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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    How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?

    Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....

  • The White Lotus Season 3 is deliciously unhinged

    The White Lotus Season 3 is deliciously unhinged

    Finally, The White Lotus Season 3 has graced our screens, and let me tell you, it’s wild, mysterious, and darkly hilarious as I hoped it would be. Suppose the first two showed us the cracks in the glossy facade of the ultra-wealthy. In that case, this season is about smashing that facade entirely, wrapping it in layers of Thai spirituality,…

  • From ICONSIAM to One Bangkok: Mentabuild, the consultancy firm behind Thailand’s most ambitious developments

    From ICONSIAM to One Bangkok: Mentabuild, the consultancy firm behind Thailand’s most ambitious developments

    If you’ve ever set foot in Bangkok and looked up at its towering skyline, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Mentabuild’s work, whether you realised it or not. Founded over 40 years ago, this construction consultancy firm has played a big role in shaping Thailand’s urban landscape. From massive mixed-use developments to sleek corporate offices, Mentabuild makes sure projects get…

  • Why is it raining heavily in Bangkok?

    Why is it raining heavily in Bangkok?

    Bangkok and many parts of Thailand are currently experiencing heavy rain, which is expected to persist throughout the week. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued warnings for severe thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy downpours across 33 provinces. But what’s causing this unusual weather, and how does it relate to Thailand’s monsoon patterns? What’s causing the heavy rain in Bangkok?…

  • The art of building on a budget: Your guide to construction cost management with Mentabuild

    The art of building on a budget: Your guide to construction cost management with Mentabuild

    Budgeting in construction can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. You need to balance quality, cost and timelines. A Quantity Surveyor (QS) plays a vital role in this process. They work to make sure that budgets are set up appropriately, costs are controlled and project financial and commercial goals are achieved. But managing budgets, especially for a construction project, isn’t…

  • CH7HD joins forces with Columbia Pictures Aquaverse

    CH7HD joins forces with Columbia Pictures Aquaverse

    CH7HD, Thailand’s leading television network, and Amazon Falls, the operator of Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Studio 8, Building 7, CH7HD Headquarters. This partnership establishes a strategic alliance aimed at developing and producing high-quality content, as well as organising large-scale entertainment events nationwide. By leveraging the distinctive strengths of both organisations, they seek to…

  • What happens in Thailand stays: Unpacking the themes of The White Lotus

    What happens in Thailand stays: Unpacking the themes of The White Lotus

    The White Lotus returns on February 16 for its much-anticipated third season, this time in idyllic Kho Samui. The trailer teases us with glimpses of candlelit shrines, full-moon parties, luxury spas, and, of course, monkeys which is a motif that seems to hint at some deeper themes. While I can’t claim to know exactly what will happen, I have some…

  • Meet Utopia Corporation, the real estate developer building dreams in Phuket

    Meet Utopia Corporation, the real estate developer building dreams in Phuket

    Phuket has always been a place of dreams. With its golden beaches, turquoise waters, and rich culture, it’s no wonder people from all over the world are drawn to its shores. But what if this island could offer more than a luxurious escape? What if it could provide a home for everyone, where living is not just about comfort but…

  • What’s new with Thailand’s LTR Visa? Here’s what you need to know about the update

    What’s new with Thailand’s LTR Visa? Here’s what you need to know about the update

    Have you been dreaming of living and working in Thailand? If yes, there’s never been a better time than today, as the Thai government just updated the qualifications, criteria, and conditions for the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa programme. Thanks to these changes, the visa is now more inclusive, family-friendly, and accessible than ever before. Here’s the lowdown on what’s new,…

  • Did Apple predict the current air pollution crisis?

    Did Apple predict the current air pollution crisis?

    Since the dawn of the new year, many provinces across Thailand have been grappling with a severe level of air pollution. As of January 24, Bangkok has been rated the fourth most polluted city in the world in terms of poor air quality by IQAir. The capital is often blanketed by a thick layer of smog, which has reminded some…

  • FazWaz assumes control of Lifull Connect for Thai global real estate leadership and innovation

    FazWaz assumes control of Lifull Connect for Thai global real estate leadership and innovation

    Phuket-found PropTech company FazWaz has taken over Lifull Connect, the world’s largest real estate aggregation network, solidifying its position as a leader in the global real estate market. This milestone showcases the potential of Thai companies to succeed internationally. FazWaz and Thaiger share core shareholders which emphasises their joint commitment to advancing Thai businesses globally and reinforcing Phuket’s growing reputation…

  • Why more professionals and families are choosing Phuket for their holiday escapes (and why smart investors are buying in)

    Why more professionals and families are choosing Phuket for their holiday escapes (and why smart investors are buying in)

    Phuket is a paradise for all. The sandy beaches allow kids to run free, enabling the parents to take in the sun and relax on pristine beaches whilst the temples and markets somehow make everyone who visits fall in love with the simplistic lifestyle. There’s more than enough luxury to make it all feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But in…

  • Condo or resort? Inside PEYLAA, the upcoming Phuket project that promises to let you live the moment

    Condo or resort? Inside PEYLAA, the upcoming Phuket project that promises to let you live the moment

    Life in Phuket feels like a perpetual holiday. Time seems to slow down, nature becomes a part of your daily rhythm, and the ordinary becomes anything but mundane. Simple pleasures, like sipping coffee on your balcony or taking an evening stroll along the beach, become extraordinary. This is the life that PEYLAA Phuket Bang Tao promises to deliver with its…

  • Is it too late for Thailand’s dugongs?

    Is it too late for Thailand’s dugongs?

    Long ago, dugongs were hunted across Southeast Asia for their meat, tusks, and bones. In some regions, their body parts were thought to hold magical powers. Dugong tears, in particular, were said to bring good fortune or even love. But in Thailand, these gentle sea cows often inspired more reverence than harm. Along the Andaman coast, dugongs became symbols of love,…

  • Is it normally this cold in Thailand in January?

    Is it normally this cold in Thailand in January?

    Thailand is a country known for its beaches, nightlife, and sun. Countless people escape their home places to take solace in the Kingdom’s warmth in both the environment and with its people. However, Thailand is pretty cold right now and it is as much of a surprise for those living in a major city like Bangkok where the morning (January…

  • Why is Bangkok’s air quality so bad?

    Why is Bangkok’s air quality so bad?

    Imagine waking up early in Bangkok and you see all the beautiful morning fog from your balcony, but as you sip your coffee you realise it’s just Bangkok’s air pollution that’s making the sun rise aesthetic. Ranked as the 36th most air-polluted country in the world, Thailand has been facing challenges with air quality as of late. Many factors translate…

  • Getting the best out of Koh Samui’s White Lotus frenzy

    Getting the best out of Koh Samui’s White Lotus frenzy

    The island of Koh Samui shimmers like a jewel in the Gulf of Thailand. Its powdery white sand beaches, fringed with swaying coconut palms, have long been a cherished secret for those seeking laid-back luxury. But, as with all secrets, this one couldn’t stay hidden forever. Recently, the island’s gentle ocean breeze has carried more than just the scent of…

  • Flying too high – The risk and responsibility of modern influencers

    Flying too high – The risk and responsibility of modern influencers

    Long ago, on the Greek island of Crete, a brilliant inventor named Daedalus crafted wings of feathers and wax to escape captivity alongside his son, Icarus. The wings were a marvel of human ingenuity, a gift of freedom. Before they took flight, Daedalus gave Icarus a warning. “Fly too low, and the sea will drag you down. Fly too high,…

  • Moo Deng: Thailand’s personality of the year

    Moo Deng: Thailand’s personality of the year

    Time magazine’s annual selection for Person of the Year often reflects on the individuals who have captured global attention. While it is usually presidents and influential figures, it is clear here in Thailand who truly deserves the title. Forget the political icons—our beloved Moo Deng, the pint-sized pygmy hippo, has captured hearts, taken over social media, and established herself as…

  • Some like it hot: Phuket property market in 2024

    Some like it hot: Phuket property market in 2024

    As we stepped into 2025, it’s the perfect time to take a closer look at the hottest property trends in Thailand’s largest leisure destination—Phuket. One of the most notable developments is the increasing presence of major Thai-listed property groups on the island, following an oversupply of properties in Bangkok. At the same time, banks are tightening credit to domestic real…

  • Sea view vs mountain view: Which Etherhome Phuket condo unit suits you?

    Sea view vs mountain view: Which Etherhome Phuket condo unit suits you?

    Phuket is a haven for anyone seeking tranquillity, luxury, and breathtaking natural beauty. If you’re buying a condo in Phuket, you know that you’re not only choosing walls and windows but also the view that will greet you every day. Would you prefer to wake up to lush green hills, the sparkling waters of the Andaman Sea, or maybe a…

  • Is tap water in Thailand safe to consume?

    Is tap water in Thailand safe to consume?

    Wondering if you can drink the tap water in Thailand? From brushing your teeth to filling up a bottle, it’s helpful to understand a few basics. Tap water safety in Thailand varies by location, and while some people use it without issue, others avoid it completely. Here’s a guide on what’s safe, what’s not. How clean is Bangkok’s tap water…

  • Tsunami survivor’s story: A journey from chaos to hope

    Tsunami survivor’s story: A journey from chaos to hope

    The Indian Ocean tsunami touched countless lives, claiming more than 230,000 people across 14 countries. In Thailand alone, over 8,000 perished. What would you do in such a situation? How would you react if you found yourself in the “warzone” of your life, with only seconds to act? These are the questions the tsunami compels us to confront. The answers…

  • Top 5 reasons to stay in a seaview room at the best hotel in Hua Hin

    Top 5 reasons to stay in a seaview room at the best hotel in Hua Hin

    Choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference when planning a getaway to Hua Hin. With its laid-back charm, beautiful beaches, many things to do, and a mix of luxury and tradition, Hua Hin is a haven for those seeking a relaxing escape. And when it comes to finding the best hotel in Hua Hin near the beach, Aviyana…

  • Top benefits of owning a freehold unit at Etherhome Seaview Condo in Phuket

    Top benefits of owning a freehold unit at Etherhome Seaview Condo in Phuket

    For foreigners dreaming of owning a slice of paradise that is Phuket, buying a freehold condo is the ultimate way in. And there’s no better place to make that dream a reality than at Etherhome Seaview Condo. Located next to Rawai Beach in Phuket, Etherhome offers freehold ownership options for foreign investors and international ​​buyers who want to call Phuket…

  • 6 Wicked-themed desserts in Bangkok worth holding space for

    6 Wicked-themed desserts in Bangkok worth holding space for

    Wicked fever has swept the media-consuming world. If you’ve been online at all recently, you’re sure to have seen the myriad reels, memes, and tiktoks that are all talking about this film. To get you in on the hype, we’re bringing to you a list of six Wicked-themed desserts to try in Bangkok — so, leave a little room after…

  • Bangkok joins Dubai and Miami as top global playground cities

    Bangkok joins Dubai and Miami as top global playground cities

    Ultra-luxury global consumer brands from the fashion and auto sectors are moving into the real estate space in Asia as a natural extension of their powerful brand-led businesses – resetting the map of international buyers who are crossing borders like never before. The surge in investment from overseas buyers, who can be more accurately defined as collectors of limited-edition assets,…

  • Hideaway living redefined: Breathe, relax, and live the dream at Sunplay Pool Villas

    Hideaway living redefined: Breathe, relax, and live the dream at Sunplay Pool Villas

    As one of Southeast Asia’s most sought-after countries to own real estate, Thailand certainly has no shortage of luxury pool villas where you can enjoy a resort-like lifestyle under the tropical sun. Recently, the new development Sunplay Pool Villas is turning heads for international buyers seeking a family home, a holiday retreat, and a sound investment property. Located in the…

  • Holidays and observances in Thailand in 2025

    Holidays and observances in Thailand in 2025

    As we get ready for the new year, it’s a great time to start planning ahead. The holidays and observances in Thailand for 2025 are a perfect opportunity to make sure you’re booking your time off or planning that trip you’ve been thinking about. Whether you’re staying in Thailand or heading elsewhere, it’s always handy to know which days are…

  • Celebrating Thailand’s Father’s Day

    Celebrating Thailand’s Father’s Day

    Thailand’s Father’s Day, celebrated on 5th December, is a heartfelt occasion that honours fatherhood and reflects the rich cultural traditions of the country. This day holds dual significance as it also commemorates the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, whose birthday is marked by the occasion. The day is a unique opportunity for families and communities to come together and for expats…

  • What it’s like to own a luxury villa in Phuket: Inside Botanica Four Seasons

    What it’s like to own a luxury villa in Phuket: Inside Botanica Four Seasons

    Waking up to the birds chirping, with the first ray of sunlight filtering through the trees and the glint of your private pool sparkling in the morning light – sounds like a perfect dream, right? Well, it could be your regular Wednesday morning at Botanica Four Seasons, a luxury villa collection in Phuket by the renowned Botanica Luxury Villas. If…