Chiang Mai News

Chiang Mai news, politics, business, culture, and tourism—stay updated with breaking stories, local events, and expat insights from Thailand’s northern hub. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted Chiang Mai news source.

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    Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run

    Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...

  • Chiang Mai gold necklace thief caught in traffic hold-up

    Chiang Mai gold necklace thief caught in traffic hold-up

    A brazen thief who snatched a gold necklace from a popular shopping centre in Chiang Mai was apprehended at an intersection after attempting to evade capture. The suspect, who had tried to blend in by changing clothes, was eventually caught in traffic. Yesterday, November 5, a gold necklace weighing 1 baht was stolen from the Mangkhorn Thong Yaowarat jewellery store…

  • Elderly man found dead in pit after 11 days missing in Chiang Mai

    Elderly man found dead in pit after 11 days missing in Chiang Mai

    A tragic discovery was made when the body of a 71 year old man, who had been missing for 11 days from a hospital in Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai, was found in a 2-metre-deep pit. The man from Mae Taeng had been admitted to Mae Taeng Hospital following an accident. His disappearance on the night of October 25 prompted an…

  • Purr-fect: Chubby clouded leopard charms all at Chiang Mai Safari (video)

    Purr-fect: Chubby clouded leopard charms all at Chiang Mai Safari (video)

    A clouded leopard named Mangpor, residing in Chiang Mai Night Safari, has captured the hearts of social media users with its chubby appearance and playful nature. The 16 year old feline, often mistaken for a giant cat, has become an Internet sensation as visitors flock to catch a glimpse of its endearing antics. Mangpor is part of the Jaguar Trail,…

  • Chiang Mai resident hits 6 million baht lottery jackpot

    Chiang Mai resident hits 6 million baht lottery jackpot

    A resident of Lao Pao subdistrict, Doi Lo district, Chiang Mai, recently struck it lucky by winning the first prize in the government lottery, securing a 6 million baht reward. The first prize-winning number for yesterday’s draw was 536044, and it marked a life-changing moment for the local winner. The draw also included other results such as the three-digit front…

  • Monk on the run: Abbott crashes and dashes after bail (video)

    Monk on the run: Abbott crashes and dashes after bail (video)

    A Thai abbot crashed his pickup into a prison guard’s car on a road in Chiang Mai, seriously injuring the guard. The monk later disappeared after being granted bail. The public raised suspicions of corruption in the road accident case involving the abbot and the prison guard in Chiang Mai. The accident occurred on October 24 but the suspect, the abbot…

  • FBS provides humanitarian relief to flood victims in Thailand

    FBS provides humanitarian relief to flood victims in Thailand

    FBS, a leading global broker, continues to make a positive impact through its charitable work and humanitarian efforts. In response to the devastating flooding in Thailand, the company has mobilised its resources and partnered with local volunteers to deliver essential aid to the hardest-hit areas. FBS has always led the way in the global community through its charitable work and…

  • Tourists rush to Doi Inthanon as temperatures drop to 10 degrees

    Tourists rush to Doi Inthanon as temperatures drop to 10 degrees

    Tourists flocked to Doi Inthanon National Park today, October 26, as temperatures dropped to 10 degrees Celsius (°C), marking the beginning of the winter season. They gathered to enjoy the crisp morning air and stunning sunrise views, creating a lively atmosphere. At Doi Inthanon, located in Chom Thong, Chiang Mai, the National Park’s head, Kraingkrai Chaiyapisek, reported a drop in…

  • Chiang Mai condo fraud victims seek justice over 300m baht losses

    Chiang Mai condo fraud victims seek justice over 300m baht losses

    Frustrated victims of a condominium fraud scandal in Chiang Mai are seeking help from the Foundation Campaigning to Reclaim Social Justice, having seen little progress since they first raised their concerns back in 2022. Ronnarong Kaewpet, the foundation’s chairman and a seasoned lawyer, has received distressing evidence from those affected. Among them is Narumon Simons, who invested in a luxury…

  • Chiang Mai cleans up: Sweeping success after the flood

    Chiang Mai cleans up: Sweeping success after the flood

    Local government officials in Chiang Mai are shouting from the rooftops about their stellar post-flood recovery, claiming they’ve already swept through 90% of the streets and cleared 40% of the waste. Governor Nirat Pongsitthithaworn couldn’t be prouder, crediting a dynamic duo effort between the public and private sectors for tackling the flooded chaos with gusto. With the bustling high season…

  • Rain check: Chiang Mai braces for possible downpour deluge

    Rain check: Chiang Mai braces for possible downpour deluge

    Chiang Mai residents are on high alert due to heavy rainfall, raising fears of potential flooding. The Northern Meteorological Centre warned locals to be cautious of severe weather conditions, including flash floods and landslides. Heavy rain has been pouring on Chiang Mai since early morning, showing no signs of easing. The continuous thunderstorms and lightning have added to the residents’…

  • Minor earthquake in Chiang Mai causes no damage

    Minor earthquake in Chiang Mai causes no damage

    An earthquake of magnitude 1.1 struck Chiang Mai yesterday with its epicentre in the Pa Phai subdistrict, San Sai district. Occurring at a depth of 2 kilometres, the tremor caused no reported damage or awareness among the locals. The Earthquake Surveillance Division of the Meteorological Department reported the seismic activity at 11.07pm yesterday, October 16. Despite the occurrence, there were…

  • Chiang Mai shuts flood centre, locals claim aid unmet

    Chiang Mai shuts flood centre, locals claim aid unmet

    Chiang Mai has shut down its flood relief centre, sparking discontent among locals who claim they have not received the promised aid. Deputy Governor Tosapol Phuanudom announced the closure yesterday, October 16, stating that the centre had completed its mission. The centre was established in response to the severe flooding that hit Chiang Mai between October 5 and 14. Despite…

  • Coffin on the run: Chiang Mai flood takes a morbid float

    Coffin on the run: Chiang Mai flood takes a morbid float

    A brown coffin that drifted along with floodwaters in Chiang Mai has been collected by the municipal officials and taken to the Nong Pratheep cemetery. The coffin, which was found near Montfort College Secondary School in Tha Sala, Chiang Mai, was initially spotted by a local who posted a photo on the Chiang Mai 108 CM108 Facebook group, urging the…

  • Floods wreak havoc on Chiang Mai hotels occupancy rates

    Floods wreak havoc on Chiang Mai hotels occupancy rates

    Severe floods in Chiang Mai from October 4 to 6 have devastated the local hotel industry, plunging occupancy rates by a staggering 30% and impacting 1,500 to 2,000 rooms across the province. La-iad Bungsrithong, a board advisor for the Thai Hotels Association (THA), revealed that conditions are gradually improving. “Since Monday, many hotels in the affected areas have begun cleaning…

  • Shinawatras open kitchens to feed flood victims in Chiang Mai

    Shinawatras open kitchens to feed flood victims in Chiang Mai

    The Shinawatras are back in action, and this time it’s all about giving back. Former Thai premiers Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra have stepped up in a big way, sponsoring two relief kitchens in their hometown of Chiang Mai, ensuring flood victims don’t go hungry. Thaksin, who recently returned to Thailand after years in exile, has funded a kitchen at Paed Kao…

  • Electric car catches fire at flooded Chiang Mai home

    Electric car catches fire at flooded Chiang Mai home

    A fire broke out in an electric car submerged in floodwaters at a residence in Chiang Mai, subsequently spreading to a nearby pickup truck and causing significant damage. Police are currently investigating the cause of the blaze, which also led to damage to two additional vehicles. Rescue officials from the Chiang Mai Philanthropic Association received a report of a fire…

  • Flooding in Chiang Mai leaves 90 year old stranded

    Flooding in Chiang Mai leaves 90 year old stranded

    A 90 year old grandmother yesterday was left stranded and in need of rescue in Chiang Mai after floodwaters surrounded her home. Her worried family coordinated with emergency services, who safely evacuated her, navigating dangerous conditions. Flooding continued in several areas of Mueang district, Chiang Mai, due to the overflow from the Ping River. Despite the challenging conditions, rescue teams persevered,…

  • Flood rescue attempt claims elderly woman’s life in Chiang Mai

    Flood rescue attempt claims elderly woman’s life in Chiang Mai

    A rescue operation in Chiang Mai’s Nong Phueng sub-district ended in tragedy when a 71 year old woman, identified only as Nupin lost her life after a rescue boat capsized. The incident occurred as rescue teams attempted to evacuate three residents from a flooded house. During the evacuation, the rescue boat overturned in deep, turbulent waters, plunging all three passengers…

  • Elephant rescue: Monk brings trunkloads of aid to Chiang Mai flood victims

    Elephant rescue: Monk brings trunkloads of aid to Chiang Mai flood victims

    A Thai monk from Chedi Luang Temple in the northern province of Chiang Mai led two elephants to provide food and necessities to flood victims living along Ton Yang Road in Saraphi district. According to a report by ThaiRath this morning, October 7, the floodwater level in Saraphi district, Chiang Mai province, remains high, with some areas still inaccessible. As…

  • Two elephants drown amid severe flooding in Chiang Mai park

    Two elephants drown amid severe flooding in Chiang Mai park

    Two elephants tragically drowned following severe flooding at Chiang Mai’s Elephant Nature Park in the Mae Taeng district. As efforts intensify to rescue animals stranded by rising waters, the park’s 126 elephants face unprecedented challenges. The park confirmed the deaths of two elephants, swept away by the floodwaters. Phang Fah Sai, a female elephant, was discovered near the Sibsan resort…

  • Elephant carcass found in Chiang Mai after severe flooding

    Elephant carcass found in Chiang Mai after severe flooding

    A tragic discovery was made yesterday, October 4, when the carcass of an elephant was found washed up near an elephant camp in Chiang Mai following severe flooding. This incident highlights the urgent need for improved animal management during natural disasters. The flooding, which occurred in several areas of Chiang Mai province, particularly impacted the region of Mae Taeng, where…

  • Chiang Mai Airport operational despite severe Ping River flooding

    Chiang Mai Airport operational despite severe Ping River flooding

    Chiang Mai Airport remains fully operational despite severe flooding from the Ping River. The airport, unaffected by the rising water levels, confirmed its status by issuing an update at 11am yesterday, October 4. The Ping River’s water level at Nawarat Bridge reached 4.88 metres, significantly exceeding the 3.70-metre crisis threshold, as reported by the Irrigation Department’s warning system. Despite this,…

  • Blind elephant left behind as Chiang Mai floods ravage sanctuary (video)

    Blind elephant left behind as Chiang Mai floods ravage sanctuary (video)

    Dramatic footage from the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai shows the heartwarming moment when four elephants waded through rising floodwaters, escaping a sanctuary inundated by severe flooding. The park’s staff scrambled to lead the animals to safety as relentless downpours from Typhoon Yagi, Asia’s most powerful storm this year, battered the region. Among the group, one elephant moved noticeably…

  • Ping River on the rise: Chiang Mai braces for watery wake-up call

    Ping River on the rise: Chiang Mai braces for watery wake-up call

    Chiang Mai braces for more flooding today as the Ping River is set to reach 4.95 metres, starting in the morning. Heavy rainfall in upstream areas has caused a rapid rise in the Ping River, according to Governor Nirat Pongsitthithaworn. He urged residents along the river to relocate their vehicles and valuables to higher ground. Hospitals and clinics in low-lying…

  • Chiang Mai launches cleanup after floods ease in commercial areas

    Chiang Mai launches cleanup after floods ease in commercial areas

    Workers have launched a campaign to clean roads and remove debris in downtown Chiang Mai following the easing of floods in some commercial areas. Chiang Mai Municipality initiated the operation at 5pm yesterday, September 27 to revive economic activity in the bustling northern tourism hub. The effort is divided into five zones, including areas near the Naowarat Bridge and the…

  • Flooding devastates Chiang Mai tourism, occupancy drops to 50%

    Flooding devastates Chiang Mai tourism, occupancy drops to 50%

    Flooding in northern Thailand has severely impacted tourism in Chiang Mai, with many visitors cancelling their plans, according to the Tourism Council of Chiang Mai. The Ping River recently reached its highest levels since 2011, causing significant flooding in Mueang Chiang Mai, including its key business and tourism districts. Outer districts, such as Mae Rim, known for its natural parks…

  • Chiang Mai woman’s flood photo goes viral after 19 years

    Chiang Mai woman’s flood photo goes viral after 19 years

    A photo of a young woman from Chiang Mai pushing her motorcycle through floodwaters 19 years ago has resurfaced and gone viral, as the province experiences severe flooding once again. The image, originally posted on the Facebook page เชียงใหม่ที่คุณไม่เคยเห็น (Chiang Mai unseen), dates back to 2005. It shows a woman in a white top and red shorts wading through waist-deep…

  • Chiang Mai pings alarm: River hits record high, flooding fears return

    Chiang Mai pings alarm: River hits record high, flooding fears return

    The water level of the Ping River in Chiang Mai reached its highest point last night, breaking previous records and exceeding the severe flooding of 2011. This led to flooding in several areas of the province, including vital economic zones such as the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and Chang Khlan Road. Channel 7 reported today, September 26, that the water…

  • Fire engulfs Chiang Mai market amid heavy rain and flooding

    Fire engulfs Chiang Mai market amid heavy rain and flooding

    A fire broke out at the bustling Kad Luang market in Chiang Mai, consuming four commercial units amidst heavy rain and rising water levels from the Ping River. The blaze started around 1am yesterday, September 24, prompting a swift response from local police and emergency services. Police received the emergency call at the Chiang Mai Provincial Police Radio Centre and…

  • Chiang Mai: Flash floods hit more than 200 homes in Mae Rim

    Chiang Mai: Flash floods hit more than 200 homes in Mae Rim

    Flash floods have severely impacted the Mae Rim district in Chiang Mai, with over 200 homes affected and Mae Sa Elephant Camp preparing to relocate elephants due to landslides and damaged infrastructure. Heavy rains caused flash floods in Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai. The flooding, which began early yesterday, has affected over 200 homes, catching many residents off guard. The…