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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Making a splash: Garner by IHG arrives in Southeast Asia
IHG Hotels & Resorts debuts Garner by IHG in Southeast Asia, with the opening of Garner Hotel Pattaya Central. Guests can immerse themselves in the vibrancy of this coastal city in Thailand, all while experiencing the brand’s ethos of ‘easy going stays that get you on your way’. Garner hotels are designed to offer quality, relaxed stays at an affordable price. The brand offers…
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Diabetic Retinopathy: What you really need to know about your eyes and diabetes
Most conversations about diabetes stay focused on sugar levels, food choices, and long-term health, but the eyes rarely enter the discussion. It surprises many people to learn that the condition can quietly affect the retina, the part of the eye that handles sharp vision. Asst Prof Dr Wijak Kongwattananon, an ophthalmologist at MedPark Hospital Bangkok, often meets patients who are…
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Buying property in Thailand? Don’t skip this home insurance guide
Buying property in Thailand is exciting, but it also comes with legal hoops, financial complexities, and risks you might not expect. Whether you’re eyeing a beachfront condo in Phuket or a modern Bangkok apartment, understanding how to protect your investment is just as important as closing the deal. This guide, with insights from AA Insurance Brokers, walks you through the…
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Celebrate the festive season with exceptional year-end dining experiences Chon Som all day dining
Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport invites guests to celebrate the joyous festive season with a series of premium dining experiences at Chon Som All Day Dining. Enjoy heartwarming moments in a cosy, inviting atmosphere that is perfect for gathering with loved ones during this special time of year. Chon Som presents an international buffet crafted with high-quality ingredients and…
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Where to celebrate Christmas in Phuket
It’s that strange and excellent time of year when Christmas shows up in Phuket wearing sandals. The weather is perfect, the resorts are fully committed, and suddenly Santa is everywhere, usually near a buffet. If you’re doing the festive season without the cold, this is where it gets good. From island hideaways to beachfront brunches and full-on family feasts, Phuket’s…
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Recap: 808 Festival 2025 rocked Bangkok with three days of EDM action
If you’re wondering what made 808 Festival 2025 the talk of the town this December, it’s simple: three days of world-class EDM performances, stunning production, and an atmosphere that brought music lovers together from across the globe. Held at Bitec Bangna from December 5 to 7, the festival solidified its reputation as Thailand’s premier EDM event and one of the…
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Lucky colours of the week in Thailand and what they mean
Ever noticed your Thai colleagues wearing yellow on Mondays, or wondered why government buildings display specific colours on certain days? You’re witnessing one of Thailand’s most charming traditions: the lucky colours of the weekday. This living practice stems from ancient Hindu-Brahmin astrology woven into Thai Buddhist culture. Each day has an auspicious colour tied to celestial deities whose attributes shape…
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Siam Paragon The Magical Celebration 2026 celebrates 20 years with festive spectacles
Siam Paragon, a global landmark destination recognised as one of the world’s most beloved shopping destinations and a leader in delivering extraordinary experiences beyond expectations, presents a grand festive phenomenon to mark the end of the year with Siam Paragon The Magical Celebration 2026. The event invites everyone to celebrate the joyful season with a spectacular lineup of events and…
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What to do in Bangkok this weekend (December 12 to 14)
Have you been waiting for the weekend to arrive? The weeks feel like they go by fast at the end of the year, but it’s always nice to finally have time to go out and explore. The city is getting festive and this weekend brings plenty of things to do, from hands on workshops to relaxed park concerts and big…
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What expats in Thailand wish they knew before moving here
The Thaiger key takeaways Visa rules, documentation, and reporting requirements are stricter and more complex than most newcomers expect. Healthcare quality varies widely, and many expats rely on private hospitals due to faster service and English-speaking staff. Cultural norms, daily expenses, weather risks, and safety concerns take adjustment but become manageable with preparation. Moving to Thailand is exciting, but many…
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Boarding schools in Thailand: Safer, more structured, and cheaper than the UK?
The Thaiger key takeaways Thailand’s boarding schools offer a highly structured, calm environment that many parents view as safer and more supportive compared to other regions. Annual fees remain significantly lower than in the UK, with a wide range of international schools providing modern facilities and strong academic pathways. The rise in global families choosing Thailand reflects a shift toward…
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Stay, create, connect: TRIBE Phuket Patong might be the island’s coolest base
Some hotels make you feel ten times cooler just by walking in. TRIBE Phuket Patong is one of them. Made for people who like to stay, create, and connect at the same place, it gives you room to do your thing without overthinking it. One glance, and you’ll notice that the island’s sunny and creative energy runs through every corner…
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Bangkok’s brightest festive countdown happens at Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside
The festive season is upon us, and Royal Orchid Sheraton Bangkok is pulling out all the stops. The hotel turns the entire stretch of its riverside property into a festive playground in December, with a full programme for both Christmas and New Year. You can go for a stylish family dinner, an Italian lunch that stretches into the afternoon, or…
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Centara and Icons Series announce major sports partnership for a star-studded launch event in Bangkok
Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is proud to announce that it has become the Official Hotel Partner of the Reignwood Icons of Football 2026, which will see soccer legends from around the world tee off at Robinswood Golf Club in Bangkok from January 31 to February 1 2026. This landmark partnership, which unites two powerhouse brands in…
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The Red Cross Fair 2025 brings 11 days of food, culture, charity, and famous shops to Lumpini Park
A lot of the information for the fair and at the fair will be in Thai. If you are not able to read Thai too well, you should always have a translation app handy or come with someone who can read Thai for both onsite and online. The cool season arrives with the joyful event that Thais look forward to…
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EDC Thailand 2026: Bigger, bolder, brighter, and back for round two
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) returns to Phuket from January 16 to 18, 2026, and this time it’s doubled in size. After selling out its 2025 debut and ranking as the #3 most attended EDC festival worldwide (behind only the United States and Mexico). EDC Thailand 2026 brings more stages, new festival zones, and experiences that haven’t been seen outside Nevada,…
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Le Méridien Suvarnabhumi offers a cosy Christmas escape just outside the city
Have you been craving a festive celebration outside of the city centre without travelling too far? Le Méridien Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok Golf Resort & Spa, might be the place you have in mind. The resort sits among lakes, gardens, and its golf course, which makes the whole place feel pleasantly removed from Bangkok’s hustle and bustle, even though you barely left…
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MELAND: A world-class indoor magical theme park debuts at Siam Paragon is now open!
MELAND, the world-leading indoor theme park, celebrates the grand opening of its first global flagship outside China, located on the 5th floor of Siam Paragon in the heart of Bangkok. Designed to deliver next-level fun and redefine family edutainment in Thailand, this debut marks a significant milestone in MELAND’s global expansion journey. The arrival of the magical theme park MELAND…
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Dr Wicharn Yingsakmongkol: The quiet pioneer behind Thailand’s most trusted spine surgeries
No one introduces him as a famous professor or the former Head of Orthopaedics at one of Thailand’s largest and most prestigious government hospitals. Instead, patients remember something much more meaningful: a gentle, patient-friendly doctor whose calm voice and confident explanations make them trust him within minutes. They say he gives them hope even before treatment begins. And for thousands…
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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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Celebrate the holidays with Blue Festive Delights Collection from Blue by Alain Ducasse
Begin the festive season with the exquisite touch of Blue by Alain Ducasse. This year’s Blue Festive Delights Collection, crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Christophe Grilo, presents a curated selection of handcrafted holiday gifts made from the finest ingredients. With over 20 years of experience, Chef Christophe brings French finesse and exceptional craftsmanship to every creation, ensuring each treat is…
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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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Warning! iPhone 16 to 17 are vulnerable to hackers who can access your device through the USB-C port
Users of the new iPhone 16 and 17 models are being urged to adjust their settings immediately after a security flaw in iOS 26 was found to expose data through the USB-C port. Zak Doffman, a cybersecurity expert at Forbes, issued an urgent warning to iPhone 17, 16, and 15 users, advising them to change their security settings on iOS…
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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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