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...

  • Pattaya approves 258 million baht boost for hospital and health | Thaiger

    Pattaya approves 258 million baht boost for hospital and health

    Pattaya is splashing out on healthcare, with more than 258 million baht approved to keep hospital services running and ensure residents and tourists have access to quality treatment. The green light came during the city council’s third ordinary meeting of the year, chaired by Council President Banlue Kullavanich and attended by Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, deputy mayors, and senior officials. The…

  • Pattaya offers free flu jabs in citywide health drive | Thaiger

    Pattaya offers free flu jabs in citywide health drive

    Pattaya has kicked off its annual flu vaccination drive, offering residents free protection against the seasonal bug as part of a major push to keep the city healthy. The campaign was launched on Thursday, August 28, at the Pattaya Community Medical Centre (Wat Boon Kanjanaram), where deputy mayors Wuttisak Rermkitjakan and Krisana Boonsawat visited to encourage staff and volunteers while…

  • The Lobby Bar & Bed: Bangkok’s new drink & stay destination | Thaiger

    The Lobby Bar & Bed: Bangkok’s new drink & stay destination

    In Sukhumvit’s Korean Town, The Lobby Bar & Bed has quickly emerged as one of Bangkok’s most unique lifestyle destinations. Providing a mix of a local craft beer bar with boutique Airbnb suites, it offers a nightlife experience unlike anywhere else in the city, away from all of the city’s rush. Bangkok’s hidden speakeasy with craft beers Located on the…

  • Heritage meets high-tech: Thailand’s Agri-Innovation Fest is a feast for all senses | Thaiger

    Heritage meets high-tech: Thailand’s Agri-Innovation Fest is a feast for all senses

    If you think agriculture is just about rice paddies and tropical fruit, you are sorely mistaken. Thailand’s farming heritage is being reimagined with cutting-edge innovation, and right now, you can see (and shop) it all at the Nature for Future: Agriculture + Innovation pop-up store at King Power Rangnam, daily until September 21, 2025. Presented by the Department of Foreign…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend (August 29 to 30) | Thaiger

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend (August 29 to 30)

    So August does slip away into a moment in time. It’s the last weekend of the month already, and Bangkok is making sure you don’t ease into September quietly. From riverside yoga in the morning to sake tastings that stretch into the night, the city has stacked the calendar with exciting to do. Here are the best ones. Things to do in…

  • Mindful living & ocean-inspired art at Sole Mio Boutique Hotel & Wellness | Thaiger

    Mindful living & ocean-inspired art at Sole Mio Boutique Hotel & Wellness

    This September, Sole & Soul Sunset Journeys presents an evening at Sole Mio Boutique Hotel & Wellness, where wellness and art flow together in balance. Guests will enjoy detox drinks, hormone-supporting snacks, guided breathing, and mindful movement before closing with a sunset mindfulness moment by the pool. The programme also features an artist talk with Napaphat Niamkhunthod from 99 Art…

  • Bianca celebrates the grand opening of their largest restaurant in Thailand at ICONSIAM | Thaiger

    Bianca celebrates the grand opening of their largest restaurant in Thailand at ICONSIAM

    Bianca, a modern twist on classic Italian restaurants, announces the opening of its largest and newest location in Thailand at the global landmark, ICONSIAM. Situated on the Chao Phraya River, the new restaurant offers guests an exceptional Italian dining experience combined with stunning panoramic views. ICONSIAM, a world-class destination on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, reinforces its status…

  • Summer Sonic Bangkok 2025: The music festival that transformed Bangkok into a city of sound | Thaiger

    Summer Sonic Bangkok 2025: The music festival that transformed Bangkok into a city of sound

    Amid the blazing heat of Bangkok’s midsummer, the atmosphere grew even more electric as tens of thousands of fans gathered at IMPACT Challenger Halls 1 to 3 for Summer Sonic Bangkok on August 23 to 24, 2025, to experience the power of music, an energy that transcends borders and languages without limits. This year, the second instalment of Summer Sonic…

  • Solventum, DKSH continues dental advancement efforts in Thailand | Thaiger

    Solventum, DKSH continues dental advancement efforts in Thailand

    Solventum Thailand, a global innovator in patient-centred healthcare solutions, has reaffirmed its longstanding partnership with DKSH (Thailand) Limited, Business Unit Healthcare, as its exclusive authorised distributor of dental products in Thailand. The trusted relationship continues to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient distribution of authentic Solventum dental solutions to healthcare providers nationwide. Under the partnership, DKSH is responsible for the…

  • Best areas to live in Phuket for expats, finding your perfect neighbourhood | Thaiger

    Best areas to live in Phuket for expats, finding your perfect neighbourhood

    Phuket continues to be a popular destination for people looking to start a new life. It’s where digital nomads, retirees, young families, investors, and entrepreneurs come together, all chasing a slower pace of life under the tropical sun. The island is large enough to offer choice, but small enough to feel like a community, and that balance is what continues…

  • Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run | Thaiger

    Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run

    Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private health insurance, like the plans Cigna offers for expats, provides access to quality medical care, protects against unexpected costs, and…

  • Doja Cat returns, debuts with new single, ‘Jealous Type’ | Thaiger

    Doja Cat returns, debuts with new single, ‘Jealous Type’

    GRAMMY award-winning global superstar Doja Cat returns with her new single and music video “Jealous Type”, out now via Kemosabe Records/ RCA Records. Produced by Jack Antonoff (Taylor Swift, Lorde) and Y2K (Ariana Grande, Tate McRae), with the music video directed by Boni Mata and filmed in Los Angeles, Doja Cat’s “Jealous Type” was first teased in her Summer ’25 campaign with Marc Jacobs. The track is set to appear…

  • What you’ll discover on a travel hike in Australia’s rainforests | Thaiger

    What you’ll discover on a travel hike in Australia’s rainforests

    Winding through Australia’s rainforests is an experience that stirs the soul; pure, lush, and wildly alive. For travellers planning their next adventure down under, every detail matters, whether it’s the right hiking gear, a reliable route, or, increasingly important, dependable connectivity with the Australia travel eSim. In the digital age, having uninterrupted data access while exploring remote terrain makes all…

  • Sartoria by Paulo Airaudo welcomes summer with bold and seasonal creations | Thaiger

    Sartoria by Paulo Airaudo welcomes summer with bold and seasonal creations

    Sartoria by Paulo Airaudo, the stylish and sophisticated Italian restaurant located on the 56th floor of EA Rooftop at The Empire, introduces its refreshing new summer menus that highlight the season’s finest ingredients. Designed to awaken the senses, these culinary journeys capture the brightness and elegance of summer in Italy through bold creativity and refined European flair. The first Southeast…

  • RAVA: A new beach club experience at Banyan Tree Phuket | Thaiger

    RAVA: A new beach club experience at Banyan Tree Phuket

    A new era of beach club experience has just arrived in Thailand’s southern island province with Rava, the latest lifestyle concept from Banyan Tree Phuket. Located within Laguna Phuket, an integrated resort destination along the beloved Bang Tao Beach, Rava is a sprawling beach club tucked along a 180 metre shoreline, making it the longest beach club in Thailand. Translating…

  • Master of Fine Arts in motion: Thailand’s oldest art school reinvents the future | Thaiger

    Master of Fine Arts in motion: Thailand’s oldest art school reinvents the future

    The Thaiger key takeaways Poh-Chang Academy of Arts, Thailand’s oldest art school, has launched its first-ever Master of Fine Arts programme. Five pioneering students are blending centuries-old traditions with modern concepts, from repoussé metalwork to experimental jewellery. The programme signals a shift in Thai art education, redefining the line between craftsman and artist while pushing boundaries of expression. If Thailand…

  • Navigating trading psychology amid the ‘US Politics Effect’ and market instability | Thaiger

    Navigating trading psychology amid the ‘US Politics Effect’ and market instability

    In 2025, global markets are expected to be shaken by extreme volatility driven by President Trump’s policy decisions, given tariff hikes, public threats to dismiss Fed Chair Powell, and unpredictable trade moves. Often called the “Trump effect,” US politics creates constant uncertainty, triggering fear-based reactions in trading. Understanding how to stay focused during such turbulence is critical for success. Equally…

  • Banthat Thong Road: Your new street food destination in Bangkok | Thaiger

    Banthat Thong Road: Your new street food destination in Bangkok

    The Thaiger key takeaways Banthat Thong Road is Bangkok’s rising street food hub, blending atmosphere, affordability, and variety near Chulalongkorn University. Must-try stalls include June Pang, Black Me O Boat Noodles, Suki Changphueak, and Jay Oh, alongside dessert favourites like Tuay Tung Ice Cream and Cheng Sim Ei. The street comes alive from 6pm to midnight, making evenings the best…

  • Thailand eyes kratom crackdown amid abuse fears | Thaiger

    Thailand eyes kratom crackdown amid abuse fears

    Thailand’s justice minister has vowed to rein in kratom abuse after nationwide reports of users mixing the herbal drink with narcotics. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong said new regulations may soon be introduced to restrict kratom leaf sales, following talks with Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin earlier this week. “On August 20, I discussed with the public health minister the necessity…

  • Why health insurance costs more each year and how expats in Thailand can save more money | Thaiger

    Why health insurance costs more each year and how expats in Thailand can save more money

    Each year, many expats living in Thailand see their health insurance premiums go up and often without a clear reason. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to plan your budget. But by understanding why prices rise and learning how to manage these costs, you can stay in control of your health coverage. Knowing what causes these increases is…

  • 5 ways you’re losing money in Thailand | Thaiger

    5 ways you’re losing money in Thailand

    The Thaiger key takeaways Tourist restaurants, bars, and premium malls charge heavily compared to local markets and street food. High ATM fees, poor exchange rates, and careless money handling shrink your budget fast. Ignoring mobile plan renewals and overpaying for tours or taxis costs travellers far more than necessary. Visiting Thailand can be surprisingly affordable, but if you’re not careful,…

  • New Thai tax plan could cost expats their perks | Thaiger

    New Thai tax plan could cost expats their perks

    Thailand is preparing to flip its tax system on its head, and expats could soon be caught in the crossfire. By 2027, the government plans to roll out a negative income tax, a major shift in how financial aid is delivered. Instead of handing out subsidies to broad social groups, the new system will offer direct payments to those who…

  • Summer Sonic Bangkok 2025: Get ready for a showdown in the capital! | Thaiger

    Summer Sonic Bangkok 2025: Get ready for a showdown in the capital!

    The countdown is on, only a few days to go! Get ready, because Summer Sonic Bangkok 2025 is just around the corner! On August 23 to 24, Bangkok will transform into the ultimate music capital with two blazing stages over two explosive days. If you miss this, you’re truly missing out! Don’t be mistaken, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill concert. It’s…

  • Welida Health, the personalised wellness centre in Bangkok that can help you feel like yourself again | Thaiger

    Welida Health, the personalised wellness centre in Bangkok that can help you feel like yourself again

    Life can get so busy that taking care of your health becomes something you plan to do ‘next week,’ but never quite manage. The deadlines pile up, your sleep gets shorter, and suddenly, you’re running on caffeine and stress, wondering why you feel so out of sync. But that’s exactly what Welida Health is helping people change. Located in Bangkok,…

  • Tara Pattana International School joins International Schools Partnership | Thaiger

    Tara Pattana International School joins International Schools Partnership

    Tara Pattana International School (TPIS) has officially joined the International Schools Partnership (ISP), a leading global group of international schools consisting of over 110 private schools across 25 countries. The group currently educates over 100,000 students worldwide. This partnership marks a milestone in TPIS’s mission to deliver world-class international education in Pattaya. Becoming part of ISP strengthens TPIS’s position in…

  • Peripheral Pictures/Mbrella Films’ & Hollywood Thailand’s ‘Peen Kleaw Thai’ debuts August 21 | Thaiger

    Peripheral Pictures/Mbrella Films’ & Hollywood Thailand’s ‘Peen Kleaw Thai’ debuts August 21

    What would you risk to save your home? In a gripping tale of loyalty, redemption, and survival set in modern-day Bangkok, a young man must confront a violent gang to protect his home village. This high-stakes conflict forms the basis of the new Thai action-drama, Peen Kleaw, which will have its theatrical release in Thailand on August 21, 2025. Directed…

  • Thai interest rate cut fuels stock market surge | Thaiger

    Thai interest rate cut fuels stock market surge

    Thailand’s stock market has been handed a shot of adrenaline after the Bank of Thailand (BoT) slashed its policy rate by 25 basis points to 1.50%, a move analysts say could send the SET index surging to 1,370 points by the year’s end. Market watchers hailed the rate cut as the start of “a policy-led re-rating phase” that will redirect…

  • Thai hospitals probed over fake migrant health certificates | Thaiger

    Thai hospitals probed over fake migrant health certificates

    Private hospitals in Thailand are facing a scandal after allegations surfaced that they have been issuing fake health certificates to migrant workers without carrying out proper medical checks. Deputy Public Health Minister Chaichana Dechdecho announced yesterday, August 19, that two to three hospitals are under investigation, with early evidence suggesting doctors signed off on the fraudulent certificates without conducting blood…

  • The essential guide to domestic flights in Thailand | Thaiger

    The essential guide to domestic flights in Thailand

    The Thaiger’s key takeaways: Thailand’s domestic network spans full-service and budget carriers, connecting major cities, islands, and regional hubs. Suvarnabhumi handles premium airlines, Don Mueang focuses on low-cost carriers, with a free shuttle linking both. Prices vary by season and route; book 1 to 3 months ahead (or longer for peak season) and compare carriers for savings. As of May…

  • Central Pattana unveils Central Park on September 4 | Thaiger

    Central Pattana unveils Central Park on September 4

    Central Pattana plc, Thailand’s leading real estate developer committed to sustainability, will soon open the doors of Central Park, its 43rd shopping centre with a gross building area (GBA) of 130,000 square metres as part of the world-class mixed-use development, Dusit Central Park, with a total project value of 46 billion baht. The development integrates a shopping centre, office tower,…