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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    Thailand vs. the West: What expats save on healthcare each year

    Healthcare in Thailand is much cheaper than in Western countries, making it a great choice for expatriates looking for affordable medical care. Both public and private healthcare options offer high-quality services, with savings of up to 80% on procedures like...

  • Your guide to the best place for liposuction in Bangkok

    Your guide to the best place for liposuction in Bangkok

    Many people struggle with stubborn body fat that just won’t go away, no matter how clean they eat or how often they hit the gym. It’s a common frustration: putting in the work, seeing overall progress, but still dealing with unwanted fat in areas like the abdomen, thighs, or arms. If you are looking to target these specific problem areas…

  • Your guide to shopping at an outlet store

    Your guide to shopping at an outlet store

    Discovering amazing deals at an outlet store can be a game-changer for your shopping routine. An outlet store is designed to provide substantial savings compared to traditional stores. This is often achieved through the sale of surplus or overstocked items, discontinued products, or items that are nearing their sell-by date. It’s a place where you won’t just find traditional clothes…

  • 5 proven video formats that drive views & sales

    5 proven video formats that drive views & sales

    In an increasingly saturated media environment, viewers are deluged with both short and long-form visual content every day. Simply churning out videos is no longer an effective marketing tool for companies; executives and creatives need to be deliberate in the kind of content they produce to stand out from their competitors. Here are five proven video formats which can ensure…

  • Thailand’s meth crisis sparks mental health fears

    Thailand’s meth crisis sparks mental health fears

    Thailand is battling a full-blown methamphetamine (meth) epidemic, with 1.5 million users nationwide and hundreds of thousands suffering serious mental health effects, according to bombshell new research unveiled this week. The data, released by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), paints a grim picture of widespread meth use and the severe impact it’s having on Thai society, particularly among youth. During a…

  • Syphilis surge grips Phuket as tourism booms again

    Syphilis surge grips Phuket as tourism booms again

    A shocking surge in syphilis cases has hit Phuket, with infections now reported in all three districts of the island province. Health officials are sounding the alarm as the rise coincides with the post-pandemic rebound in tourism and a return to riskier sexual behaviour. “Youths remain a high-risk group, but syphilis can affect people of all genders and ages who engage in…

  • Carnival Magic wins prestigious ‘The Showstopper’ Brass Ring Award

    Carnival Magic wins prestigious ‘The Showstopper’ Brass Ring Award

    Carnival Magic, Thailand’s premier nighttime theme park, has proudly taken home the Showstopper Brass Ring Award from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), marking a major milestone on the global stage. The award was presented in April 2025, at IAAPA Expo Europe, hosted at the renowned Europa-Park in Germany. The winning attraction, River Carnival Parade, won over…

  • How one hospital visit in Thailand could cost more than your whole trip

    How one hospital visit in Thailand could cost more than your whole trip

    Thailand is a favourite spot for travellers who want to enjoy more while spending less. From cheap street food to low-cost hotels and fun attractions, it’s easy to stretch your budget here. But there’s one thing many people don’t think about—a sudden hospital visit. It can cost more than your whole trip. You might save money day to day, but…

  • High hopes go up in smoke as Indian women busted in weed run

    High hopes go up in smoke as Indian women busted in weed run

    Three Indian women dreaming of a free Thai getaway ended up in cuffs instead, after being caught smuggling high-grade hydroponic weed worth a staggering 85,000,000 rupees (32.4 million baht) into Mumbai. The trio were intercepted by sharp-eyed customs officers at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport yesterday, June 4, following a tip-off about a major drug shipment arriving from Bangkok. Busted…

  • Snubbed middle-income retirees look beyond Thailand to SE Asia

    Snubbed middle-income retirees look beyond Thailand to SE Asia

    For decades, Thailand has been the quintessential destination for retirees seeking an affordable, beautiful, and culturally rich new home. With its golden beaches, vibrant cuisine, and famously welcoming population, the Land of Smiles has lured hundreds of thousands of Westerners to spend their golden years soaking up its tropical hospitality. Yet, a quiet transformation is taking place beneath the palm…

  • Thailand taxman’s 2-year sweetener to lure overseas millions home

    Thailand taxman’s 2-year sweetener to lure overseas millions home

    The taxman in Thailand is having a rethink and it could mean a big win for globe-trotting Thais with cash stashed abroad. In a bid to woo back an estimated 2 trillion baht in overseas investments, the Revenue Department is planning a two-year tax holiday on foreign-earned income, so long as it’s brought back into the country pronto. Revenue Department…

  • 5 video content ideas you can steal today

    5 video content ideas you can steal today

    Struggling to come up with fresh, attention-grabbing video ideas? Here are 5 formats that consistently perform well, and you can start using them today! 1. I tried ___ for 7 days Have you ever come across those “7 Days at Home Workout Challenge – Insane Results” videos or “Going Vegan for 7 Days” vlogs? Trying something new for a week…

  • Monsoon season in Thailand: Is your health insurance ready for the unexpected?

    Monsoon season in Thailand: Is your health insurance ready for the unexpected?

    Thailand’s rainy season brings heavy rain that helps the land but also causes health problems. Flooded roads can lead to accidents, and standing water can spread illnesses like dengue fever. It can also be harder to get medical help quickly. In this article, you’ll learn about the health risks during the monsoon season and why it’s important to have good…

  • What to do in Bangkok this June 2025

    What to do in Bangkok this June 2025

    Didn’t we just celebrate the New Year? Somehow, it’s already June, and as you can expect, Bangkok is full of events to match the mid-year energy. From live music to anime exhibitions and thought-provoking art shows, there’s plenty to keep your weekends (and weekdays) interesting this month. Here are our round up of the best events happening in Bangkok this…

  • Bangkok Pride events 2025: Where to celebrate Pride Month

    Bangkok Pride events 2025: Where to celebrate Pride Month

    Pride Month is here and Bangkok’s not holding back. With marriage equality finally within reach, there’s a real sense that the city’s ready to make history. The streets are louder, the outfits bolder, and the calendar packed with everything from sweaty all-nighters to river cruises, art shows, and rooftop cocktails. Here are the best parties, events, performances, and all things…

  • PM leads Bangkok Pride 2025 as Siam Piwat powers month-long festival

    PM leads Bangkok Pride 2025 as Siam Piwat powers month-long festival

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra opened the Bangkok Pride Parade 2025 yesterday, June 1, marching through the Siam area alongside key Cabinet members, including Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, Prime Minister’s Office Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai, and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool. They were joined by Bangkok Pride chair Waaddao Ann Chumaporn, Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon, UN…

  • Global communities unite at centralwOrld to celebrate Pride Month 2025

    Global communities unite at centralwOrld to celebrate Pride Month 2025

    Over 300,000 people marched through Bangkok today, ending their Pride Parade journey at centralwOrld in a powerful celebration of love, diversity, and unity. This year’s event was the first Pride Parade since Thailand officially enacted the Marriage Equality Law, making it a historic moment for the LGBTQIAN+ community both in Thailand and globally. Under the theme Born This Way, the…

  • The best summer camps in Bangkok your kids will love

    The best summer camps in Bangkok your kids will love

    School’s out, the temperature is high, and the kids are full of energy… what’s a parent to do? If you’re looking to keep your kid active, curious, and creatively engaged, a summer camp in Bangkok might just be your best bet. But how do you choose the best one? We know how much you love your kiddos, and finding the…

  • Confessions of a soi dog

    Confessions of a soi dog

    You’ve seen us. We’re on every soi, under every noodle cart. At every 7-Eleven door, like we’re bouncers. And no, we’re not lost, we live here. You’re the one who wandered in with your Google Translate with zero street sense. We soi dogs are the last free beings in this country. No leash, no rent, no vet bills, no Instagram.…

  • Thailand braces as new Covid variant NB.1.8.1 rises fast

    Thailand braces as new Covid variant NB.1.8.1 rises fast

    Thailand’s health experts are keeping a sharp eye on a new Covid-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, which is rapidly gaining ground and is expected to become the dominant strain in the country soon. Dr Yongyot Thummavudhi, director-general of the Department of Medical Sciences (DMSC), revealed yesterday, May 29, that the World Health Organisation (WHO) is actively monitoring multiple Omicron variants. Among these,…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend (May 30 to June 1)

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend (May 30 to June 1)

    Bangkok never lets a weekend go quietly, and the final days of May are coming in loud, proud, and full of flavour. Pride Month is nearly here, and the city’s wasting no time getting the party (and the purpose) started. From glamorous galas to slow rituals and loud dance floors, here are five things to do in Bangkok from May…

  • ICONSIAM unveils the magical world of ‘Wisher: Where Miracles Happen’

    ICONSIAM unveils the magical world of ‘Wisher: Where Miracles Happen’

    ICONSIAM, the global landmark on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, joins hands with URDU, Hong Kong’s leading creative art and Art Toy brand, imported and distributed in Thailand by BBtoys (Thailand) Co., Ltd., under the BBKidult brand, to invite everyone to step into a realm of magic and imagination through ‘Wisher: Where Miracles Happen.’ This enchanted world of wishes…

  • Bangkok Bank’s policy shift: Why the change of heart?

    Bangkok Bank’s policy shift: Why the change of heart?

    Bangkok Bank, Thailand’s largest commercial bank and one of Southeast Asia’s most prominent financial institutions, has begun freezing accounts and blocking cards belonging to Russian nationals, triggering confusion and concern among the expat and tourist communities across the country. The drastic move, which reportedly began around May 25, follows a newly enforced policy that limits access to banking services for…

  • Top destinations for a long weekend trip near Bangkok

    Top destinations for a long weekend trip near Bangkok

    The long weekend starts tomorrow! If you’re so over the city life in Bangkok, it’s the perfect time to skedaddle from all that hustle and bustle. Lucky for you, there’s loads of magical destinations around Bangkok to help you refresh during the long weekend. Whether you’re up for a bit of an adventure or just wanna kick back and relax,…

  • ELC Summer School 2025 – Festival of the Arts

    ELC Summer School 2025 – Festival of the Arts

    Get ready for a fun and exciting summer at ELC International School! With only three weeks left, now is the best time to book the last remaining spots for your child’s place in our ELC Summer School 2025. Children will enjoy hands-on activities, make new friends, and learn in a warm and supportive setting. Summer Festival of the Arts ELC’s…

  • Baht off! Bangkok Bank shuts the door on tourist accounts

    Baht off! Bangkok Bank shuts the door on tourist accounts

    Tourists and short-term visitors in Thailand are getting the cold shoulder from Bangkok Bank after the banking giant quietly slammed the brakes on opening accounts for foreigners without long-term visas. Expats and digital nomads are reeling after Bangkok Bank, Thailand’s largest lender, introduced tough new rules barring tourists from opening deposit accounts, applying for credit cards, or using mobile banking…

  • Denied a visa extension in Thailand? Here’s how travel insurance can help

    Denied a visa extension in Thailand? Here’s how travel insurance can help

    Denied a visa extension in Thailand? It can be a stressful and confusing experience. Immigration rules are strict, and even a small mistake, like missing documents, overstaying a visa, or not showing enough funds, can lead to a denial. If this happens, you may need to leave the country quickly or face unexpected costs. This is where travel insurance becomes…

  • Why retirees in Thailand are choosing long-term health insurance over quick fixes

    Why retirees in Thailand are choosing long-term health insurance over quick fixes

    Retirees in Thailand are increasingly seeing the importance of health insurance in protecting their well-being during retirement. With insurance requirements for retirement visas and rising healthcare costs, many are moving away from short-term plans and choosing long-term coverage. Long-term health insurance gives retirees peace of mind by covering age-related health issues, providing access to quality care, protecting them from expensive…

  • THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2025 returns with a glimpse into the future of food

    THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2025 returns with a glimpse into the future of food

    THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2025 has landed at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, and with it comes the most ambitious showcase of food innovation and culinary trends in Asia. The food exhibition brings together over 3,100 exhibitors from 50+ countries, all converging on Bangkok to map the future of food and beverage. Organised by Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP)…

  • Blue Elephant showcases Thai culinary excellence at THAIFEX–Anuga Asia 2025

    Blue Elephant showcases Thai culinary excellence at THAIFEX–Anuga Asia 2025

    Celebrating 45 years of culinary excellence and cultural legacy this year, Blue Elephant, the iconic name in heritage Thai cuisine, is proud to announce its participation in THAIFEX–Anuga Asia 2025, one of Asia’s most influential food and beverage trade shows. Taking place from May 27 to 31 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Blue Elephant is located in the Fine…

  • Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur direct train set to resume later in 2025

    Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur direct train set to resume later in 2025

    Travellers, visa runners and railway enthusiasts have a reason to celebrate: the long-awaited resumption of the direct train service between Bangkok, Thailand, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is set to return by the end of 2025. This move is expected to enhance regional connectivity, promote sustainable travel, and boost tourism and commerce between the two Southeast Asian capitals. Kuala Lumpur has…