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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    The guide to affordable healthcare in Thailand

    The Thaiger key takeaways Thailand’s healthcare system combines low-cost public services with world-class private hospitals. Private health insurance protects expats from major medical bills and meets visa requirements. Cigna offers expat-focused plans with direct billing, top hospital access, and 24/7...

  • Where to shop for sports gear at Jungceylon Phuket | Thaiger

    Where to shop for sports gear at Jungceylon Phuket

    Phuket might be known for its beaches and nightlife, but the island also has a thriving fitness culture. From Muay Thai gyms to beach runs at sunrise, staying active is part of daily life for many who live here (as well as those passing through). If you need new trainers, swimwear, or workout gear, Jungceylon Phuket is one of the…

  • Kasikornbank launches Visa debit payments on MRT | Thaiger

    Kasikornbank launches Visa debit payments on MRT

    Kasikornbank is collaborating with partners to introduce a Visa debit card payment system for MRT services. This initiative is aimed at making urban travel more convenient, seamlessly integrating public transportation payments through Kasikorn Visa debit cards across all MRT lines without requiring top-ups. The service also extends to other public transport systems, including the Airport Rail Link, expressways, and buses…

  • Thailand and Singapore deepen education ties after 60 years | Thaiger

    Thailand and Singapore deepen education ties after 60 years

    Singapore aims to enhance its educational cooperation with Thailand as the two countries celebrate a six-decade-long partnership. At the Singapore Education Fair 2025 in Bangkok last week, Quek Shei Ting, Deputy Chief of Mission of Singapore to Thailand, emphasised education’s role as a key pillar in their bilateral relations. “Thailand and Singapore have shared a long history of friendship and…

  • Cannabis clampdown: Thailand limits buds to 5 medical uses | Thaiger

    Cannabis clampdown: Thailand limits buds to 5 medical uses

    Forget rolling a joint for fun: Thai health chiefs have slammed the brakes on cannabis use, ruling that buds can only be legally consumed by patients with specific medical conditions and a doctor’s prescription. The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) confirmed the strict new rules, narrowing the scope of cannabis usage after months of heated debate over…

  • Finding the best tailor shop in Bangkok, why should you choose Class Bespoke Tailor? | Thaiger

    Finding the best tailor shop in Bangkok, why should you choose Class Bespoke Tailor?

    It is without question that finding your best tailor in Bangkok isn’t an easy choice. With hundreds of options across the city, how do you know which one truly delivers on quality, fit, and service? Luckily, we’ve made that choice easy for you. If you’re searching for a tailor who has all the qualities, Class Bespoke Tailor stands out as one…

  • Why Jesse & Son is among the best tailors in Bangkok | Thaiger

    Why Jesse & Son is among the best tailors in Bangkok

    If you’re on the hunt for the best tailor in Bangkok, chances are you’ve come across a name that keeps popping up: Jesse & Son. In a city brimming with bespoke tailoring houses, this family-run business on Sukhumvit Road has carved out a reputation for quality craftsmanship, fair pricing, and a truly personalised service. Whether you’re a local professional or…

  • Phyathai–Paolo Hospital Group opens new Bowin Hospital to strengthen EEC healthcare | Thaiger

    Phyathai–Paolo Hospital Group opens new Bowin Hospital to strengthen EEC healthcare

    The Phyathai–Paolo Hospital Group, under Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS), continues to strengthen its network in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) with the official opening of Phyathai Bowin Hospital. The new hospital is a major healthcare facility with 259 beds (59 already in operation under Phase 1) strategically positioned to serve the fast-growing industrial estates in Bowin and Chon Buri, including…

  • Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with elegance: Blue by Alain Ducasse crafts exquisite mooncakes | Thaiger

    Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with elegance: Blue by Alain Ducasse crafts exquisite mooncakes

    Celebrate this Mid-Autumn with a touch of French refinement harmoniously intertwined with cherished Asian tradition. Blue by Alain Ducasse, the Michelin-starred contemporary French dining destination at ICONSIAM, presents a limited-edition collection of handcrafted mooncakes created by Executive Pastry Chef Christophe Grilo. With over 20 years of experience, Chef Christophe Grilo brings exceptional craftsmanship and French finesse to this special mooncake…

  • Pattaya approves 258 million baht boost for hospital and health | Thaiger

    Pattaya approves 258 million baht boost for hospital and health

    Pattaya is splashing out on healthcare, with more than 258 million baht approved to keep hospital services running and ensure residents and tourists have access to quality treatment. The green light came during the city council’s third ordinary meeting of the year, chaired by Council President Banlue Kullavanich and attended by Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, deputy mayors, and senior officials. The…

  • Pattaya offers free flu jabs in citywide health drive | Thaiger

    Pattaya offers free flu jabs in citywide health drive

    Pattaya has kicked off its annual flu vaccination drive, offering residents free protection against the seasonal bug as part of a major push to keep the city healthy. The campaign was launched on Thursday, August 28, at the Pattaya Community Medical Centre (Wat Boon Kanjanaram), where deputy mayors Wuttisak Rermkitjakan and Krisana Boonsawat visited to encourage staff and volunteers while…

  • The Lobby Bar & Bed: Bangkok’s new drink & stay destination | Thaiger

    The Lobby Bar & Bed: Bangkok’s new drink & stay destination

    In Sukhumvit’s Korean Town, The Lobby Bar & Bed has quickly emerged as one of Bangkok’s most unique lifestyle destinations. Providing a mix of a local craft beer bar with boutique Airbnb suites, it offers a nightlife experience unlike anywhere else in the city, away from all of the city’s rush. Bangkok’s hidden speakeasy with craft beers Located on the…

  • Heritage meets high-tech: Thailand’s Agri-Innovation Fest is a feast for all senses | Thaiger

    Heritage meets high-tech: Thailand’s Agri-Innovation Fest is a feast for all senses

    If you think agriculture is just about rice paddies and tropical fruit, you are sorely mistaken. Thailand’s farming heritage is being reimagined with cutting-edge innovation, and right now, you can see (and shop) it all at the Nature for Future: Agriculture + Innovation pop-up store at King Power Rangnam, daily until September 21, 2025. Presented by the Department of Foreign…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend (August 29 to 30) | Thaiger

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend (August 29 to 30)

    So August does slip away into a moment in time. It’s the last weekend of the month already, and Bangkok is making sure you don’t ease into September quietly. From riverside yoga in the morning to sake tastings that stretch into the night, the city has stacked the calendar with exciting to do. Here are the best ones. Things to do in…

  • Bianca celebrates the grand opening of their largest restaurant in Thailand at ICONSIAM | Thaiger

    Bianca celebrates the grand opening of their largest restaurant in Thailand at ICONSIAM

    Bianca, a modern twist on classic Italian restaurants, announces the opening of its largest and newest location in Thailand at the global landmark, ICONSIAM. Situated on the Chao Phraya River, the new restaurant offers guests an exceptional Italian dining experience combined with stunning panoramic views. ICONSIAM, a world-class destination on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, reinforces its status…

  • Summer Sonic Bangkok 2025: The music festival that transformed Bangkok into a city of sound | Thaiger

    Summer Sonic Bangkok 2025: The music festival that transformed Bangkok into a city of sound

    Amid the blazing heat of Bangkok’s midsummer, the atmosphere grew even more electric as tens of thousands of fans gathered at IMPACT Challenger Halls 1 to 3 for Summer Sonic Bangkok on August 23 to 24, 2025, to experience the power of music, an energy that transcends borders and languages without limits. This year, the second instalment of Summer Sonic…

  • Southern Thailand pioneers De-Stress Economy at Pakk Taii Design Week 2025 | Thaiger

    Southern Thailand pioneers De-Stress Economy at Pakk Taii Design Week 2025

    In an era of polycrisis, from climate disruption and geopolitical instability to mounting mental and emotional strain, the very notion of economic security is being redefined. For many, especially younger generations, prosperity is no longer measured by GDP or income alone. Instead, the focus is shifting toward quality of life in all its dimensions. This reflects a global trend, with…

  • Best areas to live in Phuket for expats, finding your perfect neighbourhood | Thaiger

    Best areas to live in Phuket for expats, finding your perfect neighbourhood

    Phuket continues to be a popular destination for people looking to start a new life. It’s where digital nomads, retirees, young families, investors, and entrepreneurs come together, all chasing a slower pace of life under the tropical sun. The island is large enough to offer choice, but small enough to feel like a community, and that balance is what continues…

  • Doja Cat returns, debuts with new single, ‘Jealous Type’ | Thaiger

    Doja Cat returns, debuts with new single, ‘Jealous Type’

    GRAMMY award-winning global superstar Doja Cat returns with her new single and music video “Jealous Type”, out now via Kemosabe Records/ RCA Records. Produced by Jack Antonoff (Taylor Swift, Lorde) and Y2K (Ariana Grande, Tate McRae), with the music video directed by Boni Mata and filmed in Los Angeles, Doja Cat’s “Jealous Type” was first teased in her Summer ’25 campaign with Marc Jacobs. The track is set to appear…

  • ICONSIAM to unveil Thailand’s biggest coffee expo along the Chao Phraya River | Thaiger

    ICONSIAM to unveil Thailand’s biggest coffee expo along the Chao Phraya River

    ICONSIAM, the global landmark along the Chao Phraya River, is transforming Bangkok into a must-visit global coffee destination with the upcoming Iconic Craft Coffee Expo 2025. Taking place from August 29 to September 7, 2025, at River Park, ICONSIAM, and extending to the Event Space, M Floor, ICS, and 4th Floor, ICONCRAFT, the expo represents a strategic platform where business,…

  • What you’ll discover on a travel hike in Australia’s rainforests | Thaiger

    What you’ll discover on a travel hike in Australia’s rainforests

    Winding through Australia’s rainforests is an experience that stirs the soul; pure, lush, and wildly alive. For travellers planning their next adventure down under, every detail matters, whether it’s the right hiking gear, a reliable route, or, increasingly important, dependable connectivity with the Australia travel eSim. In the digital age, having uninterrupted data access while exploring remote terrain makes all…

  • RAVA: A new beach club experience at Banyan Tree Phuket | Thaiger

    RAVA: A new beach club experience at Banyan Tree Phuket

    A new era of beach club experience has just arrived in Thailand’s southern island province with Rava, the latest lifestyle concept from Banyan Tree Phuket. Located within Laguna Phuket, an integrated resort destination along the beloved Bang Tao Beach, Rava is a sprawling beach club tucked along a 180 metre shoreline, making it the longest beach club in Thailand. Translating…

  • Master of Fine Arts in motion: Thailand’s oldest art school reinvents the future | Thaiger

    Master of Fine Arts in motion: Thailand’s oldest art school reinvents the future

    The Thaiger key takeaways Poh-Chang Academy of Arts, Thailand’s oldest art school, has launched its first-ever Master of Fine Arts programme. Five pioneering students are blending centuries-old traditions with modern concepts, from repoussé metalwork to experimental jewellery. The programme signals a shift in Thai art education, redefining the line between craftsman and artist while pushing boundaries of expression. If Thailand…

  • Massilia introduces the iconic Ruota di Carro Pizza at Ruamrudee | Thaiger

    Massilia introduces the iconic Ruota di Carro Pizza at Ruamrudee

    Massilia, Bangkok’s multi-awarded Italian restaurant and pizzeria, is proud to announce the launch of its newest menu addition: the Ruota di Carro. This spectacular pizza, rooted in Neapolitan tradition, is now exclusively available at Massilia Ruamrudee. The Ruota di Carro, which translates to “wagon wheel” in Italian, is a pizza made to bring people together. Big, crisp, and full of…

  • Navigating trading psychology amid the ‘US Politics Effect’ and market instability | Thaiger

    Navigating trading psychology amid the ‘US Politics Effect’ and market instability

    In 2025, global markets are expected to be shaken by extreme volatility driven by President Trump’s policy decisions, given tariff hikes, public threats to dismiss Fed Chair Powell, and unpredictable trade moves. Often called the “Trump effect,” US politics creates constant uncertainty, triggering fear-based reactions in trading. Understanding how to stay focused during such turbulence is critical for success. Equally…

  • Thailand eyes kratom crackdown amid abuse fears | Thaiger

    Thailand eyes kratom crackdown amid abuse fears

    Thailand’s justice minister has vowed to rein in kratom abuse after nationwide reports of users mixing the herbal drink with narcotics. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong said new regulations may soon be introduced to restrict kratom leaf sales, following talks with Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin earlier this week. “On August 20, I discussed with the public health minister the necessity…

  • Why health insurance costs more each year and how expats in Thailand can save more money | Thaiger

    Why health insurance costs more each year and how expats in Thailand can save more money

    Each year, many expats living in Thailand see their health insurance premiums go up and often without a clear reason. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to plan your budget. But by understanding why prices rise and learning how to manage these costs, you can stay in control of your health coverage. Knowing what causes these increases is…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend and next (August 22 to 31) | Thaiger

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend and next (August 22 to 31)

    August in Bangkok isn’t slowing down, with the rain, the heat, and a packed calendar all proving it this weekend. You’ll find late-night parties, art that bends the imagination, films screened on ice, and dinosaurs stomping along the riverfront. If you’re still deciding where to go, here’s our pick of the best things to do in Bangkok this weekend (and…

  • 5 ways you’re losing money in Thailand | Thaiger

    5 ways you’re losing money in Thailand

    The Thaiger key takeaways Tourist restaurants, bars, and premium malls charge heavily compared to local markets and street food. High ATM fees, poor exchange rates, and careless money handling shrink your budget fast. Ignoring mobile plan renewals and overpaying for tours or taxis costs travellers far more than necessary. Visiting Thailand can be surprisingly affordable, but if you’re not careful,…

  • Summer Sonic Bangkok 2025: Get ready for a showdown in the capital! | Thaiger

    Summer Sonic Bangkok 2025: Get ready for a showdown in the capital!

    The countdown is on, only a few days to go! Get ready, because Summer Sonic Bangkok 2025 is just around the corner! On August 23 to 24, Bangkok will transform into the ultimate music capital with two blazing stages over two explosive days. If you miss this, you’re truly missing out! Don’t be mistaken, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill concert. It’s…

  • Welida Health, the personalised wellness centre in Bangkok that can help you feel like yourself again | Thaiger

    Welida Health, the personalised wellness centre in Bangkok that can help you feel like yourself again

    Life can get so busy that taking care of your health becomes something you plan to do ‘next week,’ but never quite manage. The deadlines pile up, your sleep gets shorter, and suddenly, you’re running on caffeine and stress, wondering why you feel so out of sync. But that’s exactly what Welida Health is helping people change. Located in Bangkok,…