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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Thailand reforms business, visa, and social laws to attract global expats
Thailand is undertaking its most comprehensive expatriate policy overhaul in decades, introducing reforms across business law, visa regulations, property ownership, and civil rights that collectively aim to position the country as Southeast Asia’s premier destination for foreign residents and investors. Announced progressively throughout 2024 and early 2025, these reforms respond to regional competition for foreign talent and investment, particularly as…
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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…
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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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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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Fallen Thai soldier saves lives through organ donation
A 24 year old Thai soldier who was declared dead following a tragic accident was honoured by the Thai Red Cross Society today, January 20, after his family decided to donate his organs, offering a second chance at life to patients in need. The Thai Red Cross Society shared the story of Sergeant Chuangwit Srikham, also known as “Sergeant New,”…
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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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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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How does Thailand celebrate Teacher’s Day?
In Thailand, few roles are held in higher regard than that of a teacher. Each year on January 16, the country pauses to observe Teacher’s Day, an annual national occasion dedicated to recognising the people who guide, educate, and inspire future generations. The Thai saying “Kru kue mae-pim kawng chad,” meaning “Teachers mould the nation,” captures the spirit of the occasion.…
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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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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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Yaowarat comes alive as Chinese opera revives memories in Bangkok’s historic Chinatown
The sound of cymbals, traditional melodies, and rhythmic chanting once again echoed through Yaowarat, Bangkok’s historic Chinatown, as Chinese opera returned to the heart of the neighborhood. For three nights, the area surrounding Wat Mangkon Station transformed into a living cultural stage during the event BEM Happy Journey 2025: Yaowarat, drawing longtime residents, elderly opera fans, and younger visitors together…
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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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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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Tokyogurl removed from SEA Games over esports rule breach
A player from Thailand’s women’s Arena of Valor (RoV) team was removed from the 33rd SEA Games tournament yesterday, December 15, following an internal issue that surfaced before a crucial match. The Thai team had just suffered a 0–3 loss to Vietnam in the upper bracket final, placing them into today’s lower bracket final against Laos. They need a win…
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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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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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Ex-homeless Chiang Mai man wins 18 million baht lottery
Relatives flocked to the home of a former homeless man in Chiang Mai after he struck it rich with a winning lottery ticket worth 18 million baht. The lottery winner, 68 year old Suthon, also known as “Uncle Jae,” lives alone in a rented room in San Pa Tong district. He earns just 350 baht a day from odd jobs…
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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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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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Phuket’s residential market accelerates as US$14 billion pipeline signals new era of global investment
Phuket’s real estate market is entering a defining new chapter, driven by rising global demand, surging long-stay migration, and a robust pipeline of investment totalling US$14 billion (455 billion Thai baht). As the island transforms into a long-term residential and lifestyle destination, its momentum was underscored this week at the Phuket Real Estate Forum 2025, which made a high-impact debut…
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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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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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Behind the scenes of Thailand’s film industry: Meet the film fixers
Thailand is one of Asia’s hottest filming destinations, and not just for its postcard-perfect beaches and temples. In 2024 alone, nearly 500 international productions were filmed across the country, generating close to US$194 million in revenue. From the streets of Bangkok to the jungles up north and the shores of Phuket, productions took place in 64 provinces, proving that Thailand…
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