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.
-
Sponsored The guide to affordable healthcare in Thailand
The Thaiger key takeaways Thailand’s healthcare system combines low-cost public services with world-class private hospitals. Private health insurance protects expats from major medical bills and meets visa requirements. Cigna offers expat-focused plans with direct billing, top hospital access, and 24/7...
-
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…
-
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…
-
MedPark invites you to ‘MedMusic in the Park 2025’ to present the therapeutic power of music
On the occasion of its 5th anniversary, MedPark Hospital, in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, is preparing to host MedMusic in the Park 2025. Bangkok residents are invited to enjoy in-the-park music, emphasising the value of music as a therapeutic art. The event will take place on a Saturday, November 29, at Benchakitti Forest Park, Bangkok, with the programme…
-
How to claim international health insurance in Thailand – A step-by-step guide
The Thaiger key takeaways Thailand’s hospitals are well-equipped for international patients, but the claim process can vary between insurers and facilities. Understanding direct billing, reimbursement, and pre-authorisation helps make sure your claim is processed quickly. Working with an experienced local broker like Pacific Prime Thailand can save you time and prevent costly claim mistakes. Private hospitals in Thailand are advanced. …
-
Can you trick or treat in Thailand?
Trick or treating is one of the most notable tropes for Halloween, featured in almost every film or series as a bunch of dressed-up characters knock or ring the doorbell to then exclaim the famous line. Whereas it might be the case in a lot of countries in the West, it might not be the case in Thailand. Whether it…
-
What happens during a royal mourning period in Thailand? A guide for expats and tourists
Thailand is a country that deeply honours its royal family in life and in death, and following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, on October 24, the country has entered an official royal mourning period. This is a time that may be unfamiliar to tourists, new expats, or even long-time residents who haven’t experienced such an…
-
10 haunted places in Thailand and their stories to give you the chills
The Thaiger spooky key takeaways Thailand’s haunted places blend folklore, tragedy, and centuries of spiritual belief. Each eerie site tells a story of love, loss, or lingering spirits that defy time. From ghost towers to cursed islands, Thailand’s supernatural tales are alive and well. As Halloween creeps closer, what better way to get in the spirit than by exploring some…
-
How tourism has changed Muay Thai and why that’s not a bad thing
The Thaiger key takeaways Tourism has transformed Muay Thai from a local tradition into a global cultural experience. The sport now drives jobs, wellness travel, and international appreciation for Thai heritage. Modern adaptations enhance accessibility while preserving the rituals that define Muay Thai. Walk through Bangkok’s busy streets or a coastal town like Phuket or Hua Hin and you’re just…
-
The best law firms in Phuket (2025)
The Thaiger key takeaways Phuket’s top law firms offer trusted expertise in property law, immigration, and company formation for both Thai and foreign clients. Many provide bilingual services and transparent pricing, helping foreigners avoid legal misunderstandings and delays. From litigation to real estate and visas, these firms are known for professional guidance and reliable results. Legal issues can happen anywhere,…
-
Formula 1 in schools? STEM Racing concludes the 2025 national finals at Grand Richmond Stylish Convention Hotel
The 2025 STEM Racing Thailand National Finals concluded with resounding success at the Grand Richmond Stylish Convention Hotel, marking another milestone in Thailand’s growing leadership in STEM education and motorsport innovation. The opening ceremony of the three-day competition was presided over by Chitrlada Chanyaem, Director of the Bureau of International Cooperation, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, who…
-
New rules, same fun? Everything travellers need to know about Thailand’s new drinking laws
Alcohol can now be served in restaurants between 2pm to 5pm, but fines up to 10,000 baht apply if drinking outside legal hours. Most establishments already follow rules so it will be hard to break this law. Minimum drinking age is 20, with restrictions at temples, schools, hospitals, and on election days. Travellers can still enjoy Thailand’s nightlife by respecting…
-
Why supporting Thai art matters: UOB’s 16-year journey through paint
Over the past sixteen years, UOB Thailand has been nurturing the Thai art scene through its flagship program, the UOB Painting of the Year (POY) competition. Now in its 16th year in Thailand and 44th year regionally, the initiative continues to shine a spotlight on the depth, diversity, and dynamism of Thai visual art. But why exactly has a financial…
-
How to experience the Phuket Vegetarian Festival in 2025
The Thaiger key takeaways The Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2025 runs from October 20 to 29, filling the island with sacred rituals, parades, and vegan food stalls. Watch the street processions in Phuket Town, visit famous shrines like Jui Tui and Kathu, and try local Jay dishes marked with yellow flags. Stay near the action in Phuket Town or unwind at…
-
Koh Samui emerges as Asia’s new integrated wellness and sports destination
Koh Samui is entering a new era as one of Asia’s most dynamic integrated wellness and sports tourism destinations. Moving beyond its identity as a luxury island escape, Samui is embracing global trends that merge wellbeing, active living, and performance, aiming to redefine how travellers experience health and connection. Thailand continues to lead Asia’s wellness economy, with tourism as its…
-
The smart buyer’s guide to upgrading your lifestyle in Phuket
When people talk about upgrading in Phuket, it’s less about square metres and more about carving out a lifestyle that feels right. For many buyers, moving from a standard condo or a city apartment to something more refined is about embracing space, privacy, and amenities that enhance daily living. In Phuket (and many areas across Thailand in general), buyers are…
-
What makes the durian the king of fruits?
To some, durian is one of the tastiest fruits that they swear by, while to others, it is the smelliest waking nightmare that they will experience. For all of the history, reasons, and opinions, the durian’s reputation precedes it, and in Southeast Asia, it reigns supreme as what most call the “King of Fruits.” A thorny monarch with a history…
-
Contemporary living in Phuket: What expats really want
Phuket isn’t just a holiday destination anymore. It’s where people come to live well and not just for a few weeks in December, we’re talking full-time, all-in, this-is-home kind of living. What draws people in might be the morning sea breeze, the beachside smoothie bowls, or the sunset motorbike rides along the coast. But what makes them stay? That’s a…
-
Thai youth shaping a greener future through innovation through the project Wonder Lab: Youth for a Greener Tomorrow
Sustainability is one of those topics that can feel abstract until you see it in action. In Thailand, a group of young people recently showed that tackling environmental challenges does not always require big budgets or government programmes. Sometimes, it starts with students, a few bold ideas, and a platform that believes in their potential. That platform was Wonder Lab:…
-
Why low-density living is the new luxury standard
Ever feel like every new condo is just another glass tower reaching for the sky? Here in Phuket, a shift is happening. More and more homebuyers are stepping back from the noise and looking for something that feels, well, a little more human. Low-density living is no longer just a niche choice. It’s fast becoming the new standard of luxury…
-
10 strange laws to be aware of in Thailand
Thailand is a country full of rich traditions, vibrant culture, and the occasional quirky regulation that can leave anyone doing a double-take. Even if you have lived a long time in Thailand, you might get told that you should do or can not do something that you have not heard before. Regardless, it’s helpful to know the lesser-known rules that…
-
Pool villas in Krabi: An in-depth look at Sri Nang Din Pool Villa
Long overshadowed by Phuket, Krabi’s property market is finally getting its well-deserved recognition with new luxury developments sprouting up in prime coastal and hillside locations. Among them is Sri Nang Din Pool Villas, a private enclave in Khao Klom area that combines modern architecture with tropical greenery. This is not just another set of luxury pool villas in Krabi built…
-
Thailand’s top expat havens: Cost of living in 5 Provinces [2025]
So, you’re dreaming of the Land of Smiles. Not just for a two-week holiday, but for the long haul. Maybe you’re a remote worker tired of the cubicle, a retiree ready to trade snow for sunshine, or perhaps you’re just seeking a life less ordinary. Whatever your story, Thailand calls. But where to drop your bags? We’ll take a closer…
-
What makes this boutique condo a gem for luxury seekers
Phuket’s Bangtao-Pasak neighbourhood is already a magnet for people who like their lifestyle polished. Between the golf courses, upscale dining spots, international schools, and quick beach access, it has become the island’s unofficial capital for luxury living. Now it’s about to become even more alluring with the arrival of 8 Atelier Residence, a boutique condominium with just 48 units and…
-
Dusit Central Park: Bangkok’s rooftop garden in the heart of Silom
The Thaiger key takeaways Bangkok’s latest landmark combines a luxury hotel, residences, offices, high-end retail, and a 7-rai urban Roof Park directly connected to Sala Daeng BTS and Silom MRT. Dusit Arun at Dusit Central Park offers daily access for sunrise jogs, golden-hour city views, and relaxing amphitheatre hangouts. The development features LEED Gold, WELL Platinum, and WiredScore Gold certifications,…
-
Boutique living in Bang Tao: Why low-density homes matter more than ever
Phuket has always had a way of reinventing itself. From being a backpacker’s stop in the 90s to a luxury escape in the 2000s, the island keeps adapting to people who come looking for their own version of tropical paradise. But anyone who has spent more than a few days here knows that rapid development has left its mark. Condominiums…
-
What’s the average price of a 1-bedroom condo in Bangkok?
Bangkok’s real estate market in 2025 is thriving, with steady growth and ongoing improvements in infrastructure. The city attracts both local and international buyers, offering a range of properties from luxury condos to affordable homes. Among these, 1-bedroom condos are particularly popular, offering a practical and affordable option for young professionals, investors, and expats. These condos are ideal for those…
-
Pattaya just got fancy: Skypark Lucean Jomtien brings branded living to the beach
Pattaya is set to welcome a new icon on its skyline. Skypark Lucean Jomtien Pattaya, a high-end condominium, is the first branded residence in the city under the Banyan Group. It combines lifestyle, investment, and privilege into one exclusive address. Sitting just 200 metres from the beach, every single unit inside this Pattaya property comes with an uninterrupted sea view.…
-
PHIST 2025 draws 1,300 delegates as Phuket Governor and Minor Chairman call For community-led sustainability
Asia’s biggest sustainability event for tourism, PHIST 2025, broke records today with over 1,300 delegates from across the region as government and business leaders warned the hospitality industry to act fast on integrating community-driven sustainability into travel and tourism experiences to appeal to a new generation of visitors. Hotels and tourism operators need to engage with local communities to enrich…
-
Best areas to live in Phuket for expats, finding your perfect neighbourhood
Phuket continues to be a popular destination for people looking to start a new life. It’s where digital nomads, retirees, young families, investors, and entrepreneurs come together, all chasing a slower pace of life under the tropical sun. The island is large enough to offer choice, but small enough to feel like a community, and that balance is what continues…
-
Master of Fine Arts in motion: Thailand’s oldest art school reinvents the future
The Thaiger key takeaways Poh-Chang Academy of Arts, Thailand’s oldest art school, has launched its first-ever Master of Fine Arts programme. Five pioneering students are blending centuries-old traditions with modern concepts, from repoussé metalwork to experimental jewellery. The programme signals a shift in Thai art education, redefining the line between craftsman and artist while pushing boundaries of expression. If Thailand…
![Thailand’s top expat havens: Cost of living in 5 Provinces [2025] | Thaiger](https://thethaiger.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/cost-of-living-main-image-390x220.jpg)
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.