Thailand Travel
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Where to celebrate Songkran in Bangkok [2026]
Bangkok does Songkran at full volume, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years yet. From world-class music festivals and riverside dining to free public celebrations and traditional blessing ceremonies, the city has more going on this April than any single person could cover for the Thai New Year. Whether you are a long-term expat, a…
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Chiang Mai and Lamphun are doing something special for Songkran 2026
If you are spending Songkran in the north this year, two cities are worth your attention if you are up north or going there. The Water Festival 2026, the 11th edition of the Thai Waterways Festival, brings Chiang Mai and Lamphun together under the theme “Have fun at Songkran in my hometown”, and both cities are running their own distinct…
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What resort managers told us about oil and island travel in Thailand for 2026
Global oil markets have been in chaos since late March 2026. Escalating tensions in the Middle East choked traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, sending the Singapore refined diesel benchmark from around US$92 per barrel to US$238 per barrel in weeks. Thailand’s Oil Fuel Fund burned through 42 billion baht in subsidies before the government let diesel float to 40.74…
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Why the Japanese people love Thais so much, though there are still a few ‘what on earth?’ moments
According to a regular annual survey by the Japanese Cabinet Office, Thailand consistently ranks among the countries Japanese people feel most warmly towards, usually second only to Taiwan. Japanese tourists in Thailand often seem especially relaxed. They appear more cheerful, open and at ease than they do back home. They smile more easily, speak to Thai people more freely, and…
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Escobar Jungle Party puts Koh Tao on Thailand’s best nightlife destinations
When people think of nightlife in Thailand, the first thing that often comes to mind is the famous Full Moon Party. Their mind might also think about the bustling nightclubs in Bangkok or even the Walking Street in Pattaya. But in 2022, there’s a new destination rising fast, Koh Tao, an island that’s quickly becoming a must-visit for party lovers…
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Can immigration check your phone when you arrive in Thailand?
Deep forensic searches of phones at Thai immigration are extremely rare. Most travellers pass through without anyone touching their devices. However, your phone will likely be required for border crossing, as Thailand now requires digital documentation for entry. The chances that phone immigration will search your phone when you enter Thailand will be slim, but here is what that process…
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Why flying this Songkran 2026 might actually be cheaper than you think
Flights that normally cost 1,500 baht are hitting 8,000 baht during Songkran 2026. If you haven’t booked yet, you’re running late, but not out of options. Thailand’s April 13 to 15 public holidays create a natural five-day break that will push roughly 2.7 million domestic passengers through the country’s six major airports. The good news? Government intervention, including a 30%…
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Celebrate Songkran 2026 in Southern Thailand with these beachfront stays in Phuket and Khao Lak
Three Marriott resorts in southern Thailand are promoting Songkran 2026 stays and in-resort celebrations, with programmes at Courtyard Phuket Patong Beach Resort, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach, and Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa designed for guests who want Thai New Year activities, beach settings and seasonal dining. The properties said Songkran, celebrated each April, brings Thai…
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6 reasons you can be denied entry into Thailand
Thailand has significantly tightened its border controls since 2024, and what used to be casual entry procedures have become strict enforcement checkpoints. While most travellers enter without issues, understanding what can get you denied entry into Thailand and detained at the airport is essential for anyone planning a trip to the kingdom. The legal framework comes from the Immigration Act…
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Bangkok beats out hundreds of cities to land in the world’s top 5 for food
Bangkok has just been named one of the best food cities in the world, and honestly, if you’ve eaten here, you already know that. A new study by UK-based long-haul travel specialists Travelbag ranked Bangkok fifth on their list of the world’s top foodie destinations for 2026. The ranking looked at four key factors across 36 cities globally: the number…
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Makha Bucha Day 2026: What is it and why is it observed in Thailand?
Makha Bucha Day is a national Buddhist holiday in Thailand observed on Tuesday, March 3 2026. It honours a pivotal event in early Buddhism more than 2,500 years ago, when 1,250 of the Buddha’s disciples spontaneously gathered to hear his teachings without prior arrangement, a moment seen as a reminder of commitment to Buddhist principles. Makha Bucha, which falls in Thailand,…
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Thailand Good Travel certification ceremony under the Thailand Green Plan 2030 initiative
Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, hosted the Thailand Good Travel Sustainable Tourism Certification Ceremony under the Thailand Green Plan 2030 initiative, held under the concept Champions of Change: Showcasing Models of Transformation Toward Sustainability. The event celebrated and honoured tourism destinations and operators that have successfully met national sustainability standards, while promoting the strengths of Thailand’s tourism…
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Has Thailand lost its edge? Comparing expat life across Southeast Asia
The “Thailand lost its edge” narrative has become common expat discourse in 2025 and 2026. Bangkok rents climbed 8 to 12% year-on-year, visa enforcement tightened significantly, and a remittance tax shock led 55% of expats to consider leaving, according to a Thai Examiner survey. But Thailand climbed to 4th globally for expat satisfaction in the InterNations Expat Insider 2025 survey,…
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Arriving in Thailand with too much cash? Here’s what to do
You step off the plane at Suvarnabhumi Airport with an oddly specific stack of US$25,000 tucked into your carry-on, maybe it’s relocation savings, a property deposit, or business capital. At the gate, the question hits you as you approach baggage claim: Do you need to declare this? The short answer: yes. But the exact threshold that triggers a mandatory declaration…
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Why you still can’t get a direct flight from the US to Thailand
Thailand welcomed more than 35 million international visitors in 2024, and interest from US travellers continues to grow. Undoubtedly, Thailand has become a bucket-list destination for many Americans. Yet a question remains: Why are there still no direct flights between the United States and Thailand? In reality, the answer is quite complex. A mix of aviation regulation, airline economics, aircraft…
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Love, luck, and the sea: February travel ideas near Bangkok
February is a good month for short escapes. The weather is comfortable and with Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day, you have a reason to step away from routine for a night or two. If you’re looking to spend time by the sea somewhere close to Bangkok, Sriracha and nearby Koh Si Chang are fantastic options. Chinese New Year by…
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A practical way to think about healthcare when living in Thailand
Living in Thailand means co-existing with a healthcare system that’s brilliant in some ways and frustrating in others. Oftentimes, private hospitals feel like five-star hotels, with doctors trained internationally, and the costs seem reasonable compared to Western countries, until you’re actually sitting in that consultation room without insurance, watching the bill climb. Here’s the thing most people don’t tell you…
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Where to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Thailand
Valentine’s Day is coming in hot again, and no, you don’t have to panic-book the first candlelit table you see. Thailand does romance in many lanes, from private islands where the world politely disappears, to riverside dinners that feel cinematic. Here are the best ones. Where to go Date Location Why it’s special The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort…
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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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Thailand vs. Vietnam vs. Malaysia: Which is better for long-term living?
Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia have each carved out their own space in the long-term expat landscape. Thailand offers dependable healthcare and a well-established expat infrastructure. Vietnam stands out for rock-bottom costs and relentless urban energy. Malaysia brings modern living standards, cultural diversity, and an English-speaking environment that makes settling in remarkably smooth. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. The right choice…
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Chiang Mai and Phuket rank in world’s top 10 cities for solo travellers
Thailand has secured two spots in the global top 10 destinations for solo travellers, with Chiang Mai ranking sixth and Phuket placing tenth in a new study by long-haul travel specialists Travelbag. The rankings analysed 36 destinations worldwide on safety, affordability and accessibility, arriving as 76% of solo travellers now prioritising safety as their most important factor. On this page…
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The digital nomad’s guide to healthcare and insurance in Thailand
Thailand continues to attract digital nomads with its rich culture, fast internet, and strong healthcare system. Many private hospitals meet international standards and offer English-speaking doctors, making medical care reliable and easy to access for foreigners. Health insurance also plays a key role, especially for those staying long-term or applying for visas such as the Destination Thailand Visa or the…
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Singha Park Chiang Rai celebrates 10th anniversary of International Balloon Fiesta with grand showcase of 30+ balloons from 13 nations
Singha Park Chiang Rai celebrates its spot as a “World Class Love Destination,” preparing to host the largest international balloon festival in ASEAN, “Singha Park International Balloon Fiesta 2026,” for the 10th time. The event is set to transform the Chiang Rai sky with the colours of over 30 balloons from 13 countries worldwide to welcome the month of love…
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Thailand’s best beach towns for long-term living (2026)
Thailand’s coastline has always been a draw, but when it comes to long-term living, there’s more to consider than a pretty beach. These days, many of Thailand’s beach towns have grown into liveable, well-connected hubs with strong expat communities, international hospitals, and real infrastructure. Still, each place brings its own rhythm, costs, and quirks. Before we begin, ask yourself this:…
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Thailand dominates global night market rankings with 3 markets in the top 10
When was the last time you wandered through a night market surrounded by sizzling street food and that electric energy that only comes alive after dark? If you’re in Thailand, you’re spoiled for choice, and now there’s proof the Kingdom’s night markets rank among the planet’s best. A new study by long-haul travel specialists Travelbag has crowned Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend…
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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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Planning a Thailand trip in 2026? Here’s what the border conflict with Cambodia means for you
Yes, Thailand is safe to visit in 2026, but you need to avoid specific border areas. Despite ongoing military tensions with Cambodia, the vast majority of Thailand remains completely unaffected by the conflict. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, and Krabi are continuing to operate normally with no reported security disruptions. The fighting is strictly confined to remote border…
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How different ages experience healthcare in Thailand (40s, 50s, 60s, 70s)
Thailand offers strong healthcare through public services and excellent private hospitals for all ages. As expats move from their 40s into later decades, their needs shift from simple screenings to managing chronic conditions and planning for long-term care. Planning early helps avoid gaps in coverage, and international insurance like Cigna provides wide hospital access and high limits to stay protected…
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Top Places to celebrate the New Year Countdown in Thailand 2026
Be honest. You’ve already started thinking about where you’re counting down. New Year celebrations in Thailand is never just one night; it’s a full-scale, multi-day celebration. Fireworks light up the sky, stages come alive across the city, lineups feature must-see artists, and the crowd energy strikes the perfect balance between excitement and pure fun. From riverfront blowouts and mall takeovers…
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