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During this trip to Phuket, I chose the AIS Lucky Tourist SIM to stay connected, and it turned out to be a fantastic decision. Known as Thailand’s No. 1 fastest network, AIS provides excellent 5G high-speed internet, seamless social app usage, and call services, ensuring that travelers have a hassle-free mobile experience. Whether for navigation, keeping in touch with loved ones, or sharing travel moments online, this SIM card offers reliable and instant connectivity.

Why AIS Lucky Tourist SIM?
AIS is a well-established telecom provider in Thailand, offering unlimited high-speed data, making it a preferred choice for many travelers. With access to popular social apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, LINE, Instagram, and TikTok, you won’t have to worry about running out of data while updating your trip highlights. The package also includes free calls within the AIS network, unlimited AIS Super WiFi, and additional call credit for international calls.

Where to Get Your AIS Lucky Tourist SIM?
Getting the AIS Lucky Tourist SIM is extremely convenient. Upon arrival at Phuket International Airport, you can find the official AIS dealer counter after the baggage claim area. The friendly staff will guide you through the SIM installation or eSIM activation, making sure you’re connected in no time.

How to Get It?
Purchasing and activating the AIS Lucky Tourist SIM is a simple process:

Find the AIS Official Dealer Counter – Located at the main lobby of the International Arrival Hall.
Choose Your Preferred Package – Various plans are available, depending on your travel needs.
Provide Your Passport & Make Payment – Passport registration is required for activation.
Insert the SIM or Activate eSIM – The AIS staff will help with setup.
Immediate Connectivity – Once activated, your internet and call services will be ready to use.

Available Packages & Pricing
AIS offers a range of tourist SIM packages suited for different travel durations:

90 Days (Best Value) – 1,599 Baht
Unlimited data at maximum speed, free AIS network calls, 100 Baht bonus for all networks and international calls via 0030, unlimited AIS Super WiFi, and free access to social apps.
30 Days – 1,199 Baht
Unlimited data at maximum speed, free AIS network calls, 100 Baht bonus for all networks and international calls via 0030, unlimited AIS Super WiFi, and free access to social apps.
15 Days (Best Seller) – 699 Baht
Unlimited data at maximum speed, free AIS network calls, 100 Baht bonus for all networks and international calls via 0030, unlimited AIS Super WiFi, and free access to social apps.
8 Days (Recommended) – 449 Baht
Unlimited data at maximum speed, free AIS network calls, 100 Baht bonus for all networks and international calls via 0030, unlimited AIS Super WiFi, and free access to social apps.
5 Days – 349 Baht (I took this package!)
Unlimited data at maximum speed, free AIS network calls, 100 Baht bonus for all networks and international calls via 0030, unlimited AIS Super WiFi, and free access to social apps.
1 Day – 49 Baht
1GB of 5G/4G data at 10 Mbps, calls to all networks at 1.07 Baht per minute, and free access to social apps.

Each package includes unlimited data, free AIS calls, bonus international call credits, and unlimited social app usage.

Additional Information
Customer Support: For any inquiries or assistance, you can contact the AIS Call Center at 1175, with English-speaking operators available to help.

eSIM Support: For compatible devices, AIS offers eSIM options, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card, like mine. The staff at the airport counter assisted me with the activation process, seamlessly.

Top-Up Options: Should you need to extend your plan or add more credit, top-up services are available through the myAIS app, online channels, AIS shops nationwide, and select retailers.

Always Connected Throughout My Stay in Phuket
Based on my experience with AIS, I found it incredibly convenient and seamless. The coverage was extensive, and the high-speed connection remained stable throughout my stay in Phuket—even when I was island-hopping and exploring the forest on a canopy walk! If you’re visiting Thailand and need a reliable, fast, and budget-friendly mobile connection, the AIS Lucky Tourist SIM is an excellent choice. It keeps you connected effortlessly from the moment you arrive until the end of your journey.

For latest update, check out their official website: https://www.ais.th/en/consumers/package/international/tourist-plan
FB: https://www.facebook.com/AIS/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/aisinstagram

Food & Drink, Travel

3 Reasons You Should Visit Ma Doo Bua Cafe in Phuket

March 30, 2025 dixonthum

Looking for a unique café experience in Phuket that blends stunning visuals, delicious Thai cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere? Ma Doo Bua Cafe is a must-visit destination that offers more than just food and coffee — it’s a full-on Instagram-worthy experience you won’t forget.

Whether you’re a foodie, a photo enthusiast, or just seeking a great spot to relax with friends and family, here are 3 compelling reasons to visit Ma Doo Bua Cafe in Phuket.

#1 Unmissable Photo Spot with Giant Victoria Water Lilies
Ma Doo Bua Cafe is famous for its iconic pond filled with massive Victoria water lilies, creating a surreal, picture-perfect backdrop. Visitors can walk alongside the pond or even hop on a traditional boat for a drone photoshoot session, capturing unique aerial shots that are sure to wow your followers.

You can either take your own photos for free or book a professional drone session right at the café. It’s one of Phuket’s most popular photo locations — and for good reason.

📸 Pro Tips: Visit in the early morning or golden hour for the best lighting and fewer crowds. However, those professional drone sessions fill up fast, so the earlier you reach the cafe, the higher your chances of securing a spot. Also, for outfit, go for colours like cream, beige, Persian blue, ivory white, or mustard yellow — they complement the green and orange backdrop beautifully and make you stand out in your shots.

#2 Wide Range of Food & Drinks on the Menu
Whether you’re craving a refreshing drink, a sweet treat, or a hearty Thai meal, Ma Doo Bua Cafe has something for everyone. Their menu features:

Refreshing beverages like iced Thai tea, smoothies, and tropical fruit drinks
Decadent desserts, from mango sticky rice to chocolate lava cake
Savoury Thai and fusion dishes, including pad Thai, curries, pasta, and more

The beautifully presented dishes are not only delicious but also photogenic, making your dining experience even more enjoyable.

🍹 Don’t miss their signature butterfly pea drinks and fresh coconut!

#3 Perfect Spot to Relax with Friends & Family
Ma Doo Bua Cafe isn’t just about the visuals — it’s also a spacious, family-friendly venue with plenty of seating options both indoors and outdoors. Whether you’re coming as a couple, with kids, or in a large group, you’ll find ample space to chill, chat, and enjoy the scenery.

There’s even a kids’ zone and shaded areas, making it a relaxing hangout spot for all ages.

🧘‍♀️ The peaceful garden setting and koi ponds add to the relaxing vibe — perfect for slow travel days in Phuket.

📍Ma Doo Bua Cafe
310 51 M.1 Baandon-Cherngtalay Rd Tambon Thep Krasatti, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Operating hours: Open daily from 9AM – 9PM
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Maadoobua.Phuket/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/madoobua.phuket

If you’re planning a trip to Phuket and want to experience a café that offers visual charm, great food, and a relaxed vibe, Ma Doo Bua Cafe should be at the top of your list. It’s the perfect place to capture memories, enjoy authentic Thai flavors, and spend quality time with your loved ones.

Food & Drink

Celebrate Raya 2025 with The Chicken Rice Shop’s Hikayat Ayam Zamrud & Refreshing Lagenda Kurma Drink

March 29, 2025 dixonthum

As the sacred month of Ramadan begins and Aidilfitri approaches, Malaysians across the nation come together to reflect, give thanks, and share moments of joy with loved ones. In the spirit of togetherness, The Chicken Rice Shop (TCRS) proudly introduces its latest seasonal masterpiece — Hikayat Ayam Zamrud, a limited-time menu item inspired by the rich flavours of tradition and culture. This special dish is a perfect companion for your buka puasa (breaking fast) and Raya celebrations, combining taste, warmth, and nostalgia in every bite.

I recently tried the Hikayat Ayam Zamrud, and it’s more than just a meal — it’s a rich culinary tale told through every bite. This hearty dish features perfectly golden-fried, juicy chicken paired with fragrant rice and a warm, comforting bowl of soup. What truly elevates the dish is the bold and aromatic sambal hijau — a local Malaysian favourite. Made from a fragrant blend of herbs, fresh green chilies, and a zesty hint of lime, the sambal delivers a balanced punch of spice and freshness that lingers on your palate. As someone who savours bold, Malaysian-style flavours, I thoroughly enjoyed the harmony of textures and spices in this dish. The crispy exterior of the chicken contrasts beautifully with its tender, juicy interior, and the aroma of the rice alone sets the tone for a fulfilling meal. To top it all off, the special-edition Lagenda Kurma drink — sweet and refreshing — is the perfect finish to the meal, offering a cool escape after a spicy, savoury experience.

In the true spirit of Ramadan, TCRS is also giving back to the community. As part of its ongoing commitment to social responsibility, The Chicken Rice Shop is extending heartfelt support by delivering hearty, nourishing Hikayat Ayam Zamrud meals to local orphanages in the Klang Valley through special food donation initiatives. The three orphanages are Rumah Anak-Anak Yatim Shifa, Rumah Penyayang Nur Iman, and Rumah Titian Kaseh. This generous effort reminds us all of the values that make Ramadan meaningful — compassion, gratitude, and giving.

Join in the celebration by trying Hikayat Ayam Zamrud, available now for a limited time at all The Chicken Rice Shop outlets nationwide. Don’t miss the chance to experience this festive culinary creation while supporting a noble cause.

Follow The Chicken Rice Shop on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and their official website for the latest updates, promotions, and more feel-good food stories this Raya season.

Food & Drink, Travel

8/5 Runway Cafe Phuket – Best Plane Spotting Cafe Near Phuket Airport

March 28, 2025 dixonthum

I just got back from an amazing trip to Phuket, Thailand, and I’m excited to share some of the most interesting places I visited. First up on my list is a truly unique café experience you won’t want to miss — 8/5 Runway Cafe.

This cozy little café is located right next to the runway of Phuket International Airport (HKT), and yes — you can actually see it from the airplane window as you land. It’s that close! For aviation enthusiasts, travel lovers, or anyone looking for a cool new hangout spot, 8/5 Runway Cafe offers something out of the ordinary: the thrill of sipping your drink while planes roar overhead, landing just a stone’s throw away.

The atmosphere is laid-back and intimate, with a small seating area that keeps things peaceful. Despite its size, the café is incredibly popular with photography lovers and plane spotters, many of whom come here to capture the perfect shot of low-flying aircraft. You’ll often see people setting up cameras or just relaxing with their phones pointed toward the sky.

The menu has something for everyone. If you’re into sweets, try their cakes, muffins, croissants, puffs, or even ice cream. For drinks, they serve a variety of coffee, tea, smoothies, and more — perfect for cooling down on a hot Phuket day or perking up before a flight. My friends and I had Dalgona coffee, iced caramel latte, iced Thai milk tea, banana chocolate cake and chocolate lava cake.

There’s ample parking space, making it easy for both locals and tourists to drop by. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the barista speaks English well, so communication is smooth and easy even if you’re not fluent in Thai.

Minimum spend is 80THB per person, paid as an entrance fee at the ground floor counter. This amount can be fully redeemed for food and beverages at the upstairs café. You can also top up if you’d like to order more.

5 safety tips when visiting:
1. Do not climb and always keep clear from Airport Security Fence.
2. No flash camera.
3. No drone or any unmanned aircraft (UAV).
4. No laser.
5. No balloon & sky lantern.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxed café with a twist, a scenic photo spot, or simply a good coffee with a view, 8/5 Runway Cafe in Phuket is definitely worth a visit.

📍8/5 Runway Cafe
8/5 ถนนเรียบรันเวย์ Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Operating hours: 9AM – 6:30PM
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/47u4PL3rtM2Fb9fr9
FB: 8/5 Runway Cafe

Lifestyle, My Personal

Blind Boxes: Fun Collectibles or a Modern-Day Addiction?

March 15, 2025 dixonthum

Blind boxes have taken the world by storm, with stores like Pop Mart, Top Toy, and others dominating the collectible market. Popular characters such as Labubu, Crybaby, Sanrio Hello Kitty & Kuromi, and Disney’s Princesses, these mystery boxes create excitement with every unboxing. But are they just a fun hobby, or is society falling into a psychological trap?

How Blind Boxes Work
Before we proceed further, let’s talk about how blind boxes work. Blind boxes operate on a mystery-based purchase model, where buyers receive a sealed package without knowing the exact item inside. Each series consists of a set number of figures, often including common, rare, and ultra-rare editions. Collectors may buy multiple boxes to try and complete a full set, but since items are randomized, they often end up with duplicates—leading to either more purchases or trading with other collectors.

The Thrill Behind Blind Boxes
Blind boxes work on a simple yet powerful concept: you don’t know what you’re getting until you open the package. This element of surprise taps into human psychology, triggering a dopamine rush similar to gambling. The idea of chasing rare figures makes the experience even more thrilling, pushing people to buy more in hopes of completing their collection.

How Blind Boxes Affect Children

Instant Gratification & Dopamine Dependency – Kids experience a rush of happiness when opening a blind box, reinforcing a need for constant surprises.
Emotional Regulation Issues – Not getting the desired figure can lead to frustration, tantrums, or disappointment.
Unrealistic Spending Habits – Many children don’t understand the value of money and may repeatedly ask parents to buy more.
Peer Pressure & Social Influence – Seeing friends or influencers collect popular characters like Labubu or Crybaby can make kids feel left out, pushing them to want more.

The Impact on Adults

Dopamine Addiction & Financial Strain – Many adults justify excessive spending as a “hobby” but end up buying blind boxes compulsively.
Gambling-Like Behaviour – The random reward system encourages repeated purchases, much like slot machines.
Stress & Anxiety – The fear of missing out (FOMO) and frustration of not getting rare items can cause anxiety.
Social Media Pressure – Unboxing videos from influencers fuel consumerism, making collectors feel the need to show off their purchases.

When Does It Become A Problem?
While collecting blind boxes is not inherently bad, it becomes a problem when:

You spend beyond your budget, chasing a rare Labubu or Crybaby figure.
You experience stress or anxiety over missing out.
You buy more out of frustration instead of enjoyment.

Finding A Healthy Balance
To enjoy blind boxes without falling into an unhealthy cycle:
✔ Set a budget – Decide how much you’re willing to spend each month.
✔ Trade or resell duplicates – Platforms and communities allow swapping figures instead of overspending.
✔ Enjoy the experience, not just the outcome – Appreciate the thrill of collecting rather than just the rarest pieces.
✔ Educate children on money management – Help kids understand that blind boxes are a luxury, not a necessity.

Conclusion
So do you think this hobby is harmless fun or dangerous obsession? Blind boxes offer excitement and joy, but when unchecked, they can lead to financial stress, addiction, and anxiety. Whether you love Labubu, Crybaby, Sanrio characters, or Disney’s princesses collectibles, it’s essential to enjoy the hobby responsibly. Set limits, trade wisely, and remember—collecting should bring happiness, not stress!

Do you love blind boxes and which character is your favourite? Share your thoughts in the comments!