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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    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...

  • A rooftop evening of art, cuisine & connection at Sole Mio Boutique Hotel & Wellness

    A rooftop evening of art, cuisine & connection at Sole Mio Boutique Hotel & Wellness

    Rooftop views, summer bites, and creative sparks await at Sole Mio Boutique Hotel & Wellness this June. As the next chapter of the Soul & Sole Sunset Journeys unfolds, guests are invited to paint the flavour through an evening spent on the rooftop, featuring tartare tastings, signature cocktails, live art, and acoustic music, all set above Bangtao’s coastal skyline. Aligned…

  • 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…

  • Top 5 kid-friendly experiences on Koh Samui

    Top 5 kid-friendly experiences on Koh Samui

    Experiencing Koh Samui with kids may just offer an adventure of a lifetime. The award-winning island, located in the Gulf of Thailand, features many educational activities set against the backdrop of a tropical paradise, Ann Carter writes. The island’s kid-friendly establishments focus on educational opportunities that blend a sense of community, nature-themed activities, and creative outlets. Koh Samui is where…

  • 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…

  • Deadly flu surge sparks star-backed vaccine push in Pattaya

    Deadly flu surge sparks star-backed vaccine push in Pattaya

    Bangkok Hospital Pattaya has launched a high-profile vaccine campaign to combat influenza following Thailand’s deadly flu outbreak earlier this year. Held in the lobby of Building E, the BDMS Preventive Vaccine event drew attention not only for its critical public health message, but also for its star power. Thai actor Art Phasut Banyam and his mother took centre stage to…

  • Masala Wedding Fair & Food Festival 2025 returns on June 14 and 15

    Masala Wedding Fair & Food Festival 2025 returns on June 14 and 15

    Thailand’s premier Indian wedding exhibition, the renowned Masala Wedding Fair, returns for its 12th edition, assuring the most enriching and spectacular experience of its kind. This year, the bar is set higher and the flavours bolder as the event merges with the much-loved Masala Food Festival. The highly anticipated two-day fair will take place on June 14 to 15 at the Bangkok…

  • How Thailand’s healthcare system compares to the U.S. and Europe for expats

    How Thailand’s healthcare system compares to the U.S. and Europe for expats

    If you’re moving abroad, healthcare is one of the most important things to think about. Many expats choose Thailand because it offers good medical care at a lower cost than in the US or Europe. Private hospitals in Thailand are modern and affordable and have English-speaking doctors, making them a popular choice. In this article, we look at how Thailand’s…

  • Sun, sea, and soda: Gourmet Bar Hat Tham Phang on Koh Si Chang is too pretty to stay a secret

    Sun, sea, and soda: Gourmet Bar Hat Tham Phang on Koh Si Chang is too pretty to stay a secret

    If you haven’t been to Koh Si Chang in a while, or ever, this is your sign. This sleepy little island off the Chonburi coast just got a caffeine jolt in the form of Gourmet Bar Hat Tham Phang. Perched just steps from the newly revamped Hat Tham Phang Beach, the café is the latest opening from Novotel Marina Sriracha…

  • Cassia and Homm Suites Laguna Phuket appoints new general manager

    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…

  • Alarming financial inequality in Thailand

    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

    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…

  • ISAAN SOUL PROUD: ISAANCF2025 returns to light up Khon Kaen

    ISAAN SOUL PROUD: ISAANCF2025 returns to light up Khon Kaen

    The clock is ticking; Thailand’s liveliest and most inspiring creative event of the year is fast approaching. Isaan Creative Festival 2025 (ISAANCF2025) returns for its fifth edition, this time, held under the theme ISAAN SOUL PROUD, from June 28 to July 6, 2025, positioning Khon Kaen as a regional creative hub of northeastern Thailand. Organised by the Creative Economy Agency…

  • Kao Thailand: Recycled furniture for border patrol police schools

    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

    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…

  • The free spirited edge of Koh Phangan

    The free spirited edge of Koh Phangan

    Koh Phangan is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Known for its famous full moon parties, Koh Phangan also attracts digital nomads, spiritual seekers, and free spirit travellers looking for more than just a tan. In this YouTube video, in the section from timestamp 17:00 to 21:20, Flora and Note arrive at the entrance…

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

    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…

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

    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

    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…

  • Lost in DOMLAND: Reclaiming your playful spirit

    Lost in DOMLAND: Reclaiming your playful spirit

    Trendy Gallery proudly presents Lost in DOMLAND, a not-so-playful, but deeply playful art exhibition by Udom Taephanich. This time, you’re not being invited to listen. Not to sniff anything either. You’re here to see. When we were kids, we were tiny explorers. Everything around us sparked curiosity. Playing was like a universal language, it helped us figure out the world.…

  • 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…

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

    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

    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…

  • Nomad insurance vs. Thai health insurance: what should expats in Thailand choose?

    Nomad insurance vs. Thai health insurance: what should expats in Thailand choose?

    Expats in Thailand can use public hospitals or private healthcare, but most choose insurance to avoid expensive bills. If you’re staying long-term or working here, it’s important to pick the right type of insurance. This helps you get good medical care and keeps you in line with visa rules, like for the Retirement Visa, Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa, or Thailand…

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

    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…

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

    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

    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,…