Thai Life
Thailand guides, travel tips, cultural insights, and essential local information—discover everything you need to know about living, visiting, and experiencing the Land of Smiles. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted source for Thailand guides.
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Sponsored Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
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Bangkok’s 15-minute living: Why location still matters more than ever
Bangkok is a city that moves fast… well, except during rush hour where the traffic will have you questioning your life choices. When you’re stuck in a taxi for 40 minutes just to get to your nearest supermarket, you start to realise that where you live in Bangkok matters just as much as how you live. That’s why the concept…
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The unhealthy beauty standards in Thailand
The first thing I noticed as I left the BKK airport in the early morning and got onto the skytrain was the advertisements around me. each one portraying high beauty standards of a porcelain white, very skinny, man or woman, with perfect, clear skin. Almost every advertisement looked more AI than human, completely blemish-free with huge artificial-looking eyes. Unhealthy beauty…
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From coastal cool to quiet chic: Which Phuket lifestyle is right for you?
It’s not hard to understand why people lose entire afternoons scrolling through Phuket property for sale listings. The views are lush, the sunsets come with their own colour palette, and the price tags (if you know where to look) are still less terrifying than anything in London or Hong Kong. Living in Phuket is a dream for many. But as…
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Khao Lak and Phang Nga tourism sector gains momentum with infrastructure and hospitality investment
phuket touriTourism in Khao Lak and the wider Phang Nga province is demonstrating robust post-pandemic growth, underpinned by rising international arrivals, increasing hotel performance metrics, and new project developments across the hospitality and infrastructure sectors. According to C9 Hotelworks’ Khao Lak and Phang Nga Hotel & Tourism Market Review 2025, Phang Nga recorded over 4.1 million guest arrivals last year,…
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Dot Property launches ‘Dot Property Exclusive’ to connect developers, agents, and buyers in Thailand’s real estate market
The leading property portal Dot Property has just launched a new, streamlined service called Dot Property Exclusive in a mission to make buying and selling homes in Thailand more connected, transparent, and efficient. Part of the company’s New Homes department, this new service directly connects developers, agents, and buyers through exclusive listings, centralised tools, and AI-powered support. Dot Property Exclusive…
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Experience nature-inspired living in Phuket at Botanica Lakeside and Foresta II
What comes to mind when you think of a luxury villa in Phuket? Is it sunshine flooding every room through teakwood shutters? Perhaps natural finishes and a design that seamlessly blends with the nature outside? Or maybe a private pool where you can escape the tropical heat? Botanica Luxury Villas in Phuket offers all that, and more. Botanica Luxury Villas boasts…
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Phuket property market in 2025: Evolving with demand and diversification
Phuket’s real estate market is undergoing a significant transformation in 2025, marked by growing inventory, shifting buyer preferences, and intensifying competition. The latest Phuket Property Market Update by C9 Hotelworks reveals a dynamic landscape shaped by lifestyle migration, maturing development ecosystems, and rising price premiums, particularly in branded and well-located properties. Performance in early 2024 and emerging trends The first…
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Where is Bangkok’s most expensive land? Here are the top 10 locations
You thought rent in Bangkok was high? Try buying land. Prime plots in the city centre are now going for millions of Baht per square wah (a Thai unit of land measurement). These prices officially place Bangkok among the most expensive places to buy property in Southeast Asia. But how expensive could it be? To give you a hint, even…
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5 Thai habits you didn’t know are secretly saving the planet (and what we can learn from them)
Thailand’s full of things that make you look twice, like the tuk-tuks, the tangled electric wires, and the fact that it can rain sideways and still feel like summer. But hidden in the chaos are everyday habits that are, without meaning to be, surprisingly eco-friendly. Spend a bit of time here and you’ll spot the small, brilliant habits everywhere, the…
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Bangkok through time: A city in flux and its spirit of resilience
The recent earthquake, brief but unnerving, reminded residents that nothing, not even concrete or glass, is entirely fixed. And yet, in true Bangkok fashion, life carried on. Commuters returned to the skytrain. Street vendors lit their woks. The Chao Phraya kept flowing. In this fleeting moment of disruption, the city’s rhythm barely faltered, its quiet resilience taking centre stage. It…
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Why are boat noodles served in tiny bowls and why you’ll need at least five
If you’ve ever sat down at a boat noodle shop in Thailand and been surprised by the size of the bowl, you’re not alone. Boat noodles, or kuai tiao ruea (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ), are famously served in bowls so small you could almost finish one in three slurps. But behind these tiny servings lies a rich tradition that has helped turn the…
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Thailand’s thrift culture is reviving 2000s fashion
The return of butterfly hair clips, low-rise jeans, cargo pants, and baby tees might feel like just another passing trend on TikTok but there’s more to the Y2K revival than nostalgia and glittery accessories. Around the world, and especially here, Y2K fashion Bangkok is quietly or not so quietly making its way back into the mainstream. What used to sit…
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The hottest month in Thailand 2025
Thailand is known for its year-round warmth, but it also has significant temperature fluctuations depending on the region, time of year, and even day-to-day weather patterns. If you’re an expat living here, understanding the country’s climate can make a big difference in how you plan your activities, especially during the hottest months. Here’s a breakdown of Thailand’s temperatures by region…
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Why families with children are choosing Bang Tao
Families today think differently when it comes to finding the right place to live. The decision is no longer based only on house size or scenic views. Safety, education, a strong sense of community, and long-term well-being are now essential priorities. A home is more than a property — it is the foundation for everyday life. It shapes childhood memories,…
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PEANUTS x IPPUDO: A first-ever collaboration to celebrate 75 iconic years
Do you love eating Japanese ramen noodles in Thailand? Do you also happen to be a huge fan of the PEANUTS franchise? If that’s the case, I believe I have the biggest news for you. IPPUDO is proudly presenting their first-ever collaboration with the global phenomenon that is PEANUTS which includes famous characters such as Charlie Brown and Snoopy himself. …
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Phuket’s new lifestyle communities: Embracing nature and wellness
Phuket is known for its beautiful landscapes and stunning beaches, making it a popular spot for tourists and people looking for tropical living. Recently, though, there’s been a shift in the type of communities in Phuket that is quickly gaining traction. More and more, people are looking for homes that are connected to nature, sustainable, and focused on wellness and…
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Supalai Icon Sathorn is the new address in Bangkok everyone’s talking about
Bangkok’s skyline never stands still, with developers competing to build taller, sleeker, and more luxurious towers than ever before. And every now and then, a development comes along that actually delivers. Among them is Supalai Icon Sathorn by Supalai Corporation Limited. Sitting pretty in Sathorn South, this mixed-use 56-story building combines office, residence, and retail space in one prime location. …
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Koh Samui real estate booms thanks to ‘The White Lotus’
Koh Samui, the popular resort island in Surat Thani province, is set to see a surge in demand for luxury condominiums and villas this year, according to investment management firm Colliers Thailand. The latest season of the hit American TV series The White Lotus was filmed at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, with additional scenes shot at Anantara…
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Tourism boom drives residential-led hospitality investments in Phuket
Thailand’s tourism boom is driving lifestyle investments as traveller traffic morphs into a desire to stay longer in the country. The number one beneficiary is Phuket, where arrivals continue to soar with a 23% increase in 2024 compared to the previous year for a total of 8.65 million arrivals registered at Phuket International Airport. The key trend emerging, according to…
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Unforgettable LGBTQ bars in Bangkok for party lovers
In Thailand, Mai Pen Rai—meaning no big deal—is the national catchphrase for, well, just about everything. And guess what? That laid-back, fun-loving attitude extends to its buzzing LGBTQ scene too! As one of the most pro-LGBTQ nations, Thailand is packed with the most fun, exciting, and downright legendary spots to get drunk and connect with fellow friends in Bangkok’s diverse…
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Phuket’s best-kept secret? Botanica Four Seasons might be it
Phuket villas are regarded as some of the best in Thailand, and there’s no shortage of luxury options. But few offer the same sense of tranquillity and seclusion as Botanica Four Seasons. Tucked away in the quiet enclave of Pru Jampa, Botanica Four Season is not the kind of place you stumble upon by accident. Spread across four distinct phases…
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Life with a dog in Bangkok: Adventures with Beans
I recently met with dog owners Shannon and Stuart with their cocker spaniel, Beans, at a cafe in Bangkok. While we talked, Beans lay politely under the table, his floppy ears resting on his paws, completely at ease in the lively atmosphere. I had been scrolling through Instagram a week earlier when I first came across Beans. His goofy haircut,…
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Have you eaten rice today? A love language shrouded in simplicity
In many parts of Asia, especially Thailand, rice is life. It’s the steaming bowl that soothes after a long day, the humble plate shared among friends and family. It’s the ever-present comfort food that feels like a warm hug. As one of the world’s largest rice exporters, Thailand’s relationship with rice goes far beyond economics. Here, rice doesn’t just fill…
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Use your DTV Visa to open a bank account with FITFAC
Many expats holding a DTV Visa may encounter difficulties when trying to open a Thai bank account, as almost every bank refuses to provide account services for DTV Visa holders. The primary concern for banks is that accounts opened by foreigners could be used for illegal financial activities such as online gambling, romance scams, or even money laundering. These policies…
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The White Lotus Season 3 is deliciously unhinged
Finally, The White Lotus Season 3 has graced our screens, and let me tell you, it’s wild, mysterious, and darkly hilarious as I hoped it would be. Suppose the first two showed us the cracks in the glossy facade of the ultra-wealthy. In that case, this season is about smashing that facade entirely, wrapping it in layers of Thai spirituality,…
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From ICONSIAM to One Bangkok: Mentabuild, the consultancy firm behind Thailand’s most ambitious developments
If you’ve ever set foot in Bangkok and looked up at its towering skyline, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Mentabuild’s work, whether you realised it or not. Founded over 40 years ago, this construction consultancy firm has played a big role in shaping Thailand’s urban landscape. From massive mixed-use developments to sleek corporate offices, Mentabuild makes sure projects get…
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Why is it raining heavily in Bangkok?
Bangkok and many parts of Thailand are currently experiencing heavy rain, which is expected to persist throughout the week. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued warnings for severe thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy downpours across 33 provinces. But what’s causing this unusual weather, and how does it relate to Thailand’s monsoon patterns? What’s causing the heavy rain in Bangkok?…
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The art of building on a budget: Your guide to construction cost management with Mentabuild
Budgeting in construction can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. You need to balance quality, cost and timelines. A Quantity Surveyor (QS) plays a vital role in this process. They work to make sure that budgets are set up appropriately, costs are controlled and project financial and commercial goals are achieved. But managing budgets, especially for a construction project, isn’t…
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CH7HD joins forces with Columbia Pictures Aquaverse
CH7HD, Thailand’s leading television network, and Amazon Falls, the operator of Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Studio 8, Building 7, CH7HD Headquarters. This partnership establishes a strategic alliance aimed at developing and producing high-quality content, as well as organising large-scale entertainment events nationwide. By leveraging the distinctive strengths of both organisations, they seek to…
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What happens in Thailand stays: Unpacking the themes of The White Lotus
The White Lotus returns on February 16 for its much-anticipated third season, this time in idyllic Kho Samui. The trailer teases us with glimpses of candlelit shrines, full-moon parties, luxury spas, and, of course, monkeys which is a motif that seems to hint at some deeper themes. While I can’t claim to know exactly what will happen, I have some…
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