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 The guide to affordable healthcare in Thailand
The Thaiger key takeaways Thailand’s healthcare system combines low-cost public services with world-class private hospitals. Private health insurance protects expats from major medical bills and meets visa requirements. Cigna offers expat-focused plans with direct billing, top hospital access, and 24/7...
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Chachoengsao family seeks answers after dengue kills girl, 6
A family in Chachoengsao was left grieving and seeking clarity over the death of their six year old daughter from dengue fever. Yesterday, July 21, 31 year old Supattra and 33 year old Somkiat, expressed their heartbreak and dissatisfaction with the hospital’s diagnosis process, which they feel contributed to their daughter’s untimely death due to multiple organ failure caused by…
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Stars, stripes and tourist gripes as Trump hikes visa fee kick off
Tourists, locals, and ex-pats in Thailand are being warned to brace for a wallet-busting new visa fee, after Donald Trump slapped a stinging US$250 charge on would-be visitors, just in time to cash in on the flood of sports fans heading to America. The controversial visa integrity fee has sparked outrage, with critics accusing the US president of using global…
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Why traders in Thailand are choosing EC Markets for gold and forex trading
Gold and forex trading have long been favourites among investors in Thailand, but why are so many traders now turning to EC Markets? The answer lies in a combination of tight spreads, ultra-fast execution, Thai baht (THB) deposit support, and globally trusted regulation. Let’s dive into why EC Markets is becoming the go-to forex and gold trading platform in Thailand,…
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Zika fear grips Thailand amid rainy season spike
Thailand is on red alert as the Zika virus spreads rapidly through the rainy season, with pregnant women warned they could face devastating consequences if infected. Health officials have sounded the alarm after a spike in cases was reported across three provinces – Bangkok, Phayao, and Maha Sarakham – urging residents to take immediate precautions. The Department of Disease Control…
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Thailand hit by mental health spike and baby bust
Thailand’s facing a double dose of trouble—more people are battling mental health issues than ever before, while fewer babies are being born. Experts say it’s a social time bomb. The newly released Thai Health Report 2025, launched yesterday, July 17, by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and Mahidol University, paints a worrying picture of the nation’s emotional and demographic…
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What’s Up Thailand Episode 4: From roaring dinosaurs and elephant art to Phuket comedy and Naruto nostalgia
Time to stomp, strut, and snack your way through Thailand. From roaring dinosaurs and artful elephants to comedy chaos and anime nostalgia, this week’s lineup from What’s Up Thailand has something for everyone. Whether you’re in Bangkok or Phuket, here are the best events to check out before the end of July. What’s up in Thailand Event Details THAINOSAUR: Thai…
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What to do in Bangkok this weekend (July 18 to 20)
Hot rainy nights, mid-July… Bangkok’s in one of those steamy moods again, with showers dotting the weekend and clouds clinging to the skyline. But if you’re the type to dance between the raindrops or browse books while thunder rolls in the distance, this forecast‘s got a silver lining. Here’s your weekend line-up: a flavour-packed supper collab, a chilled vintage market,…
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Thai health officials warn against dangerous kids’ pimple popper toy
The Department of Health (DoH) has initiated a campaign to protect children from dangerous toys, including a new item dubbed the “pimple popper.” The campaign was introduced at the department’s Data Centre with participation from the Royal College of Paediatricians of Thailand, the Child Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention Centre, and the Foundation for Consumers. Director General Amporn Benjapolpitak expressed…
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New in July: Save 10% for life on family health plans in Thailand
Cigna has a special offer this July for families in Thailand. When you sign up three or more people on a family health plan, you will save 10% on your premiums for life. This deal helps you get affordable, high-quality care, including doctor visits, emergency treatment, and access to Thailand’s top private hospitals. If you want to protect your family…
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Solventum celebrates first anniversary in Thailand with launch of two groundbreaking dental innovations
Solventum, a leading global healthcare innovation company, proudly marked its first anniversary of operations in Thailand with the unveiling of two cutting-edge dental products: 3M™ Clinpro™ Clear Fluoride Treatment and 3M™ Filtek™ Easy Match. The launch took place recently at the Thailand Dental Association (TDA) 2025 exhibition at the Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, underscoring Solventum’s more than 70-year legacy…
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Thai clinics exposed in massive gold card fraud scandal
A major healthcare scandal is rocking Thailand as the Ministry of Public Health cracks down on 16 clinics accused of defrauding the country’s universal health scheme out of nearly 30 million baht. Yesterday, July 15, Thanakrit Chitareerat, Secretary to the Minister of Public Health, revealed he had personally inspected several clinics in Sakhon Nakhon’s Song Dao district as part of…
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Chiang Mai University warns of deadly brain-eating disease
The Faculty of Medicine at Chiang Mai University warns of the silent threat posed by the brain-eating amoeba found in natural water sources, urging caution even with seemingly clean water. Yesterday, July 15, the official page of the Chiang Mai University Faculty of Medicine published an article highlighting the dangers of Naegleria fowleri, a single-celled parasite that can cause fatal…
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Phuket declared nearly rabies-free thanks to Soi Dog
In a remarkable triumph for animal welfare and public health, Phuket has emerged as one of the safest destinations in Southeast Asia for pet-loving tourists, thanks to a relentless campaign that has driven rabies risk down to almost zero. Southeast Asia’s largest dog and cat charity, Soi Dog Foundation, announced this week that the island has recorded only one human…
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Ant-agonising: Korea Michelin eatery in a stew over Thai insects
It was hailed as a fine-dining thrill, but a two-star Michelin restaurant in Seoul is now in hot water after its trendy sorbet—topped with ants imported from Thailand and the United States—triggered a food safety scandal. South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has referred the owner of the high-end restaurant in Gangnam district to prosecutors for allegedly violating…
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NHSO to hire 18,000 caregivers for dependent patients in Thailand
Thailand is set to unleash an 18,000-strong battalion of caregivers to rescue frail pensioners and dependent patients nationwide, in a record-breaking health push fuelled by a multi-billion baht stimulus plan. The board of the National Health Security Office (NHSO) has approved the recruitment of 18,000 caregivers to support more than 100,000 dependent people across the country. The ambitious initiative is…
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Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with The Peninsula Bangkok’s timeless mooncakes and exclusive limited-edition collector’s box
If you’ve ever wondered what goes into making the perfect mooncake, let me share that it’s so much more than mixing flour and filling. I recently had the chance to step behind the scenes and mould a couple of The Peninsula Bangkok’s famous egg custard mooncakes, made from their in-hotel restaurant Mei Jiang, and I can promise you, it gave…
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Transgender Thais win free hormone therapy in gold card revolution
Thailand’s Board of the National Health Security Office (NHSO) has approved a sweeping plan to make hormone therapy for gender affirmation an official health benefit under the country’s Universal Health Coverage, known as the Gold Card system. The move, green-lit with a budget exceeding 145 million baht for fiscal year 2025, aims to promote equality and improve the well-being of…
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What do you need before moving from Australia to Thailand?
Moving from Australia to Thailand is a big step that brings exciting new experiences, a rich culture, and often a more affordable way of living. To settle in with less stress, you need to plan ahead. This means sorting out your visa, arranging good health insurance, managing your money, and learning about local rules and customs. With careful preparation, you…
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Thailand launches first local cancer therapy pill
Thailand has introduced its first domestically created targeted therapy pill for cancer treatment, named Imcranib 100. This development is attributed to the scientific vision and leadership of Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana. Targeted therapy represents a modern approach to cancer treatment, concentrating on attacking specific cancer cells while preserving healthy cells. This method helps to minimise the…
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Thai student numbers plummet in Korea as foreign arrivals surge
In a surprising twist to South Korea’s booming foreign arrivals, the number of Thai students and trainees has nosedived—raising eyebrows as other nationalities flock in record numbers. New figures from Statistics Korea have revealed that in 2024, only 21,000 Thai nationals entered South Korea on student and training visas, a steep 40% drop from the previous year. This decline bucks…
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Tea rooms: Steeped in history, served to people who talk too much
When most people think of a tea room, they picture some serene place in London or Paris. You know the type: lace curtains, porcelain cups, people trying to pretend they’re not judging the placement of your spoon while you stir or you have the people who think of themselves as a worldly person. They think of an asian taoist room.…
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Melioidosis kills 72: Thai health ministry issues urgent warning
The Ministry of Public Health has issued a warning about the melioidosis disease, which has resulted in 72 deaths and 1,676 infections. The disease can be contracted through contact with contaminated soil or water, or even by inhaling contaminated dust. It is advised to avoid wading through water or mud and to consume only cooked food. If symptoms develop, medical…
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What to do in Bangkok this weekend (July 11 to 13)
The forecast is calling for heat, rain, and a full weekend of things to do in Bangkok that go well beyond shopping malls and air-con. From a riverside Mexican fiesta and open-air art at Ong Ang Canal to the final days of a major exhibition, the city is busy in the best way. Here’s what to circle on your calendar,…
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Discover southern charm at Pakk Taii Design Week 2025
Get ready for a journey to Pakk Taii Design Week 2025 (PTDW2025), the annual creative festival showcasing southern Thailand! From 28 August to 7 September 2025, the historic Old Town of Songkhla and Hat Yai will come alive as all 14 southern provinces unite to highlight the region’s charm and potential. Under this year’s ‘South Paradise’ theme, the event promises…
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Upcoming music festivals in Thailand you won’t want to miss (July to December 2025)
The best festivals in Thailand have a bit of everything, from big-name bands and DJs to full-on weekends with art, wellness, and even barefoot island raves. And this year, the lineup looks better than ever, with old favourites returning and new names to get excited about. Sure, we love catching dedicated artist performances (and there are so many great concerts…
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Activist calls for sex ban to those under-22 to curb HIV crisis in Thailand
A political activist urged the government to introduce legislation banning people under the age of 22 from having sex, in an effort to reduce the number of HIV cases in Thailand. During a parliamentary session, Deputy Minister of Public Health Chaichana Daecho admitted that HIV infection rates among young people had increased. He emphasised that the ministry was aware of…
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Digital nomading in Chiang Mai? What US$1,000 a month really gets you
Chiang Mai has become a popular destination for digital nomads due to its low living costs, rich culture, and active remote work community. The city offers affordable housing, tasty food, reliable internet, and many co-working spaces, making it a great place for a comfortable yet budget-friendly lifestyle. For around US$1,000 a month, digital nomads can rent a furnished apartment, use…
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Nora Beach Club is the all-day escape you didn’t know you needed in Phuket
Phuket is no stranger to beach clubs, but few pull off the full package quite like Nora Beach Club. There’s a little Ibiza in the way the music picks up after lunch. A bit of Bali in the layout, with the pool, bar, and shaded cabana blending into one another. But the atmosphere is pure Phuket: relaxed, friendly, and full…
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Thai royal award celebrates Vietnam’s top teachers
Vietnam’s star educators are basking in the royal spotlight after a Thai delegation arrived to celebrate their achievements and ramp up educational ties across Asia. From July 6 to 8, a high-profile delegation from the Princess Maha Chakri Award Foundation (PMCAF), led by Chairman Dr Krissanapong Kirtikara, visited Vietnam to meet past award winners, promote regional cooperation and prepare for…
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FDA plans new standards for bottled water
The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plans to propose a draft announcement to the health minister to raise the quality standards of bottled water and ice to international levels. Doctor Surachoke Tangwiwat, Secretary General of the FDA, said the proposal aims to benefit manufacturers, consumers, and the environment. A recent meeting was held to present the draft regulations, which…
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