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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    Travel vs international health insurance: Which coverage do you need overseas?

    The Thaiger key takeaways Travel insurance is ideal for short-term trips, covering emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage, but not routine care. International health insurance suits expats and long-term residents, offering full medical coverage, including checkups, maternity, and chronic care. Choosing...

  • Syphilis surge grips Phuket as tourism booms again | Thaiger

    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…

  • Carnival Magic wins prestigious ‘The Showstopper’ Brass Ring Award | Thaiger

    Carnival Magic wins prestigious ‘The Showstopper’ Brass Ring Award

    Carnival Magic, Thailand’s premier nighttime theme park, has proudly taken home the Showstopper Brass Ring Award from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), marking a major milestone on the global stage. The award was presented in April 2025, at IAAPA Expo Europe, hosted at the renowned Europa-Park in Germany. The winning attraction, River Carnival Parade, won over…

  • How one hospital visit in Thailand could cost more than your whole trip | Thaiger

    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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 5 video content ideas you can steal today | Thaiger

    5 video content ideas you can steal today

    Struggling to come up with fresh, attention-grabbing video ideas? Here are 5 formats that consistently perform well, and you can start using them today! 1. I tried ___ for 7 days Have you ever come across those “7 Days at Home Workout Challenge – Insane Results” videos or “Going Vegan for 7 Days” vlogs? Trying something new for a week…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • PM leads Bangkok Pride 2025 as Siam Piwat powers month-long festival | Thaiger

    PM leads Bangkok Pride 2025 as Siam Piwat powers month-long festival

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra opened the Bangkok Pride Parade 2025 yesterday, June 1, marching through the Siam area alongside key Cabinet members, including Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, Prime Minister’s Office Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai, and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool. They were joined by Bangkok Pride chair Waaddao Ann Chumaporn, Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon, UN…

  • 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…

  • 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.…

  • Thailand braces as new Covid variant NB.1.8.1 rises fast | Thaiger

    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,…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Top destinations for a long weekend trip near Bangkok | Thaiger

    Top destinations for a long weekend trip near Bangkok

    The long weekend starts tomorrow! If you’re so over the city life in Bangkok, it’s the perfect time to skedaddle from all that hustle and bustle. Lucky for you, there’s loads of magical destinations around Bangkok to help you refresh during the long weekend. Whether you’re up for a bit of an adventure or just wanna kick back and relax,…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2025 returns with a glimpse into the future of food | Thaiger

    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)…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Expat moms-to-be: Navigating maternity insurance plans in Thailand | Thaiger

    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…

  • 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…

  • 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…