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.
-
Do we celebrate Christmas in Thailand?
Are you trading a white Christmas with a tropical one this year? Thailand is a majority Buddhist country, with about 95% of the population following the faith, so the local people don’t traditionally celebrate Christmas. However, the festive cheer is far from absent. In fact, Thais have found their own way of joining the seasonal celebrations, often with a unique…
-
What is the Maneki Neko (lucky cat) in Thai shops
Stroll around the neighbourhoods in Bangkok or anywhere else in Thailand, and you’ll spot tiny cats waving at you with one paw in a steady motion. They sit near tills, on restaurant counters, and in the corners of tiny market stalls. You’ll see them in other parts of the world, too, most often in a Chinatown. These cats are the…
-
Siam Paragon unveils a global first launch of the co-creating ‘NEXTOPIA, Prototype for The World of Tomorrow’
Siam Paragon has announced the launch of NEXTOPIA, The Prototype for World of Tomorrow, a new large-scale attraction co-created with global innovation partners, businesses, communities, and changemakers. The development marks a significant evolution in Thailand’s experiential retail scene and introduces an immersive, sustainability-focused concept located across 15,000 square metres on Floors 5 and 5A of Siam Paragon. Representing an investment…
-
Thailand’s rising stars in global single-seater racing
Thailand has never really been a household name in single-seater racing, not until recently, at least. Formula One’s breakthrough in popularity, thanks to Netflix’s Drive to Survive series, As Formula 1 and single-seater racing categories continue to flourish as of late, Thailand’s growing presence in said international racing series has followed suit. With one driver competing at the pinnacle of…
-
Jungceylon turns Phuket into an Eco Wonderland with upcycled art and festive colour
The Thaiger key takeaways Jungceylon Phuket’s Eco Wonderland uses upcycled art from Thai artists to highlight ocean conservation and reduce waste during the festive period. Visitors can explore large-scale installations, join hands-on workshops, and learn how discarded materials can be transformed into meaningful works. The initiative aims to reduce waste, protect the environment, and foster sustainable growth through collaboration with…
-
10 restaurants in Thailand have newly awarded for the Michelin Star in Thailand [2026 edition]
The Michelin Guide Thailand 2026 edition has officially been unveiled, showcasing the latest full selection of 468 dining venues. According to the announcement on the official Michelin Guide website, the list includes: 2 Three Michelin Star restaurants (1 promoted from Two Michelin Stars) 8 Two Michelin Star restaurants (2 promoted from One Michelin Star) 33 One Michelin Star restaurants (3…
-
808 Festival 2025 rolls out Phase 2 lineup, and it’s as stacked as ever
Thailand’s flagship electronic music event, 808 Festival, is set to return to Bangkok from December 5 to 7, 2025, at BITEC Bangna. Just before the main event, organisers have revealed the Phase 2 artist roster, adding even more international firepower to an already explosive lineup. From bass house to hard techno, DJs and producers are flying in from across the…
-
Festive journeys at 7th Floor Restaurant to celebrate the season of flavour & joy
This festive season, 7th Floor Restaurant at Sole Mio Boutique Hotel & Wellness invites guests to celebrate two unforgettable evenings above the lights of Bang Tao. From heartwarming Christmas dining to a dazzling New Year’s countdown, every moment is crafted to inspire togetherness, taste, and celebration — all enjoyed from the only rooftop in Bang Tao offering panoramic views of…
-
How institutional investors beat cooling markets with Gold: Practical tips for retail traders
Usually, gross generalisations are unreliable, but there is one all-encompassing statement that holds true. Investors want to make the highest return with the lowest amount of market exposure. When markets are moving in a beneficial direction and in a predictable way, the probability of that outcome increases exponentially. But what happens when markets are cooling? What if sentiment is also…
-
What to do in Bangkok this weekend (November 28 to 30)
Somehow, we’ve already reached the last weekend of November! The mood is starting to become a little bit festive as the holiday season approaches, with malls and hotels rolling out Christmas events. But there are still plenty of other things to do, too. There are cosy food events, easygoing markets, live music sessions, and a few small surprises dotted around…
-
British, American, or IB curriculum in Thailand: Which one actually fits your child?
Choosing the right curriculum is one of the most important decisions expat parents make when relocating to Thailand. With a growing number of international schools across the country, families often find themselves comparing the British, American, and International Baccalaureate (IB) systems. Each curriculum offers unique strengths and philosophies, but which one best fits your child’s learning style, goals, and personality?…
-
Trade together: Learn strategies from global pros with copy trading & social trading on FP Markets
Before the internet connected everything, trading was truly a solo activity. Knowledge was limited to books or passed along within small circles. Whoever suffered a loss felt the pain quietly alone. Whoever discovered a good strategy might keep it for themselves. But times have changed. Today, the world of trading has entered an era of connectivity. Two terms have taken…
-
AustCham Thailand to host 2025 End of Year Christmas Reception at Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit
The Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (AustCham Thailand) is inviting members and guests to its End of Year Christmas Reception, known as the Christmas Sundowners, taking place on Wednesday, December 3, at Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit. Held exclusively at the hotel’s Le Grand Ballroom on the 7th floor, the event will run from 6pm to 9pm and will bring together the AustCham…
-
How to use Thailand’s toll roads: Easy Pass, M-PASS, M-Flow & More
If you’re driving in Thailand, whether as an expat, long-term visitor, or local, you’ll likely encounter tollways. These roads save time, cut through city congestion, and connect provinces. But using them isn’t always intuitive. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigating Thailand’s expressways, including when to pay, how to get a pass, and tips to avoid fines or delays. On this…
-
What is ‘face’ in Thailand and how to avoid losing it (for anyone and yourself)
If you are new to life in Thailand, there is one cultural idea that will help you settle in far more smoothly than memorising phrases or learning the bus routes. It is the concept of face and it has nothing to do with your appearance. It is about dignity, respect, and how people are perceived by those around them. Once…
-
Thaiwatsadu and BnB Home Under Central Retail roll out grand ‘Carnival Nutcracker’ Christmas décor universe
Thaiwatsadu and BnB Home, Under Central Retail, the leading retailer of construction materials and home products, are ringing in the 2025 festive season with the launch of their Grand Christmas Decoration Universe. Presented under the theme Carnival Nutcracker, the campaign transforms every store into a one-stop Christmas décor destination, offering over 2,000 Christmas items, from premium fresh-cut trees imported from…
-
Axi expands Thai market with bonuses, cashback, funding, and Manchester City experiences
Axi, a global leader in online trading, is deepening its commitment to Thai traders with a dynamic range of promotions, tailored support, and unique funding opportunities. From deposit bonuses and cashback rewards to capital allocation via Axi Select and exclusive Manchester City football experiences, Axi continues to deliver everything traders need in one place. Boosted funding through bonuses and Axi…
-
Expat guide to Thailand’s healthcare system: Public vs private hospitals compared
The Thaiger key takeaways Thailand offers dependable healthcare through both public and private hospitals, each with strengths that suit different needs and budgets. Public hospitals provide skilled doctors and low-cost care, though the process moves at a slower pace with longer queues. Private hospitals offer fast service, English-friendly staff, and modern facilities, but come with higher prices that are easier…
-
How to make sure that your health insurance meets Thailand’s visa requirements
If you plan to stay in Thailand for a long time, you must have health insurance that meets the country’s visa rules. This applies to Retirement (O-A and O-X) visas and Long-Term Resident (LTR) visas. Each visa type requires a minimum level of coverage for both inpatient and outpatient care, and some also need Covid-19 protection. Several approved Thai insurance…
-
10 Best restaurants in Asoke, Bangkok
The Thaiger key takeaways This neighbourhood is one of Bangkok’s busiest eating zones, lined with Thai diners, brunch favourites, Japanese joints and some of the city’s most reliable pizza. Its central location and direct BTS/MRT access make it one of the easiest areas in Bangkok for visitors to explore through food. This curated list highlights the best restaurants worth checking,…
-
Can you stay and work in Thailand with your new Thai degree after graduation?
Graduating from a Thai university is a monumental moment of achievement, but for many who do graduate, the question quickly becomes: what’s next? If you’re an expat graduate hoping to stay in Thailand and launch your career here, recent updates to Thai immigration policy may work in your favour. However, staying on legally and working requires understanding how visas, permits,…
-
What to do in Bangkok this weekend (November 21 to 23)
Bangkok feels a little quieter this month, but there are still plenty of things to check out if you want to get out of the house. Some galleries are staying open late, a few neighbourhood spots are running small community events and there are food pop ups that make the weekend feel a bit more fun. Here’s our curated list…
-
Overstay rules in Thailand: What happens, how much it costs, and how to resolve it
The Thaiger key takeaways Thailand enforces strict fines and penalties for staying beyond your permitted date, with no official grace period. Short overstays usually mean fines, while longer overstays can lead to bans, detention, or deportation. Resolving the issue quickly, either by leaving or contacting immigration, is essential to avoid serious consequences If you’ve ever lost track of dates while…
-
‘The Magical Stars’: Disney-themed fairytale kingdom rolls out nationwide
Central Pattana plc, Thailand’s leading sustainable real estate developer and operator of Central shopping centres nationwide, is joining forces with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and The Walt Disney (Thailand) to create a global year-end festive sensation with ‘The Magical Stars’. The campaign introduces four Disney-themed fairytale kingdoms, highlighted by a signature Christmas tree and 3-metre-tall Mickey Mouse and…
-
Phuket’s fitness boot camps: Why expats fly across the world to train here
Phuket has built a global reputation for many things, including tropical beaches, vibrant nightlife, and bustling tourism, among them. But in recent years, another scene has quietly exploded on the island’s southern coast: fitness boot camps. From complete lifestyle overhauls to elite-level training, Phuket has become a destination where people fly in, sometimes from halfway around the world, not to…
-
Blue by Alain Ducasse at ICONSIAM marks its sixth anniversary with a celebration of vision and flavour
Blue by Alain Ducasse, the award-winning and Michelin-starred French restaurant at ICONLUXE, 1st Floor, ICONSIAM, celebrates its sixth anniversary this month with a visit by the legendary chef Alain Ducasse. To mark the occasion, Executive Chef Evens López has created a special Découverte Menu, honouring the spirit of creativity, precision, and harmony that have defined the Blue’s journey since its…
-
Does eating sugar equal killing ourselves? What research really says about ‘slow death’ from sugar
Social media has been sharing quotes like “eating sugar = slowly killing yourself,” to the point that some people are now more afraid of mango sticky rice than cigarettes. In reality, cutting out sweetness completely is impossible. So the question is: when we look strictly at medical research, is sugar really that harmful, or is the real issue the way…
-
Thailand pushes sustainable gem industry with GIT standard programmes
The Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand, or GIT, has launched a new national initiative to advance Thailand’s position as a global hub for sustainable gem and jewellery production. The programme, titled Thailand Towards a World Sustainable Gem and Jewellery Hub, aims to help SMEs meet international standards in sustainability, governance, and environmental responsibility as global trade rules continue to…
-
What you need to know about Cloudflare after global outage hits X and ChatGPT
Cloudflare, one of the world’s largest internet infrastructure providers, went down for several hours and caused major websites, including X (Twitter) and ChatGPT, to become inaccessible worldwide. The incident has now been resolved, with the company confirming the issue was caused by an oversized system file – not a cyberattack. Last night, on November 18, internet users across multiple countries…
-
Is expat health insurance in Thailand actually worth it?
The Thaiger key takeaways Foreigners aren’t covered by public healthcare, making private hospital costs a major concern. Insurance offers financial protection and access to better medical care. Whether it’s worth it depends on your stay length, health, lifestyle, and budget. Thailand is a favourite destination for expats, known for its warm weather, rich culture, and affordable lifestyle. But as more…
![10 restaurants in Thailand have newly awarded for the Michelin Star in Thailand [2026 edition] | Thaiger](https://thethaiger.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Featured-Image-Template-9-4-390x220.jpg)
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.