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Thailand best-of guides on travel, lifestyle, entertainment, and property—discover hidden gems, top attractions, and expert tips. Explore with The Thaiger, your trusted source for the best experiences in Thailand.
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Sponsored Limited-time deal: Save 20% on Cigna's expat health plans forever
Starting a new life abroad is exciting—new culture, new lifestyle, and new chances to grow. But living far from home also means taking steps to protect your health in unfamiliar surroundings. Without the right coverage, even small health issues can...
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The 5 Thai dishes most likely to harbour bacteria
Research shared by Thai Residents reveals the 5 Thai dishes most likely to contain E-coli and other nasty bacteria. They are Red Pork Rice, Crunchy Pork Rice, Chicken Rice, Pork Leg Rice, and Papaya Salad. It’s believed that the reason for this may be that while many of the individual ingredients in these dishes are pre-cooked, they are then left…
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Thailand by numbers
The National Economics and Social Development Council have prepared some snapshot infographics which provide a window into Thai society at the moment. The stats have been prepared from information relating to Q2 this year. Key facts are… • Thai people reading more than they were four years ago • People are moving away from the agricultural sector and into blue…
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Sexual harassment is rife in Thailand – survey
“I’ve seen women in Thailand begin to collectively speak out, sharing their stories and pushing back on this victim-blaming which previously has gone completely unchecked here.” A recent survey of 1,107 Thais found that 21% of respondents say they have experienced sexual harassment. The survey was conducted by YouGov, a UK-based market research company. Sexual assault was the most common form…
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Over 77,000 Bangkok residents living with HIV
Atachai Phunkron gets ready to serve his clients as a trained HIV counselor at the SWING drop-in centre in Bangkok – Richard Nyberg, USAID, 2016 Authorities estimate that 77,500 people are living with HIV in Bangkok, 1,190 of them contracted the virus this year, according to deputy Bangkok governor Pol Lt Gen Sophon Phisutthiwong. 628 of the 1,190 identified this year…
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All cigarettes in Thailand sold in drab packaging starting September 12
Noting that tobacco companies have started complying with Thailand’s Standardised Packaging Regulation two weeks ahead of the required deadline, the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance is commending Thailand being the first country in the ASEAN Region and Asia to usher in standardised tobacco packaging. Starting September 12, 2019 with a 90 day full phase-out of old cigarette stocks by December…
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Thai Health Minister debunks ‘urine’ craze “body wastes must not be eaten or drunk”
“She added that urine is a kind of waste discharged from the body and is not for drinking.” The Thai Department of Health is warning the public against following the example of several online stories of Thais drinking their own urine and using it to wash their faces. The practice has become somewhat of a craze in recent weeks. Doctor…
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Chikungunya virus mutates – “mosquitoes can carry chikungunya and dengue”
A Thai respiratory and critical care specialist at Bangkok’s Vichaiyut Hospital is claiming that the chikungunya virus, spread through the bites of an infected Aedes mosquito, has mutated where one mosquito could be the carrier of both the chikungunya and dengue viruses. Dr Manoon Leechawengwongs reported that in the past 30 days his hospital has treated 13 chikungunya patients compared to…
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Noodle shop ‘taking the piss’ with special ingredient
PHOTOS: sanook.com Thai Facebook page ‘Return.v12’ has posted a storey about people who believe in the “power of urine” and that it can heal body pain and diseases. The noodle shop owner admitted that he has been using his own urine as a “secret ingredient” and that he has a lot of customers because of it. He claims that his…
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Thai Department proceeds with crackdown on shameless price gouging on medications
Despite a lot of resistance from the local Thai private hospital networks, The Department of Internal Trade says they will proceed with its crackdown to control prices of medicines now that it has received their price lists. Once legislation is enacted, hospitals selling medicines above the median price set by the department will face fines and/or imprisonment. Since August 16,…
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Mandatory health insurance details for some visas announced this week
Details on the proposed mandatory health insurance requirements for Non-Immigrant O-A visas will be made next week, according to ThaiVisa. A senior executive from one of the insurance companies involved in the scheme told ThaiVisa that the Office of Insurance Commission, Ministry of Public Health, Foreign Ministry and Immigration Bureau will announce the insurance requirements for Non-Immigrant O-A visas on…
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Ten things the Thai Government could to do right now
OPINION Thailand is a proud country with a rich cultural tradition. And great food. Expats and visitors have been flocking to the Land of Smiles for a century, especially the last 20 years when tourism has surged to become a major contributor to the country’s GDP. But the veneer of a never-ending rise in tourism numbers lost some of its…
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Thai anti-alcohol campaigners demand stricter controls on underage drinking
PHOTO: “Don’t allow the children in the pubs!” – The Nation Anti-alcohol campaigners and youth networks, are calling on Metropolitan Police to check on shops in Bang Sue district’s Soi Wongsawang 11 that are allegedly selling alcohol to youth under the age of 20 in a location adjacent to an educational institution. The group, led by Alcohol Watch coordinator Khamron…
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Health Minister pushes the availability of cannabinoid oils to Thai hospitals
The new Thai Public Health Minister, and deputy PM, Anutin Charnvirakul will allow hospitals to prescribe marijuana to some patients in a move to make the alternative medicine more publicly available. “This week I will sign an order to allow ministry-run hospitals to prescribe the cannabis oil extracts,” he told the Bangkok Post. The minister says he vows to push…
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First batch of Government approved medical cannabis ready next week
4,500 bottles of medical cannabis, produced by the Thai government’s Pharmaceutical Organisation, will be ready for delivery on August 7. Dr. Surachoke Tangwiwat, deputy secretary-general of the Food and Drug Administration, says that Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had made it a policy that all state hospitals in every province will stock medical cannabis for distribution to patients, when prescribed…
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Thailand’s job market – popular job sectors
by Cita Catellya A new report on the most popular job in Thailand shows how the country’s job market is evolving. In this digital age, it may come as no surprise that IT roles are now one of the most popular job areas. Everyone is moving to a digital outlet, and companies continue to implement technology in the workplace to be able to…
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Tobacco giant lobbies Thai government to reverse vaping laws
PHOTO: Sampan.org Leading Thai cigarette importer Philip Morris Trading wants the new government and policymakers to start talking with the tobacco industry to find constructive solutions to reducing harm caused by smoking. The tobacco giant is hoping the new government will consider innovative “smoke-free products” (vaping) for smokers, who would otherwise continue smoking. Cut to the chase – Philip Morris,…
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6 benefits of morning walks
…that will stop you hitting that snooze button! Although Thailand has some charming locations for a morning stroll, even around parts of Bangkok, we know how difficult it can be to wake up early, especially to wake up early and exercise? However, if you’ve had the chance to go walking around Nai Harn Lake in Phuket, Lumpini Park in Bangkok…
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The world’s Top 10 wealthiest monarchs and royal families
(Values are listed in USD) 1. King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Thailand The Thai royal family is currently listed as the richest royal family in the world. King Maha Vajiralongkorn is estimated to be worth US$30 billion. The Thai monarch’s wealth comes from investments made by the Crown Property Bureau, according to a report in the express.co.uk 2. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Brunei The sultan…
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Thai FDA refuses to endorse Decha’s cannabis oil
PHOTO: Decha Siripat from the Khao Kwan Foundation and supporters Patients who were looking forward to gain access to medicinal cannabis oil, produced by the Khao Kwan Foundation’s Decha Siripat, learned yesterday that the Thai Food and Drug Administration have declined to endorse his own version of the drug. 12 organisations have now accused the FDA of procrastination and mismanagement…
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Thailand’s marijuana and massage-led tourism recovery
The new Thai minister for tourism and sports says he can lure Europeans and Americans back to Thailand with the promise of massage and marijuana – medical marijuana! The newly sworn-in political “newbie” told the media on Wednesday that he is well aware of the drop in visitors from the US and Europe. He says he hopes plans to promote the…
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Top 10 tips for marketing if you’re a small to medium business
The marketing and advertising world is evolving quickly. And you need to evolve with it. How you used to successfully market your business ten years ago… five years ago… even last year, needs to be different today so you can reach more customers for less. Things are moving REALLY fast and the terminology and science of advertising is moving along…
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“Medical tourism is not making care for Thais more expensive”
The Health Service Support Department is dismissing claims that Thai patients are having to pay more for medical treatments due to the government’s Medical Tourism Policy. HSSD director general Dr Nattawuth Prasertsiripong insist measures have been put in place to control prices charged at private and government hospitals. “Medical tourism does not affect the price that Thais have to pay.”…
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Thai PM warns about patients relying on medical marijuana as magic cure
Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday spoke up about the current flood of interest as Thai public health authorities roll out the first phase of medical cannabis to patients. Read The Thaiger story HERE. The PM cautioned patients against being totally dependent on marijuana-based medicines, saying this practice may lead to their illnesses getting worse in the future. Prayut cited several…
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Thailand’s highest restaurant and bar open at the Mahanakhon building
Mahanakhon Bangkok SkyBar, Thailand’s highest restaurant and bar is now open at Bangkok’s landmark, the King Power Mahanakhon building. Located in the heart of Sathorn and directly connected to Chong Nonsi BTS station, the new dining venue is situated on the 76th and 77th floor of the famous pixelated building. Inspired by the Chao Praya river and the concept of an eclectic journey, a visit…
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First roll out of prescribed medical marijuana to start end of July
PHOTO: Chao Phraya Abhaiphubejhr Hospital Thailand’s first quantities of legal medical cannabis will be prescribed and dispatched to registered patients from next month. Dr Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, the public health minister, say that the first 10,000 bottles of cannabis (marijuana) oil extract will be produced by the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation and another 5,000 bottles by Chao Phraya Abhaiphubejhr Hospital. These authorised practitioners…
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Top 10 Phuket bakeries (2020)
Looking for high-quality bakeries? Living in Phuket we are extremely fortunate to have so many organic vegetables, tropical fruits and coconuts, to name just a few. But there’s been a shortage of fresh, quality bakery products and pastries although there have been a few long-term notables. Now there are lots of new high-quality bakeries opening on the island. In no particular order……
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Thai attempted suicide rates are on the increase
The Thai Department of Mental Health has released disturbing research showing the shockingly high rate of attempted suicides and pointing out the need for better education about depression and coping with stress. The research indicates that about 53,000 Thais attempt suicide each year. That’s an average of more than six attempts per hour. Sadly, 4,000 will succeed in taking their own…
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Chiang Mai makes it into the world’s top ten locations to find a vegan burger
Being vegan may have been a bit ‘out there’ ten years ago, but in 2019 it’s all the rage and specialist vegan eating establishments are popping up around the world, including Thailand. Dutch online moving platform ScanMovers.com decided to do some serious research into the matter, to determine the best place to find a vegan eating experience. They compiled a…
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Top 7 Thailand expat myths
If you read the internet, particularly one particular website we won’t name (thaivisa.com)… whoops, then you’d think that Thailand is a dreadful place to visit, filled with hate-filled ex-pats who live in fear and loathing of, well, everything. According to many, the sky is likely to fall in at any moment and everything in Thailand is too expensive, too corrupt,…
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Thailand’s prostitution laws out of step with reality
Despite firm denials that prostitution is a ‘thing’ in Thailand and the high-level narrative that prostitution in the Land of Smiles is just an outdated type-cast, the evidence to the contrary remains obvious, in plain sight, any night of the week. A “Review of the prevention and suppression of prostitution laws project” seminar was held at the Thammasat University Tha Prachan…
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