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.

  • Chiang Mai police capture six Tai Yai gang members after stabbing | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai police capture six Tai Yai gang members after stabbing

    Police in Chiang Mai have apprehended six members of the Tai Yai gang, known as 575, following the fatal stabbing of an 18 year old Thai male. Two suspects remain at large. The incident stemmed from a confrontation over eye contact. Yesterday, March 4, at 2pm, investigative officers at Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station detained six members of the 575…

  • Thai military seizes 400,000 meth pills near Myanmar border | Thaiger

    Thai military seizes 400,000 meth pills near Myanmar border

    Soldiers from the Pha Mueang Task Force intercepted a drug trafficking operation, seizing 400,000 methamphetamine pills in Fang district, Chiang Mai province. The encounter, which took place at 12.30am yesterday, March 4, resulted in no injuries or fatalities. Captain Sawatsakon Onkaew, commanding officer of the 3rd Cavalry Company, under the Chaianuphap Special Task Force, directed two military patrol teams to…

  • Chiang Mai monk faces charges for exam impersonation scandal | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai monk faces charges for exam impersonation scandal

    Prime Minister’s Office minister Chusak Sirinil has called for criminal charges against a senior monk from Chiang Mai. This monk allegedly employed another monk to impersonate him during a level-five Pali examination in Bangkok. The Chiang Mai ecclesiastical office has since ordered the dismissal of the unnamed senior monk from his role as abbot of a prominent temple in the province.…

  • Chiang Mai e-cigarette seller arrested with 1,269 items seized | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai e-cigarette seller arrested with 1,269 items seized

    An online electronic cigarette seller in Chiang Mai, operating through Facebook and LINE groups, was apprehended with an estimated daily revenue of 10,000 baht, averaging over 100,000 baht monthly. The suspect led police to his home, where a substantial amount of goods was seized. Police from Special Operations Division 5 conducted a sting operation at approximately 1pm yesterday, February 26,…

  • Visa la Vida: British man busted in Chiang Mai after 25-year overstay | Thaiger

    Visa la Vida: British man busted in Chiang Mai after 25-year overstay

    In a stunning immigration crackdown, Chiang Mai Immigration arrested a British man who had overstayed his visa by an astonishing 9,135 days – more than 25 years. The man, whose name has not been released, managed to evade authorities for over two decades, making this one of the longest visa overstays ever recorded in Thailand. The dramatic arrest took place…

  • Moroccan man arrested in Turkey for Chiang Mai murder | Thaiger

    Moroccan man arrested in Turkey for Chiang Mai murder

    Interpol arrested a Moroccan national in Turkey for allegedly murdering his Thai LGBTQ lover, a beauty surgeon, in Chiang Mai last December. Bilal Chenfinu fled Thailand immediately after the crime, prompting an international manhunt and extradition proceedings to bring him back to face charges. Mueang Chiang Mai Police Chief Police Colonel Pratchaya Thisala confirmed that 30 year old Chenfinu was…

  • Car-truck collision in Chiang Mai injures 16 longan workers | Thaiger

    Car-truck collision in Chiang Mai injures 16 longan workers

    A collision between a car and a truck transporting longan harvest workers in Chiang Mai left 16 people injured, with two in serious condition. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation. Yesterday, February 9 at 8.35pm, investigators from San Pa Tong district in Chiang Mai received reports of a significant traffic accident on the San Pa Tong-Hang Dong…

  • Drug traffickers killed in Chiang Mai shootout, meth haul seized | Thaiger

    Drug traffickers killed in Chiang Mai shootout, meth haul seized

    Four members of a drug trafficking ring were killed in a shootout in a Chiang Mai forest, resulting in the seizure of over 100 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine and one million methamphetamine pills. The incident occurred on Saturday, February 8, near Ban Pang Nok, Moo 1, Malika subdistrict, Mae Ai district, when personnel from the 3206th Ranger Company, under the…

  • Mummified infant bodies found in chilling Chiang Mai delivery | Thaiger

    Mummified infant bodies found in chilling Chiang Mai delivery

    A routine package check at a Sa Kaeo logistics shop turned into a horrifying discovery when staff found two dried infant bodies inside a parcel bound for Chiang Mai. Police are now investigating a self-proclaimed medium, who allegedly bought the bodies for 10,000 baht and planned to resell them to Chinese tourists. Sa Kaeo police were alerted this afternoon, February…

  • Village headman shot by friend who mistook him for a chicken | Thaiger

    Village headman shot by friend who mistook him for a chicken

    A tragic incident unfolded in the forested area behind a village in the Mueang district of Chiang Mai province, where a 40 year old village headman, Somsak (surname withheld), was shot dead by a friend. The friend, 35 year old Wiraphon (surname withheld), mistook him for a wild chicken and fired a shotgun, hitting him in the head. The police…

  • Chiang Mai teen arrested for arranging underage prostitution | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai teen arrested for arranging underage prostitution

    A 16 year old girl in Chiang Mai has been arrested for allegedly acting as a pimp, arranging sexual services for a 14 year old girl with a fee of 3,500 baht. The arrest, made by police following a sting operation, occurred at a hotel. The suspect admitted to earning a commission of 500 baht per client. Yesterday, February 3,…

  • Chiang Mai Night Safari welcomes adorable young hyenas (video) | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai Night Safari welcomes adorable young hyenas (video)

    Chiang Mai Night Safari has introduced two young striped hyenas, a male and a female, following in the footsteps of the much-loved tiger Eva. The hyenas’ debut occurred yesterday, February 3, attracting many visitors charmed by the new arrivals. The young hyenas, born to parents Sonic and Sanya on December 13 last year, represent a significant success in breeding rare…

  • Fire fight: Minister braves flames to back Chiang Mai wildfire battle | Thaiger

    Fire fight: Minister braves flames to back Chiang Mai wildfire battle

    The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Doctor Chalermchai Sri-on, yesterday made a daring visit to the smoky frontlines of Thailand’s forest fire battle in a show of support. Accompanied by Jatuporn Buruspat, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Chalermchai rallied the troops at Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai, bolstering the morale of fire-fighting personnel and community networks dedicated to…

  • Chiang Mai to join UNESCO’s World Heritage list | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai to join UNESCO’s World Heritage list

    Chiang Mai, the jewel of northern Thailand and the former capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, is inching closer to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Officials from the Culture Ministry, the Fine Arts Department, and Chiang Mai Province are finalising a nomination dossier to submit to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in Paris—a move that could cement the city’s…

  • Chiang Mai police arrest foreigner for selling psilocybin mushrooms | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai police arrest foreigner for selling psilocybin mushrooms

    Chiang Mai police apprehended a 59 year old foreign national for illegally selling psilocybin mushrooms mixed with honey to other expatriates. The arrest took place yesterday, January 22, following an operation led by Police Colonel Prachaya Thitsala, head of Mueang Chiang Mai district police station in Chiang Mai province. The operation was executed under the direction of Police Lieutenant Colonel Kathawut…

  • Treasure game chaos: Chiang Mai teens warned to stay out | Thaiger

    Treasure game chaos: Chiang Mai teens warned to stay out

    Chiang Mai police issued a stern warning to teenagers playing the Jagat Coin treasure-hunting game after reports of property damage and safety risks surfaced. The popular app, developed in Indonesia, has caused disturbances in the northern province, prompting law enforcement to caution players against trespassing on private property. The warning was posted on the Chiang Mai Police Facebook page after…

  • Unfair pricing: Chiang Mai shooting game stall shut down (video) | Thaiger

    Unfair pricing: Chiang Mai shooting game stall shut down (video)

    A shooting game stall at the Chiang Mai Winter Fair has been permanently closed following complaints of misleading pricing. A Facebook user recounted an experience where a price misunderstanding led to demands for an inflated payment of 1,200 baht. The event organisers have intervened and ended the stall’s operations. The incident began when Benjawan, a 26 year old resident of…

  • American tourist crashes dirt bike in Chiang Mai, kills local woman | Thaiger

    American tourist crashes dirt bike in Chiang Mai, kills local woman

    An American tourist riding a dirt bike collided with a Thai woman, tragically resulting in her death while she was crossing a road in Chiang Mai. Overwhelmed with remorse, the tourist knelt and apologised to the deceased’s family. Officers from Mae On Police Station in Chiang Mai were alerted to an accident involving a dirt bike and a middle-aged Thai…

  • Tourist halted from releasing sky lantern in Chiang Mai (video) | Thaiger

    Tourist halted from releasing sky lantern in Chiang Mai (video)

    A Japanese tourist caused a commotion after being stopped from releasing a sky lantern in Chiang Mai. The incident, which occurred yesterday, December 31, at 9.40am, saw the tourist grabbing the collar of a police officer after being prevented from releasing the lantern during new year celebrations. Despite the altercation, the officer, a member of Chiang Mai’s patrol unit, remained…

  • Chiang Mai council chairman accused of assaulting local resident | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai council chairman accused of assaulting local resident

    A significant altercation involving a prominent local council chairman in Chiang Mai has left a resident severely injured, sparking outrage among the community. The incident took place when the chairman allegedly insulted and physically assaulted a local during a campaign event at the home of a former Chiang Mai provincial council member. Reports from residents in a municipality area of…

  • Chiang Mai fraud suspect arrested for bamboo blind scam | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai fraud suspect arrested for bamboo blind scam

    A significant fraud case involving over 50 victims duped into paying for bamboo blinds they never received has culminated in the arrest of the alleged perpetrator. Since 2018, numerous complaints have been filed, with victims coming forward to report being scammed by a Facebook page with a misleading name. The accused, who had been evading the police, was finally apprehended…

  • High-stakes heist: Fake cops raid Chiang Mai cannabis shop | Thaiger

    High-stakes heist: Fake cops raid Chiang Mai cannabis shop

    A daring robbery took place yesterday in Chiang Mai, where a group of four individuals impersonating police officers raided a cannabis shop, tying up the owner and his staff before making off with a substantial amount of valuables. The incident, reported to have occurred at 3am yesterday, December 12, saw the assailants seizing cash, electronics, and even motorcycles. The shop…

  • Thai police enlist Interpol in hunt for Moroccan murder suspect | Thaiger

    Thai police enlist Interpol in hunt for Moroccan murder suspect

    Thai police are enlisting Interpol’s assistance to apprehend a Moroccan man suspected of murdering his girlfriend in Chiang Mai before fleeing the country. The tragic incident involves Thitikarn Dulikanon, a transgender woman and owner of a beauty clinic near the Mae Hia Market intersection in Mueang district, whose body was found on December 6. Police and forensic experts from Maharaj…

  • Cyber police raid Chiang Mai resort, bust illegal call centre | Thaiger

    Cyber police raid Chiang Mai resort, bust illegal call centre

    Cyber police and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) carried out a raid on a luxurious resort in Chiang Mai, uncovering a Chinese gang operating an illegal call centre targeting Thai victims. The operation, which involved over 20 officers, took place yesterday afternoon, leading to the arrest of several individuals and the seizure of numerous illegal telecommunications devices. The…

  • Bet on busted: International gambling ring crumbles in Chiang Mai | Thaiger

    Bet on busted: International gambling ring crumbles in Chiang Mai

    An opulent online gambling racket has been busted in the heart of Chiang Mai, as Thai police swooped in on a Taiwanese-led operation pulling in over 10 million baht a month. The syndicate, which targeted gamblers from Thailand, China, and Taiwan, had set up shop in luxury properties across the city, living it up large while running the illegal network.…

  • Five year old boy with special needs missing in Chiang Mai | Thaiger

    Five year old boy with special needs missing in Chiang Mai

    A five year old boy, described as having special needs, has mysteriously gone missing from his school in Chiang Mai, sparking an extensive search operation involving rescue teams and locals. Despite the efforts, which include land and water searches and the use of drones, the child remains unaccounted for. The incident was reported yesterday afternoon, November 27 when rescue teams…

  • CIB dismantle illegal telecom network in Chiang Mai | Thaiger

    CIB dismantle illegal telecom network in Chiang Mai

    The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) successfully carried out Operation CIB Crush the Grey Dragon, dismantling a network of illegal telecommunications in Chiang Mai. This operation led to the arrest of a Thai woman, 30 year old Jiraporn Prakobkit, and 14 other people associated with the criminal group. Among those arrested were one Thai man, five Chinese nationals, and eight Myanmar…

  • Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary wins 2024 Travellers’ Choice Award | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary wins 2024 Travellers’ Choice Award

    In a big win for ethical tourism, the Elephant Freedom Project in Chiang Mai has been honoured with the prestigious Travellers’ Choice Award for 2024 by TripAdvisor. This recognition places the sanctuary among the top-rated destinations in Chiang Mai, celebrating its commitment to conservation, education, and the welfare of Thailand’s beloved elephants. Siriporn Tanaseth, founder of the sanctuary, said they…

  • Boy 7 killed by Thai mother rocks quiet Welsh town | Thaiger

    Boy 7 killed by Thai mother rocks quiet Welsh town

    Police in Wales reported that the death of a 7 year old boy at the hands of his Thai mother has rocked the quiet Welsh town of Haverfordwest. Seven year old Louis Linse was found dead in his bed, his life tragically cut short by his mother. Thai-born Papaipit Linse admitted to manslaughter by diminished responsibility, a truth that unravels…

  • Minor earthquake rattles Lamphun, Chiang Mai with no damage | Thaiger

    Minor earthquake rattles Lamphun, Chiang Mai with no damage

    An earthquake measuring 2.5 on the Richter scale struck Lamphun, with tremors felt in two districts across two provinces. Occurring at a shallow depth of 1 kilometre, this seismic activity was triggered by the Mae Tha fault line. Residents reported no damage. The Department of Mineral Resources, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, issued a warning regarding the…