Rob’s Thai Roving Report

People are often surprised when I mention that one of my hobbies in Thailand is cricket. Even more so when I explain that some Thais play, and the sport is becoming increasingly popular with youngsters. Expats help coach and attend tournaments around the country, with touring teams participating. The Koh Chang Beach Cricket Tournament is among the most popular events.

It doesn’t matter where a football fan is located around the world. The arrival of a new season brings expectation, excitement and hope, and supporters in Thailand are no different. This year, however, they have to wait slightly longer for domestic football to get underway, with the Thailand national team involved in the ASEAN Championship. So what is in store in 2026-27?

For some people, a trip to Thailand is something they have been looking forward to for months or even years. Once the flights are booked and the excitement starts to build, a few nerves and questions are perfectly normal. What should I pack? What will the weather be like? Will I be able to communicate? What is Thai food really like? How do I get from the airport to my hotel? After many years of visiting Thailand and now living here permanently, these are some of the practical things I've learned that can make a first visit easier — and hopefully give you a little more peace of mind before you set off.

My wife Taew and I had been to the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival twice before. While we'd enjoyed both visits, we wanted to experience the nighttime celebrations to complete the picture. So, in July 2026, we booked a hotel and turned it into a 24-hour adventure by adding a few other attractions along the way.