Expats

Stay updated on the latest expat news and insights in Thailand with The Thaiger. Our all-inclusive coverage brings you vital information on residency, visas, work permits, property, healthcare, and other expat-related issues. Adapt to the Land of Smiles seamlessly with our advice, guiding you through various aspects of life as a foreign resident in this enthralling country.

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    Whether you're considering to obtain a Thai visa for yourself or for the visit of a Thai friend to your country, seeking precise and trustworthy information is essential. It is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by an ocean of information,...

  • Plea for flight: Provincial governor urges reconsideration after Thai Smile route closure

    Thai Smile’s decision to discontinue flights from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Surat Thani Airport, beginning October 1, has led provincial governor, Witchawut Jinto, to appeal for a reversal. Jinto submitted a formal letter to Thai Smile, an affiliate of Thai Airways, requesting the continuation of the Suvarnabhumi-Surat Thani route. The governor expressed public discontent over Thai Smile’s plans, which are…

  • Pattaya’s Walking Street gets facelift with removal of power poles

    The renowned Walking Street in Pattaya has been given a contemporary makeover as unsightly power poles have been removed. The inspection of the upgraded tourist attraction was conducted by Mayor Poramase Ngampiches yesterday. Along with him, other city officials marked the successful completion of the major project, which involved the dismantling of utility poles on the street. Over the past…

  • Traffy fondue: Phuket launches English app to assist foreigners

    An English language-enabled version of the Traffy Fondue application has been launched by the provincial office of Phuket, Thailand. This platform has been developed to assist foreign visitors in airing their grievances about local environmental conditions and public services. The Phuket Governor, Narong Woonciew, announced yesterday that the application has been well-received by residents seeking an expedited resolution to common…

  • ‘Quite an adventure’ says Scottish pensioner of his snake-infested Indiana Jones river rescue in Thailand (video)

    A Scottish pensioner declared it was “quite an adventure” as he was plucked from a snake-infested river in Thailand after embarking on an Indiana Jones-type Boy’s Own escapade. The 77 year old Scot found himself marooned in his inflatable dinghy for nearly seven hours in the treacherous waters of Udon Thani province. Initially setting out for a leisurely kayak cruise…

  • Road of sorrow: Scottish man becomes latest victim of Thailand’s perilous roads

    A sombre chapter was added to the tragic toll of Thailand’s perilous roads today, as a 48 year old Scottish man became yet another victim. The unfortunate incident unfolded when Robert Griffin, a shipping officer from Fife, lost control of his white Honda Click motorbike, resulting in a head-on collision with another motorcyclist in Krabi, a province in southern Thailand.…

  • Magazine ranks Thailand 9th best retirement spot on Earth

    Thailand secured its position as the world’s ninth-best retirement spot on International Living Magazine’s 2023 Annual Global Retirement Index. The index ranks countries based on their suitability for retirees, taking into account various factors including cost of living, cost of healthcare, cultural activities, and more. In the 2023 index, Thailand shares the spotlight with other popular retirement destinations such as Portugal,…

  • Affordable and enriched living in Thailand attracts foreign investors

    Thailand is making waves on the world stage with what International Living defines as its attractive blend of enriched living at pocket-friendly costs. The gem in the Thai living appeal seems to be the lucrative real estate sector where, as International Living puts it: “Foreigners are able to buy condos very easily and there are bargains everywhere.” Along with attractive…

  • Singaporean man’s Bangkok airport mix-up leads to arresting headlines

    The Singaporean man arrested at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok for allegedly stealing the belongings of a German man insists it was all a mix-up. Teo Yu Xuan Kenny was trying to board a plane home when Immigration Bureau officers swooped to apprehend the Singaporean for the alleged theft of 100,000 baht in cash, a laptop, and a passport…

  • Koh Tao beach resort faces hefty fines and restoration orders on illegal structures and breaches

    The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) and related agencies investigated a Koh Tao beach resort following viral social media images, consequently presenting four charges and ordering a restoration to its former state. The establishment in question, located on the popular Koh Tao island in Surat Thani province, a touristic gem often referred to as Turtle Island, came under scrutiny…

  • Brit in the buff brings chaos to Pattaya hotel: Unhinged nudist lands behind bars

    An unhinged naked British man was taken into custody after causing chaos in a hotel in Pattaya. Police officers are investigating the unusual incident in an attempt to identify the source of the man’s unhinged behaviour. Pattaya Police Station’s Pol. Capt. Kittisuk Suthinitaswong was alerted about the embarrassing incident at exactly 4.30am today at the Centara Nova Hotel & Spa,…

  • Unwrapped truth: Viral video of passenger cling-film wrapping three seats raises doubt (video)

    The authenticity of a recent viral video showing a female passenger using cling film wrap to create a makeshift bed across three economy seats is being questioned by netizens. The video, which has garnered 3.8 million views on TikTok, depicts the passenger diligently enclosing the space of the three seats she presumably booked using cling wrap. In the video taken…

  • From war heroes to war zeros: The unjust treatment of Julian Assange

    We live in a world where war criminals are celebrated, worshipped, and praised while those who hold them to account are vilified, abused and thrown in prison, as in the case of Julian Assange. We live in a world where George Bush and Tony Blair can lead the United States, United Kingdom, and allies into an illegal war in Iraq…

  • Regional guide: Teaching English in Phuket

    So, you want to live in paradise with an added bonus? We’re talking about Phuket, a dreamy tropical oasis in southern Thailand, replete with sun-kissed beaches, legendary street food, and stunning temples. As if this wasn’t fantastic enough, imagine immersing yourself in the local community, making a difference in the lives of others, and quite possibly changing your LinkedIn header…

  • Aussie tourists support Pattaya restaurant owner after dine-and-dash incident

    A heartwarming turn of events unfolded as a group of friends came together to support a local restaurant owner who had previously experienced an unfortunate incident in Pattaya, Thailand. The owner, Jinwara Rebedef, had recently fallen victim to a dine-and-dash customer at his Kin Kab Kia restaurant on Thepprasit Road. The story (read HERE) caught the attention of Paul Kinsey…

  • Thai hospital misdiagnoses man’s gallstone condition, quick intervention saves health

    A 42 year old expatriate named Nick reached out for help on May 21 after being discharged from the hospital without a clear diagnosis of his abdominal pain. He had been experiencing discomfort in his right lower abdomen and an ache in his left lower chest that radiated into his back and upper abdomen. Nick had been unwell for two…

  • Phuket motorbike crash injures elderly expat

    A Phuket motorbike crash injured an elderly expat yesterday morning. Chalong Police arrived at the scene on Wiset Road in Rawai to find a foreign motorbike rider, 73 year old Georgi Simeonov Georgiev with minor injuries. The other rider involved in the accident was a 31 Thai man named Kittisak Buayai. Georgiev’s nationality was not provided by police. After reviewing…

  • What are the visa options for digital nomads in Thailand

    The digital nomad visa in Thailand is a popular choice for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want to live and work in this beautiful and welcoming country. While Thailand does not offer a dedicated digital nomad visa program, individuals can explore alternative visa types to suit their remote work and travel needs. With the digital nomad visa in Thailand,…

  • Regional guide: Teaching English in Chiang Mai

    Teaching English in Chiang Mai offers a unique and rewarding opportunity for language educators seeking to experience the rich culture and natural beauty of northern Thailand. Compared to Bangkok, finding job opportunities in Chiang Mai might be slightly more challenging, and salaries could be around 30% lower. However, the relaxed atmosphere in Chiang Mai compensates for these drawbacks. You might…

  • Activities for retirees to stay active and enjoy life

    Activities for retirees in Thailand offer a vibrant and diverse social life, allowing individuals to enjoy their golden years to the fullest. From engaging in leisurely pursuits to exploring the rich culture and stunning landscapes, retirees in Thailand can find numerous ways to stay active, healthy, and socially connected. Top Activities for Retirees in Thailand Practice a sport Starting a…

  • Experts unite to oppose govt’s cannabis legalisation

    A collective of medical professionals, academics, and civil organisations have released yet another open letter to express their opposition to the government’s decision to legalise cannabis. This marks their seventh open letter on the matter, urging the public to vote for political parties that do not support the removal of cannabis from the list of narcotics, as well as its…

  • Asoke Bangkok: Thailand neighbourhood guide 2023

    Asoke Bangkok, located in the heart of Thailand’s vibrant capital city, is an area that offers the best of both worlds – a perfect blend of modern urban life and traditional Thai culture. Known for its bustling commercial district and lively nightlife, Asoke is a popular destination for locals and ex-pats alike, offering an array of shopping centers, entertainment venues,…

  • Marriage visa in Thailand: A guide to love and legalities

    Embarking on a new life with your Thai spouse can be made possible through a Marriage Visa in Thailand. This type of visa allows the foreign spouse to live in Thailand, as well as enjoy the rich culture and lifestyle that the country has to offer. Obtaining a marriage visa in Thailand can be a complex process, requiring various documents,…

  • Your guide to a visa run in Thailand

    Visa runs in Thailand refer to the practice of leaving the country temporarily in order to reset or renew one’s visa or extend their permitted stay in the country. This is often done by foreign tourists, ex-pats, or digital nomads who wish to stay in Thailand for a longer period than their visa or visa exemption allows. Typically, a visa…

  • Exploring the cost of living for retirees in Thailand

    The cost of living for retirees in Thailand has become an increasingly popular topic of discussion, as many individuals from around the world are considering spending their golden years in this beautiful and culturally rich country. Thailand offers a welcoming environment for those looking to enjoy a relaxed and comfortable lifestyle. However, understanding the financial aspects of retiring in this…

  • Visa extension in Thailand

    Visa extension in Thailand is a process that allows foreign nationals to prolong their stay in the country beyond the initial duration granted by their visa. Whether you are a tourist wanting to explore more of Thailand’s beautiful destinations, a business traveler needing extra time for work commitments, or an expatriate planning to reside in the country for an extended…

  • British tourist miraculously survives near-fatal swimming mishap off Pattaya coast

    Video footage and photographs have emerged of a British tourist who came close to losing his life while swimming off the coast of Pattaya last month. The tourist, who remains unidentified, got into trouble while swimming and was able to make his way to a buoy, where he was eventually rescued by a passing fisherman in his boat. The young…

  • Tourist visa in Thailand: Your ultimate guide

    Dreaming of exploring the vibrant streets of Bangkok or relaxing on the pristine beaches of Phuket? Then obtaining a tourist visa in Thailand is your golden ticket to this enchanting Southeast Asian paradise. The Thai tourist visa grants visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s rich history, savor its world-famous cuisine, and engage with the friendly, warm-hearted locals.…

  • A guide to Thailand’s E-visa

    Planning your dream trip to the land of smiles and wondering how to obtain your visa effortlessly? Look no further, as the E-visa Thailand system is here to simplify the visa application process for you. To make the visa application process more accessible and stress-free, the Thai government has introduced this user-friendly online platform that allows visitors to obtain their…

  • Pattaya motorcycle taxi rider threatens to kill 2 foreigners over fare dispute

    Pattaya Police yesterday arrested a Thai motorcycle taxi rider after he turned into a knife-wielding thug after a row with two foreign passengers over fare prices. According to reports, the taxi driver threatened to kill both foreigners during the altercation. The incident kicked off on Pattaya Second Road near Soi 6/1 early yesterday evening. Pattaya Police received a call about…

  • Beware of passport scam targetting British nationals in Thailand warns UK Foreign Office

    The British Foreign Office issued a warning to both UK residents and expats in Thailand about a passport scam that is currently targetting British nationals in the kingdom. Fraudsters are attempting to capitalize on the recent strikes by government workers in the UK, which have caused delays in passport renewals, by promising to bypass the three-month waiting period for a…