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.
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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.…
-
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…
-
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,…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
The perfect private getaway at Shan Villas Bangkok
Shan Villas Bangkok is the perfect place for a peaceful getaway with a blend of comfort and privacy. It’s just a short distance from the best attractions and has a great location. Ideal for families, groups, or business trips, each villa is designed to offer both space and relaxation. With great facilities like a rooftop restaurant and outdoor pool, Shan…
-
Thai US tax talks stall as Vietnam races ahead
Thailand’s hopes of clinching a breakthrough tax agreement with the United States have hit a stumbling block, leaving officials scrambling for solutions—and exporters nervously watching from the sidelines. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira admitted yesterday, July 4, that the much-anticipated deal remains out of reach despite days of high-level negotiations in Washington. Speaking during a stopover in…
-
Bangkok in gold: Where to catch the sunset
Bangkok buzzes, blares, steams, and sings. The traffic never quite sleeps, the air hums with heat, and the Chao Phraya moves like a long, slow pulse through the heart of it all. Sunset doesn’t arrive quietly either. It spills. It drapes the rooftops, washes the river in amber, flares behind temple spires. It softens the edges of the day, surrendering…
-
Welcome to American expats in Thailand: A guide to understanding the Fourth of July abroad
Hello, non-American friends in Thailand. Congratulations! You’ve found yourself surrounded by American expats during the Fourth of July, America’s birthday. Or as locals affectionately call it, “Somehow they got louder.” In your hands is a helpful guide designed to walk you through this loud, confusing celebration of democracy, freedom, and processed meats. Pay attention, please, you’ll need this. 1. Fireworks:…
-
Red Bull tycoon tops Thailand rich list with US$44.5 billion fortune
Red Bull really does give you wings—especially if your name is Chalerm Yoovidhya. The co-owner of the world-famous energy drink has officially been crowned Thailand’s richest man this year, boasting a staggering net worth of US$44.5 billion (1.4 trillion baht), according to Forbes magazine. Chalerm’s jaw-dropping fortune saw an eye-watering leap of US$8.5 billion, marking a 24% surge from the previous year.…
-
What to do in Bangkok this weekend (July 4 to 6)
Bangkok’s humidity may be doing the most right now, but the city’s still serving cool things to do if you know where to look. From haunted film festivals in colonial-era buildings to Squid Game dolls towering over city squares, this weekend is full of strange and joyful experiences. Pride celebrations continue, art is everywhere, and yes, there’s also a chance…
-
Moving with family? Here’s how to cut health costs in Thailand
Relocating to Thailand with your family brings exciting new opportunities, but it also comes with the challenge of managing healthcare costs in a new system. Thailand has both public and private healthcare options, each offering different prices and quality of service. Understanding how to balance these options is important for keeping healthcare affordable while ensuring your family gets the care…
-
Phuket kicks off health expo to boost wellness tourism
Phuket is on a mission to become the world’s top wellness tourism hub, and the island is off to a strong start with the launch of the Phuket Health Expo 2025. Kicking off yesterday, July 2, the five-day event, held at Central Festival Phuket, aims to position the island as the ultimate destination for health, wellness, and lifestyle tourism. The…
-
Skin scare: Thailand warns of itchy rash this rainy season
Thailand’s rainy season brings more than just wet weather—health officials are now alerting the public to a skin condition that commonly strikes during these damp months: Pityriasis Rosea. The Department of Medical Services has issued a health advisory urging citizens to be on the lookout for this uncomfortable rash that can affect thousands. Deputy government spokesperson Sasikarn Wattanachan revealed that…
-
What’s hot in Sriracha this July (hint: it’s not the sauce)
Sriracha is a name that tends to stick in people’s minds for one reason. The sauce. But the coastal town it’s named after has a flavour all its own. Only 1.5 hours from Bangkok, it has a working-port charm, a strong Japanese influence, and an easy rhythm that draws in weekenders looking for something quieter than Pattaya, but more characterful…
-
Viet’s all, folks: Thailand left in digital ID dust by Vietnam
Thailand has been caught napping again, as Vietnam surges ahead with yet another bold move to woo foreigners, slashing red tape and rolling out sleek new digital IDs for its growing expat population. On July 1, Hanoi launched a 50-day campaign to hand out free electronic identification to foreigners living, working, or studying in the country, and it’s already being…
-
Why trucks and buses in Thailand are moving works of art
Light bouncing off six dozen chrome-coated side-view mirrors. Rows of Michelin Man figurines sit proudly on the cabin roof. Sprawling intricate murals depicting anime characters, cartoon superheroes, and fantastical dreamscapes. If any of these images are familiar to you, then you’ve likely seen the elaborately decorated and modified lorries and buses in Thailand. Perhaps you’ve also wondered why these Thai…
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.