Phuket Vegetarian Festival: History, Rituals & What Visitors Should Know

Every year, Phuket shifts into a very different rhythm. Shrines fill with incense, crowds follow processions through Phuket Town, and yellow flags start appearing everywhere, marking “jay” (vegetarian) food stalls and sacred spaces. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is often described online as something extreme or shocking, but that angle misses the point. At its core, … Read more

Drinking Culture in Rural Thailand

If your picture of Thailand is cold Chang at sunset, beach bars, and the occasional “bucket” on Koh Phangan, this article might feel like it’s describing a different country. Because rural Thailand often is!In many villages, drinking isn’t mainly a nightlife activity. It can be a daytime routine. A social glue. A way to switch … Read more

The Use of Pesticides in Thailand: What Expats and Travelers Should Know

Thailand is often called the “rice bowl of Asia,” and for good reason. From the lush rice paddies of Isaan to the fruit orchards of Chanthaburi and the vegetable farms surrounding Chiang Mai, agriculture is woven into daily life here. But behind the abundance of fresh produce lies a more complicated reality: Thailand is also … Read more

Obesity in Thailand: Causes, Trends, and What Expats Should Know

If you’ve ever grabbed a sweet Thai tea from 7-Eleven, snacked your way through a night market, then finished with fried roti and condensed milk, you’ve met Thailand’s delicious dilemma. Thai cuisine has a global reputation for freshness and balance, yet waistlines are growing. The picture is more complex than “Thai food is healthy.” It’s … Read more

Dowry (Sin Sod) in Thailand: Navigating Tradition and Legal Reality as an Expat

So, you’ve found the one. You’re talking marriage, making plans, and then the subject of Sin Sod comes up. Cue the farang panic. For many expats preparing to marry a Thai partner, the idea of paying a dowry can feel confusing at best and deeply uncomfortable at worst. Is it a tradition? A legal requirement? … Read more

Thailand Health Insurance Guide for Foreigners (2026)

Find the Best Plan for Your Visa, Budget, and Lifestyle – Whether You’re Retiring, Working, or Living Long-Term in the Land of Smiles If you’re living in Thailand—or planning to—health insurance is something you can’t afford to ignore and need to take seriously. It’s not just about peace of mind. For many visas, it’s required … Read more

Alcohol Laws & Nightlife Rules in Thailand (2025): What Expats and Tourists Really Need to Know

Thailand might be famous for its beach bars, rooftop cocktails, and buzzing nightlife, but don’t let the laid-back vibe fool you. Alcohol laws here are surprisingly strict, and enforcement can be both serious and selective. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-term expat, it’s easy to get caught off guard by unexpected dry days, … Read more

Revolut for Expats in Thailand: What to Know in 2026

Can Revolut Make Your Life in Thailand Easier? If you’ve spent any time around digital nomads or long-term travelers, you’ve probably heard someone mention Revolut. It’s a sleek, app-based financial tool that promises low-fee currency exchange, travel-friendly spending, and modern banking features—all from your smartphone. Sounds ideal, right? But here’s the catch: Revolut wasn’t built … Read more

Wise (TransferWise) Review for Expats in Thailand: Fast, Low-Cost Transfers & a Multi-Currency Account That Works

International banking can be a real headache for expats in Thailand. Between bad exchange rates, high transfer fees, and delays, even something as simple as receiving money from abroad can feel unnecessarily complicated. That’s where Wise (formerly TransferWise) comes in. Trusted by millions around the world, Wise makes it easy to send, receive, and spend … Read more

Medical Tourism in Thailand: World-Class Healthcare at Affordable Prices

Thailand has firmly established itself as one of the top global destinations for medical tourism, drawing over 1.4–3.5 million international patients annually. Ranked among the top 5 worldwide, its privately run, JCI‑accredited hospitals and clinics offer world‑class care at dramatically lower prices, oftentimes 50–70 % less than in Western countries. What sets Thailand apart is its … Read more