- Thailand Travel
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,…
- Visa Information
Why Thailand got stricter and more welcoming at the same time
A student walked into my gym last year with a plastic bag of documents and a look I’ve seen before. His language school had closed. Not temporarily. Gone. Immigration had pulled his student visa along with thousands of others, and he had a few weeks to either leave the country or find a legitimate program. He’d been in Thailand for…
- International Education
Looking for the Best Film School in Thailand? Bangkok University launches new international filmmaking programme
Bangkok University is promoting its Film, Series, and Global Content Production and Business programme as a practical route for aspiring filmmakers as Thailand’s film and streaming industries expand. The programme is positioned as an industry-aligned option designed to reflect contemporary production realities and the demands of the global content market. The programme is structured around an integrated production workflow rather…
- Food
Cuisine Solutions celebrates the 9th International Sous-Vide Day in Bangkok
Cuisine Solutions, the global leader in sous-vide cooking, celebrated the 9th edition of International Sous-Vide Day. This is an unmissable event for gastronomy enthusiasts and culinary professionals worldwide and across three cities. This international celebration kicked off in Los Angeles, then in Levallois-Perret (France), before moving to Bangkok on January 30, marking the key Asia event in this global culinary…
- Food
Brunch Club returns to VIU in 2026
VIU, located on Level 12 of The St. Regis Bangkok, is delighted to invite guests to the first Brunch Club of 2026. Led by Executive Chef Matteo Fontana of The St. Regis Bangkok, this one-day-only Signature Sunday Brunch will feature eight Disciple Escoffier of Thailand. Each chef will showcase their signature dishes in homage to Auguste Escoffier, the legendary “father…
- Visa Information
DTV Thailand Visa 2026: Guide to the new regulatory framework
The DTV Thailand Visa 2026 is Thailand’s official long-term visa framework designed for remote professionals, freelancers, and internationally active entrepreneurs earning income from abroad. As regulatory standards tighten and immigration policies evolve, the DTV Thailand Visa 2026 provides a structured and legally coherent solution for foreign nationals seeking an extended stay in Thailand. On February 11, the Thai government formally…
- Guides
Six quiet Thai provinces for a comfortable, slower way of life
Expats arriving in Thailand often gravitate toward Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, or, in some cases, Pattaya, as these have long been the default choice for those looking to relocate. But these quiet Thai provinces offer something the tourist hubs simply can’t: genuine slow living without sacrificing the infrastructure that makes long-term life manageable and worthwhile. Across the country, university cities,…
- Lifestyle
Valentine’s vows take to the skies for 14 couples at Singha Park’s Balloon Fiesta 2026
Fourteen couples marked Valentine’s Day by registering their marriage during a hot air balloon experience at the Singha Park International Balloon Fiesta 2026 in Chiang Rai province. The activity, titled “Balloon Love: Sky-High Marriage Registration and Love Confession,” is one of the festival’s highlight events and forms part of what organisers describe as the largest international balloon festival in ASEAN.…
- Events
THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA 2026 positions Thailand at the centre of Asia’s HoReCa industry
The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), and Koelnmesse (KM) have announced the return of THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA 2026, a leading international trade exhibition for the hotel, restaurant, café, and catering (HoReCa) industry. The event will take place from March 11 to 13, 2026, at Challenger Halls 1 and 2, IMPACT Exhibition and…
- Events
ICONSIAM marks Chinese New Year 2026 with a spectacle and star-studded performances
ICONSIAM, the landmark destination on the Chao Phraya River, is joining hands with major public and private partners to host a large-scale Chinese New Year 2026 celebration, aimed at boosting Thai–Chinese tourism and positioning Bangkok as a global festive destination. The event, ICONSIAM A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026, will take place from February 12 to 17, 2026, at River…
- Automotive
Daimler Truck appoints CIBB as official distributor for Thailand’s Mercedes-Benz trucks & buses
Daimler Truck, a global leader in commercial vehicles, has announced the appointment of Chance Inter Business Body Builder Co., Ltd. (CIBB) as the official general distributor of Mercedes-Benz trucks and buses in Thailand. The move is part of a major organisational restructuring introduced to separate the management of the Mercedes-Benz and FUSO brands more effectively, enhancing operational agility and supporting long-term…
- Guides
15 Valentine’s Day gift ideas for expats in Thailand
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and let’s be honest, this February 15, flowers and a box of chocolates, as tried and true as they are, won’t cut it anymore. Valentine’s Day in Thailand means access to experiences most couples back home can only dream about, from island getaways to gifts you won’t find anywhere else, oftentimes at a fraction of…
- Health
BDMS Wellness Clinic backs push to turn Thailand into global wellness powerhouse
Thailand has unveiled a major public-private initiative to position itself as a global hub for health and wellness tourism. The newly launched programme, Wellness Hub Thailand, The Land of Life: The Journey Within, was announced by Chuwit Sirivajjakul, Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), alongside Dr Tanupol Virunhagarun, CEO of BDMS Wellness Clinic…
- Food
Baia Bangkok brings Italian dining and nightlife together on Sukhumvit Soi 11
Baia, a new Italian restaurant and dining club, opened in October 2025 in the heart of Bangkok’s vibrant Sukhumvit Soi 11, introducing a concept where refined Italian cuisine seamlessly transforms into an energetic nightlife experience. The 130-seat venue, featuring both indoor dining and terrace seating, offers guests an elevated culinary journey that evolves as the evening progresses. What begins as…
- Food
Celebrate Valentine’s 2026 with Thai herbs, spices four regions of love at Blue Elephant restaurants
This Valentine’s Day, February 14, Saturday, Blue Elephant invites lovers to embark on an extraordinary culinary journey inspired by the ancient Thai belief that herbs and spices nourish not only the body, but also the heart and spirit. Blue Elephant’s exclusive Valentine’s Menu, especially curated by Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, Founder & Executive Chef of the Blue Elephant Group,…
- Visa Information
The case for structure: Why some trainees still choose the Education Visa over the DTV
Disclosure: Muay Thai Visa Thailand (MTVT) operates through Sor.Dechapant Muay Thai School in Bangkok. They earn revenue from training enrollment and visa documentation services. This piece reflects their operational experience working with Muay Thai DTV visa, Muay Thai Education (ED) visa, and Digital Nomad Visa Thailand applicants. Ministry of Education License: สช.กร. 00025/2568. Everyone wants to talk about the Destination…
- Health
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…
- Health
Why high-functioning professionals are seeking private recovery instead of group rehab
A growing number of high-functioning professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, and senior leaders are choosing private, one-on-one recovery programs over traditional group rehabilitation facilities. As workplace burnout reaches epidemic levels and the stigma around mental health challenges persists in corporate environments, many are discovering that confidential, personalised treatment offers a path to sustainable wellness that group settings cannot provide. Prana Bali, an…
- Things To Do
Bangkok Design Week 2026 opens as Southeast Asia’s largest creative platform
The Creative Economy Agency (CEA) and partners officially opened Bangkok Design Week 2026 (BKKDW2026), Southeast Asia’s largest design festival. Now in its ninth edition, this year’s event is held under the theme “DESIGN S/O/S,” signalling that design serves as a solution to multidimensional challenges amid widespread crises across economic, environmental, social, and quality-of-life issues, while also elevating the city to…
- Health
Self-care on every corner: How convenience stores in Thailand have evolved into health hubs
Thailand is well-known for its Wats (Buddhist temples), breathtaking beaches and islands, and vibrant night bazaars. Yet one feature often overlooked is our convenience stores. Although not one of our cultural monuments, with more than 14,000 outlets nationwide as of 2024 – among the highest densities per capita globally – these stores have become iconic landmarks in their own right.…
- Sports News
England brings it home in Reignwood Icons Of Football 2026
England has retained the Icons Series Trophy, emerging victorious at the 2026 Reignwood Icons of Football. In a day defined by immense pressure, Team England finished the afternoon singles with a single-point 20-19 victory over a resilient Team World. The final session had fans worldwide on the edge of their seats as Team World launched a valiant fightback to erase…
- Digital Marketing
A crash course on Thailand market entry in 2026
Thailand’s market entry landscape in 2026 demands understanding beyond digital metrics. As AI integration becomes standard operational practice and e-commerce matures into habitual consumer behaviour, success depends on cultural fluency, regulatory compliance, and local partnerships. In this guide, AJ Marketing examines the playbook for 2026, analysing the tools, platforms, and trends shaping Thailand’s commercial landscape. On this page Section Short…
- Politics News
Astrologer predicts Thailand’s next prime minister for 2026 Election
Astrological prediction becomes especially compelling when applied to unprecedented political situations, particularly when forecasts must be made before an actual term of office begins. According to JD Mukkarji, a scientific astrologer residing in Bangkok, unlike recurring events such as annual or biennial sports tournaments, where patterns are relatively easier to track, political transitions often lack predictable cycles. Events that occur…
- Events
Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok hosts Bangkok Design Week 2026
Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok, in collaboration with the Bang Rak District Office, is honoured to be selected as one of the principal venues for Bangkok Design Week 2026 (BKKDW 2026). Organised by the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organisation) (CEA), the international creative festival will take place from January 29 to February 8 under the theme “Design S/O/S.” Bangkok Design Week…
- Visa Information
How to secure your Muay Thai DTV visa without the risk
A note to readers: This is commentary from Muay Thai Visa Thailand (MTVT), which provides enrollment in Muay Thai training and documentation support for the Muay Thai DTV visa and Muay Thai ED visa for international trainees. They earn revenue when clients purchase Muay Thai training and documentation services connected to visa applications. MTVT operates through Sor.Dechapant Muay Thai School,…
- Sports News
Last chance for tickets! Football’s global giants descend on Bangkok this weekend for Reignwood Icons of Football
The wait is almost over for sports fans in Thailand as the world’s most iconic footballers touch down in Bangkok to trade their boots for golf clubs. The Reignwood Icons of Football takes place this Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1, at the prestigious Robinswood Golf Club, where Team England will face Team World in a high-stakes golf showdown.…
- Property
Etro Residences Phuket hits 830,000 Thai baht per square metre shattering island sales records
Etro Residences Phuket has made an explosive debut, setting a new per square metre sales record just days after launch. Located within the prestigious Gardens of Eden development in Bangtao, the ultra-limited collection achieved prices of 830,000 Thai baht (US$26,350) per square metre, more than four times Phuket’s branded residence average, and the highest on the island. Launched on January…
- Sports News
Danny Willett and Thomas Bjørn announced as captains for Reignwood Icons of Football 2026
The Icons Series has confirmed that Masters Champion Danny Willett and Ryder Cup icon Thomas Bjørn will lead the two rival teams for the 2026 Reignwood Icons of Football at Robinswood Golf Club, Bangkok. Taking place from January 31 to February 1, the event sees Team England’s Danny Willett, a former Masters champion, make his Icons Series debut as Captain,…
- Things To Do
EDC Thailand announces new December dates following strong early-year momentum
Following the success of EDC 2026, held just last week from January 16 to 18, Future Vibes, the developer and operator of international music festivals in Thailand, together with Insomniac, the global dance music experience curator and creator of Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), announced the return of EDC Thailand for its third edition. The festival will move from its traditional…
- Food
An exclusive 6-Hands Experience unites three visionary chefs at Blue by Alain Ducasse
Blue by Alain Ducasse, the one-Michelin-starred French restaurant located at ICONLUXE, 1st Floor, ICONSIAM, hosted an extraordinary 6-Hands Experience on January 19, welcoming three award-winning culinary talents for a collaborative dining experience defined by artistry, connection, and emotion. The event featured Chef Evens López, Executive Chef of Blue by Alain Ducasse, who has built an impressive international career across several…
