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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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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Thai woman’s nostrils infested by hundreds of maggots
A Thai woman got more than she bargained for during a routine nasal examination when doctors unearthed a horrifying secret lurking inside her nose. A 59 year old Thai woman received a chilling diagnosis during what she thought was a routine visit to address her stuffy nose. Doctors at Nakornping Hospital, nestled in Thailand’s Chiang Mai Province, made a startling discovery,…
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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 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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Himalayan giant honey bees spotted in Chiang Mai
Himalayan giant honey bees have been spotted in Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, Chiang Mai province, a first-time occurrence, evidencing that the nation’s ecological system is ideal for unique species. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, together with a team of biology researchers from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Sciences, made the announcement yesterday. The unexpected discovery…
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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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Truck brake failure leads to fatal crash in Chiang Mai
A tragic accident occurred yesterday at 2.45pm in the Hod district of Chiang Mai when a six-wheeled truck’s brakes reportedly failed, causing it to crash into a procession of revellers. The incident resulted in the death of two individuals and serious injuries to two others. The procession was part of a traditional ceremony in which participants were enjoying themselves in…
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Shell-shocked: Poacher nabbed for selling rare turtle in Chiang Mai
A poacher has been apprehended for hunting protected big-headed turtles in Pha Daeng National Park, with 17 of the creatures discovered in his possession. The suspect confessed to having been commissioned to sell the turtles for 2,400 baht per kilogramme. The head of Pha Daeng National Park, Prakasit Rawiwan, yesterday revealed a successful joint operation with the military’s Chaiyanuphap Task Force.…
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CMU study finds 15-minute dog interaction a bark above the rest
Chiang Mai University (CMU) researchers have discovered that a mere 15-minute interaction with a dog can serve as a significant stress reliever for students amidst the intensity of pre-examination studies. Assistant Professor Saengduean Yotanyamaneewong, a member of the research team, explained the reasoning. “Being social creatures, humans often find mood and mental enhancement through frequent interactions. Thus, the therapeutic impact…
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Procession brawl in Chiang Mai leads to hefty 75,000 baht fines
Chaos erupted during a traditional procession in Chom Thong, Chiang Mai, when a violent brawl broke out among participants, undeterred by the potential for a hefty fine of 75,000 baht. The incident took place yesterday, April 15, as 19 groups paraded the sacred Bo tree supports into Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong amid loud music and a large crowd.…
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Chiang Mai lottery fever spikes as Songkran hopefuls chase lucky numbers
The buzz of the Thai New Year, known as Songkran, is palpable in Chiang Mai, where locals eagerly anticipate the lottery draw on April 16. Amidst the festive fervour, the city’s lottery vendors witness a surge in sales, with certain lucky numbers becoming the talk of the town. Today, at 8.30am, the atmosphere in Chiang Mai was electric with anticipation,…
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Smog shock: Chiang Mai claims ‘top’ spot in global pollution woes
Chiang Mai today topped the smog charts as the world’s most polluted city. The northern region of Thailand continues to be ensnared by a thick smog, causing serious health concerns for residents and visitors. The monitoring website IQAir highlighted Chiang Mai as the city with the worst air pollution levels at 9.20am. The fine dust levels were recorded at an…
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Chiang Mai declares more districts as disaster zones amid wildfires
Wildfires continue to blaze through Chiang Mai, leading the local authority yesterday to declare three additional districts as disaster zones. These districts, Chiang Dao, Mae Taeng, and Chai Prakarn, have joined Fang and Phrao districts, which were declared disaster areas on April 4. The provincial governor has cited the fatigue of initial firefighters and soldiers as a significant obstacle in…
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Myanmar Airways: New routes to Bangkok, Chiangmai and Phuket
Myanmar Airways International (MAI) announced upcoming budget flights from Yangon to Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. MAI has unveiled exciting routes and wallet-friendly fares, ensuring seamless travel experiences for globetrotters. Operating 56 flights weekly from Yangon to Bangkok, along with bi-weekly flights to Phuket and thrice-weekly to the new Yangon-Chiang Mai route, adventure-seekers can now explore exotic destinations without breaking…
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Murdered teen’s body found in reservoir in Chiang Mai
A 15 year old boy was savagely beaten and murdered by a group of five teenagers, who then concealed his body by throwing it into a reservoir in Chiang Mai. The assailants, aged between 15 and 17, admitted to the crime, citing a dislike for the victim’s character as the motive. Law enforcement officials apprehended five youths responsible for the…
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Chiang Mai tourism expects rebound despite hotel booking slump
Chiang Mai, once bustling with tourists, has been grappling with a slump in hotel bookings as recorded on Wednesday. The Northern Thai Hotels Association advisor, La-iad Bungsrithong, disclosed that the reservations were only 30% full compared to the beginning of April last year. However, she projected a silver lining in the looming clouds of despair. The occupancy would bounce back…
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Chiang Mai ranked among top budget-friendly retirement locations
The lively and diverse city of Chiang Mai in Thailand has been listed among 13 budget-friendly global locations where couples can retire and live comfortably on a modest sum of US$1,500 per month, according to a new survey from International Living. The city, an eclectic mix of Thai, Chinese, Indian, and foreign residents, is celebrated for its rich history, culture,…
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Northern Thailand’s persistent wildfires exacerbate air pollution
Wildfires persist in northern Thailand, contributing to a surge in air pollution despite recent downpours. As of Monday, Mae Hong Son recorded 6,646 wildfires this year, predominantly in the districts of Mueang Mae Hong Son, Pai, and Mae Sariang. This has led to Mae Hong Son exceeding safe levels of airborne particulates for 38 consecutive days. Mae Sariang district reported…
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Songkran festival in Chiang Mai to draw in millions of tourists
Anticipation builds as the Songkran festival in Chiang Mai, set to span 10 days, is projected to pull in millions of tourists, raking in an estimated 20 billion baht in revenue. This year’s observance of the festival, scheduled from April 7 to 17, is particularly special as it not only seeks to uphold the local Lanna culture but also marks…
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Malaysian Airlines unveils new routes including to Chiang Mai
Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) announced three new routes to the Maldives, Chiang Mai, and Da Nang. As part of its ambitious expansion strategy aimed at capturing the leisure market, MAB, a key player in the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), is primed to whisk travellers away to exotic destinations with unparalleled ease. From its bustling hub in Kuala Lumpur, MAB is…
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Northern Thailand braces for severe air pollution crisis
Northern Thailand, specifically the provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son, are bracing for severe PM2.5 air pollution. These areas, surrounded by mountains and hills, have previously been rated as the most polluted globally. The pollution crisis has strained the public healthcare system and forced locals to invest in air purifiers and face masks for protection. While…
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Thai govt resists declaring Chiang Mai a disaster zone despite pollution
The Government of Thailand has chosen not to declare Chiang Mai a disaster zone despite escalating air pollution, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The decision was largely influenced by concerns that such a declaration could negatively impact the province’s tourism industry. The Bangkok-born PM voiced his government’s stance on platform X, explaining that declaring the province a disaster zone…
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Neighbour’s pit bull goes on rampage, seriously injures woman
In a chilling incident captured on CCTV in Chiang Mai’s Sansai district, a ferocious male pit bull, approximately 10 years old, launched a horrifying assault on a 30 year old woman, leaving her arm perilously close to being severed. The footage reveals the pit bull viciously attacking the woman, only halted by the intervention of her boyfriend and the dog’s…
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Chiang Mai crowned world’s most polluted as smog crisis worsens
Chiang Mai recently ascended to an undesirable top spot on the global stage as it experiences severe air pollution, making it the most polluted city in the world. The air quality in this northern Thai city has reached levels that pose significant health risks due to the pervasive spread of PM2.5 particles. At 3am today, March 15, the air quality…
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Update: Thaksin sets off for Chiang Mai with Paetongtarn
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra emerged from Chan Song La residence, alongside his youngest daughter and Pheu Thai party leader, Paetongtarn Shinawatra ready to take off for his hometown, Chiang Mai. At the crack of dawn, precisely at 5.19am, the duo paid their respects at the revered Bangkok City Pillar shrine, before departing on a jet plane bound for Chiang…
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Flame game foiled: Chiang Mai crackdown scorches forest arsonist
Chiang Mai authorities have taken swift action against forest arson, resulting in the arrest and fining of a perpetrator following a tip-off from a vigilant citizen. Yesterday, March 13, a man was spotted igniting a fire within the protected forest area of Ban Pang Keut, Mae Taeng district in Chiang Mai. The deputy governor personally delivered a cash reward to…
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Chiang Mai faces world’s second-worst air quality amid pollution crisis
Northern Thailand is currently grappling with severe air pollution, with Chiang Mai experiencing the second-worst air quality globally. As of today, March 8, air quality monitoring has revealed that particulate matter PM2.5 levels have exceeded the standard in 46 provinces, prompting health warnings and advisories for residents to limit outdoor activities. PM2.5 concentrations surpassed Thailand’s safety standards in various regions,…
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Man killed, woman hurt in Chiang Mai domestic clash
A brutal domestic incident left one man dead and a woman severely injured in a Chiang Mai rental room. The confrontation unfolded when a man returned from work and discovered his girlfriend with another man, which led to a violent attack involving a stabbing that resulted in one fatality and one serious injury. Police Lieutenant Colonel Kewaleesiri Psukthanapaisarn, an investigator…
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