Thai Life
Thailand guides, travel tips, cultural insights, and essential local information—discover everything you need to know about living, visiting, and experiencing the Land of Smiles. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted source for Thailand guides.
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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…
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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,”…
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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…
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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,…
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Thai student’s story of struggle leads to 1 million baht donation
A 17 year old student in Nonthaburi, who has lived alone since the age of 13 and supported himself through school with a part-time job, has received over 1 million baht in donations within just one night, after his story moved netizens across Thailand. The student, known as Boom (real name Bunnasorn Yuenyong), is currently in Mathayom 5 (Year 12)…
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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,…
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9 things you must do to protect yourself from Bangkok’s hazardous PM2.5 levels in 2026
Bangkok woke up to a grey shroud on January 14, with Bangkok PM2.5 levels hitting hazardous territory, readings between 79 and 108 µg/m³ across the capital, nearly triple Thailand’s safety threshold. Fifty-four provinces are under health warnings as smoke from agricultural fires in Cambodia and eastern Thailand has drifted into central regions, where stagnant weather has trapped it. Add in…
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Muay Thai fight promotions that go beyond traditional martial art
Muay Thai has long been Thailand’s national sport, but today, it’s more than a martial art. It’s a social ladder, a second chance, a cultural export, and a fight for recognition. While elite promotions like ONE Championship and the historic Rajadamnern Stadium keep Muay Thai in the spotlight. There are parallel fight cultures that thrive in alleyways, fight clubs and…
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Bangkok Design Week 2026 returns with ‘DESIGN S/O/S’ from January 29 to February 8
Get ready for the return of Bangkok Design Week 2026 (BKKDW 2026), now in its ninth consecutive year, organised by the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organisation) or CEA, in collaboration with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, government and private sector organisations, educational institutions, international organisations, and creative district network partners. This year, the international design festival brings together creators, designers, entrepreneurs, developers,…
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Public holidays and observances in Thailand (2026)
As we step into 2026, now’s the perfect time to plan your year in Thailand. From nationwide festivals to regional celebrations, these public holidays shape everything from travel schedules to business operations and social gatherings. Here are our key dates for Thailand’s holidays and observances for 2026. Thailand holidays for January 2026 January 1 (Thursday) – New Year’s Day: A…
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A simple guide to renting in Thailand (plus a bonus tip)
Renting in Thailand is generally straightforward, but a little preparation goes a long way. Whether you’re looking to relocate or planning an extended stay, being familiar with local rental practices, from deposits and documents to pricing and property standards, will make the process much smoother. This guide outlines the key steps to renting in Thailand, from choosing the right location…
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Sansiri marks new milestones in Phuket for 2026: Expanding into “Surin Beach” and reinforcing dominance in the “Cherngtalay – Bang Tao” zone
Sansiri has unveiled its strategic location plan for Phuket, announcing two new projects in prime areas: Surin Beach and Cherngtalay – Bang Tao, both scheduled for launch in 2026. Tapping into the potential of “Surin Beach” Sansiri is expanding into Surin Beach, a location recognized as one of the Andaman coast’s highest-potential zones. The area is surrounded by luxury hotels,…
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ThaiPropertyInvestor secures eight national awards across Thailand’s real estate sector
ThaiPropertyInvestor wins 8 major awards, strengthening its position as one of Thailand’s leading real estate brokerage firms ThaiPropertyInvestor Co., Ltd. (ThaiPropertyInvestor) has earned nationwide recognition in 2025 after securing eight major awards from three of Thailand’s most respected real estate platforms, underscoring its strength across residential, commercial, and investment property markets. These accolades reflect the company’s role as a leading…
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CNN selects Bangkok at ICONSIAM as a Major Asia-Pacific Broadcast Hub for New Year’s Eve 2025
CNN is set to broadcast its New Year’s Eve 2025 celebrations live from Bangkok, Thailand. This year, one of CNN’s Asia-Pacific Live Studios will be based at ICONSIAM, located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River. Hosted by Anchor and Correspondent, Kristie Lu Stout and Senior International Correspondent, Will Ripley, live audio and visual signals from Bangkok will…
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Two lucky Lottery Plus buyers claim 48 million baht first prize
Two lucky lottery buyers from Chon Buri and Sakon Nakhon won big through Lottery Plus yesterday, December 16, claiming a total of 48 million baht. The winning first-prize tickets sold via Lottery Plus totalled eight tickets, amounting to 48 million baht in winnings. Five of the tickets belonged to a winner in Chon Buri, and three to a buyer in…
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Tokyogurl denies cheating at SEA Games 2025
Following public backlash, Napapat Warasin, also known as Tokyogurl, has come forward to deny accusations of cheating during the Arena of Valour (RoV) competition at the 33rd SEA Games tournament. The controversy came to light yesterday, December 16, after speculation spread online accusing Tokyogurl of installing unauthorised software or devices on competition equipment. Earlier, Garena, in cooperation with the Thailand…
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Lucky colours of the week in Thailand and what they mean
Ever noticed your Thai colleagues wearing yellow on Mondays, or wondered why government buildings display specific colours on certain days? You’re witnessing one of Thailand’s most charming traditions: the lucky colours of the weekday. This living practice stems from ancient Hindu-Brahmin astrology woven into Thai Buddhist culture. Each day has an auspicious colour tied to celestial deities whose attributes shape…
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Lisa joins Met Gala 2026 host committee alongside global stars
Thai K-pop superstar Lalisa Manoban, or Lisa Blackpink, has been named to the host committee for one of the world’s most prestigious fashion events at the Met Gala 2026. The announcement was made ahead of the year’s end and confirmed Lisa’s involvement in shaping the direction of next year’s gala as part of the host committee, alongside several international artists…
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Thailand at the centre of a new era in luxury home-sharing
As global mobility reshapes how affluent travellers live, invest, and experience destinations, a new model of second-home ownership is emerging—one that prioritises flexibility over permanence and access over exclusivity. Few companies have been as instrumental in defining this transformation as ThirdHome, the luxury home exchange platform founded by CEO Wade Shealy. Today, Thailand sits at the forefront of the company’s…
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Iconic Thai voice actress behind Conan and Suneo passes away
Channel 9 Cartoon announced the death of Took Arunee, a legendary Thai voice actress behind Conan and Suneo. The Facebook page “Channel 9 Cartoon” shared sad news of the passing of Arunee Nanthiwat, also known as Aunty Took, a legendary senior voice actress. She was the iconic voice behind many beloved characters, including Edogawa Conan, from Detective Conan, and Suneo,…
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Thai Cabinet withdraws plan to add more public holidays in 2026
The Thai Cabinet has backtracked on a decision to add more public holidays in 2026, voicing concerns that extended breaks could negatively impact businesses and employment. Today, December 2, the Cabinet meeting reviewed a proposal from the Secretariat of the Cabinet suggesting the addition of two special public holidays in 2026. However, ministers raised concerns that more long weekends might…
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Crypto moves in: How digital assets are rewriting Thailand’s real estate playbook
The conversation around cryptocurrency and property in Thailand is shifting fast. What began as a fringe curiosity among early adopters has now moved into mainstream development boardrooms, where digital assets are being discussed not as a future concept, but as an emerging transactional reality. At last week’s The C9 Sessions – Phuket Real Estate Forum 2025, the sentiment was clear:…
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Taking on Thailand: How Bartels is redefining neighbourhood places through food and community
When Nicolai Bartels stepped onto the stage at this year’s C9 Sessions – Phuket Real Estate Forum 2025, he didn’t present slides, charts, or market forecasts. Instead, he offered something far more valuable: a blueprint for how a food-driven, neighbourhood-centric brand can scale across Thailand by prioritising community, routine, and authenticity over traditional real estate logic. Bartels arrived in Thailand…
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What is ‘face’ in Thailand and how to avoid losing it (for anyone and yourself)
If you are new to life in Thailand, there is one cultural idea that will help you settle in far more smoothly than memorising phrases or learning the bus routes. It is the concept of face and it has nothing to do with your appearance. It is about dignity, respect, and how people are perceived by those around them. Once…
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Is Bangkok’s cost of living as cheap as people say? Here’s how they compare globally
When it comes to relocating abroad, affordability plays a major role in choosing where to go. For many, Bangkok represents an ideal balance between comfort, culture, and cost, but how does it truly compare to the rest of the world when it comes to monthly utility expenses? A recent study conducted by Remitly analysed 40 global cities to find out…
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Hotels and real estate driving a new power equation in Phuket’s economic transformation
Phuket is rewriting its story. Once the domain of lifestyle seekers and individual investors, the island is now emerging as one of Asia’s most compelling real estate and hospitality investment frontiers. A surge of institutional capital, the rise of branded residences, and the blurring lines between living and staying are transforming what it means to build, own, and operate in…
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Addressing the change in the alcohol laws in Thailand
Thailand’s alcohol regulations have long been a source of confusion for both tourists and residents. But as of late 2025, the Thai government has officially made adjustments to two key aspects of its alcohol policy. These changes mark a shift toward a more flexible and tourism-friendly approach, while still retaining Thailand’s broader public health framework. Here’s what’s new under the…
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How to move to Thailand with kids (without losing your mind)
The Thaiger key takeaways Families relocating for work or education have different visa paths, including Dependent and Guardian Visas, each requiring financial proof and specific documentation. Birth, marriage, and school records must be legalised through your home country’s authorities and verified by the Thai Embassy before they can be used for immigration or enrolment. Up-to-date immunisation documents make school registration…
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Where to celebrate Loy Krathong in Thailand this year
The Thaiger key takeaways Loy Krathong will be celebrated nationwide with a softer, more respectful tone this year. Hotels and venues across Thailand are hosting intimate dinners and cultural events by the water. It’s a special time to reflect, celebrate, and take part in one of Thailand’s most cherished traditions. Loy Krathong is almost here, and Thailand is preparing for…
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Mother of the nation: Queen Sirikit’s influence and why she was beloved
The Thaiger key takeaways Queen Sirikit was cherished for her cultural devotion, humanitarian spirit, and lifelong service to the Thai people. Her advocacy for Thai textiles, rural crafts, and women’s empowerment helped preserve Thailand’s cultural heritage. Remembered as the “Mother of the Nation,” her compassion and leadership continue to inspire generations. For many in Thailand, the name Queen Sirikit evokes…
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