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 retirees in Thailand are choosing long-term health insurance over quick fixes

    Retirees in Thailand are increasingly seeing the importance of health insurance in protecting their well-being during retirement. With insurance requirements for retirement visas and rising healthcare costs, many are moving away from short-term plans and choosing long-term coverage. Long-term health...

  • High hopes go up in smoke as Indian women busted in weed run | Thaiger

    High hopes go up in smoke as Indian women busted in weed run

    Three Indian women dreaming of a free Thai getaway ended up in cuffs instead, after being caught smuggling high-grade hydroponic weed worth a staggering 85,000,000 rupees (32.4 million baht) into Mumbai. The trio were intercepted by sharp-eyed customs officers at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport yesterday, June 4, following a tip-off about a major drug shipment arriving from Bangkok. Busted…

  • Top 3 must-have apps for exploring Thailand like a local | Thaiger

    Top 3 must-have apps for exploring Thailand like a local

    Sawadee, savvy traveller! If you’re planning a trip to the Land of Smiles, you’re in for a ride full of golden temples, finger-licking street food, island sunsets, and tuk-tuk adventures. But if you want to do it right — not just like a tourist, but like someone who knows their som tam from their satay — you’ll need the right…

  • Snubbed middle-income retirees look beyond Thailand to SE Asia | Thaiger

    Snubbed middle-income retirees look beyond Thailand to SE Asia

    For decades, Thailand has been the quintessential destination for retirees seeking an affordable, beautiful, and culturally rich new home. With its golden beaches, vibrant cuisine, and famously welcoming population, the Land of Smiles has lured hundreds of thousands of Westerners to spend their golden years soaking up its tropical hospitality. Yet, a quiet transformation is taking place beneath the palm…

  • Thailand taxman’s 2-year sweetener to lure overseas millions home | Thaiger

    Thailand taxman’s 2-year sweetener to lure overseas millions home

    The taxman in Thailand is having a rethink and it could mean a big win for globe-trotting Thais with cash stashed abroad. In a bid to woo back an estimated 2 trillion baht in overseas investments, the Revenue Department is planning a two-year tax holiday on foreign-earned income, so long as it’s brought back into the country pronto. Revenue Department…

  • Monsoon season in Thailand: Is your health insurance ready for the unexpected? | Thaiger

    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…

  • Pullman Phuket Beach Resort presents Sea Voices art exhibition | Thaiger

    Pullman Phuket Beach Resort presents Sea Voices art exhibition

    Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort proudly announces Sea Voices, an artistic collaboration with Chloe Kelly Miller, a distinguished French artist renowned for her bold modern art, notably exhibited at the Louvre in Paris. This campaign, set to run from June 1 2025, to April 30, 2026, celebrates love, inclusivity, and marine life conservation, offering an unforgettable fusion of art, sustainability,…

  • What to do in Bangkok this June 2025 | Thaiger

    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…

  • Bangkok Pride events 2025: Where to celebrate Pride Month | Thaiger

    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…

  • Global communities unite at centralwOrld to celebrate Pride Month 2025 | Thaiger

    Global communities unite at centralwOrld to celebrate Pride Month 2025

    Over 300,000 people marched through Bangkok today, ending their Pride Parade journey at centralwOrld in a powerful celebration of love, diversity, and unity. This year’s event was the first Pride Parade since Thailand officially enacted the Marriage Equality Law, making it a historic moment for the LGBTQIAN+ community both in Thailand and globally. Under the theme Born This Way, the…

  • Chon Buri hospital declares war on big tobacco and e-cigs | Thaiger

    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…

  • The best summer camps in Bangkok your kids will love | Thaiger

    The best summer camps in Bangkok your kids will love

    School’s out, the temperature is high, and the kids are full of energy… what’s a parent to do? If you’re looking to keep your kid active, curious, and creatively engaged, a summer camp in Bangkok might just be your best bet. But how do you choose the best one? We know how much you love your kiddos, and finding the…

  • Confessions of a soi dog | Thaiger

    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.…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend (May 30 to June 1) | Thaiger

    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…

  • Stretching into serenity: Pattaya Beach starts yoga countdown | Thaiger

    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…

  • ICONSIAM unveils the magical world of ‘Wisher: Where Miracles Happen’ | Thaiger

    ICONSIAM unveils the magical world of ‘Wisher: Where Miracles Happen’

    ICONSIAM, the global landmark on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, joins hands with URDU, Hong Kong’s leading creative art and Art Toy brand, imported and distributed in Thailand by BBtoys (Thailand) Co., Ltd., under the BBKidult brand, to invite everyone to step into a realm of magic and imagination through ‘Wisher: Where Miracles Happen.’ This enchanted world of wishes…

  • Bangkok Bank’s policy shift: Why the change of heart? | Thaiger

    Bangkok Bank’s policy shift: Why the change of heart?

    Bangkok Bank, Thailand’s largest commercial bank and one of Southeast Asia’s most prominent financial institutions, has begun freezing accounts and blocking cards belonging to Russian nationals, triggering confusion and concern among the expat and tourist communities across the country. The drastic move, which reportedly began around May 25, follows a newly enforced policy that limits access to banking services for…

  • ELC Summer School 2025 – Festival of the Arts | Thaiger

    ELC Summer School 2025 – Festival of the Arts

    Get ready for a fun and exciting summer at ELC International School! With only three weeks left, now is the best time to book the last remaining spots for your child’s place in our ELC Summer School 2025. Children will enjoy hands-on activities, make new friends, and learn in a warm and supportive setting. Summer Festival of the Arts ELC’s…

  • A rooftop evening of art, cuisine & connection at Sole Mio Boutique Hotel & Wellness | Thaiger

    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…

  • Baht off! Bangkok Bank shuts the door on tourist accounts | Thaiger

    Baht off! Bangkok Bank shuts the door on tourist accounts

    Tourists and short-term visitors in Thailand are getting the cold shoulder from Bangkok Bank after the banking giant quietly slammed the brakes on opening accounts for foreigners without long-term visas. Expats and digital nomads are reeling after Bangkok Bank, Thailand’s largest lender, introduced tough new rules barring tourists from opening deposit accounts, applying for credit cards, or using mobile banking…

  • Denied a visa extension in Thailand? Here’s how travel insurance can help | Thaiger

    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…

  • Top 5 kid-friendly experiences on Koh Samui | Thaiger

    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…

  • Blue Elephant showcases Thai culinary excellence at THAIFEX–Anuga Asia 2025 | Thaiger

    Blue Elephant showcases Thai culinary excellence at THAIFEX–Anuga Asia 2025

    Celebrating 45 years of culinary excellence and cultural legacy this year, Blue Elephant, the iconic name in heritage Thai cuisine, is proud to announce its participation in THAIFEX–Anuga Asia 2025, one of Asia’s most influential food and beverage trade shows. Taking place from May 27 to 31 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Blue Elephant is located in the Fine…

  • Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur direct train set to resume later in 2025 | Thaiger

    Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur direct train set to resume later in 2025

    Travellers, visa runners and railway enthusiasts have a reason to celebrate: the long-awaited resumption of the direct train service between Bangkok, Thailand, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is set to return by the end of 2025. This move is expected to enhance regional connectivity, promote sustainable travel, and boost tourism and commerce between the two Southeast Asian capitals. Kuala Lumpur has…

  • Deadly flu surge sparks star-backed vaccine push in Pattaya | Thaiger

    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…

  • Masala Wedding Fair & Food Festival 2025 returns on June 14 and 15 | Thaiger

    Masala Wedding Fair & Food Festival 2025 returns on June 14 and 15

    Thailand’s premier Indian wedding exhibition, the renowned Masala Wedding Fair, returns for its 12th edition, assuring the most enriching and spectacular experience of its kind. This year, the bar is set higher and the flavours bolder as the event merges with the much-loved Masala Food Festival. The highly anticipated two-day fair will take place on June 14 to 15 at the Bangkok…

  • How Thailand’s healthcare system compares to the U.S. and Europe for expats | Thaiger

    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…

  • Sun, sea, and soda: Gourmet Bar Hat Tham Phang on Koh Si Chang is too pretty to stay a secret | Thaiger

    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…

  • Cassia and Homm Suites Laguna Phuket appoints new general manager | Thaiger

    Cassia and Homm Suites Laguna Phuket appoints new general manager

    Cassia Phuket and Homm Suites Laguna Phuket are pleased to announce the appointment of Kanittha Detmak Na Patthalung as the new General Manager, effective 1 June 2025. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Kanittha brings a wealth of operational expertise, leadership acumen, and deep-rooted knowledge of the Phuket market to her new role. A long-standing member…

  • Alarming financial inequality in Thailand | Thaiger

    Alarming financial inequality in Thailand

    Recent data from the Bank of Thailand reveals a concerning financial disparity: approximately 89% of the nation’s bank deposit accounts contain less than 50,000 baht. This statistic underscores the fragile economic state of a significant portion of the Thai population, many of whom rely on daily wages and lack sufficient savings to withstand unforeseen financial challenges. The financial inequality in…

  • Thailand tightens medical cannabis rules: Prescription-only flowers | Thaiger

    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…