Chiang Mai News
Stay up-to-date with the latest news from the charming and historic city of Chiang Mai with The Thaiger. Our team of seasoned journalists brings you breaking news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive stories from this fascinating city, covering a diverse range of topics, including local politics, business, culture, and tourism. Keep yourself informed about the city’s rich history, vibrant arts scene, and thriving expat community, as well as updates on events, attractions, and transportation.
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Sponsored Why is Bangkok's air quality so bad?
Imagine waking up early in Bangkok and you see all the beautiful morning fog from your balcony, but as you sip your coffee you realise it's just Bangkok's air pollution that's making the sun rise aesthetic. Ranked as the 36th...
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New tree species unearthed in Thai Geopark
Researchers from Chiang Mai University have uncovered a brand-new species of Ylang Ylang, or cananga tree, at the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark. Dubbed “Chalermprakiat” in honour of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday, this discovery is set to shake the botanical world. Ylang Ylang, a tropical tree known for its fragrant flowers, is typically found in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia,…
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Thailand’s oldest oilfield to get 300 million baht redevelopment
Thailand’s oldest oilfield is set for redevelopment with a budget of 300 million baht, as announced by the Defence Energy Department’s Northern Petroleum Development Centre (NPDC). The redevelopment plan of Fang Oilfield in Chiang Mai includes upgrading the oil refinery to Euro5 standards, enabling it to produce lower-sulphur diesel that is safe for car engines, according to Montri Jeennakorn, director…
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Chiang Mai used car dealers rev up amid economic turmoil
Chiang Mai’s used car dealerships are on the brink of collapse as they battle economic woes and intense price wars. The once-thriving market is now a battleground, with many dealerships shutting their doors while the survivors cling on by the skin of their teeth. The surge in repossessed vehicles and stricter financing regulations have only added fuel to the fire.…
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Viral video reveals flaws in Chiang Mai homestay (video)
A young man’s review of a homestay in Huay Kub Kab, Chiang Mai, has gone viral on social media, revealing numerous flaws in the accommodation, from an insecure lock to gaps in the roof. The video was intended as a humorous take on his experience. Nutthakorn (surname withheld) and his friends had travelled to Huay Kub Kab, Chiang Mai, to…
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YouTubers’ motorbikes spotted on Chiang Mai route on Google
Google Street View captured two stylish motorbikes on the Chiang Mai–Mae Hong Son route, instantly recognised by netizens as belonging to popular YouTubers. The sighting has delighted fans who spotted their idols on the virtual map. Google Street View vehicles, known for capturing 360-degree panoramic images of locations for Google Maps, have a reputation for documenting everything in their path.…
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Senior Thai judge transferred after molestation accusation on train
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court urgently transferred a senior judge following accusations of molesting a female court officer on a sleeper train. A high-ranking source within the judiciary revealed the incident occurred during a staff development activity. The female officer lodged a complaint against the senior judge, who belongs to a major court in Bangkok, following the incident…
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Two South Korean illegal tour guides arrested in Chiang Mai
Two South Korean nationals working illegally as tour guides in Chiang Mai have been arrested by the Royal Thai Immigration Bureau. Thai immigration detained the suspects, identified as 50 year old Han and 41 year old Kim, on a local road in Chiang Mai City. The arrests were made after immigration officers received tips from concerned citizens about their illegal…
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Deputy headteacher found dead in car after 13-day search
Police confirmed the tragic discovery of a missing deputy headteacher, found dead in his car under a bridge in Chiang Mai after a 13-day search. The man, identified as 43 year old Ruchakorn Jaisanti, had been missing since June 16. Ruchakorn, also known as Bank, served as the deputy headteacher at San Pa Yang Nom School and the acting headteacher…
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Chiang Mai lottery enthusiasts speculate on singer’s lucky numbers
The excitement around the upcoming lottery draw on Sunday has reached a fever pitch in Chiang Mai, with many eagerly hunting for tickets featuring the most sought-after numbers, particularly those associated with the late singer Phumphuang Duangchan. Lottery stalls across various key locations, including Chiang Mai Gate, Arcade Bus Station, the railway station, Mahidol Road in Mueang District, and Chiang…
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Trunk call: Monk leads project to build elephant shelter in Chiang Mai
Renowned monk Phra Kru Odd called upon elephant enthusiasts to join a significant initiative to construct a shelter for elephants of the Saen family in Chiang Mai. The project aims to protect the elephants from harsh weather conditions and is estimated to cost 1 million baht, taking one full year to complete. Phra Kru Odd, associated with Wat Chedi Luang…
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Brew discovery: Rare ancient tea plants sparks conservation efforts
The discovery of rare ancient tea varieties in Chiang Mai has significant implications for global tea conservation. The area now holds Thailand’s largest collection of ancient tea genetics. The Director of the 16th Conservation Area Administration Office in Chiang Mai, Kritsiyam Khongsatri commissioned the survey. The team, including the Head of the Doi Chiang Dao Watershed Research Station, Manop Kaewfoo…
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Chiang Mai locals hiss with concern over roadside snake (video)
A large snake was spotted slithering by the roadside in Chiang Mai, sparking a flurry of comments from locals who have seen it before and are seeking solutions to the recurring issue. Early yesterday, residents reported seeing a large snake along the canal road near the Mae Hia market intersection in Chiang Mai. The incident, which occurred yesterday, June 11,…
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Chiang Mai statue restoration sparks debate over authenticity
The Chiang Mai governor coordinated with the Fine Arts Department to restore a 400 year old giant statue at a prominent historical temple, sparking criticism from an academic who argues that the restoration was inappropriate. The controversy began when an assistant professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts at Chiang Mai University, Surachai Jongjitngam criticised the restoration of a large…
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Chiang Mai University tops regional state rankings
Chiang Mai University has been named the most popular regional state university in Thailand this year, according to the latest uniRank rankings. The rankings, which evaluate universities based on website popularity, were released today. UniRank evaluates university popularity based on three main criteria: website popularity, accuracy and completeness of information, and the frequency of updated news. These comprehensive criteria ensure…
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NHL player Jonas Siegenthaler hosts hockey camp in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai hosted its first-ever NHL player camp, where Jonas Siegenthaler, a player of Thai heritage, conducted a three-day training session with Under-11 and Under-15 players, marking a groundbreaking moment for Thai hockey. Playing for Switzerland, Siegenthaler was fresh off his silver medal win at the World Championships in the Czech Republic, narrowly losing the title to the Czechia team.…
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Chiang Mai lottery predictions spark excitement ahead of draw
Chiang Mai‘s latest lottery predictions are out, with Kraisorn offering his insights ahead of an important date. Fans of the late singer Phumphuang Duangchan are eagerly hoping for a big win. Several significant numbers have been revealed by the lottery expert, promising hopefuls a chance at substantial financial gains. Yesterday at 8.40am, reports emerged about the bustling atmosphere in Chiang…
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Fireworks factory explosion victims wait compensation a year on
A devastating fireworks factory explosion in San Thung Mai village of Chiang Mai, left residents grappling with extensive damage and financial burdens nearly one year later. Compensation from the factory has yet to be received, forcing many to bear repair costs themselves, with some incurring expenses close to 200,000 baht. The explosion occurred around noon on July 24 last year,…
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Bugged out: Chiang Mai traveller’s rose petal bath hit by insect invasion
A traveller’s recent trip to Chiang Mai took an unexpected turn when a planned relaxing bath turned into an encounter with a swarm of insects. The traveller chose a picturesque accommodation with a bathtub on the balcony, offering stunning mountain views during the day. However, as night fell, the situation drastically changed. Dhiwa Bhochawatt’s post on Facebook detailed the surprising…
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Chiang Mai Airport grants Grab exclusive ride-hailing rights
Chiang Mai Airport defended its decision to grant Grab exclusive rights to operate ride-hailing services at its passenger terminal. Only vehicles using the Grab app are permitted to pick up passengers at the airport, according to Chiang Mai Airport General Manager Ronnakorn Chalermsanyakorn. Ronnakorn explained that two categories of vehicles provide services at the airport. The first category includes non-regular…
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Former PM Somchai Wongsawat stuns with senate bid
Former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat made a surprise appearance at the Chiang Mai district office at 9am, marking the opening of senatorial candidate registrations. Eyewitnesses report that Somchai, whose brief tenure as prime minister lasted from September 18 to December 2, 2008, did not address the media, slipping quietly into the registration process. Somchai’s short-lived stint as prime minister was…
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Chiang Mai’s rot daeng under threat from ride-hailing apps
Chiang Mai’s iconic rot daeng, or red cars, transport service is under threat as tourists are opting for alternative modes of transport, causing local operators to urge the government for assistance. The issue was highlighted in an online debate where a Facebook user expressed concerns over the survival of the rot daeng services, which are now facing stiff competition from…
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Teen courier with 900k meth pills caught in Chiang Mai
In a dramatic pre-dawn operation, at 1.50am this morning, Thai police intercepted a teenage drug courier in Chiang Mai province, seizing nearly one million methamphetamine pills hidden in his pickup truck. The teenage driver admitted to being paid 80,000 baht for the illicit transport. Law enforcement officials from Lhoongkhot Police Station, under the command of Superintendent Suphachai Chanthara, collaborated with…
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Chiang Mai gears up for rare solar noon phenomenon tomorrow
Chiang Mai prepares for the striking solar noon phenomenon tomorrow at 12.21pm, as the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) advises caution against intense heat and potential heatstroke while confirming the event will not affect temperature or weather conditions. Chiang Mai is poised to witness a remarkable celestial event known as solar noon, where the sun will be exactly…
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Chiang Mai red trucks decline as Grab gains ground
Chiang Mai’s iconic red trucks, an integral part of the city’s transport network, are facing an existential threat in the wake of declining patronage post-tourist season, with concerns over the future being reduced to mere photographic memories. The rise of international ride-hailing services such as Grab or Bolt has compounded the issue, leading to a significant drop in customers for…
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Ricegate scandal: 10 year old rice stockpile unsafe for consumption
The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) demanded rigorous quality and safety checks for a colossal 15,000 tonnes of jasmine rice, stockpiled since 2014 under the controversial rice-pledging scheme. The council, joined by an academic from Chiang Mai University, fears the rice may be laced with harmful chemicals, rendering it unfit for human or animal consumption. Deputy Chief of the TCC’s policies…
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Chiang Mai battles with deteriorating air quality due to wildfires
Chiang Mai is currently grappling with deteriorating air quality caused by a surge in wildfires throughout the region. This concerning situation has positioned the province among cities with the most compromised air quality worldwide, as it contends with dense smog enveloping its downtown area daily for the past month. In a recent report by the Wildfire and Pollution Control Command…
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Chiang Dao wildlife sanctuary closed due to man-made hotspots
The Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary in Chiang Mai province has been indefinitely shut down by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation. The decision comes in the wake of the discovery of several man-made hotspots in areas of key ecological importance. The department’s chief, Attapol Charoenchansa, announced the measure as an immediate response to the pressing issues of…
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Chiang Mai massage parlour busted for underage employment
Chiang Mai police, along with affiliated agencies, raided a massage parlour suspected of employing minors on Tuesday, all under 18 years old, for providing illicit sexual services to customers. The owner of the massage parlour, identified as 21 year old Natthanaree Puangmala, was allegedly facilitating the provision of these services secretly to customers who engaged with the massage facilities. The cost…
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Chiang Mai duo nabbed for 76 million baht home theft
Chiang Mai police apprehended two suspects in a brazen theft that saw 76 million baht stolen from a home. Police recovered nearly 40 million baht in cash, revealing that the culprits were known associates of the victim, motivated by a dispute over incomplete payment for work done. Other stolen assets were discarded in black bags. The incident, which occurred on…
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Fire lights up Chiang Mai: Doi Suthep Forest blaze sparks alarm
The night skies over Chiang Mai were illuminated after a fire erupted in Doi Suthep Forest. The incident, reported by local media on Wednesday, April 17, was first sighted at a temple nestled within the forest. Phuping Forest fire officers from Doi Suthep-Pui National Park were the first ones to spot the blaze and were promptly dispatched to the site…
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