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.
-
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.…
-
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…
-
How is Thailand using virtual reality to train doctors, students, and workers?
Virtual reality has moved from novelty to necessity across Thailand’s education sector. The technology now addresses real problems such as training medical teams, teaching environmental conservation, and upskilling industrial workers, aligning with the national Thailand 4.0 strategy that prioritises digital infrastructure and innovation-driven growth. The investment backing this transformation is substantial. The Ministry of Education’s Anywhere Anytime initiative allocated US$800 million…
-
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,…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Courtyard by Marriott Phuket, Patong Beach Resort: The ultimate family-friendly destination in 2026
Planning a family vacation this year? Look no further than Courtyard by Marriott Phuket, Patong Beach Resort, where unforgettable memories are created for guests of all ages. Perfectly located just steps from the world-famous Patong Beach, this vibrant resort combines modern comfort, convenience, and exceptional family-friendly amenities, making it the ideal choice for parents and kids alike. Why families love…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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.…
-
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…
-
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…
-
What to do in Bangkok this weekend (January 9 to 11)
So, how was your first full week of being productive in 2026? Even if your New Year’s resolution is forgotten, you’re doing great. Now it’s the second weekend of the year, which is basically permission to unclench and remember that life is not just to do lists and New Year spreadsheets. Here are the best things to do in Bangkok…
-
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.…
-
Can you get into medical school in Thailand as a foreigner?
The short answer is yes, but the fuller answer is considerably more complicated. Thailand offers international medical programmes that accept foreign students and deliver world-class education. However, the path from admission to actually practising medicine involves significant barriers that many prospective students don’t fully appreciate until it’s too late. If you’re considering medical school in Thailand, understanding these barriers upfront…
-
Border farmers rush sugarcane harvest amid renewed clash tensions
Farmers living along the Thai-Cambodian border are racing against time to cut and replant sugarcane after repeated evacuations, as fears grow over a possible third military clash that could again force them from their land. In several border villages, agricultural work has resumed only partially, with many farmers returning to fields they were forced to abandon during earlier tensions. While…
-
Free live music every weekend this January: Music in the Park returns to Bangkok
Looking for free live music in Bangkok this January? Music in the Park is back for 2026, bringing a full month of performances to public spaces across the city. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has organised concerts featuring everything from jazz and classical music to traditional Thai dance and contemporary bands, all free to attend. The event runs throughout January 2026…
-
BNH Premier Spine Centre: 20 years of leading spine surgery overseas in Thailand
Living with chronic back or nerve pain can take over every part of daily life, sleep becomes difficult, movement becomes limited, and simple tasks begin to feel overwhelming. For many patients in Western countries, the problem is compounded by long delays in their home healthcare systems. Instead of receiving timely treatment, they often face months or even years of waiting…
-
What to do in Bangkok this weekend (January 2 to 4)
Happy New Year! The first weekend of 2026 has that slightly unhinged energy where no one quite knows what day it is, but everyone agrees it’s still time to go out. The confetti is gone but Bangkok is still full of exciting events to attend. Here are the best things to do in Bangkok this weekend (January 2 to 4)…
-
Japanese expat shares Why you must carry a stack of 20-Baht notes in Thailand
Viral Tip: Japanese Expat Reveals Why Carrying a Stack of 20-Baht Notes is Essential for Rural Thailand BANGKOK — A Japanese expatriate living in Thailand has post a good tip on social media. A practical financial tip for traveling upcountry. she adviced always carry a thick stack of 20-baht banknotes. user @mlxism17 posted a photo of a fresh bundle of…
-
20 Best Places for Bangkok’s 2026 New Year Fireworks
Bangkok authorities approved 20 major sites for New Year fireworks displays, featuring riverside landmarks and downtown shopping hubs to ring in 2026 countdown. To welcome the year 2026, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has confirmed 20 authorized locations. These sites range from iconic landmarks along the Chao Phraya River to major shopping malls in the city center for the…
-
The best concerts in Bangkok you can’t miss in 2026 (so far)
2026 is already shaping up to be a strong year for live music in Bangkok. From global arena acts to artists choosing smaller rooms for one-off nights, the city’s concert calendar is stacked. Below, we’ve rounded up the biggest and most talked-about concerts happening in Bangkok throughout 2026 (so far), with all the key details you need to lock in…
-
Sansiri marks new milestones in Phuket for 2026: Expanding into “Surin Beach” and reinforcing dominance in the “Cherngtalay – Bang Tao” zone
Sansiri has unveiled its strategic location plan for Phuket, announcing two new projects in prime areas: Surin Beach and Cherngtalay – Bang Tao, both scheduled for launch in 2026. Tapping into the potential of “Surin Beach” Sansiri is expanding into Surin Beach, a location recognized as one of the Andaman coast’s highest-potential zones. The area is surrounded by luxury hotels,…
-
2026 New Year Bank Holiday: Which Branches are Open or Closed?
As the New Year 2026 festival approaches, many people are planning trips home or vacations during this long holiday. While government agencies observe an extended break, financial institutions and banks have different operating schedules, particularly distinguishing between “in-mall branches” and “general branches.” To help you plan your financial transactions smoothly, we have compiled the bank holiday schedule for New Year…
-
Happy New Year 2026: Chinese Wishes for the “Year of the Horse”
Happy New Year 2026! According to the Chinese Zodiac, this year marks the “Year of the Horse”. The Horse is an auspicious animal symbolizing energy, speed, victory, and loyalty. This new era represents a golden opportunity to leap forward toward your goals with stability and strength. Choosing a Chinese greeting with deep meaning, or posting a photo on social media…
-
How different ages experience healthcare in Thailand (40s, 50s, 60s, 70s)
Thailand offers strong healthcare through public services and excellent private hospitals for all ages. As expats move from their 40s into later decades, their needs shift from simple screenings to managing chronic conditions and planning for long-term care. Planning early helps avoid gaps in coverage, and international insurance like Cigna provides wide hospital access and high limits to stay protected…
-
Yaowarat comes alive as Chinese opera revives memories in Bangkok’s historic Chinatown
The sound of cymbals, traditional melodies, and rhythmic chanting once again echoed through Yaowarat, Bangkok’s historic Chinatown, as Chinese opera returned to the heart of the neighborhood. For three nights, the area surrounding Wat Mangkon Station transformed into a living cultural stage during the event BEM Happy Journey 2025: Yaowarat, drawing longtime residents, elderly opera fans, and younger visitors together…
-
Top Places to celebrate the New Year Countdown in Thailand 2026
Be honest. You’ve already started thinking about where you’re counting down. New Year celebrations in Thailand is never just one night; it’s a full-scale, multi-day celebration. Fireworks light up the sky, stages come alive across the city, lineups feature must-see artists, and the crowd energy strikes the perfect balance between excitement and pure fun. From riverfront blowouts and mall takeovers…
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.





























