Thailand Expat Library: Articles, Insights & Practical Tips

Welcome to the Thailand Expat Library — your go-to collection of practical articles, cultural insights, and real-world tips for life in the Land of Smiles. Whether you’re planning a move, already living here, or just exploring the idea, you’ll find helpful information to guide your journey. From visas and cost of living to Thai language, healthcare, and everyday life, this library brings together everything you need to live well and navigate Thailand with confidence.

Similan Islands National Marine Park: Best Dive Sites, How to Visit & Where to Stay

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Looking for Thailand’s clearest water and bucket-list dive sites? The Similan Islands (หมู่เกาะสิมิลัน, Mu Koh Similan) are a protected marine park of granite boulders, white-powder beaches, and reefs bursting with life. Think manta rays, whale sharks in season, and visibility that makes even snorkelers feel like divers. Best for: certified divers, snorkelers, photographers, and eco-minded … Read more

Khao Yai National Park Travel Guide: Waterfalls, Wildlife & An Easy Escape from Bangkok

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If Bangkok is all noise and neon, Khao Yai National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาใหญ่) is the reset button. Just a few hours from the capital, this vast highland forest delivers cool mornings, thundering waterfalls, and real chances to spot elephants, gibbons, hornbills, and deer. It forms part of the Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai Forest Complex, a UNESCO World … Read more

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

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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

Pattaya Travel Guide: Best Beaches, Nightlife, Where to Stay & How to Get There

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Pattaya is Thailand’s most famous beach city with two big draws: easy access from Bangkok and a huge mix of things to do. Beyond the neon and late nights, you’ll find family-friendly water parks, island day trips to Koh Larn, great street food, and a long seafront that’s busy from sunrise walks to rooftop sunsets. … Read more

Chiang Rai Travel Guide: Best Temples & Nature, Where to Stay & How to Get There

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Chiang Rai is Thailand’s northern jewel, known for its cultural landmarks, natural beauty, and unhurried pace. Located on the Mae Kok River in the Golden Triangle—just 190 kilometers northeast of Chiang Mai near the borders with Laos and Myanmar—it offers a quieter, more intimate atmosphere than its larger neighbor. Ideal for culture enthusiasts, photographers, families, … Read more

Ayutthaya Travel Guide: Temples, History & How to Visit Thailand’s Ancient Capital

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Once the glittering capital of a mighty Siamese kingdom, Ayutthaya was one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world during the 14th–18th centuries. Merchants from Europe, China, Japan, and India filled its busy ports, and grand temples rose alongside royal palaces. The city’s golden age lasted over 400 years before it was destroyed … Read more

Koh Phayam Island Guide: Rustic Charm, Best Beaches & Travel Tips

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Think barefoot roads, sandy tracks, and hornbills gliding over quiet bays. Koh Phayam is one of Thailand’s last easygoing islands, a place where days drift between swim, snack, and sunset without the hurry of big resorts or traffic. It still feels refreshingly old-school in all the right ways. Best for travelers who like it simple … Read more

Koh Lipe – The Maldives of Thailand: Complete Travel Guide

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Koh Lipe has earned the nickname the “Maldives of Thailand” — and for good reason. With its powdery white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and easygoing vibe, this little island in Satun Province is a dream escape in Thailand’s far south. Despite its small size, Koh Lipe manages to offer something for everyone: backpackers love the … Read more

Koh Kood Travel Guide: Best Beaches, Where to Stay & How to Get There

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Blissfully undeveloped—Koh Kood is Thailand’s last low-key island escape Think white-sand coves, coconut groves, and waterfall swims—with almost no crowds. This guide covers the best beaches, stays, food spots, and the practical steps to reach Koh Kood without the guesswork. Why Visit Koh Kood? Koh Kood (also spelled Ko Kut) is the quietest of the … Read more

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

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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