Planning to travel in Thailand and wondering how to get around like a local? In this episode of Local Secrets Thailand, we dive into renting a songthaew in Thailand—the iconic red or blue shared pickup truck that doubles as a budget-friendly taxi.

You’ll learn:

• What a songthaew is and how it works 🚐

• The real costs of renting a songthaew (daily hire vs. short rides) 💰

• Tips for negotiating with drivers so you don’t overpay

• When renting a songthaew makes sense vs. just hopping on a ride

• The best places in Thailand to use songthaews (Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and more)

If you’ve ever searched for Thailand transport tips, cheap ways to get around Thailand, or wondered about public transport in Phuket and Chiang Mai, this episode is for you. Learn how locals do it, save money, and explore Thailand stress-free.

👉 Hit play to unlock Thailand’s local transport secrets!

Thinking about renting a motorbike in Thailand? 🛵 It’s the easiest way to explore, but it can also be one of the biggest travel traps. In this episode of Local Secrets Thailand, I break down everything you need to know before you hand over your passport and the keys — from choosing the right rental shop, avoiding scams, dealing with police checks, to staying safe on the road.

Whether it’s your first time in Phuket or you’re heading off to the islands, this quick guide will help you rent with confidence and ride like a local.

Tensions on the Thailand–Cambodia border have flared into the most serious conflict in decades.

In this special update, Local Secrets Thailand host David Hibbins unpacks:

• The century‑old dispute over the Preah Vihear temple

• What triggered the deadly skirmishes in May 2025

• Reports of newly planted land mines and escalating attacks

• Why Thai F‑16 jets and artillery are now in action

• What travelers really need to know if they’re visiting Thailand

Think Thailand is all smiles and sunshine? It is — until you fall for a tuk-tuk tour that ends in a gem shop. In this episode of Local Secrets Thailand, David from Resurgence Travel breaks down 6 of the most common tourist scams (including the infamous bar girl love trap and the mysterious disappearing temple).

Ever stared at a sizzling Thai street food stall, stomach growling, but had no idea what to order — or how to ask? In this first episode of Local Secrets Thailand, host David Hibbins drops you straight into the sensory chaos of a Patong night market to show you exactly how to navigate street food without a menu, without fear, and without getting scammed.

From pointing like a pro to using simple Thai phrases (and reading the vendor’s vibes), this 10-minute crash course is packed with practical tips, cultural cues, and a few market sounds to transport you right into the action.

🎤 Recorded on location.
🍜 Powered by real-world travel, not guidebooks.
🌶️ Spicy food optional — confidence required.