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.

  • BoT flags suspicious cash withdrawals, tightens online gold trading rules | Thaiger

    BoT flags suspicious cash withdrawals, tightens online gold trading rules

    Thailand’s central bank, Bank of Thailand (BoT), is cracking down on suspicious financial activity after unusual cash withdrawals totalling 250 million baht were flagged across commercial banks. BoT Governor, Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, revealed on January 28 that commercial banks have been ordered to urgently investigate irregular cash withdrawal patterns. In one case, a customer withdrew 250 million baht in a single…

  • The quick history of Valentine’s Day in Thailand from the 1980s to now | Thaiger

    The quick history of Valentine’s Day in Thailand from the 1980s to now

    Valentine’s Day in Thailand bears little resemblance to its Western origins. What arrived as a foreign novelty in the 1980s has evolved into a distinctively Thai institution, one that blends bureaucratic ritual, spiritual intervention, commercial spectacle, and most recently, historic civil rights milestones into a celebration that reveals as much about Thai society as it does about romance. On this…

  • How to secure your Muay Thai DTV visa without the risk | Thaiger

    How to secure your Muay Thai DTV visa without the risk

    A note to readers: This is commentary from Muay Thai Visa Thailand (MTVT), which provides enrollment in Muay Thai training and documentation support for the Muay Thai DTV visa and Muay Thai ED visa for international trainees. They earn revenue when clients purchase Muay Thai training and documentation services connected to visa applications. MTVT operates through Sor.Dechapant Muay Thai School,…

  • What no one tells you about being a digital nomad in Thailand | Thaiger

    What no one tells you about being a digital nomad in Thailand

    Bangkok ranks first as the world’s favourite city for digital nomads, with Chiang Mai close behind. It’s easy to see why. Thailand has a magnetic charm that pulls people in. You come for a short stay, rent a scooter, find a café with fast Wi Fi, and before you know it, you are talking about “base cities” and lease renewals.…

  • Etro Residences Phuket hits 830,000 Thai baht per square metre shattering island sales records | Thaiger

    Etro Residences Phuket hits 830,000 Thai baht per square metre shattering island sales records

    Etro Residences Phuket has made an explosive debut, setting a new per square metre sales record just days after launch. Located within the prestigious Gardens of Eden development in Bangtao, the ultra-limited collection achieved prices of 830,000 Thai baht (US$26,350) per square metre, more than four times Phuket’s branded residence average, and the highest on the island. Launched on January…

  • Thailand vs. Vietnam vs. Malaysia: Which is better for long-term living? | Thaiger

    Thailand vs. Vietnam vs. Malaysia: Which is better for long-term living?

    Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia have each carved out their own space in the long-term expat landscape. Thailand offers dependable healthcare and a well-established expat infrastructure. Vietnam stands out for rock-bottom costs and relentless urban energy. Malaysia brings modern living standards, cultural diversity, and an English-speaking environment that makes settling in remarkably smooth. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. The right choice…

  • Danny Willett and Thomas Bjørn announced as captains for Reignwood Icons of Football 2026 | Thaiger

    Danny Willett and Thomas Bjørn announced as captains for Reignwood Icons of Football 2026

    The Icons Series has confirmed that Masters Champion Danny Willett and Ryder Cup icon Thomas Bjørn will lead the two rival teams for the 2026 Reignwood Icons of Football at Robinswood Golf Club, Bangkok. Taking place from January 31 to February 1, the event sees Team England’s Danny Willett, a former Masters champion, make his Icons Series debut as Captain,…

  • When is the Chinese New Year in 2026 and what is the Fire Horse? | Thaiger

    When is the Chinese New Year in 2026 and what is the Fire Horse?

    As the sound of firecrackers from the international New Year celebrations begins to fade, the atmosphere of the most important festival for Thai people of Chinese descent is drawing near. The year 2569 BE, or the Chinese zodiac Year of the Horse, carries special significance. According to Chinese astrology, it is a Fire element year, known as the “Fire Horse,”…

  • An exclusive 6-Hands Experience unites three visionary chefs at Blue by Alain Ducasse | Thaiger

    An exclusive 6-Hands Experience unites three visionary chefs at Blue by Alain Ducasse

    Blue by Alain Ducasse, the one-Michelin-starred French restaurant located at ICONLUXE, 1st Floor, ICONSIAM, hosted an extraordinary 6-Hands Experience on January 19, welcoming three award-winning culinary talents for a collaborative dining experience defined by artistry, connection, and emotion. The event featured Chef Evens López, Executive Chef of Blue by Alain Ducasse, who has built an impressive international career across several…

  • Thailand to redefine normal sweetness in drinks as 50% sugar | Thaiger

    Thailand to redefine normal sweetness in drinks as 50% sugar

    Thailand’s Department of Health (DoH) is preparing to roll out a new national standard for sugar levels in made-to-order beverages, with the normal level of sweetness soon to be equivalent to 50% sugar, a move aimed at reducing excessive sugar consumption. The announcement came today, January 23, following a strategic meeting held on January 15 to define policy direction and…

  • Thailand monitors Nipah virus threat following Indian outbreak | Thaiger

    Thailand monitors Nipah virus threat following Indian outbreak

    Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) has issued a public alert today, January 23, over the Nipah virus following an outbreak in India, urging coordination with the One Health network to prevent potential spread into the country. The DDC confirms on its Facebook page that it is closely monitoring the situation and is fast-tracking coordination with the One Health network.…

  • Golf Excellence at St. Andrews International School, Green Valley | Thaiger

    Golf Excellence at St. Andrews International School, Green Valley

    Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions parents have to make for their children. For families with children who love sport, there is often another question sitting in the background. Will the school actually support that passion, or will it remain a hobby squeezed around exams and deadlines? At St. Andrews International School, Green Valley, students’ passions…

  • Thailand tourism at a tipping point as regional rivals surge, TTF 2026 warns | Thaiger

    Thailand tourism at a tipping point as regional rivals surge, TTF 2026 warns

    Thailand’s tourism industry is approaching a decisive moment. As travel patterns evolve and regional competitors accelerate investment, the kingdom faces mounting pressure to adapt or risk losing its long-held leadership position in Asia-Pacific tourism. For decades, Thailand has been one of the world’s most successful tourism destinations. Today, however, competition is intensifying. While Thailand’s international arrivals declined 7.2% in 2025,…

  • The digital nomad’s guide to healthcare and insurance in Thailand | Thaiger

    The digital nomad’s guide to healthcare and insurance in Thailand

    Thailand continues to attract digital nomads with its rich culture, fast internet, and strong healthcare system. Many private hospitals meet international standards and offer English-speaking doctors, making medical care reliable and easy to access for foreigners. Health insurance also plays a key role, especially for those staying long-term or applying for visas such as the Destination Thailand Visa or the…

  • Singha Park Chiang Rai celebrates 10th anniversary of International Balloon Fiesta with grand showcase of 30+ balloons from 13 nations | Thaiger

    Singha Park Chiang Rai celebrates 10th anniversary of International Balloon Fiesta with grand showcase of 30+ balloons from 13 nations

    Singha Park Chiang Rai celebrates its spot as a “World Class Love Destination,” preparing to host the largest international balloon festival in ASEAN, “Singha Park International Balloon Fiesta 2026,” for the 10th time. The event is set to transform the Chiang Rai sky with the colours of over 30 balloons from 13 countries worldwide to welcome the month of love…

  • How to combine stocks and crypto in 2026 investment strategies | Thaiger

    How to combine stocks and crypto in 2026 investment strategies

    Stocks have long been the go-to for building wealth, steady, reliable, and trusted by generations. But traditions aren’t the key theme of 2026. The rise of cryptocurrencies has snatched the attention of everyone from tech enthusiasts to institutions worldwide, and sometimes, it even outpaces stocks. Between 2022 and 2024, both markets were rocked by volatility, regulatory crackdowns, and fierce debate.…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend (January 23 to 25) | Thaiger

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend (January 23 to 25)

    Bangkok has decided to be generous this weekend. You’ve got proper live music, rooftops that turn into long conversations, markets you swear you’ll “just walk through” and end up staying for hours, plus a few quiet pockets when your social battery needs a breather. Here are the best things to do in Bangkok this weekend. Things to do in Bangkok…

  • What you need to know before getting a hair transplant in Thailand | Thaiger

    What you need to know before getting a hair transplant in Thailand

    Hair loss has a way of creeping up quietly. One day, the hairline feels a little higher, the crown a little thinner, and suddenly you’re paying attention to the mirror again. For many people, hair transplantation becomes part of the conversation sooner or later. Thailand has become one of the places people look to. If you’re one of the people…

  • Fusion of dazzling beauty: The HKTDC twin jewellery shows to shine in March 2026 | Thaiger

    Fusion of dazzling beauty: The HKTDC twin jewellery shows to shine in March 2026

    The twin jewellery shows organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council will open in March. The 42nd HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, specialising in finished jewellery, and the 12th HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, focusing on loose stones and raw materials for jewellery, will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre…

  • Inside Thailand’s underground motorcycle racing culture | Thaiger

    Inside Thailand’s underground motorcycle racing culture

    On certain stretches of Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Road, after midnight, you can hear them before you see them. The sound starts as a distant whine, rising in pitch, then suddenly a cluster of motorcycles appears, weaving through sparse traffic at speeds that make the riders look almost horizontal. They lean into turns, engines screaming, exhausts popping. In seconds, they’re gone, leaving…

  • How popular is badminton in Thailand and where can you play it? | Thaiger

    How popular is badminton in Thailand and where can you play it?

    Badminton has been one of Thailand’s most beloved sports for generations, sitting alongside football and Muay Thai in the national consciousness. For over 70 years, Thais have grown up with rackets in hand, playing in parks, backyards, school gyms, and makeshift courts wherever space allowed. Walk through any Bangkok park at dawn or any provincial sports hall in the evening,…

  • The Art of Pearl Afternoon Tea | Thaiger

    The Art of Pearl Afternoon Tea

    The St. Regis Bangkok is delighted to announce a new collaboration with Thailand’s leading luxury pearl brand, Matara, for the limited-edition The Art of Pearl Afternoon Tea experience. Served exclusively at The Drawing Room from February 1 to April 30, this refined afternoon tea draws inspiration from the enduring beauty of pearls, where both the exquisite sweets and savouries and…

  • Is the Infinix Note Edge the best budget phone for 2026? | Thaiger

    Is the Infinix Note Edge the best budget phone for 2026?

    The premium smartphone market in Thailand has never been more expensive. Flagships from Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi routinely breach the 40,000 baht barrier, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max commanding nearly 49,000 baht and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra sitting between 40,900 and 46,900 baht. For most Thai consumers, these prices represent two months’ salary or more. Enter the Infinix…

  • How Italian-Thai Development became Thailand’s most controversial construction company | Thaiger

    How Italian-Thai Development became Thailand’s most controversial construction company

    At 9.13 on the morning of 14 January, passengers on a north-eastern-bound train in Nakhon Ratchasima province heard a sound like tearing metal. Above them, a massive steel crane used to lift concrete spans for an elevated high-speed rail line had begun to fall. The launching gantry, weighing several tonnes, crashed onto the last two carriages, derailing them and igniting…

  • Top 5 orthopaedic specialised hospitals in Thailand | Thaiger

    Top 5 orthopaedic specialised hospitals in Thailand

    Bone, joint, and spine problems show up in different ways. For some, it’s an old injury that never healed properly. For others, it’s a condition that slowly starts limiting movement or everyday comfort. When treatment becomes unavoidable, knowing where to go can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, Thailand has no shortage of hospitals offering high-quality orthopaedic care. Many of them are known…

  • The best suit tailors in Bangkok (2026) | Thaiger

    The best suit tailors in Bangkok (2026)

    Tired of wearing ill-fitting suits that just don’t cut it? It’s time to upgrade your style game and go for a bespoke suit instead. Not only will it fit you like a dream, but it’ll also elevate your look to a whole new level. But wait, before you go running to your nearest tailor, it’s important to find one who’s…

  • Top 11 influencer marketing agencies in Thailand (2026) | Thaiger

    Top 11 influencer marketing agencies in Thailand (2026)

    The marketing landscape in Thailand has evolved dramatically as we settle into 2026. According to DataReportal’s Digital 2026: Thailand report, the country’s internet penetration has reached 94.7%, with 56.6 million active social media identities nationwide. Thai consumers are no longer simply online; they are deeply embedded in digital ecosystems where AI algorithms dictate what they see, buy, and love. In…

  • Inside Bangkok’s gun trade at Wang Burapha, Thailand’s firearms district | Thaiger

    Inside Bangkok’s gun trade at Wang Burapha, Thailand’s firearms district

    In central Bangkok, a few blocks from the gilded spires of the Grand Palace, shop windows display an unexpected inventory that few visitors expect to see. Where tourists anticipate silk scarves or smartphone cases, they’re filled with Glocks, CZs, SIGs, Kimbers, Colts and Berettas arranged in neat rows, hunting rifles propped against the glass, boxes of ammunition stacked like tea…

  • Do allergy meds cause dementia? Pediatrician explains | Thaiger

    Do allergy meds cause dementia? Pediatrician explains

    Pediatrician Clarifies Safety of Antihistamines Following Viral Dementia Fears A leading pediatrician has issued a detailed clarification regarding viral social media posts suggesting a link between routine antihistamine use and dementia, aiming to alleviate growing anxiety among parents. The online controversy stemmed from content claiming that daily consumption of allergy medications accelerates brain degeneration or Alzheimer’s disease. The posts included…

  • Time to talk about ‘Thai time’ | Thaiger

    Time to talk about ‘Thai time’

    Ask any foreigner in Thailand what confused them first, and you’ll hear the same answer: Time. Or more specifically, why nobody seems to be in a rush to meet it. In the West, being late is personal. It feels like disrespect, a failure, a small moral crime, and you receive a stigma as being lazy or unorganised. But in Thailand,…