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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How Italian-Thai Development became Thailand’s most controversial construction company
At 9.13 on the morning of 14 January, passengers on a north-eastern-bound train in Nakhon Ratchasima province heard a sound like tearing metal. Above them, a massive steel crane used to lift concrete spans for an elevated high-speed rail line had begun to fall. The launching gantry, weighing several tonnes, crashed onto the last two carriages, derailing them and igniting…
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The friendliest Thai cities for foreigners
Thailand is often called the Land of Smiles, but some cities feel especially welcoming to foreigners. Places like Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Chiang Rai, Koh Samui, and Khon Kaen are known for friendly locals, relaxed lifestyles, and strong community spirit. Expats often say these areas make it easy to settle in, connect with people, and feel at home, whether in…
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Top 5 orthopaedic specialised hospitals in Thailand
Bone, joint, and spine problems show up in different ways. For some, it’s an old injury that never healed properly. For others, it’s a condition that slowly starts limiting movement or everyday comfort. When treatment becomes unavoidable, knowing where to go can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, Thailand has no shortage of hospitals offering high-quality orthopaedic care. Many of them are known…
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The best suit tailors in Bangkok (2026)
Tired of wearing ill-fitting suits that just don’t cut it? It’s time to upgrade your style game and go for a bespoke suit instead. Not only will it fit you like a dream, but it’ll also elevate your look to a whole new level. But wait, before you go running to your nearest tailor, it’s important to find one who’s…
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Inside Bangkok’s gun trade at Wang Burapha, Thailand’s firearms district
In central Bangkok, a few blocks from the gilded spires of the Grand Palace, shop windows display an unexpected inventory that few visitors expect to see. Where tourists anticipate silk scarves or smartphone cases, they’re filled with Glocks, CZs, SIGs, Kimbers, Colts and Berettas arranged in neat rows, hunting rifles propped against the glass, boxes of ammunition stacked like tea…
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Thailand’s PM2.5 levels soar, posing health risks in 38 provinces
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) reported that 38 provinces in Thailand, primarily in the Northeast and Central Plains, experienced elevated levels of ultrafine dust on Sunday morning. At 8am, Gistda indicated that particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less (PM2.5) ranged from 37.6 to 75.6 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³) across these provinces. Meanwhile,…
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Do allergy meds cause dementia? Pediatrician explains
Pediatrician Clarifies Safety of Antihistamines Following Viral Dementia Fears A leading pediatrician has issued a detailed clarification regarding viral social media posts suggesting a link between routine antihistamine use and dementia, aiming to alleviate growing anxiety among parents. The online controversy stemmed from content claiming that daily consumption of allergy medications accelerates brain degeneration or Alzheimer’s disease. The posts included…
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Time to talk about ‘Thai time’
Ask any foreigner in Thailand what confused them first, and you’ll hear the same answer: Time. Or more specifically, why nobody seems to be in a rush to meet it. In the West, being late is personal. It feels like disrespect, a failure, a small moral crime, and you receive a stigma as being lazy or unorganised. But in Thailand,…
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How Thai stand-up comedy is learning to stand on its own
Stand-up comedy in Thailand is young, unstable, and quietly interesting. It does not follow the American club system or the British circuit model. There are no clear ladders, few sponsors, and almost no shared language for what stand-up is supposed to be. And yet, it is growing slowly, improvising as it goes. At the centre of this growth for the…
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What to do in Bangkok this weekend (and the next!)
How is January already moving this fast? You blink, survive the workweek, suddenly it’s Friday again. If your New Year motivation peaked somewhere around Wednesday lunch, this weekend is here to save you. Bangkok is doing what it does best, mixing slow hangs, cultural gems, food worth leaving the house for, and a few reasons to stay out later than…
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Muay Thai Visa Thailand launches DTV visa support for international students
Muay Thai Visa Thailand (MTVT), operated by Bangkok’s Sor.Dechapant Muay Thai School has launched a dedicated visa support service aimed at helping foreign students apply for Thailand’s new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) through accredited Muay Thai training. The initiative addresses a growing need among international applicants seeking long-term stays in Thailand via recognised soft power activities, with Muay Thai training…
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The deadly Rama 2 Road: Why Thailand’s ‘Seven-Generation Road’ keeps claiming lives
Dissecting the crisis of ‘Seven-Generation Road’ Rama 2, where repeated construction accidents and crane collapses continue to claim lives, yet contractors keep receiving new projects, exposing legal loopholes that amount to paper tigers. If there is one road in Thailand that has become legendary for both its extraordinary length and the dangers hidden behind its development, Rama 2 Road, or…
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Muay Thai fight promotions that go beyond traditional martial art
Muay Thai has long been Thailand’s national sport, but today, it’s more than a martial art. It’s a social ladder, a second chance, a cultural export, and a fight for recognition. While elite promotions like ONE Championship and the historic Rajadamnern Stadium keep Muay Thai in the spotlight. There are parallel fight cultures that thrive in alleyways, fight clubs and…
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Thailand’s best beach towns for long-term living (2026)
Thailand’s coastline has always been a draw, but when it comes to long-term living, there’s more to consider than a pretty beach. These days, many of Thailand’s beach towns have grown into liveable, well-connected hubs with strong expat communities, international hospitals, and real infrastructure. Still, each place brings its own rhythm, costs, and quirks. Before we begin, ask yourself this:…
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How does Thailand celebrate Teacher’s Day?
In Thailand, few roles are held in higher regard than that of a teacher. Each year on January 16, the country pauses to observe Teacher’s Day, an annual national occasion dedicated to recognising the people who guide, educate, and inspire future generations. The Thai saying “Kru kue mae-pim kawng chad,” meaning “Teachers mould the nation,” captures the spirit of the occasion.…
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Thailand dominates global night market rankings with 3 markets in the top 10
When was the last time you wandered through a night market surrounded by sizzling street food and that electric energy that only comes alive after dark? If you’re in Thailand, you’re spoiled for choice, and now there’s proof the Kingdom’s night markets rank among the planet’s best. A new study by long-haul travel specialists Travelbag has crowned Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend…
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Bangkok Design Week 2026 returns with ‘DESIGN S/O/S’ from January 29 to February 8
Get ready for the return of Bangkok Design Week 2026 (BKKDW 2026), now in its ninth consecutive year, organised by the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organisation) or CEA, in collaboration with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, government and private sector organisations, educational institutions, international organisations, and creative district network partners. This year, the international design festival brings together creators, designers, entrepreneurs, developers,…
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From Krabi’s peaceful shores to lasting recovery: Inside Yatra Trauma Treatment Centre
Post-traumatic stress disorder and unresolved trauma don’t operate on your schedule. They show up in unexpected moments: a sudden sound that triggers panic, disrupted sleep, emotional withdrawal in relationships, or coping patterns that gradually become hard to control. For expats living in Thailand and international clients seeking treatment abroad, finding specialised, evidence-based trauma care can be challenging. That’s where Yatra…
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Public holidays and observances in Thailand (2026)
As we step into 2026, now’s the perfect time to plan your year in Thailand. From nationwide festivals to regional celebrations, these public holidays shape everything from travel schedules to business operations and social gatherings. Here are our key dates for Thailand’s holidays and observances for 2026. Thailand holidays for January 2026 January 1 (Thursday) – New Year’s Day: A…
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Thailand Privilege Card awards Friends of Thailand memberships to three international Muay Thai Fighters
Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. (TPC), operator of the Thailand Privilege membership programme under the supervision of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), continues to reinforce Thailand’s image not only as a world-class tourism destination but also as a premier destination for long-term residency. Most recently, TPC presented the Friends of Thailand membership card to three foreign fighters from the Rajadamnern…
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AA Insurance Brokers introduces the MyAA app, putting insurance management at your fingertips
AA Insurance Brokers, one of Thailand’s most established insurance brokers, has introduced MyAA, a free mobile app that gives clients easier access to their insurance information through a single, central platform. Designed to simplify everyday insurance tasks, MyAA brings policy information, claims support, offers, and updates together in one place, helping clients manage their insurance anytime, anywhere. It’s the kind…
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A simple guide to renting in Thailand (plus a bonus tip)
Renting in Thailand is generally straightforward, but a little preparation goes a long way. Whether you’re looking to relocate or planning an extended stay, being familiar with local rental practices, from deposits and documents to pricing and property standards, will make the process much smoother. This guide outlines the key steps to renting in Thailand, from choosing the right location…
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First time ever! Sansiri and Phuketian Coffee host a major coffee festival
Coffee lovers should not miss this. For the first time, the large-scale coffee festival Sansiri Phuket | Sip & Inspire brings together flavour, passion, and community in one place. Sansiri, in collaboration with Phuketian Coffee (Horoy Phuket Coffee Association), led by Future Kittipob, Thailand National Barista Champion 2025, aims to support and strengthen Phuket’s local café and coffee business community, encouraging…
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Sartoria and Elements chefs unite for exclusive eight-course dinner in Bangkok
Food lovers in Bangkok are in for a rare treat this February as two acclaimed restaurants join forces for a one-night-only collaboration. Sartoria by Paulo Airaudo, located on the 56th floor of EA Rooftop at The Empire, will host “Elements at Sartoria”, an exclusive four-hands dinner in partnership with Elements, inspired by Ciel Bleu at The Okura Prestige Bangkok. The…
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Tesla Model 3 Standard launches in Thailand with a price cut
Tesla has officially launched the Model 3 Standard in Thailand, introducing a more budget-friendly entry point into the electric vehicle (EV) giant’s premium lineup, positioned alongside fierce competition. With a starting price of 1,149,000 baht, this model is now the most affordable Tesla available in the Thai market, opening the door for more EV enthusiasts to join the Tesla ecosystem.…
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Looking for Children’s Day events in Bangkok 2026? Here’s where to go
A roundup of 17 free places to visit for National Children’s Day on Saturday, January 10, across Bangkok and the surrounding metropolitan areas. National Children’s Day 2026 falls tomorrow. For families who do not yet have plans or are unsure where Children’s Day events will be held this year, we have gathered a complete list of free Children’s Day events…
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Top virologist warns of mutated influenza strain spread in Thailand
A leading virologist has warned the public today, January 8, that a mutated strain of influenza is spreading across Thailand, as reduced vaccine effectiveness contributes to rising case numbers. Professor Yong Poovorawan, a member of the Royal Institute and director of the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, issued the warning on his Facebook…
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Understanding Myanmar’s civil war next door: 70 years of conflict, the Kawthoolei Republic, and how it affects Thailand
Myanmar has been at war with itself for over 70 years, making it the world’s longest-running civil war. This article explains why the fighting never ends, what drives seven decades of unresolved grievances, and what the newly declared Kawthoolei Republic means, as well as offering essential context for those living in Thailand along the shared border. On this page Section…
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Maddix reflects on Bangkok, creative process, and dream collaborations
After performing at the 8O8 Festival in Bangkok last December, Dutch DJ and producer Maddix spoke with The Thaiger about his experience in the city, how he prepares for live sets, and the artists he hopes to work with in the future. Known for his trademark high-energy techno sound, Maddix has built a solid reputation in the electronic music scene.…
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A practical way to think about healthcare when living in Thailand
Living in Thailand means co-existing with a healthcare system that’s brilliant in some ways and frustrating in others. Oftentimes, private hospitals feel like five-star hotels, with doctors trained internationally, and the costs seem reasonable compared to Western countries. Until you’re actually sitting in that consultation room without insurance, watching the bill climb. Here’s the thing most people don’t tell you…
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