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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Sponsored 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...
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If you can’t play big don’t even bother playing small!
Steven approached me almost two years ago to help him with his assault on Ironman Wisconsin 2017. A torn meniscus last summer put a damper on last year’s race, but didnt stop Steve from refocussing on Ironman Wisconsin 2018. A delay is never a denial. It’s been a long reconditioning process; Steve has made a ferocious commitment to himself and the process. It was at…
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Monsanto says RoundUp is safe. A Californian jury disagreed with them.
A jury in San Francisco has ruled this week that RoundUp, the world’s most popular weedkiller, gave Dewayne Johnson, a former school groundskeeper, terminal cancer. The court awarded him $39 million dollars and awarded punitive damages of $289 million to agri-chemical company Monsanto. The man’s victories is poised to set a massive precedent for thousands of other cases that similarly…
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Young Muay Thai fighters exposed to irrepairable brain damage
A swirling kick to the head, followed by some more leaps, direct head punches and dodges. The very Thai sport of Muay Thai is coming under increased examination, especially for younger fighters where evidence is emerging of irrepairable brain damage and developmental issues. Critics say that greedy parents and money is driving many youngsters into a dangerous sporting environment. “The…
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23% of expats get by on less than 45,000 baht per month – Thaivisa survey
PHOTO: matadornetwork.com ThaiVisa has released reports from its recent survey into life of expats in Thailand. The survey was conducted on the Thaivisa website so partly reflects the aspirations and life of readers of the site. They report that a common theme on social media and forums is that Thais think of hooking up with or marrying farangs as their…
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High performance coaching for a fantastic day
by Hayden Rhodes High performance in any discipline – requires discipline. Physical health, mental well-being and business practice to name a few, are all impacted by your behavior. One cornerstone to consistent high performance is having the discipline to wake each day with routines that get you in the zone for sustainable performance. Successful people have worked out that morning…
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Phuket’s The 9th Floor wins three top awards
The 9th Floor, one of Phuket’s long established fine dining restaurants, has won three top awards in the 2018 World Luxury Restaurant Awards. The restaurant won awards for best fine dining cuisine (country, Thailand), best wine selection (continent, Asia) and best Mediterranean cuisine (regional winner, South East Asia). The 9th Floor owner Bart Duykers commented: “This is a tremendous tribute…
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Phuket lifeguards warn about blue-bottles
Be alert but not alarmed. The Phuket Lifeguard Service are warning swimmers after blue-bottle ‘jellyfish’ that have recently been found on several of the island’s west-coast beaches and spotted along Patong Beach this morning (July 26). “…found some Blue-bottles at Patong Beach and Nai Yang Beach. Swim Safe everyone,” the message reads from the Phuket Lifeguard Service Facebook page. Blue-bottles…
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World’s Top 10 off-grid hotel stays
…according to booking website Hotels.com Want to go ‘off the grid’? Escape from the bustling markets, show-pieces and tourist traps around the world? Some of these places don’t even have wi-fi. Hotels.com has launched a new Hideaway Hotels category to help you escape 21st century life for a break The booking website has seen a 60% spike in guests leaving…
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If you can’t play BIG don’t even bother playing small.
by Darren Scherbain These word of wisdom, that absolutely resonate to my core, were handed to me from Jim. Jim, a fellow Canadian and a near and dear friend, grew up playing hockey in Wilcox, Saskatchewan. The Notre Dame Hounds, a hockey team, belonged to a catholic boarding school in the middle of the Canadian Prairies. The Hounds produce exceptional…
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‘Forest Rescue’ campaign to save trees in and around Bangkok
Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC), a company that invests in, develops, and manages high-quality residential and mixed-use property projects under the brands ‘THE FORESTIAS’, has announced ‘Forest Rescue’, a campaign to save urban trees and highlight the importance of nature and healthy ecosystems. The 70 million baht campaign aims to rescue trees in and around Bangkok and to spotlight…
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SOS Children’s Village Phuket invited to ‘Be My Guest’
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket organised a day filled with activities as part of an on-going partnership with SOS Children’s Village Phuket, an orphanage that was set up in the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami and looks after local, unattended children. On Saturday, June 16, 2018, 20 children from the SOS Children’s Village Phuket were invited to…
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Who is winning the battle between your two wolves?
In our hustle and bustle to clock in and clock out, we need to remember that happiness is a choice. It’s a moment to moment choice and we should remember that happiness is an inside job. https://www.facebook.com/darren.scherbain/videos/10160754411660037/
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World’s Top 50 Restaurants – Thailand scores in the top 10
PHOTO: Robb Report European eating establishments have dominated this year’s Top 50 Restaurant list. The leading fine dining venues of 2018 were revealed at a ceremony in Bilbao, Spain. This year, culinary masterminds from five continents gathered in the Spanish port city of Bilbao for an award ceremony to name the 50 best fine dining joints for 2018 and, most importantly,…
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Top 10 world landmarks
…as voted by Trip Advisor users. Where are the world’s most popular landmarks? And which are ranked in the world’s Top Ten? What comes to mind? The Eiffel Tower? Statue of Liberty? Machu Picchu? Well none of those make their way into the world’s Top Ten as voted by Trip Advisor users in this 2018 survey. Even the top three…
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Mini-marathon, through the sea – LangSuan Mini Marathon
Thailand’s only annual mini-marathon that features a run through the sea to an offshore island, the LangSuan Mini Marathon, is returning for its 14th year on June 17, 2018, in Paknam Lang Suan sub-district, a peaceful coastal town in Chumphon province. Each year, this running event inspires runners from Thailand and around the world to take part in the 14…
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Mango Tree elevates Thai dining with the launch of flagship restaurant in Guangzhou
Leading Asian restaurant operator Mango Tree Worldwide has expanded its flagship brand in China with the opening of Mango Tree Guangzhou, a contemporary, design-led dining destination located in one of the world’s tallest buildings. Created by Steve Leung, the award-winning Hong Kong-based architect and designer, Mango Tree Guangzhou features a rainforest and island themed interior, allowing diners to feel the…
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What can i give? Laguna Phuket Marathon
How much passion and conviction are you willing to invest in your life? I was once asked…. Darren, what are you so passionate about that you are willing to die for? Die? You mean, as in ‘ready to fall on the sword for your convictions and end of story’ kind of die? My question to you is what are you are…
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The Runner’s High and Squishy Socks – Laguna Marathon 2018
It was the first crack of thunder that shook the house, which beckoned me out of bed this morning at 4am. No worries the alarm was set for 5am. If I sit around waiting for the perfect conditions and feelings I’ll just be left sitting and waiting. It’s so easy to blame our decisions on our circumstances. With just over two…
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Keep It Green: Slow suffocation by plastic
by Patrick Campbell Anyone interested in ecological issues knows that the principal culprits for the catastrophic decline in marine life are the triple evils of overfishing, inadequate regulation at all levels, and pollution. For decades, weighted trawl nets have scoured the shallow bottom of the Andaman Sea, removing not only entire fish colonies, but all its benthic life, including colonies…
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Songkhla Seafood Festival 2018 – on now.
The Songkhla Seafood Festival 2018 is on now and celebrating its 19th year. It’s taking place at Sra Bua, Laem Samila, Songkhla until June 9, 2018. The event is known for offering all kinds of seafood fresh off the boat, including fish, shrimp, crab, shellfish, squid and jellyfish, caught during the 12-day festival. There will be more than 100 seafood…
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Top International Schools in Sukhumvit – and what is unique about them
by Daniel Lummis There are numerous challenges to be faced when living in a country with a culture very different to your own but perhaps the most difficult, for parents at any rate, is that of choosing a school in which your children will thrive and receive a first-class education. Bangkok is home to many excellent international schools but facilities,…
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Mango Tree brings its ‘Isan’ Thai culinary culture to Kawasaki, Japan
Leading Asian restaurant operator Mango Tree Worldwide has launched a new Mango Tree Café in Japan, bringing authentic street food from Isan, the region of northeast Thailand, to diners in the bustling city of Kawasaki. The new Mango Tree Café Kawasaki is located on the fourth floor of Lazona Kawasaki Plaza, a major shopping and lifestyle complex in the heart…
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The Pavilions Phuket gears up for a summer of inspiring art and culture
The Pavilions Phuket, the island’s romantic and intimate luxury resort with a choice of exceptional villas and suites overlooking the Andaman Sea, will become a cultural showcase this summer as the resort introduces a series of events tailored to sophisticated global guests and visitors. The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts global philosophy is rooted in romance, art, culture and adventure. Throughout…
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Death by alcohol. How does Thailand rate?
Amongst all the things that might kill you, alcohol remains near the top of the list in many countries. Excess consumption of alcohol can lead to all manner of long-term disease as well as domestic disruption and then, out on the roads driving with other people, deaths related to drink driving. Whilst Thailand has a poor relationship with alcohol –…
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Thanking those who dug the well
How do you repay interest on your debt? Seventeen years of compound interest that can add up pretty quickly. Seventeen years of recovery. Cocaine and alcohol were not my problem and they were merely a solution to my problem. My problem is MYSELF. Recovery of myself; from all the layers of my self imposed toxic crap. The story under the…
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Retiring overseas. Is it getting too expensive to retire in your home country?
PHOTO: Chris Green Retirement in western countries is starting to become out of reach for many with spiralling cost of living and monthly expenses. The property booms in countries like Australia have pushed up rents for many who simply find it difficult to contemplate retiring in their home country. On a cobbled street in the south of Spain, Norah Ohrt…
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Launch of Michelin Guide of Bangkok, Phuket & Phang-Nga 2019
Following the very first 2018 edition of The Michelin Guide dedicated to Bangkok, Michelin today announces the extension of The Michelin Guide’s reach to Phuket and Phang-nga, with a new 2019 edition: The Michelin Guide Bangkok, Phuket, and Phang-nga 2019, to be released at the end of 2018 – featuring Thailand’s vibrant food cities with a wealth of accommodation options…
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Top 10 Roast Dinners in Phuket
Many of us are away from home living as ‘expats’ on this tropical island and while we all love Thai food, especially street local food, sometimes we miss the comforts of home. And what’s more homely than our extensively researched (we all love a good roast) Top Ten Sunday Roasts, in no particular order. 1. Les Diables, Boat Lagoon The…
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Top 10 Coffees in Phuket
Phuket has developed quite a coffee culture with new cafés opening every week all over the island. The Thais love their iced coffee drowned in sweetened condensed milk whilst the western favourites are gaining in popularity. You’re now hard-pressed not to find good coffee around Phuket. From a 50 baht latte to some of the more fancy decors, here are…
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BKK medical marijuana farm under consideration
“We will be in charge of growing and improving marijuana,” GPO chairman Dr Sopon Mekthon said yesterday. “We will also handle the analysis and synthesis of marijuana.” The Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) has announced it is taking a key role in Thailand’s plan to cultivate marijuana for medical purposes. The doctor was speaking after attending a meeting with the committee…
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