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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    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...

  • Bangkok Pride events 2025: Where to celebrate Pride Month

    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

    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

    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…

  • Chon Buri hospital declares war on big tobacco and e-cigs

    Chon Buri hospital declares war on big tobacco and e-cigs

    A Chon Buri hospital has gone full throttle in the fight against smoking, blasting Big Tobacco and vaping in a fiery World No Tobacco Day event. Somdet Phra Boromma Ratchathewi Hospital in Sriracha joined the global war on smoking yesterday, May 30, hosting a dynamic event for World No Tobacco Day at the Sri Sawarinthira Nusorn 150 Years Building. Leading…

  • Confessions of a soi dog

    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

    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)

    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…

  • Stretching into serenity: Pattaya Beach starts yoga countdown

    Stretching into serenity: Pattaya Beach starts yoga countdown

    Sun, sand, and salutations — Pattaya Beach transformed into a haven of calm as hundreds gathered to launch the countdown to the International Day of Yoga in a spirited celebration of wellness, unity, and global harmony. Marking “25 Days to International Day of Yoga,” Pattaya City joined forces with the Indian Association of Pattaya for a vibrant beachside event that…

  • Bangkok Bank’s policy shift: Why the change of heart?

    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

    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

    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…

  • A rooftop evening of art, cuisine & connection at Sole Mio Boutique Hotel & Wellness

    A rooftop evening of art, cuisine & connection at Sole Mio Boutique Hotel & Wellness

    Rooftop views, summer bites, and creative sparks await at Sole Mio Boutique Hotel & Wellness this June. As the next chapter of the Soul & Sole Sunset Journeys unfolds, guests are invited to paint the flavour through an evening spent on the rooftop, featuring tartare tastings, signature cocktails, live art, and acoustic music, all set above Bangtao’s coastal skyline. Aligned…

  • Denied a visa extension in Thailand? Here’s how travel insurance can help

    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…

  • Why retirees in Thailand are choosing long-term health insurance over quick fixes

    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 insurance gives retirees peace of mind by covering age-related health issues, providing access to quality care, protecting them from expensive…

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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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…

  • Why couples worldwide are choosing Thailand for fertility treatment

    Why couples worldwide are choosing Thailand for fertility treatment

    The discreet queues at Thailand fertility clinics aren’t included in your standard travel or even expat guide. But if you walk inside one of its top reproductive centres, you’ll see that for many couples struggling with infertility, the country is where parenthood begins. Every year, thousands of couples from around the world board long-haul flights with a very specific kind…

  • Alarming financial inequality in Thailand

    Alarming financial inequality in Thailand

    Recent data from the Bank of Thailand reveals a concerning financial disparity: approximately 89% of the nation’s bank deposit accounts contain less than 50,000 baht. This statistic underscores the fragile economic state of a significant portion of the Thai population, many of whom rely on daily wages and lack sufficient savings to withstand unforeseen financial challenges. The financial inequality in…

  • ISAAN SOUL PROUD: ISAANCF2025 returns to light up Khon Kaen

    ISAAN SOUL PROUD: ISAANCF2025 returns to light up Khon Kaen

    The clock is ticking; Thailand’s liveliest and most inspiring creative event of the year is fast approaching. Isaan Creative Festival 2025 (ISAANCF2025) returns for its fifth edition, this time, held under the theme ISAAN SOUL PROUD, from June 28 to July 6, 2025, positioning Khon Kaen as a regional creative hub of northeastern Thailand. Organised by the Creative Economy Agency…

  • Understated elegance in the Maldives, is it possible?

    Understated elegance in the Maldives, is it possible?

    The Maldives is certainly one of the most scenic beach destinations in the world. In the UK and many European countries, the islands are one of the top honeymoon destinations. The Maldives is also popular for winter holidays among couples and families. Blended among the regular travellers are celebrities. But do you notice them? Hardly, we guess. That’s because celebrities…

  • Kao Thailand: Recycled furniture for border patrol police schools

    Kao Thailand: Recycled furniture for border patrol police schools

    Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co., Ltd. marks its 60th anniversary by reinforcing its long-standing commitment to social responsibility. As part of its anniversary initiative, the company is delivering Learning Promotion Desk Sets, crafted from used plastic waste, delivered to Border Patrol Police Schools across the country. Under the concept of Creating New Value from Plastic Waste, the project aims to promote environmental…

  • The free spirited edge of Koh Phangan

    The free spirited edge of Koh Phangan

    Koh Phangan is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Known for its famous full moon parties, Koh Phangan also attracts digital nomads, spiritual seekers, and free spirit travellers looking for more than just a tan. In this YouTube video, in the section from timestamp 17:00 to 21:20, Flora and Note arrive at the entrance…

  • Regents International School invests in state-of-the-art sixth form centre

    Regents International School invests in state-of-the-art sixth form centre

    Regents International School Pattaya are thrilled to announce that construction has officially begun on the renovation of their former boys’ boarding house into a new sixth form centre, marking a major investment in the future of their students and an exciting milestone in their commitment to establishing an all-inclusive learning environment for all. Regents International School remains deeply committed to…