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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  • Celebrity meet-and-greet events to look forward to in Thailand (2025)

    Celebrity meet-and-greet events to look forward to in Thailand (2025)

    Meet-and-greet with your idols? That’s exactly what 2025 has in store. This year, plenty of world-famous stars are coming to Thailand to meet their fans in more intimate settings. From dining with a sports legend to seeing your favourite K-drama actor up close, here’s a roundup of the top celebrity meet-and-greet events happening in Thailand in 2025. Top celebrity meet-and-greet…

  • Did Apple predict the current air pollution crisis?

    Did Apple predict the current air pollution crisis?

    Since the dawn of the new year, many provinces across Thailand have been grappling with a severe level of air pollution. As of January 24, Bangkok has been rated the fourth most polluted city in the world in terms of poor air quality by IQAir. The capital is often blanketed by a thick layer of smog, which has reminded some…

  • Thai FDA approves kratom use for health and economic benefits

    Thai FDA approves kratom use for health and economic benefits

    The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of kratom plant products for economic and health benefits. The regulations now permit mitragynine, an active compound in kratom leaves, to be used up to 3 milligrammes (mg) per day, with appropriate warnings on product labels. Dr Witit Srisa-atchachakul, the Deputy Secretary-General of the FDA, announced that the FDA,…

  • 62 students suffer food poisoning at Koh Samui school camp

    62 students suffer food poisoning at Koh Samui school camp

    Sixty-two students from Theeparatpittaya School on Koh Samui experienced food poisoning symptoms, prompting urgent medical attention. The incident occurred yesterday, January 24, when students attending a scout camp began suffering from severe abdominal pain after consuming boxed meals. The Narenthorn Ao Thai Centre at Koh Samui Hospital was notified of the situation and quickly coordinated with the Koh Samui district public…

  • Can automation and AI be vital tools in Thai forex markets?

    Can automation and AI be vital tools in Thai forex markets?

    In Thailand’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, Forex is a vital channel for retail and institutional investors. In recent years, Thailand’s trading community has turned to algorithmic solutions and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the foreign exchange market. Automated trading systems are increasingly seen as an indispensable tool, from advanced data analysis to machine learning algorithms. AI-driven solutions not only guarantee faster…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend (January 24 to 26)

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend (January 24 to 26)

    The air quality in Bangkok might not be the best these days, but that doesn’t mean your weekend plans have to suffer. Bangkok, as always, is full of exciting events and activities. From moutwatering food and flea markets to free film screenings, there’s no shortage of ways to keep entertaind in the city. To help you make the most of…

  • Pink Ribbon charity tennis challenge raises funds for QSCBC Foundation

    Pink Ribbon charity tennis challenge raises funds for QSCBC Foundation

    The 6th Annual Pink Ribbon Charity Tennis Challenge in support of the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation (QSCBC) will be held on Friday, February 21 at The British Club. Support a great cause by participating in a charity event with us! For an entry donation of 1,200 baht, you can take part in the tennis tournament, with two…

  • Spend Chinese New Year by the ocean at Novotel Marina Sriracha and Koh Si Chang Thailand

    Spend Chinese New Year by the ocean at Novotel Marina Sriracha and Koh Si Chang Thailand

    Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, whatever you call it, is a time for family, feasting, and fresh beginnings. This year, why not swap the crowded streets for sea breezes and sunshine at Novotel Marina Sriracha and Koh Si Chang? The dual-location hotel in Chonburi is ready to welcome the Year of the Snake with exciting packages.…

  • Gordon Ramsay and his nemesis, the Pad Thai

    Gordon Ramsay and his nemesis, the Pad Thai

    Gordon Ramsay, a mainstream figure in countless TV shows over the past few decades, headlining popular shows such as Hell’s Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares, and MasterChef, among many others has made a return to Thailand to oversee the opening of his new restaurant, and to confront his arch nemesis, the Pad Thai, once more. With his ventures in the culinary world,…

  • Why you need to wear a mask in Bangkok right now

    Why you need to wear a mask in Bangkok right now

    As anyone who has spent time in Thailand, or other Asian cultures for that matter, I’m sure you have seen people wearing masks while in public in Bangkok. But why? The scare of Covid-19 has now long lost its saliency and fears among the general public have been diminished to a level comparable to a bad cold. Yet we still…

  • Bangkok set for Thailand’s first legal same-sex marriages on January 23

    Bangkok set for Thailand’s first legal same-sex marriages on January 23

    Bangkok is making history as it prepares to offer Thailand’s first-ever legal same-sex marriage registrations starting January 23, 2025, following the enforcement of the Marriage Equality Act (Amendment No. 24, 2024). Thailand becomes the first Southeast Asian nation and third Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage following Taiwan in 2019 and Nepal in 2024, marking a historic step for LGBTQ+…

  • FazWaz assumes control of Lifull Connect for Thai global real estate leadership and innovation

    FazWaz assumes control of Lifull Connect for Thai global real estate leadership and innovation

    Phuket-found PropTech company FazWaz has taken over Lifull Connect, the world’s largest real estate aggregation network, solidifying its position as a leader in the global real estate market. This milestone showcases the potential of Thai companies to succeed internationally. FazWaz and Thaiger share core shareholders which emphasises their joint commitment to advancing Thai businesses globally and reinforcing Phuket’s growing reputation…

  • Thai Airways: Ministry’s bid for more administrators rejected

    Thai Airways: Ministry’s bid for more administrators rejected

    The Central Bankruptcy Court has thrown out the Ministry of Finance’s bid to tighten its grip on Thai Airways’ rehabilitation, ruling that the current administrators are steering the airline’s recovery effectively. In a hearing yesterday, the court dismissed a proposal by the Ministry of Finance to appoint two additional administrators to oversee the struggling carrier’s rehabilitation. The bid aimed to…

  • Vana Nava Express Special Train from Bangkok to Hua Hin is now open! Here’s how to book your tickets

    Vana Nava Express Special Train from Bangkok to Hua Hin is now open! Here’s how to book your tickets

    Have you been planning to escape the chaos of Bangkok for a chilled-out weekend in Hua Hin? What if we told you that you can do it without the hassle of long drives or overcrowded buses? The Proud Group, a leading developer of integrated entertainment and resort destinations in Thailand, is offering free air-conditioned train rides from Krung Thep Aphiwat…

  • State Welfare Card applications to open by March

    State Welfare Card applications to open by March

    Applications for the State Welfare Card will open by the end of March, with low-income and vulnerable groups invited to register. The registration follows two years after the last round, which took place from September 5 to October 31, 2022. Julapan Amornwiwat, Deputy Finance Minister, announced that the details of the new registration for the State Welfare Card this year…

  • How much is Thai health insurance?

    How much is Thai health insurance?

    Health insurance in Thailand is essential for expats and locals, providing financial protection and access to quality care. Costs depend on age, health, and coverage level, with basic plans being cheaper but limited and comprehensive plans offering more benefits at a higher price. Regardless, getting Thai health insurance has its costs and it’s good to be aware of how much…

  • Toxic air crisis: 70 provinces choked by dangerous dust levels

    Toxic air crisis: 70 provinces choked by dangerous dust levels

    Thailand woke up to alarming air quality today, with ultrafine dust particles (PM2.5) reaching hazardous levels in 70 of 77 provinces, and Greater Bangkok bearing the brunt of the toxic haze. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) revealed that PM2.5 levels surged into the red, or hazardous-to-health, zone in 27 provinces, primarily in central Thailand. At 7am, Samut…

  • Thai woman left in debt after lending 880k baht to friend

    Thai woman left in debt after lending 880k baht to friend

    A woman voiced her grievances on social media after lending 880,000 baht to a close friend nearly three years ago, only to have it remain unpaid. While her friend continues to live a comfortable life, she finds herself burdened with a high-interest loan. The incident came to light yesterday, January 20, when the woman shared her story online, revealing the…

  • Concerts coming to Bangkok 2025

    Concerts coming to Bangkok 2025

    Looking back, 2024 was a great year for music lovers, especially those who enjoy live performances. In addition to Coldplay and Bruno Mars, we saw legends like Slash and Rod Stewart, K-pop sensations like Red Velvet and Stray Kids, and beloved pop artists such as Conan Gray and Olivia Rodrigo. No matter your taste in music, there was a concert…

  • Thai tea brand launches bird’s nest drink for Chinese tourists

    Thai tea brand launches bird’s nest drink for Chinese tourists

    Napit Sasiwimolkul, the marketing director of Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd., highlighted the continued focus on health among consumers. According to Eastern beliefs, particularly in China, bird’s nest is considered to have cooling properties. With Thailand’s tourism sector showing signs of recovery, data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports reveals that 35,545,714 international tourists visited the country…

  • Trumping expectations: Bitcoin set to soar under US president

    Trumping expectations: Bitcoin set to soar under US president

    Bitcoin’s price is set to soar during the first three months of Donald Trump’s presidency, while a groundbreaking crypto sandbox in Phuket promises to double Thailand’s digital adoption rate of 12%, according to Binance’s Thai division, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange. Ahead of Trump’s swearing-in as the 47th president of the United States, bitcoin reached a staggering new peak at…

  • Where to celebrate Chinese New Year in Bangkok (2025)

    Where to celebrate Chinese New Year in Bangkok (2025)

    It’s not hard to find authentic Chinese flavours in Bangkok to welcome the Year of the Snake, the only difficult part is deciding where to go. From a true dim sum experience to a lavish set menu best shared with loved ones, restaurants across Bangkok are offering Chinese New Year specials that will delight your taste buds. Below, we’ve picked…

  • Top 7 places to visit for Chinese New Year in Bangkok (2025)

    Top 7 places to visit for Chinese New Year in Bangkok (2025)

    The Chinese New Year is coming, and the Year of the Snake is upon us! For the Thai-Chinese community, this is one of the most significant celebrations on the calendar, made even more special this time as it marks the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations. With all that history, you know there’s going to be a series of exciting…

  • ICONSIAM hosts Chinese New Year to celebrate 50 years of Thai-Chinese relations

    ICONSIAM hosts Chinese New Year to celebrate 50 years of Thai-Chinese relations

    ICONSIAM, a global landmark on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, developed by Siam Piwat Group, Magnolia Quality Development Corporation, and Charoen Pokphand Group is commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) with an unparalleled Chinese New Year 2025 celebration. With an investment of over 150 million baht (US$4.35 million),…

  • What to do in a medical emergency as an expat in Thailand

    What to do in a medical emergency as an expat in Thailand

    Handling a medical emergency in Thailand as an expat can be difficult without the right information. This guide explains what to do in a medical emergency, including important contact numbers, the differences between public and private hospitals, how to deal with language barriers, and why health insurance is essential. Knowing these steps can help expats get the care they need…

  • The safety and quality of dental treatments in Thailand

    The safety and quality of dental treatments in Thailand

    “Is it safe to get dental treatment in Thailand?” is perhaps one of the most frequently asked questions among those planning to seek dental care in the country. It’s a valid question. You’re travelling across the world because you’ve heard that millions of people are doing it to get affordable yet high-quality dental care, so naturally, you want the best.…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend (January 17 to 19)

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend (January 17 to 19)

    The cool weather’s sticking around, so it’s the perfect excuse to get outside this weekend. As you’d expect, Bangkok never runs out of things to do. Art exhibitions? A festival in the park? Maybe a garden market? There’s so much happening right now that the only hard part is deciding what to do. So, to help you with your weekend…

  • Why is the traffic in Bangkok so bad and can we avoid it at all?

    Why is the traffic in Bangkok so bad and can we avoid it at all?

    There are but three things that are utterly unavoidable in life: death, taxes, and Bangkok’s notorious traffic. If you have lived in the capital city for any amount of time, one thing becomes abundantly clear, the gridlock traffic during commuting hours is sure to drive anyone crazy. American humorist, Evan Esar (1899 to 1995), was known to comment on the…

  • Korat calls for urgent donations amid major blood shortage

    Korat calls for urgent donations amid major blood shortage

    Residents across northeastern Thailand are being encouraged to donate blood to address a significant shortage, as highlighted by officials at Regional Blood Centre V. Hospitals in regions such as Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Buriram, and Surin are currently receiving only 30 to 40% of their required blood supply, according to Sirilak Piakkhunthod, head of the blood centre. Sirilak noted that 39…

  • Thai FDA warns against deadly vape liquid mixed with ketamine

    Thai FDA warns against deadly vape liquid mixed with ketamine

    The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about the dangers of Pot K, a vape liquid mixed with ketamine, which can be fatal. Selling this substance can lead to a prison sentence of up to 15 years and a fine of 1.5 million baht. This illegal product has become prevalent among nightlife enthusiasts. Dr Witit Srisuriyachayakul, Deputy…