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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    Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run

    Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...

  • 10 things to know before watching The White Lotus Season 3 | Thaiger

    10 things to know before watching The White Lotus Season 3

    The highly anticipated third season of The White Lotus has just been released, and this time, it was set in Thailand! With Lisa from BLACKPINK joining the cast, the first episode aired on February 16, on the MAX application and excitement is still at an all-time high. Before we dive into the chaos that awaits at this luxurious resort, let’s…

  • The White Lotus Season 3 is deliciously unhinged | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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…

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

    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…

  • Thailand’s southern coast fuels tourism & investment as next step destinations | Thaiger

    Thailand’s southern coast fuels tourism & investment as next step destinations

    Thailand’s southern coast triangle, an emerging confluence of international airports in Koh Samui, Surat Thani, and now Nakhon Si Thammarat, is fast becoming a key driver of tourism and investment along the Gulf of Thailand. A recent 1.46 billion baht investment into Nakhon Si Thammarat International Airport is accelerating this transformation, according to a new report from C9 Hotelworks on…

  • CH7HD joins forces with Columbia Pictures Aquaverse | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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…

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

    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,…

  • The Island Collection Villas, where luxury meets tranquillity in Phuket’s most sought-after location | Thaiger

    The Island Collection Villas, where luxury meets tranquillity in Phuket’s most sought-after location

    Phuket has seen a strong comeback in property value, especially for high-end villas and condos close to exclusive beaches like Layan. And as tropical island living becomes more attractive than ever, buyers seek properties that offer both luxury and serenity. Completed in November 2024 with just nine exclusive pool villas available, The Island Collection Villas meet this demand perfectly. Developed…

  • Did Apple predict the current air pollution crisis? | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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…

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

    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…

  • Thailand’s new luxury lies in wellbeing, culinary tourism, and brands | Thaiger

    Thailand’s new luxury lies in wellbeing, culinary tourism, and brands

    For Thailand to seize the potential of luxury tourism and hospitality in 2025, the country needs to go deeper with high-equity branded residences, regenerative wellness and culinary tourism set to determine the destiny of the country becoming Asia’s luxury tourism hub. The importance of brands in Thailand is turning Bangkok into a global playground city while the shift in values…

  • Is it too late for Thailand’s dugongs? | Thaiger

    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? | Thaiger

    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…

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

    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…

  • How to ride a bus in Bangkok | Thaiger

    How to ride a bus in Bangkok

    Beyond Bangkok’s reliable BTS Skytrain and MRT subway systems, the city also offers an extensive bus network that continues to serve as a vital transportation option for residents and visitors. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and Thai Smile Bus (TSB) operate a comprehensive fleet of buses that will help you get around Bangkok. Plus, it is a nice and cheaper…

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

    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 | Thaiger

    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…

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

    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…

  • The Phuket southern shift: More than just real estate | Thaiger

    The Phuket southern shift: More than just real estate

    Over the past two years, Phuket’s real estate market has experienced a remarkable surge, with rising prices and growing demand. As tropical islands evolve over time, certain areas mature and develop, and much of the recent focus has been on the northwest, particularly the Bangtao area. For property buyers, location is often influenced by proximity to key amenities such as…

  • Is tap water in Thailand safe to consume? | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

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

    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…

  • Bangkok’s waterways get a cleaner, greener future with ‘Pitak Tara’ canal-cleaning boats | Thaiger

    Bangkok’s waterways get a cleaner, greener future with ‘Pitak Tara’ canal-cleaning boats

    If you live in Bangkok, you’re probably all too familiar with its canals, or khlongs, quietly winding their way through the city. They’re part of Bangkok’s charm, a living reminder of its past as the ‘Venice of the East.’ But while these waterways have been the city’s lifelines, transporting goods and people for centuries, they’re facing a monumental challenge, pollution.…

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

    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 | Thaiger

    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,…

  • Holidays and observances in Thailand in 2025 | Thaiger

    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…

  • Thailand destination guide: Cherng Talay, Phuket through the eyes of its residents | Thaiger

    Thailand destination guide: Cherng Talay, Phuket through the eyes of its residents

    Cherng Talay, now a palm-fringed melting pot for locals, expats, and tourists, was once a well-kept secret, an escape from Patong’s neverending crowds. However, as more and more people settle here, it has quickly become one of the most sought-after areas in Phuket. The beaches remain relatively quiet compared to the busy shores of Patong or Kata, and it still…