wiang Ta Subdistrict in Long district, borrowed and wore a grey jacket because her school-issued…
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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 &…
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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…
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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…
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Taking on Thailand: How Bartels is redefining neighbourhood places through food and community
When Nicolai Bartels stepped onto the stage at this year’s C9 Sessions – Phuket Real Estate Forum 2025, he didn’t present slides, charts, or market forecasts. Instead, he offered something far more valuable: a blueprint for how a food-driven, neighbourhood-centric brand can scale across Thailand by prioritising community, routine, and authenticity over traditional real estate logic. Bartels arrived in Thailand…
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