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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Sponsored 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...
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A love letter to Bangkok (written in a slightly passive-aggressive way)
Dear Bangkok, Before we get started, you know I love you, right? And everything I say in this letter is because I love you so much, Bangkok. We have a lot to unpack, so let’s get started with your housing. In your city, success isn’t about square footage; it’s measured by the BTU of your air-conditioning, how close you live…
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Tea rooms: Steeped in history, served to people who talk too much
When most people think of a tea room, they picture some serene place in London or Paris. You know the type: lace curtains, porcelain cups, people trying to pretend they’re not judging the placement of your spoon while you stir or you have the people who think of themselves as a worldly person. They think of an asian taoist room.…
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Why Thailand is obsessed with Labubus
If you’ve been wondering why everyone in Bangkok is dangling strange little dolls from their designer bags, meet Labubu and Cry Baby, Thailand’s latest pop culture obsessions. Labubu, a mischievous elf with pointy ears, serrated teeth, and wild hair, was created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in 2015. Inspired by Nordic mythology, Labubu first appeared in The Monsters’ story…
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Hot Phuket property deal: Arise Vibe launches limited offer on select units, now from 2.55m baht
Phuket’s property market is full of big names and high prices, but some of the most exciting opportunities are happening just outside the spotlight. That’s where you’ll find Arise Vibe. Set in Si Sunthon, one of Phuket’s fastest-growing areas, this new residential project is turning heads for all the right reasons. It’s close to international schools, minutes from the airport,…
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From vision to delivery: How expert project and construction management turns developer ideas into reality
The world is full of unfinished projects. Piling and foundations laid and forgotten, condominiums frozen mid-rise, spaces that never became what they were meant to be. Anyone can dream up a skyline, but what are the real challenges? Making sure that dream doesn’t turn into a logistical horror show somewhere between the first blueprint and the final handover. So what’s…
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Why trucks and buses in Thailand are moving works of art
Light bouncing off six dozen chrome-coated side-view mirrors. Rows of Michelin Man figurines sit proudly on the cabin roof. Sprawling intricate murals depicting anime characters, cartoon superheroes, and fantastical dreamscapes. If any of these images are familiar to you, then you’ve likely seen the elaborately decorated and modified lorries and buses in Thailand. Perhaps you’ve also wondered why these Thai…
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Citi Foundation and Bangkok Community Help Foundation unveil the ‘Center of Dreams’
Citi Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting economic stability and social responsibility through a funding grant of 16.5 million Thai baht to the Bangkok Community Help Foundation for the establishment of the Center of Dreams, the first homeless shelter located in Bangkok’s inner city. The centre offers essential facilities as well as vocational skills training. By the end of…
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Branded residences gain ground in Asia’s Property Market with Thailand taking the lead
A quiet transformation has been shaping Asia’s residential landscape for over a decade: the rise of branded residences. Once a niche offering, this category has grown into a significant segment of the region’s property market. Blending high-end real estate with the services and credibility of globally recognised brands, branded residences are increasingly appealing to discerning buyers, and Thailand is at…
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Phuket’s luxury real estate boom raises green space concerns
Phuket’s latest luxury real estate development, Utopia Urban Glam, has made waves as it positions itself as a key driver of the island’s economic growth. The seven-storey building, currently under construction in Rawai’s Saiyuan area, boasts 110 residential units and a range of high-end amenities, including seven swimming pools, a private cinema, a fitness centre, and a rooftop Sky Lounge. The…
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Cafe culture for people who refuse to make coffee at home
Many people, when they hear the word ‘cafe’ they think of Paris, New York, Vienna, maybe even Melbourne, but did you know that Thailand, especially Bangkok, is the cafe capital of Asia? No? Well, of course, you didn’t hear that, because I made it up. Shame on you for believing a random article on the internet. Jokes aside, Thailand does…
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Untranslatable Thai words that carry more meaning than you think
Ever stumbled across a Thai word that just doesn’t quite make sense in English? Thailand’s language is filled with beautiful, emotionally rich expressions that reflect the country’s culture, values, and daily life. These words are often untranslatable, not because English lacks vocabulary, but because the feeling behind the word is hard to pin down. Here are four Thai words you’ve…
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Thailand’s Red Train: What to know about the SRT Royal Blossom
If you’ve seen a sleek red train while gliding through TikTok or rolling past misty Thai hills, you’re not imagining it. That’s the SRT Royal Blossom, Thailand’s latest generation of long-distance trains, quickly becoming a travel favourite among explorers. With their deep red carriages that were refurbished from Japanese Hamanasu cars, reclining seats, air-conditioning, and luxurious interiors, these new trains…
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Bangtao, Phuket: The neighbourhood expats and investors are eyeing in 2025
Bangtao didn’t become Phuket’s most talked-about neighbourhood overnight. For a long time, it was a quiet place on the island’s west coast where locals walked their dogs at sunrise and tourists flocked to sunbathe along its eight-kilometre stretch of beach. Then came the beach clubs, the boutique cafes, the new schools, and the arrival of Boat Avenue and Porto de…
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Meow Chicken Rice: Thai restaurant goes viral after Gundam anime shoutout
After the dish khao man gai (chicken rice) was name-dropped in episode 10 of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, curious fans in Japan began searching for it online. To their surprise, their search didn’t just lead to a recipe. And it led to a real Thai restaurant called Meow Chicken Rice in Saraburi. The restaurant’s name just so happens to match…
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Glam Estate Group unveils 8 Atelier Residence, redefining approachable luxury living in Phuket
Glam Estate Group has officially launched its newest residential project, 8 Atelier Residence, a 48-unit luxury condominium in the sought-after Pasak neighbourhood of Choeng Thale, Phuket. This refined low-density development promises to offer a fresh take on boutique condo living by combining timeless Indo-Chinese aesthetics with modern-day functionality. Thus, positioning itself as a standout in a market dominated by high-end…
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Helmet Heroes Thailand transforms from one helmet to global impact, securing major brand sponsorships in 17 Months
Helmet Heroes Thailand, the visionary non-profit dedicated to providing free (TIS Certified) motorcycle helmets to children, proudly announces its remarkable growth from a single helmet donation to significant brand sponsorships within just 17 months. Ducati Motors, Thailand, B Quik, and Triumph Motorcycles have all shown support, as has Bangkok Hospital. This rapid expansion underscores the urgent need for child road…
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Live smart in Phuket: Discover Arise Vibe’s stylish living in a growing neighbourhood
Si Suthon, part of Thalang district, was long overshadowed by its more famous coastal neighbours. Now, however, it has become one of Phuket’s most promising real estate zones. Located between the airport, Bang Tao Beach, and Phuket Town, Si Suthon offers a blend of convenience, accessibility, and quiet charm. It’s also where you’ll find Arise Vibe, a new residential project…
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8 Atelier Residence Phuket: Boutique condo living with timeless style and prime investment potential
If you’ve been exploring Phuket’s real estate landscape, chances are you’ve heard about Choeng Thale’s Pasak neighbourhood. A quiet, green enclave favored by those seeking refined living away from the noise of Bang Tao’s beachfront without compromising on convenience or quality of life. Now, in the heart of Pasak Soi 8, 8 Atelier Residence offers a bold new take on…
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7 Tips for choosing the best health insurance in Thailand for expats
Many expats in Thailand don’t give health insurance much thought because the country’s healthcare system is excellent (arguably the best in Southeast Asia) and, for the most part, affordable. But affordability doesn’t mean it’s cheap, and it certainly doesn’t mean medical bills can’t add up quickly. Expat health insurance is still one of the most essential things to have. It…
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Thailand’s emotional pull that keeps travellers coming back
In his memoir A Moveable Feast, the American author Ernest Hemingway wrote about his struggles and journeys in Paris. “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you… For Paris is a moveable feast.” His description of enjoying oysters by the…
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Confessions of a soi dog
You’ve seen us. We’re on every soi, under every noodle cart. At every 7-Eleven door, like we’re bouncers. And no, we’re not lost, we live here. You’re the one who wandered in with your Google Translate with zero street sense. We soi dogs are the last free beings in this country. No leash, no rent, no vet bills, no Instagram.…
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Alarming financial inequality in Thailand
Recent data from the Bank of Thailand reveals a concerning financial disparity: approximately 89% of the nation’s bank deposit accounts contain less than 50,000 baht. This statistic underscores the fragile economic state of a significant portion of the Thai population, many of whom rely on daily wages and lack sufficient savings to withstand unforeseen financial challenges. The financial inequality in…
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Being Thailand 2025 highlights Thailand’s evolving role as a global wellness economy leader
As the global wellness landscape continues to shift alongside changing consumer demands and travel behaviour, Thailand is increasingly recognised as a model of adaptive leadership in the wellness economy. And it was at the new industry strategic touchpoint, Being Thailand 2025 in Phuket, where the country’s role in shaping wellness-oriented tourism, hospitality, healthcare, and consumer markets, was assessed. Over the…
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Bangkok’s 15-minute living: Why location still matters more than ever
Bangkok is a city that moves fast… well, except during rush hour where the traffic will have you questioning your life choices. When you’re stuck in a taxi for 40 minutes just to get to your nearest supermarket, you start to realise that where you live in Bangkok matters just as much as how you live. That’s why the concept…
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From coastal cool to quiet chic: Which Phuket lifestyle is right for you?
It’s not hard to understand why people lose entire afternoons scrolling through Phuket property for sale listings. The views are lush, the sunsets come with their own colour palette, and the price tags (if you know where to look) are still less terrifying than anything in London or Hong Kong. Living in Phuket is a dream for many. But as…
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Khao Lak and Phang Nga tourism sector gains momentum with infrastructure and hospitality investment
phuket touriTourism in Khao Lak and the wider Phang Nga province is demonstrating robust post-pandemic growth, underpinned by rising international arrivals, increasing hotel performance metrics, and new project developments across the hospitality and infrastructure sectors. According to C9 Hotelworks’ Khao Lak and Phang Nga Hotel & Tourism Market Review 2025, Phang Nga recorded over 4.1 million guest arrivals last year,…
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A pivot to lifestyle as Phuket’s property market continues to surge
Phuket’s property market is continuing to thrive despite global economic volatility as the sector moves increasingly towards condominiums as lifestyle becomes the new luxury on the island, as delegates heard at the Asia Connect: Phuket Property Pulse event. Held at Andara Resort & Villas, in conjunction with Property Guru Thailand and C9 Hotelworks, the top-level industry gathering further heard speakers…
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Dot Property launches ‘Dot Property Exclusive’ to connect developers, agents, and buyers in Thailand’s real estate market
The leading property portal Dot Property has just launched a new, streamlined service called Dot Property Exclusive in a mission to make buying and selling homes in Thailand more connected, transparent, and efficient. Part of the company’s New Homes department, this new service directly connects developers, agents, and buyers through exclusive listings, centralised tools, and AI-powered support. Dot Property Exclusive…
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Phuket property market in 2025: Evolving with demand and diversification
Phuket’s real estate market is undergoing a significant transformation in 2025, marked by growing inventory, shifting buyer preferences, and intensifying competition. The latest Phuket Property Market Update by C9 Hotelworks reveals a dynamic landscape shaped by lifestyle migration, maturing development ecosystems, and rising price premiums, particularly in branded and well-located properties. Performance in early 2024 and emerging trends The first…
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Where is Bangkok’s most expensive land? Here are the top 10 locations
You thought rent in Bangkok was high? Try buying land. Prime plots in the city centre are now going for millions of Baht per square wah (a Thai unit of land measurement). These prices officially place Bangkok among the most expensive places to buy property in Southeast Asia. But how expensive could it be? To give you a hint, even…
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