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.

  • Sponsored

    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...

  • Where to travel in Thailand in August [2025] | Thaiger

    Where to travel in Thailand in August [2025]

    There’s no better way to experience Thailand than through its cuisine. In the rainy season, flavours bloom alongside the landscape, steam rises from market pots, the snap of chilli echoes through alleyways, and rain makes every bite more vivid. “I could happily eat Thai food every day for the rest of my life.” — Anthony Bourdain When you travel around…

  • Hong Kong to host four major lifestyle fairs in fall 2025 | Thaiger

    Hong Kong to host four major lifestyle fairs in fall 2025

    Thailand and Hong Kong continue to strengthen their long-standing trade ties, offering exciting business opportunities through world-class exhibitions. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) invites Thai businesses, suppliers, and retailers to participate in four upcoming lifestyle fairs happening between September and November 2025 in Hong Kong. These events promise to connect regional traders with global markets through physical exhibitions…

  • Bao Bao by Chef Yubin: Michelin-level Shanghai dim sum arrives to centralwOrld | Thaiger

    Bao Bao by Chef Yubin: Michelin-level Shanghai dim sum arrives to centralwOrld

    Shanghai’s legendary dim sum experience has officially arrived in Bangkok as Bao Bao has opened its doors at centralwOrld, Level 6, Atrium zone. Famed for its authentic recipes and Michelin-level culinary expertise, Bao Bao offers Thai food lovers a chance to savour the rich tradition of Chinese cuisine, right in the capital. Helmed by Chef Yubin, a Michelin-rated expert in…

  • Chachoengsao family seeks answers after dengue kills girl, 6 | Thaiger

    Chachoengsao family seeks answers after dengue kills girl, 6

    A family in Chachoengsao was left grieving and seeking clarity over the death of their six year old daughter from dengue fever. Yesterday, July 21, 31 year old Supattra and 33 year old Somkiat, expressed their heartbreak and dissatisfaction with the hospital’s diagnosis process, which they feel contributed to their daughter’s untimely death due to multiple organ failure caused by…

  • Why traders in Thailand are choosing EC Markets for gold and forex trading | Thaiger

    Why traders in Thailand are choosing EC Markets for gold and forex trading

    Gold and forex trading have long been favourites among investors in Thailand, but why are so many traders now turning to EC Markets? The answer lies in a combination of tight spreads, ultra-fast execution, Thai baht (THB) deposit support, and globally trusted regulation. Let’s dive into why EC Markets is becoming the go-to forex and gold trading platform in Thailand,…

  • Zika fear grips Thailand amid rainy season spike | Thaiger

    Zika fear grips Thailand amid rainy season spike

    Thailand is on red alert as the Zika virus spreads rapidly through the rainy season, with pregnant women warned they could face devastating consequences if infected. Health officials have sounded the alarm after a spike in cases was reported across three provinces – Bangkok, Phayao, and Maha Sarakham – urging residents to take immediate precautions. The Department of Disease Control…

  • A love letter to Bangkok (written in a slightly passive-aggressive way) | Thaiger

    A love letter to Bangkok (written in a slightly passive-aggressive way)

    Dear Bangkok, Before we get started, you know I love you, right? And everything I say in this letter is because I love you so much, Bangkok. We have a lot to unpack, so let’s get started with your housing. In your city, success isn’t about square footage; it’s measured by the BTU of your air-conditioning, how close you live…

  • Thailand hit by mental health spike and baby bust | Thaiger

    Thailand hit by mental health spike and baby bust

    Thailand’s facing a double dose of trouble—more people are battling mental health issues than ever before, while fewer babies are being born. Experts say it’s a social time bomb. The newly released Thai Health Report 2025, launched yesterday, July 17, by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and Mahidol University, paints a worrying picture of the nation’s emotional and demographic…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend (July 18 to 20) | Thaiger

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend (July 18 to 20)

    Hot rainy nights, mid-July… Bangkok’s in one of those steamy moods again, with showers dotting the weekend and clouds clinging to the skyline. But if you’re the type to dance between the raindrops or browse books while thunder rolls in the distance, this forecast‘s got a silver lining. Here’s your weekend line-up: a flavour-packed supper collab, a chilled vintage market,…

  • Thai health officials warn against dangerous kids’ pimple popper toy | Thaiger

    Thai health officials warn against dangerous kids’ pimple popper toy

    The Department of Health (DoH) has initiated a campaign to protect children from dangerous toys, including a new item dubbed the “pimple popper.” The campaign was introduced at the department’s Data Centre with participation from the Royal College of Paediatricians of Thailand, the Child Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention Centre, and the Foundation for Consumers. Director General Amporn Benjapolpitak expressed…

  • What it’s really like to do IVF in Thailand, according to a fertility doctor | Thaiger

    What it’s really like to do IVF in Thailand, according to a fertility doctor

    Assisted reproduction is a far more common part of modern motherhood than many people realise. Over 10 million babies have been born through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) across the globe and every year, another half a million join them. But while it’s the most popular and effective assisted reproductive technology (ART), IVF is still seen as intimidating. Yes, the procedure…

  • New in July: Save 10% for life on family health plans in Thailand | Thaiger

    New in July: Save 10% for life on family health plans in Thailand

    Cigna has a special offer this July for families in Thailand. When you sign up three or more people on a family health plan, you will save 10% on your premiums for life. This deal helps you get affordable, high-quality care, including doctor visits, emergency treatment, and access to Thailand’s top private hospitals. If you want to protect your family…

  • Thai clinics exposed in massive gold card fraud scandal | Thaiger

    Thai clinics exposed in massive gold card fraud scandal

    A major healthcare scandal is rocking Thailand as the Ministry of Public Health cracks down on 16 clinics accused of defrauding the country’s universal health scheme out of nearly 30 million baht. Yesterday, July 15, Thanakrit Chitareerat, Secretary to the Minister of Public Health, revealed he had personally inspected several clinics in Sakhon Nakhon’s Song Dao district as part of…

  • Chiang Mai University warns of deadly brain-eating disease | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai University warns of deadly brain-eating disease

    The Faculty of Medicine at Chiang Mai University warns of the silent threat posed by the brain-eating amoeba found in natural water sources, urging caution even with seemingly clean water. Yesterday, July 15, the official page of the Chiang Mai University Faculty of Medicine published an article highlighting the dangers of Naegleria fowleri, a single-celled parasite that can cause fatal…

  • How much travel insurance should cost you in Thailand (By trip length) | Thaiger

    How much travel insurance should cost you in Thailand (By trip length)

    When planning a trip to Thailand, travel insurance is a smart investment that can save you from unexpected costs. Whether it’s medical expenses, lost luggage, or trip cancellations, the right coverage can provide peace of mind and financial protection against emergencies. While travel insurance isn’t mandatory for most visitors, it’s highly recommended for a stress-free experience abroad. The cost of…

  • Phuket declared nearly rabies-free thanks to Soi Dog | Thaiger

    Phuket declared nearly rabies-free thanks to Soi Dog

    In a remarkable triumph for animal welfare and public health, Phuket has emerged as one of the safest destinations in Southeast Asia for pet-loving tourists, thanks to a relentless campaign that has driven rabies risk down to almost zero. Southeast Asia’s largest dog and cat charity, Soi Dog Foundation, announced this week that the island has recorded only one human…

  • NHSO to hire 18,000 caregivers for dependent patients in Thailand | Thaiger

    NHSO to hire 18,000 caregivers for dependent patients in Thailand

    Thailand is set to unleash an 18,000-strong battalion of caregivers to rescue frail pensioners and dependent patients nationwide, in a record-breaking health push fuelled by a multi-billion baht stimulus plan. The board of the National Health Security Office (NHSO) has approved the recruitment of 18,000 caregivers to support more than 100,000 dependent people across the country. The ambitious initiative is…

  • Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with The Peninsula Bangkok’s timeless mooncakes and exclusive limited-edition collector’s box | Thaiger

    Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with The Peninsula Bangkok’s timeless mooncakes and exclusive limited-edition collector’s box

    If you’ve ever wondered what goes into making the perfect mooncake, let me share that it’s so much more than mixing flour and filling. I recently had the chance to step behind the scenes and mould a couple of The Peninsula Bangkok’s famous egg custard mooncakes, made from their in-hotel restaurant Mei Jiang, and I can promise you, it gave…

  • Finance minister reveals final contenders to lead Bank of Thailand | Thaiger

    Finance minister reveals final contenders to lead Bank of Thailand

    Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira confirmed yesterday that he has officially signed off on his nominee to lead the Bank of Thailand (BoT) and submitted the selection to the Cabinet for consideration today. Speaking to reporters, Pichai made it clear he had no reservations about collaborating with whichever candidate ultimately gets the nod. “Whoever is selected, I’ll…

  • Transgender Thais win free hormone therapy in gold card revolution | Thaiger

    Transgender Thais win free hormone therapy in gold card revolution

    Thailand’s Board of the National Health Security Office (NHSO) has approved a sweeping plan to make hormone therapy for gender affirmation an official health benefit under the country’s Universal Health Coverage, known as the Gold Card system. The move, green-lit with a budget exceeding 145 million baht for fiscal year 2025, aims to promote equality and improve the well-being of…

  • Thailand launches first local cancer therapy pill | Thaiger

    Thailand launches first local cancer therapy pill

    Thailand has introduced its first domestically created targeted therapy pill for cancer treatment, named Imcranib 100. This development is attributed to the scientific vision and leadership of Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana. Targeted therapy represents a modern approach to cancer treatment, concentrating on attacking specific cancer cells while preserving healthy cells. This method helps to minimise the…

  • Thai student numbers plummet in Korea as foreign arrivals surge | Thaiger

    Thai student numbers plummet in Korea as foreign arrivals surge

    In a surprising twist to South Korea’s booming foreign arrivals, the number of Thai students and trainees has nosedived—raising eyebrows as other nationalities flock in record numbers. New figures from Statistics Korea have revealed that in 2024, only 21,000 Thai nationals entered South Korea on student and training visas, a steep 40% drop from the previous year. This decline bucks…

  • What’s Up Thailand Episode 3: From book fairs and lantern festivals to rooftop comedy and zine culture | Thaiger

    What’s Up Thailand Episode 3: From book fairs and lantern festivals to rooftop comedy and zine culture

    Welcome back to your essential guide for Bangkok’s boldest, brightest, and quirkiest happenings. From riverside book talks to rooftop comedy and caffeine-fueled parties, What’s Up Thailand is your shortcut to the best things to do in the Big Mango this week. Whether you’re living locally or just passing through, here’s your curated lineup of events that cut through the noise,…

  • Tea rooms: Steeped in history, served to people who talk too much | Thaiger

    Tea rooms: Steeped in history, served to people who talk too much

    When most people think of a tea room, they picture some serene place in London or Paris. You know the type: lace curtains, porcelain cups, people trying to pretend they’re not judging the placement of your spoon while you stir or you have the people who think of themselves as a worldly person. They think of an asian taoist room.…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend (July 11 to 13) | Thaiger

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend (July 11 to 13)

    The forecast is calling for heat, rain, and a full weekend of things to do in Bangkok that go well beyond shopping malls and air-con. From a riverside Mexican fiesta and open-air art at Ong Ang Canal to the final days of a major exhibition, the city is busy in the best way. Here’s what to circle on your calendar,…

  • Discover southern charm at Pakk Taii Design Week 2025 | Thaiger

    Discover southern charm at Pakk Taii Design Week 2025

    Get ready for a journey to Pakk Taii Design Week 2025 (PTDW2025), the annual creative festival showcasing southern Thailand! From 28 August to 7 September 2025, the historic Old Town of Songkhla and Hat Yai will come alive as all 14 southern provinces unite to highlight the region’s charm and potential. Under this year’s ‘South Paradise’ theme, the event promises…

  • Why Thailand is obsessed with Labubus | Thaiger

    Why Thailand is obsessed with Labubus

    If you’ve been wondering why everyone in Bangkok is dangling strange little dolls from their designer bags, meet Labubu and Cry Baby, Thailand’s latest pop culture obsessions. Labubu, a mischievous elf with pointy ears, serrated teeth, and wild hair, was created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in 2015. Inspired by Nordic mythology, Labubu first appeared in The Monsters’ story…

  • Upcoming music festivals in Thailand you won’t want to miss (July to December 2025) | Thaiger

    Upcoming music festivals in Thailand you won’t want to miss (July to December 2025)

    The best festivals in Thailand have a bit of everything, from big-name bands and DJs to full-on weekends with art, wellness, and even barefoot island raves. And this year, the lineup looks better than ever, with old favourites returning and new names to get excited about. Sure, we love catching dedicated artist performances (and there are so many great concerts…

  • Digital nomading in Chiang Mai? What US$1,000 a month really gets you | Thaiger

    Digital nomading in Chiang Mai? What US$1,000 a month really gets you

    Chiang Mai has become a popular destination for digital nomads due to its low living costs, rich culture, and active remote work community. The city offers affordable housing, tasty food, reliable internet, and many co-working spaces, making it a great place for a comfortable yet budget-friendly lifestyle. For around US$1,000 a month, digital nomads can rent a furnished apartment, use…

  • Nora Beach Club is the all-day escape you didn’t know you needed in Phuket | Thaiger

    Nora Beach Club is the all-day escape you didn’t know you needed in Phuket

    Phuket is no stranger to beach clubs, but few pull off the full package quite like Nora Beach Club. There’s a little Ibiza in the way the music picks up after lunch. A bit of Bali in the layout, with the pool, bar, and shaded cabana blending into one another. But the atmosphere is pure Phuket: relaxed, friendly, and full…