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.

  • Public holidays and observances in Thailand (2026) | Thaiger

    Public holidays and observances in Thailand (2026)

    As we step into 2026, now’s the perfect time to plan your year in Thailand. From nationwide festivals to regional celebrations, these public holidays shape everything from travel schedules to business operations and social gatherings. Here are our key dates for Thailand’s holidays and observances for 2026. Thailand holidays for January 2026 January 1 (Thursday) – New Year’s Day: A…

  • Thailand Privilege Card awards Friends of Thailand memberships to three international Muay Thai Fighters | Thaiger

    Thailand Privilege Card awards Friends of Thailand memberships to three international Muay Thai Fighters

    Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. (TPC), operator of the Thailand Privilege membership programme under the supervision of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), continues to reinforce Thailand’s image not only as a world-class tourism destination but also as a premier destination for long-term residency. Most recently, TPC presented the Friends of Thailand membership card to three foreign fighters from the Rajadamnern…

  • Courtyard by Marriott Phuket, Patong Beach Resort: The ultimate family-friendly destination in 2026 | Thaiger

    Courtyard by Marriott Phuket, Patong Beach Resort: The ultimate family-friendly destination in 2026

    Planning a family vacation this year? Look no further than Courtyard by Marriott Phuket, Patong Beach Resort, where unforgettable memories are created for guests of all ages. Perfectly located just steps from the world-famous Patong Beach, this vibrant resort combines modern comfort, convenience, and exceptional family-friendly amenities, making it the ideal choice for parents and kids alike. Why families love…

  • AA Insurance Brokers introduces the MyAA app, putting insurance management at your fingertips | Thaiger

    AA Insurance Brokers introduces the MyAA app, putting insurance management at your fingertips

    AA Insurance Brokers, one of Thailand’s most established insurance brokers, has introduced MyAA, a free mobile app that gives clients easier access to their insurance information through a single, central platform. Designed to simplify everyday insurance tasks, MyAA brings policy information, claims support, offers, and updates together in one place, helping clients manage their insurance anytime, anywhere. It’s the kind…

  • First time ever! Sansiri and Phuketian Coffee host a major coffee festival | Thaiger

    First time ever! Sansiri and Phuketian Coffee host a major coffee festival

    Coffee lovers should not miss this. For the first time, the large-scale coffee festival Sansiri Phuket | Sip & Inspire brings together flavour, passion, and community in one place. Sansiri, in collaboration with Phuketian Coffee (Horoy Phuket Coffee Association), led by Future Kittipob, Thailand National Barista Champion 2025, aims to support and strengthen Phuket’s local café and coffee business community, encouraging…

  • Sartoria and Elements chefs unite for exclusive eight-course dinner in Bangkok | Thaiger

    Sartoria and Elements chefs unite for exclusive eight-course dinner in Bangkok

    Food lovers in Bangkok are in for a rare treat this February as two acclaimed restaurants join forces for a one-night-only collaboration. Sartoria by Paulo Airaudo, located on the 56th floor of EA Rooftop at The Empire, will host “Elements at Sartoria”, an exclusive four-hands dinner in partnership with Elements, inspired by Ciel Bleu at The Okura Prestige Bangkok. The…

  • Top 5 social media marketing agencies in Thailand (2026 edition) | Thaiger

    Top 5 social media marketing agencies in Thailand (2026 edition)

    As a business owner, you probably already know that social media has become an essential tool to reach new customers. According to recent industry reports, the majority of marketers continue to see positive outcomes from their social media marketing efforts, with significant increases in business exposure, website traffic, lead generation, and sales conversions. Think of social media as a virtual…

  • Tesla Model 3 Standard launches in Thailand with a price cut | Thaiger

    Tesla Model 3 Standard launches in Thailand with a price cut

    Tesla has officially launched the Model 3 Standard in Thailand, introducing a more budget-friendly entry point into the electric vehicle (EV) giant’s premium lineup, positioned alongside fierce competition. With a starting price of 1,149,000 baht, this model is now the most affordable Tesla available in the Thai market, opening the door for more EV enthusiasts to join the Tesla ecosystem.…

  • Top virologist warns of mutated influenza strain spread in Thailand | Thaiger

    Top virologist warns of mutated influenza strain spread in Thailand

    A leading virologist has warned the public today, January 8, that a mutated strain of influenza is spreading across Thailand, as reduced vaccine effectiveness contributes to rising case numbers. Professor Yong Poovorawan, a member of the Royal Institute and director of the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, issued the warning on his Facebook…

  • Understanding Myanmar’s civil war next door: 70 years of conflict, the Kawthoolei Republic, and how it affects Thailand | Thaiger

    Understanding Myanmar’s civil war next door: 70 years of conflict, the Kawthoolei Republic, and how it affects Thailand

    Myanmar has been at war with itself for over 70 years, making it the world’s longest-running civil war. This article explains why the fighting never ends, what drives seven decades of unresolved grievances, and what the newly declared Kawthoolei Republic means, as well as offering essential context for those living in Thailand along the shared border. On this page Section…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend (January 9 to 11) | Thaiger

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend (January 9 to 11)

    So, how was your first full week of being productive in 2026? Even if your New Year’s resolution is forgotten, you’re doing great. Now it’s the second weekend of the year, which is basically permission to unclench and remember that life is not just to do lists and New Year spreadsheets. Here are the best things to do in Bangkok…

  • Maddix reflects on Bangkok, creative process, and dream collaborations | Thaiger

    Maddix reflects on Bangkok, creative process, and dream collaborations

    After performing at the 8O8 Festival in Bangkok last December, Dutch DJ and producer Maddix spoke with The Thaiger about his experience in the city, how he prepares for live sets, and the artists he hopes to work with in the future. Known for his trademark high-energy techno sound, Maddix has built a solid reputation in the electronic music scene.…

  • Border farmers rush sugarcane harvest amid renewed clash tensions | Thaiger

    Border farmers rush sugarcane harvest amid renewed clash tensions

    Farmers living along the Thai-Cambodian border are racing against time to cut and replant sugarcane after repeated evacuations, as fears grow over a possible third military clash that could again force them from their land. In several border villages, agricultural work has resumed only partially, with many farmers returning to fields they were forced to abandon during earlier tensions. While…

  • Free live music every weekend this January: Music in the Park returns to Bangkok | Thaiger

    Free live music every weekend this January: Music in the Park returns to Bangkok

    Looking for free live music in Bangkok this January? Music in the Park is back for 2026, bringing a full month of performances to public spaces across the city. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has organised concerts featuring everything from jazz and classical music to traditional Thai dance and contemporary bands, all free to attend. The event runs throughout January 2026…

  • BNH Premier Spine Centre: 20 years of leading spine surgery overseas in Thailand | Thaiger

    BNH Premier Spine Centre: 20 years of leading spine surgery overseas in Thailand

    Living with chronic back or nerve pain can take over every part of daily life, sleep becomes difficult, movement becomes limited, and simple tasks begin to feel overwhelming. For many patients in Western countries, the problem is compounded by long delays in their home healthcare systems. Instead of receiving timely treatment, they often face months or even years of waiting…

  • Investment trends 2026: Where should your money go? A deep dive into 3 can’t-miss themes | Thaiger

    Investment trends 2026: Where should your money go? A deep dive into 3 can’t-miss themes

    In the blink of an eye, we are about to wave goodbye to 2025. It has been a year of major economic recalibration, but as we step into 2026, the financial world’s pulse is changing rhythm again. The million-dollar question, having retail investors and portfolio managers scratching their heads, is: “So, where should the money go next year?” To help…

  • Japanese expat shares Why you must carry a stack of 20-Baht notes in Thailand | Thaiger

    Japanese expat shares Why you must carry a stack of 20-Baht notes in Thailand

    Viral Tip: Japanese Expat Reveals Why Carrying a Stack of 20-Baht Notes is Essential for Rural Thailand BANGKOK — A Japanese expatriate living in Thailand has post a good tip on social media. A practical financial tip for traveling upcountry. she adviced always carry a thick stack of 20-baht banknotes. user @mlxism17 posted a photo of a fresh bundle of…

  • 20 Best Places for Bangkok’s 2026 New Year Fireworks | Thaiger

    20 Best Places for Bangkok’s 2026 New Year Fireworks

    Bangkok authorities approved 20 major sites for New Year fireworks displays, featuring riverside landmarks and downtown shopping hubs to ring in 2026 countdown.   To welcome the year 2026, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has confirmed 20 authorized locations. These sites range from iconic landmarks along the Chao Phraya River to major shopping malls in the city center for the…

  • The best concerts in Bangkok you can’t miss in 2026 (so far) | Thaiger

    The best concerts in Bangkok you can’t miss in 2026 (so far)

    2026 is already shaping up to be a strong year for live music in Bangkok. From global arena acts to artists choosing smaller rooms for one-off nights, the city’s concert calendar is stacked. Below, we’ve rounded up the biggest and most talked-about concerts happening in Bangkok throughout 2026 (so far), with all the key details you need to lock in…

  • The best New Year’s eve dinners around Thailand | Thaiger

    The best New Year’s eve dinners around Thailand

    New Year’s Eve dinner in Thailand is never just about eating. It’s about sitting somewhere you actually want to stay, ordering another drink without checking the time, and letting the night go by until midnight sneaks up on the table. This list is for people who want their last meal of the year to feel like a moment. Big buffets,…

  • 2026 New Year Bank Holiday: Which Branches are Open or Closed? | Thaiger

    2026 New Year Bank Holiday: Which Branches are Open or Closed?

    As the New Year 2026 festival approaches, many people are planning trips home or vacations during this long holiday. While government agencies observe an extended break, financial institutions and banks have different operating schedules, particularly distinguishing between “in-mall branches” and “general branches.” To help you plan your financial transactions smoothly, we have compiled the bank holiday schedule for New Year…

  • Happy New Year 2026: Chinese Wishes for the “Year of the Horse” | Thaiger

    Happy New Year 2026: Chinese Wishes for the “Year of the Horse”

    Happy New Year 2026! According to the Chinese Zodiac, this year marks the “Year of the Horse”. The Horse is an auspicious animal symbolizing energy, speed, victory, and loyalty. This new era represents a golden opportunity to leap forward toward your goals with stability and strength. Choosing a Chinese greeting with deep meaning, or posting a photo on social media…

  • How different ages experience healthcare in Thailand (40s, 50s, 60s, 70s) | Thaiger

    How different ages experience healthcare in Thailand (40s, 50s, 60s, 70s)

    Thailand offers strong healthcare through public services and excellent private hospitals for all ages. As expats move from their 40s into later decades, their needs shift from simple screenings to managing chronic conditions and planning for long-term care. Planning early helps avoid gaps in coverage, and international insurance like Cigna provides wide hospital access and high limits to stay protected…

  • Warnings of higher pollution levels in Bangkok over New Year | Thaiger

    Warnings of higher pollution levels in Bangkok over New Year

    Bangkok authorities have issued a pollution warning ahead of the New Year holiday, cautioning residents that PM2.5 levels are likely to rise as air ventilation weakens across the capital. The Bangkok Air Quality Information Centre released an updated air quality outlook covering the period from December 26, 2025 to January 3, 2026. The forecast highlights several days of elevated risk,…

  • Top Places to celebrate the New Year Countdown in Thailand 2026 | Thaiger

    Top Places to celebrate the New Year Countdown in Thailand 2026

    Be honest. You’ve already started thinking about where you’re counting down. New Year celebrations in Thailand is never just one night; it’s a full-scale, multi-day celebration. Fireworks light up the sky, stages come alive across the city, lineups feature must-see artists, and the crowd energy strikes the perfect balance between excitement and pure fun. From riverfront blowouts and mall takeovers…

  • Clean energy: Why it matters more than ever, and why this initiative is now live again | Thaiger

    Clean energy: Why it matters more than ever, and why this initiative is now live again

    Clean energy has moved from being an ambitious idea to becoming one of the most important global priorities of our time. As climate challenges intensify and traditional energy systems strain under demand, the need for renewable, efficient, and responsible energy solutions has never been clearer. Communities, governments, innovators, and everyday citizens are now part of a growing movement to rethink…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend (December 26 to 28) | Thaiger

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend (December 26 to 28)

    Bangkok between Christmas and New Year is a weird little pocket of time where nobody knows what day it is and plans are made entirely on vibes. Offices are half asleep, group chats are suddenly active again, and the city feels lighter, looser, ready to be wandered. This is when Bangkok really shines, with pop up markets, art shows, parties…

  • Thai woman jailed for cannabis in Taiwan seeks urgent deportation due to heart condition | Thaiger

    Thai woman jailed for cannabis in Taiwan seeks urgent deportation due to heart condition

    Taiwanese man seeks help. Thai girlfriend suffers heart condition in Taiwan prison. Pleads for Expedited Deportation The popular Facebook page “Drama-addict” shared a distress call from a Taiwanese man. He urgently asked for help regarding his Thai girlfriend, Ms. Araya Pramprom. She currently faces difficult conditions in a Taiwan prison due to poor health and delayed paperwork. Reports state that…

  • A New Year detox & reboot focused on digestion, energy, and clarity at Sole Mio Clinic | Thaiger

    A New Year detox & reboot focused on digestion, energy, and clarity at Sole Mio Clinic

    January carries a different kind of energy, softer, quieter, more intentional. After the holiday season filled with food, celebration, and late nights, the body naturally asks for a pause. At Sole Mio Clinic, they believe that the healthiest way to begin a new year is to clear what the body no longer needs, giving space for better digestion, cleaner energy,…

  • Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Phuket | Thaiger

    Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Phuket

    New Year’s Eve in Phuket is never just one plan. It’s a whole choose your own adventure moment. Do you start with cocktails by the pool, drift into a seafood feast, then end up dancing barefoot while fireworks explode overhead? Yes. Yes you do. For the countdown to 2026, Phuket resorts are going full send. We’re talking gala dinners that…