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Find your people. Photography, Arts, Books, Cinema and More — Organised by Location.
One of the things that catches new arrivals off guard is how well-organised the expat hobby and interest group scene is in Thailand's main cities. Photography clubs, book clubs with hundreds of members, writing groups, art classes, cinema societies, birdwatching outings, hiking clubs — the infrastructure for a full social and creative life exists and is genuinely active.
This page lists verified active groups across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya, organised by location and category. All groups listed have been confirmed as active as of March 2026.
How we list groups:
Where a group's primary presence is on Meetup.com, that link is provided. Facebook-only groups are noted but links are not provided — THAIBK does not link to Facebook as a primary community resource. Group status changes, so always confirm before turning up.
One of the largest and most active English-language book clubs in Southeast Asia with over 2,700 members. Meets monthly to discuss a pre-selected English-language fiction or non-fiction title. Friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Separate 'Coffee to Cover' intimate discussion sessions also available.
Visit GroupInformal monthly meetup at IKEA Sukhumvit cafe, every Saturday at 10:30am. Drop-in format — bring whatever you are currently reading and chat with fellow readers. No set title, no pressure, good for new arrivals looking for a relaxed first step into the Bangkok expat social scene.
Visit GroupMonthly fiction book club focused on literature that has stood the test of time — the classics of world literature rather than contemporary releases. 250 members. More intellectually focused than the larger Bangkok Book Club.
Visit GroupBook club focused on short stories and novellas — ideal for busy expats who cannot commit to a full novel each month. Meets at restaurants around Bangkok, rotating venues. Relaxed atmosphere, good food.
Visit GroupFree monthly spoken word open mic held at The Standard Bangkok, every 4th Thursday of the month. Live poetry, DJ sets, and a genuinely creative community atmosphere. Open to performers and audience alike. One of Bangkok's most distinctive cultural community events.
Visit GroupRegular craft and creative meetup — the name is self-deprecating, the community is genuine. Meets every third Wednesday. Brings together expats with an interest in making things — no experience required and no judgement on output.
Facebook Only - Search 'Crappy Crafters Bangkok'127-member writers group for expats and English-language writers in Bangkok. Regular meetups for readings, feedback sessions, and craft discussions. Open to fiction, non-fiction, and all genres. A practical resource for those working on longer writing projects.
Visit GroupProfessional-led photography workshops covering street photography, market shooting, and night photography across Bangkok's most photogenic districts. Designed for hobbyists and experienced photographers who want to improve.
Visit GroupMonthly discussion group covering philosophy texts and classic literature. 50 members. More intellectually demanding than a standard book club. Meets regularly in central Bangkok.
Visit GroupBoard game and tabletop gaming group with over 500 members — the largest gaming community in Bangkok. Meets weekly. Welcoming to new members and visitors. Broad range of games from casual to complex.
Visit GroupChiang Mai has one of the most organised expat hobby group scenes in Thailand, centred on the Chiang Mai Expats Club (CEC) and its affiliated Local Groups.
One of the longest-established expat photography groups in Thailand. Meets every other Wednesday. Aims to develop members' picture-taking skills through sharing, mutual support, and an informal atmosphere.
Visit GroupActive Meetup group for photography, video, editing, and content creation. Regular camera walks around Chiang Mai — participants shoot together, give feedback, and socialise. Open to all ages and levels.
Visit GroupFriendly, mixed group meeting at a member's home on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Books selected democratically a few months in advance across all genres.
Visit GroupMonthly gathering where members read five to six minutes of their own work — or favourite pieces by others — to a group of peers. One rule: practise your piece aloud before you come.
Visit GroupOrganises birdwatching outings at least monthly around the Chiang Mai area. Regular trips to Doi Inthanon, Doi Lang, and Doi Angkhang. Open to all experience levels.
Visit GroupSpecial interest group focused on technology and communication. Has met face-to-face every Tuesday lunchtime for over 20 years — one of the most established expat groups in northern Thailand.
Visit GroupA major national contemporary art event currently running across 19 venues island-wide, from Phuket Town to coastal sites, until 30 April 2026. Free to most venues. An excellent entry point into Phuket's art community.
Visit GroupThe primary organised expat social club on the island, hosting regular events, socials, and interest group meetups. The best starting point for new arrivals in Phuket looking to find specific hobby groups.
Visit GroupThe primary expat club in Pattaya with a long track record of organising regular social events, interest group meetings, and community activities. Regular Wednesday lunches and a range of affiliated interest groups.
Visit GroupIf you run an expat hobby group in Thailand that is not listed here, submit it to us. We verify all submissions before listing and do not charge for inclusion.
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