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.

  • 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?...

  • Cassia and Homm Suites Laguna Phuket appoints new general manager | Thaiger

    Cassia and Homm Suites Laguna Phuket appoints new general manager

    Cassia Phuket and Homm Suites Laguna Phuket are pleased to announce the appointment of Kanittha Detmak Na Patthalung as the new General Manager, effective 1 June 2025. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Kanittha brings a wealth of operational expertise, leadership acumen, and deep-rooted knowledge of the Phuket market to her new role. A long-standing member…

  • Why couples worldwide are choosing Thailand for fertility treatment | Thaiger

    Why couples worldwide are choosing Thailand for fertility treatment

    The discreet queues at Thailand fertility clinics aren’t included in your standard travel or even expat guide. But if you walk inside one of its top reproductive centres, you’ll see that for many couples struggling with infertility, the country is where parenthood begins. Every year, thousands of couples from around the world board long-haul flights with a very specific kind…

  • Alarming financial inequality in Thailand | Thaiger

    Alarming financial inequality in Thailand

    Recent data from the Bank of Thailand reveals a concerning financial disparity: approximately 89% of the nation’s bank deposit accounts contain less than 50,000 baht. This statistic underscores the fragile economic state of a significant portion of the Thai population, many of whom rely on daily wages and lack sufficient savings to withstand unforeseen financial challenges. The financial inequality in…

  • Thailand tightens medical cannabis rules: Prescription-only flowers | Thaiger

    Thailand tightens medical cannabis rules: Prescription-only flowers

    Thailand’s Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) has announced stricter regulations on cannabis, allowing the sale of cannabis flowers solely for medical use with a valid prescription. The move aims to crack down on recreational misuse while supporting legal medical treatments. DTAM’s director-general, Somruek Chungsaman, revealed the updated Public Health Ministry notification today, May 23, focusing on three…

  • Understated elegance in the Maldives, is it possible? | Thaiger

    Understated elegance in the Maldives, is it possible?

    The Maldives is certainly one of the most scenic beach destinations in the world. In the UK and many European countries, the islands are one of the top honeymoon destinations. The Maldives is also popular for winter holidays among couples and families. Blended among the regular travellers are celebrities. But do you notice them? Hardly, we guess. That’s because celebrities…

  • Kao Thailand: Recycled furniture for border patrol police schools | Thaiger

    Kao Thailand: Recycled furniture for border patrol police schools

    Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co., Ltd. marks its 60th anniversary by reinforcing its long-standing commitment to social responsibility. As part of its anniversary initiative, the company is delivering Learning Promotion Desk Sets, crafted from used plastic waste, delivered to Border Patrol Police Schools across the country. Under the concept of Creating New Value from Plastic Waste, the project aims to promote environmental…

  • Hotel gold rush cools this year, but green deals heat up | Thaiger

    Hotel gold rush cools this year, but green deals heat up

    After a blockbuster year for Thailand’s hotel market in 2024, the pace of property deals is beginning to cool, but savvy investors are turning their eyes to greener pastures. According to global real estate firm JLL, Thailand’s hotel transaction market in 2025 is undergoing a “normalisation” phase, with activity returning to sustainable levels. Following a record-breaking 22 billion baht in hotel…

  • Regents International School invests in state-of-the-art sixth form centre | Thaiger

    Regents International School invests in state-of-the-art sixth form centre

    Regents International School Pattaya are thrilled to announce that construction has officially begun on the renovation of their former boys’ boarding house into a new sixth form centre, marking a major investment in the future of their students and an exciting milestone in their commitment to establishing an all-inclusive learning environment for all. Regents International School remains deeply committed to…

  • THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA inspires F&B leaders to foster change | Thaiger

    THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA inspires F&B leaders to foster change

    THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2025, Asia Pacific’s most influential F&B (food and beverage) trade show, will be showcasing 60 trend-setting food and beverage ideas from across the globe as part of THAIFEX – Anuga tasteInnovation Show 2025. With nearly 800 submissions received across 9 F&B categories, the jury recognised 10 winners and 50 finalists for their ideas and trends that…

  • Banyan Tree Samui launches speedboat tours to Thailand’s ‘White Lotus’ islands | Thaiger

    Banyan Tree Samui launches speedboat tours to Thailand’s ‘White Lotus’ islands

    In the final captivating scene of The White Lotus, the lead characters of the hit HBO series — or should we say “the survivors”, following a cascade of deadly shoot-outs at the ill-fated mythical hotel — are seen departing Koh Samui on a motorboat and sailing into the sunset, and presumably towards some form of redemption; such is the dark…

  • Mercedes-Benz bus shakes hands with THACO for assembly alliance | Thaiger

    Mercedes-Benz bus shakes hands with THACO for assembly alliance

    Reinforcing its commitment to elevate the standards of premium intercity transport in Thailand, Daimler Commercial Vehicles Thailand (DCVT) has officially launched the Mercedes-Benz RS1936, a new-generation fully built-up (FBU) coach that combines cutting-edge engineering, safety, and passenger comfort. This significant milestone also marks the beginning of a strategic collaboration with THACO AUTO, a long-standing partner within the Daimler Bus and…

  • Best weed shops in Krabi [2025] | Thaiger

    Best weed shops in Krabi [2025]

    Lately, Krabi has been getting a bit greener (literally). The laidback beach town has blossomed into a haven for cannabis lovers, with weed shops popping up from Ao Nang to Krabi Town like tropical wildflowers. Some cannabis dispensaries in Krabi have pool tables and puff-and-paint nights, others feel more like your eccentric aunt’s living room. So we lit up our curiosity…

  • Gambero Rosso back in Bangkok | Thaiger

    Gambero Rosso back in Bangkok

    Mark your calendars for June 4, a date that promises to be unforgettable for Thai wine aficionados! Gambero Rosso is making a triumphant return to Thailand, the Asian market that’s currently bursting with potential. With the recent abolition of import duties, the appetite for wine is soaring, fueled not just by tourism but also by a vibrant new generation eager…

  • Thailand education fund aims to return 55,000 dropouts to school | Thaiger

    Thailand education fund aims to return 55,000 dropouts to school

    The Equitable Education Fund (EEF) is intensifying its efforts to reintegrate at least 55,000 school dropouts back into the educational system through flexible learning models by the 2025 academic year. EEF assistant manager Pattanapong Sukmadan explained that the initiative seeks to make education accessible “anywhere, with income and accreditation,” offering customised learning experiences tailored to individual needs and local contexts.…

  • TrustFinance: Powering finance businesses worldwide through trust | Thaiger

    TrustFinance: Powering finance businesses worldwide through trust

    In the highly competitive and regulation-focused financial industry, trust is not just a value, it is a vital asset. Recognising this need, TrustFinance, a Singapore-based platform tailored specifically for financial businesses, has expanded its global suite of B2B services. These services are designed to support brokers, fintech platforms, investment firms, and other financial service providers in establishing and communicating trust…

  • Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Here’s your health checklist before the move | Thaiger

    Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Here’s your health checklist before the move

    Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Thailand is a popular choice for retirees because of its beautiful landscapes, warm climate, and affordable living. Cities like Chiang Mai and coastal areas offer a relaxed lifestyle with friendly communities. The country also has great healthcare, with modern hospitals and skilled doctors at lower prices than in Western countries. Before you move, it’s…

  • Thailand and Maldives seal health boost pact in Geneva | Thaiger

    Thailand and Maldives seal health boost pact in Geneva

    Thailand and the Maldives have sealed a landmark deal to boost public health collaboration, with bold plans to strengthen the Maldives’ primary healthcare and regulatory systems — all signed and sealed during a high-profile global summit in Switzerland. The agreement was inked today, May 21, at the World Health Assembly in Geneva. Thailand’s Deputy Minister of Public Health, Dej-is Khaothong,…

  • EC Markets takes centre stage at iFX Expo International 2025 in Limassol | Thaiger

    EC Markets takes centre stage at iFX Expo International 2025 in Limassol

    In June, EC Markets will undertake initiatives that mark new, decisive steps in its worldwide expansion and consolidation within the financial sector. The company will play a leading role at the now-established iFX Expo International 2025, which will be held from June 17 to 19 at the City of Dreams Mediterranean Resort in Limassol, Cyprus. This year’s iFX Expo is…

  • Super spreader Covid variant rips through Thailand | Thaiger

    Super spreader Covid variant rips through Thailand

    A new Covid-19 variant is sweeping through Thailand at breakneck speed, with infections skyrocketing and vulnerable groups most at risk. Health authorities are on high alert as the XEC variant, a descendant of Omicron, spreads nearly seven times faster than seasonal influenza. Since January 1, the Public Health Ministry has recorded 108,891 infections and 27 fatalities linked to the strain,…

  • Financial requirements for the Thailand tourist visa in 2025 | Thaiger

    Financial requirements for the Thailand tourist visa in 2025

    Thailand is once again requiring travellers to show proof of funds when applying for a Thailand tourist visa, as part of a broader update to its immigration policies. The move comes alongside the introduction of the new Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) and ongoing discussions about shortening visa-free stays. If you’re planning to visit Thailand this year, here’s everything you…

  • Thai principal axed for forcing kids into rain for flag ceremony | Thaiger

    Thai principal axed for forcing kids into rain for flag ceremony

    A Thai school principal has been removed from her post after she forced students to hoist the national flag during a raging storm, sparking fury among parents and outrage across the country. Jeeraporn Sanguansuchart, director of Ban Hin Kob School in Pathiu district, Chumphon, ordered three students to march outside and raise the Thai flag on the first day of the new term, despite…

  • Phuket shopper horrified by squirming surprise in salted fish | Thaiger

    Phuket shopper horrified by squirming surprise in salted fish

    Nothing says “good morning” like finding live worms wriggling in your breakfast. That’s exactly what happened to one unfortunate shopper in Phuket who made a stomach-churning discovery in a serving of fried salted fish bought from a local shop. The shocking incident, which quickly went viral, sparked a wave of online outrage and renewed calls for stricter food safety standards…

  • The new way to advertise in Thailand | Thaiger

    The new way to advertise in Thailand

    Tired of paid ads that get ignored? Frustrated by influencer marketing that’s overpriced and out of reach? Welcome to a better way to grow your brand — Boosted by People. In today’s noisy digital world, trust beats reach. That’s why Boosted by People connects your content with real people — social users, influencers, local pages, and businesses — who share…

  • K by Vicky Cheng brings contemporary Cantonese cuisine to Bangkok | Thaiger

    K by Vicky Cheng brings contemporary Cantonese cuisine to Bangkok

    If you’re looking for a lunch spot that’s worth dressing up for, K by Vicky Cheng delivers – both in flavour and skyline. Perched on the 56th floor of EA Rooftop at The Empire, this elegant fine-dining concept by Michelin-starred chef Vicky Cheng brings a fresh take on Chinese gastronomy to the heart of Bangkok. A taste of Hong Kong,…

  • JUMBO Seafood Bangkok unveils 10 new dim sum creations celebrating the timeless art of Chinese-Singaporean cuisine | Thaiger

    JUMBO Seafood Bangkok unveils 10 new dim sum creations celebrating the timeless art of Chinese-Singaporean cuisine

    JUMBO Seafood Bangkok proudly launches its latest culinary showcase: a series of 10 exquisite dim sum creations. This launch marks the brand’s ongoing commitment to delivering authentic flavours, premium ingredients, and innovative presentations to discerning diners. Highlights from the new series include: JUMBO Tang Bao: An oversized xiao long bao filled with tender pork and rich, savoury broth. Served with…

  • Can’t-miss international fine dining restaurants in Bangkok | Thaiger

    Can’t-miss international fine dining restaurants in Bangkok

    If you thought Bangkok was all street food and sizzling woks (which, let’s be honest, is already pretty fantastic), think again. This city is also a world-class playground for globe-trotting gourmands, with international fine dining spots that whisk you from the Italian Riviera to modern-day Tokyo — all without ever leaving the city limits. Can’t-miss international fine dining restaurants in…

  • Thailand tightens regulations on short courses for foreign students | Thaiger

    Thailand tightens regulations on short courses for foreign students

    The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has implemented new regulations to curb the misuse of short courses by foreign students as a means to engage in illegal work in Thailand. Effective immediately, all educational institutions are required to submit their short course curricula for evaluation. Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi announced yesterday, May 15, that the guidelines are…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend (May 16 to 18) | Thaiger

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend (May 16 to 18)

    The rainy season has officially clocked in, and Bangkok’s skies are giving us their moody best with heavy showers and surprise drizzles. But don’t let the forecast keep you in. This weekend’s lineup is too good to miss, rain or shine. From late-night flea markets that turn into dance parties to book sales, here are the 11 best things to…

  • Begpackers, buskers, and the ethics of modern travel | Thaiger

    Begpackers, buskers, and the ethics of modern travel

    In times past, the image of a wanderer abroad was synonymous with romantic adventure. From the 19th-century Grand Tour to the beat poets hitchhiking across Europe and Asia, travel was seen as a rite of passage for the young and curious. Wilfred Thesiger, who travelled through the Arabian deserts in the 1940s, captured the classic Western fascination with distant and…