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.

  • ‘The Magical Stars’: Disney-themed fairytale kingdom rolls out nationwide | Thaiger

    ‘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…

  • 5 Reasons You shouldn’t visit Thailand | Thaiger

    5 Reasons You shouldn’t visit Thailand

    Is Thailand right for you? If you value diversity, LGBTQ+ rights, and chaotic fun, pack your bags. If not, read this warning first. A guide to the Land of Smiles true colors. OPINION: Let’s be honest. Thailand has a reputation. Depending on who you ask, it’s the ultimate backpacker’s paradise, a culinary wonderland, or the land of golden temples and…

  • Phuket’s fitness boot camps: Why expats fly across the world to train here | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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…

  • Thailand pushes sustainable gem industry with GIT standard programmes | Thaiger

    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…

  • Find your perfect storage space in Bangkok with i-StoreGo: Convenient, safe, and hassle-free | Thaiger

    Find your perfect storage space in Bangkok with i-StoreGo: Convenient, safe, and hassle-free

    Bangkok is often thought of as a city where space is of the essence (and a luxury). From growing families living in condos to entrepreneurs running small businesses, everyone faces the same problem: not enough room. Whether it’s seasonal clothes, extra furniture, or business inventory, clutter can quickly take over working space before spilling into your personal living areas. That’s…

  • What you need to know about Cloudflare after global outage hits X and ChatGPT | Thaiger

    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? | Thaiger

    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…

  • Where to celebrate Thanksgiving in Bangkok 2025 | Thaiger

    Where to celebrate Thanksgiving in Bangkok 2025

    Thanksgiving is just a random Thursday in Thailand, but that doesn’t mean Americans in Bangkok can’t enjoy a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings, plus a slice of good ol’ American pie. After all, Bangkok is a melting pot of cultures, one that is full of amazing restaurants. For some, celebrating Thanksgiving in Thailand is as much about enjoying…

  • 15 early warning signs of cancer that many people overlook | Thaiger

    15 early warning signs of cancer that many people overlook

    According to the National Cancer Institute, around 140,000 new cancer cases are reported in Thailand every year, averaging about 400 cases per day. However, many people only discover the disease once it has already advanced. The World Health Organization repeatedly stresses that detecting cancer in its early stages significantly increases survival rates. You should pay attention to the warning signs…

  • Out of bitcoin’s shadow: Ethereum’s challenge to the crypto crown | Thaiger

    Out of bitcoin’s shadow: Ethereum’s challenge to the crypto crown

    Market analysis provided by Quoc Dat Tong, Financial Markets Strategist at Exness The cryptocurrency market has come a long way since 2008, when Bitcoin (BTC) became the first decentralised digital currency. Its scarcity, decentralisation, and early-mover advantage made it the foundation of the digital asset space. Then came Ethereum (ETH) in 2015, a network designed not just for transactions but…

  • Top 10 best marketing agencies in Thailand (2026 edition) | Thaiger

    Top 10 best marketing agencies in Thailand (2026 edition)

    Thailand has become one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic markets for digital marketing and creative advertising. With Bangkok emerging as a hub for international brands, but also some very promising and or already popular local brands, the competition among agencies has grown stronger than ever. Today’s leading firms blend data-driven performance with creativity, cultural insight, and end-to-end services that help…

  • How to pay your road tax in Thailand and how much it costs? | Thaiger

    How to pay your road tax in Thailand and how much it costs?

    The Thaiger key takeaways Road tax is mandatory for all vehicles in Thailand and must be renewed yearly. Expats need a blue book, Por Ror Bor, and inspection documents before paying. Costs vary by engine size, and EVs enjoy a five-year road tax exemption. Paying your road tax in Thailand is a crucial part of owning a car or motorbike…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend (November 14 to 16) | Thaiger

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend (November 14 to 16)

    Bangkok weekends always seem to fill up on their own, and this one is packed with things that make the city fun to wander through. You can eat your way through a polished take on Thai classics, browse books on a floating ship, watch films that slow life down in the best way, or dig through vintage pieces at a…

  • Addressing the change in the alcohol laws in Thailand | Thaiger

    Addressing the change in the alcohol laws in Thailand

    Thailand’s alcohol regulations have long been a source of confusion for both tourists and residents. But as of late 2025, the Thai government has officially made adjustments to two key aspects of its alcohol policy. These changes mark a shift toward a more flexible and tourism-friendly approach, while still retaining Thailand’s broader public health framework. Here’s what’s new under the…

  • What to do if you need to fly home from Thailand for treatment | Thaiger

    What to do if you need to fly home from Thailand for treatment

    The Thaiger Key Takeaways Always contact your insurer’s 24-hour hotline before arranging any medical transfer. Skipping this step can void your claim. Understand the difference between evacuation (to the nearest qualified hospital) and repatriation (returning home for treatment). The right international health insurance can save you tens of thousands of dollars in medical flight and hospital costs. As an expat…

  • Start 2026 right with Novotel Sriracha and Koh Si Chang’s seaside New Year room packages | Thaiger

    Start 2026 right with Novotel Sriracha and Koh Si Chang’s seaside New Year room packages

    The Thaiger key takeaways Choose between the lively seaside town of Sriracha or the serene island of Koh Si Chang for your New Year celebration. Enjoy two-night stays with breakfast, merit-making sets, and exclusive perks starting from just 7,700++ baht. Book before December 15, 2025, to secure your spot for a seaside New Year getaway without the high-season price tag.…

  • The best suit tailors in Bangkok | Thaiger

    The best suit tailors in Bangkok

    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…

  • South Korea eases visa rules for young Thai job seekers | Thaiger

    South Korea eases visa rules for young Thai job seekers

    South Korea has eased visa rules for young Thai nationals who speak Korean, allowing them to apply for longer stays and job opportunities with fewer restrictions. The South Korean Embassy in Bangkok has announced a major visa policy shake-up, easing the path for young Thai nationals fluent in Korean to live and work in the country. Effective this month, the…

  • Axi empowers traders with educational resources tailored for the Thai market | Thaiger

    Axi empowers traders with educational resources tailored for the Thai market

    Axi, a global leader in online trading, is deepening its commitment to Thai traders by delivering a suite of free, high-quality educational resources designed to support every stage of the trading journey. From beginner fundamentals to advanced strategies, Axi’s initiatives are tailored to the Thai market to help traders expand their knowledge, sharpen their skills, and build confidence. Axi Academy:…

  • Travel vs international health insurance: Which coverage do you need overseas? | Thaiger

    Travel vs international health insurance: Which coverage do you need overseas?

    The Thaiger key takeaways Travel insurance is ideal for short-term trips, covering emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage, but not routine care. International health insurance suits expats and long-term residents, offering full medical coverage, including checkups, maternity, and chronic care. Choosing the right plan helps you meet visa rules, avoid high bills, and access reliable healthcare abroad — with trusted providers…

  • Amnuay Silpa School celebrates its 100th anniversary with sea turtle conservation and mangrove reforestation in Sattahip | Thaiger

    Amnuay Silpa School celebrates its 100th anniversary with sea turtle conservation and mangrove reforestation in Sattahip

    In celebration of its 100th anniversary, Amnuay Silpa School (ANS), in collaboration with the Amnuay Silpa Alumni Association, organised the Sea Turtle Conservation and Mangrove Reforestation activity on Saturday, November 8, in Sattahip District, Chonburi Province. The initiative reflected the school’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. The event brought together parents, students, teachers, and alumni who actively…

  • Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) scams and how to protect yourself | Thaiger

    Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) scams and how to protect yourself

    Dozens of websites and sponsored ads are currently charging travellers money to submit the TDAC form within the standard 72-hour window, which is free through the official government TDAC portal. These scam ads often take up the entire first half of Google search results. Some of these websites also use government logos or “fast approval” messaging to appear official. A…

  • ICONSIAM ranked as one of the world’s top 3 most influential retail property projects of the past 30 years at the MAPIC Awards 2025 | Thaiger

    ICONSIAM ranked as one of the world’s top 3 most influential retail property projects of the past 30 years at the MAPIC Awards 2025

    ICONSIAM has once again sparked a defining phenomenon on the global real estate and retail stage, being recognised as one of the world’s top 3 Most Influential Retail Property Projects of the Past 30 Years at the MAPIC Awards 2025, hailed as the Cannes of the Retail Industry. This prestigious recognition reinforces ICONSIAM’s status as the icon of innovation and…

  • How Chiang Mai is becoming Thailand’s new MICE capital | Thaiger

    How Chiang Mai is becoming Thailand’s new MICE capital

    Chiang Mai, long celebrated for its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and laid-back charm, is quickly transforming into a powerful new player in Thailand’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism scene. As Bangkok’s pace becomes more frenetic and space becomes scarcer, event organisers, corporate planners, and hospitality professionals are turning their attention north, and Chiang Mai is more than ready.…

  • How to move to Thailand with kids (without losing your mind) | Thaiger

    How to move to Thailand with kids (without losing your mind)

    The Thaiger key takeaways Families relocating for work or education have different visa paths, including Dependent and Guardian Visas, each requiring financial proof and specific documentation. Birth, marriage, and school records must be legalised through your home country’s authorities and verified by the Thai Embassy before they can be used for immigration or enrolment. Up-to-date immunisation documents make school registration…

  • Tattoo festival to transform Pattaya’s Central Marina in November 2025 | Thaiger

    Tattoo festival to transform Pattaya’s Central Marina in November 2025

    Tattoo enthusiasts and artists are preparing for the Marina International Tattoo Festival 2025, a major event set to transform Pattaya’s leading shopping destination into a vibrant celebration of body art. Taking place from November 15 – 16 at Central Marina Outlet, the festival will spotlight over 22 competitive categories, showcasing global talent through live demonstrations and engaging experiences that highlight…

  • Remembrance Day: The Great War’s cost and the world’s promise | Thaiger

    Remembrance Day: The Great War’s cost and the world’s promise

    “The invincible, inexhaustible mud of the war zone… This is the hymn of mud, the obscene, the filthy, the putrid, the vast liquid grave of our armies. It has drowned our men… Our fine men, our brave, strong, young men; Our glowing red, shouting, brawny men. Slowly, inch by inch, they have gone down into it, into its darkness, its…

  • Two continents and one passion as award-winning pizzerias unite for historic Bangkok collaboration | Thaiger

    Two continents and one passion as award-winning pizzerias unite for historic Bangkok collaboration

    In an unprecedented culinary exchange, two of the Asia-Pacific region’s most acclaimed pizzerias are joining forces for Across the Doughline, a cross-continental collaboration that will culminate in an exclusive celebration at Massilia Ruamrudee on December 9. Massilia, Thailand’s Best Pizzeria for four consecutive years (2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025) and ranked 4th Best Pizzeria in Asia 2025, is partnering with…

  • The expat’s guide to QR payments in Thailand: How to actually pay for street food | Thaiger

    The expat’s guide to QR payments in Thailand: How to actually pay for street food

    The Thaiger key takeaways Most Thai QR codes use PromptPay, but only merchant QR codes accept foreign banking apps; personal QR codes used by food stalls and taxis don’t. Expats can pay using three methods: open a Thai bank account, use a cross-border app (for merchant QR), or reimburse a Thai friend. Thailand’s move toward a cashless society is growing…