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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  • Thai Smile Airways’ turbulent tiff: Passenger’s ‘left-behind’ fiasco halts takeoff in Chiang Mai (video)

    Thai Smile Airways’ turbulent tiff: Passenger’s ‘left-behind’ fiasco halts takeoff in Chiang Mai (video)

    A Thai Smile Airways flight had to make an emergency stop as it taxied down the runway after a foreign passenger demanded the plane returned to the terminal gate so he could pick up his left behind valuables at Chiang Mai International Airport. A Thai TikTok user, bandzlam, shared a video of the incident when a foreign man urged a…

  • San Mahaphon chairman found after mysterious 4-day disappearance in forest

    San Mahaphon chairman found after mysterious 4-day disappearance in forest

    The chairman of San Mahaphon Municipality Council, located in Chiang Mai province, has been located after mysteriously disappearing for four days. He was found today in a forest nearly 5 kilometres from where he disappeared. He went missing from home without a trace from July 17 onward. According to family members, he had crossed the Mae Faek dam and a…

  • Illegal logging crackdown: Two men arrested and valuable timber seized in Chiang Mai park

    Illegal logging crackdown: Two men arrested and valuable timber seized in Chiang Mai park

    In a continuous crackdown on illegal logging, officials from Sri Lanna National Park in Chiang Mai arrested two men and seized valuable processed timber. It is part of broader efforts to deal with crimes against forest resources and wildlife. Additionally, a hunt is underway for four other men allegedly involved in the illegal activities. The order for this intensified action…

  • Temple incident: Monk prompts killing of dog in Chiang Mai, causes public outrage

    Temple incident: Monk prompts killing of dog in Chiang Mai, causes public outrage

    A shocking incident at a temple in Thailand’s northern Chiang Mai province saw the temple’s leading monk command a follower to shoot and kill a dog, according to an anonymous source on Monday. This graphic scenario, caught on video, stirred public outrage for the cruel treatment of the animal and raised questions about monk conduct and regulations surrounding firearm possession. The…

  • Online exposé reveals shocking hygiene standards at Thai dental clinic with ‘recycled’ braces

    Online exposé reveals shocking hygiene standards at Thai dental clinic with ‘recycled’ braces

    An online exposé has been circulating recently highlighting the shocking condition of a dental clinic’s tools and equipment, raising concerns about health and safety standards. Quick replacement of used equipment, hiding the act from the owner, was a technique employed by some employees to service clients. กรรไกรผ่าตัด เก็บรวมไว้กับเครื่องมืออื่นๆ และไม่ล้างฆ่าเชื้อใดๆ ส่วนแบล็คเก็ทถอดออกจากคนไข้จัดฟันที่จัดเสร็จ จากนั้นนำมาล้างแล้วเก็บใช้กับคนอื่นต่อไป(ทั้งที่มีคราบติดอยู่)#เชียงใหม่ #คลินิกทำฟัน #หมอฟัน #จัดฟันเชียงใหม่ #สกปรก #สวมีไว้ทําไม #ปิดสวิตช์สว #ม็อบ16กรกฎา66 #เมียน้อยสว pic.twitter.com/XMFXCC0ODM…

  • Ex-village head assaults man in Chiang Mai restaurant, claims to be ‘biggest man’ (video)

    Ex-village head assaults man in Chiang Mai restaurant, claims to be ‘biggest man’ (video)

    A distressing incident involving a local claiming to be the “biggest man” in Mae Rim district’s Mueang Kaew sub-district, Chiang Mai, hit social media. The man, identified as a former village head, was recorded punching a young man from behind, resulting in the victim collapsing. The video clip of the incident spread on social media, sparking outrage among netizens. The…

  • Thai Court holds PM and NEB accountable for escalating Chiang Mai pollution

    Thai Court holds PM and NEB accountable for escalating Chiang Mai pollution

    The Administrative Court yesterday decreed that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and the National Environmental Board (NEB) were guilty of neglecting their duties in addressing the escalating toxic air pollution in the province of Chiang Mai. This denunciation originated from a case initiated by a local man named Wasuchart Pichai. Wasuchart argued that he has been adversely impacted by the haze…

  • Chiang Mai massage parlour filing defamation over ‘distorted’ molestation claim

    Chiang Mai massage parlour filing defamation over ‘distorted’ molestation claim

    An escalating spat over alleged sexual molestation at a massage parlour in Chiang Mai‘s Wualai district has taken a new twist. The accused masseuse, along with the owner of the establishment, retaliated, filing a police complaint against the young male client and the creator of the Facebook post that spurred the initial allegation. They claim the online account was a…

  • Ancient Obnoi ravine: Chiang Mai’s hidden beauty set to become major tourist attraction

    Ancient Obnoi ravine: Chiang Mai’s hidden beauty set to become major tourist attraction

    Recently, a local government council led by Phansak Kaewsudjai, along with a group of administrative staff and media representatives, explored a narrow ravine in the Chom Thong district of Chiang Mai. The ravine is known to the locals as ‘Obnoi.’ With impressive rock formations and ancient inscriptions suspected to be thousands of years old, this is an enchanting spectacle reminiscent…

  • Unchained Elephants launches their first rescue mission for Kanun: Bringing hope to an abandoned elephant in Chiang Mai

    Unchained Elephants launches their first rescue mission for Kanun: Bringing hope to an abandoned elephant in Chiang Mai

    On 23rd June 2023, Unchained Elephants has embarked on their first mission to rescue Kanun, a 55-year-old male elephant in Mae Tang, Chiang Mai. Kanun’s current situation is dire, as he endures life chained up, malnourished, and with only one functioning eye. The urgent need for intervention has sparked a determined effort to save Kanun and provide him with a…

  • Chiang Mai locals eager for lottery win: Demand for ‘lucky’ numbers soars

    Chiang Mai locals eager for lottery win: Demand for ‘lucky’ numbers soars

    The northern city of Chiang Mai has experienced intense demand for lottery numbers as locals seek out lucky digits ahead of Saturday’s draw. This surge in activity was observed at 9am today, across various locations including markets, transportation hubs, major streets, and key spots like the Chiang Mai Gate and Nong Hoy. The going rate for a single lottery ticket…

  • Virtual vibes: Chinese nationals seek fortune, prosperity through online ritual in Chiang Mai

    Virtual vibes: Chinese nationals seek fortune, prosperity through online ritual in Chiang Mai

    Nearly 3,000 Chinese nationals took part in an online ritual performed in Chaing Mai province in the northern part of Thailand to attract fortune and prosperity into their lives. Chiang Mai News reported today that netizens from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and China participated in the online ceremony performed by a Thai cult leader named Sub Muneethep. This mystical…

  • Tik-shock: Baht bus operator gets tough on risqué ride with Chinese viral vixen

    Tik-shock: Baht bus operator gets tough on risqué ride with Chinese viral vixen

    A baht bus operator in Chiang Mai has recently implemented stricter measures in response to viral TikTok videos featuring a provocative Chinese woman on one of their buses in the province. On Friday, June 16, a Chinese woman, under the TikTok handle @huanxi59, posted a video that quickly gained attention. The video showcased her seated on the baht bus floor,…

  • Chiang Mai tourism: Haze issue risks long-stay senior tourist numbers

    Chiang Mai tourism: Haze issue risks long-stay senior tourist numbers

    Tourism operators in Chiang Mai are urging the new government to address the persistent haze issue to attract the return of long-stay senior tourists, whose absence has dealt a significant blow to the province’s economy. The leader of the Move Forward Party, Pita Limjaroenrat, visited Chiang Mai last week and discussed environmental and tourism policies with local industry representatives. According…

  • Chiang Mai temple abbot investigated for 200 million baht mismanagement and illegal shrine construction

    Chiang Mai temple abbot investigated for 200 million baht mismanagement and illegal shrine construction

    A high-profile Chiang Mai temple abbot is under investigation after allegations of mismanagement of 200 million baht (US$ 5,762,028) worth of donations and unauthorised construction of a shrine, following a recent incident in which he caused damage to multiple vehicles. The Chiang Mai Ecclesiastical Office is now examining the financial and land issues related to Phra Phutthabat Si Roi temple,…

  • Prof. Thasnai defies odds to become university lecturer after overcoming challenges and prejudice

    Prof. Thasnai defies odds to become university lecturer after overcoming challenges and prejudice

    A former non-formal education student, who faced numerous challenges during his academic journey, has become a university lecturer. Thasnai Sethaseree, now a media arts and design instructor at Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, shared his harrowing past experiences on Facebook, revealing that he was frequently insulted by authority figures and forced out of multiple schools during his childhood…

  • Thief smashes donation box at Chiang Mai temple, gets caught and confesses

    Thief smashes donation box at Chiang Mai temple, gets caught and confesses

    Chiang Mai police have arrested a 24 year old Myanmar national, accused of stealing a donation box from Chedi Luang Worawihan temple and other thefts in the area. The suspect confessed to the crimes after being detained for a separate incident involving stolen motorcycles. Investigating the case, Police Lieutenant Colonel Phuwanat Duangdi, the superintendent for Chiang Mai’s local police, reported…

  • Driver survives 2-day lorry plunge ordeal by eating cabbage, rescued by cattle herder

    Driver survives 2-day lorry plunge ordeal by eating cabbage, rescued by cattle herder

    A lorry transporting Chinese cabbages plunged 80 metres into a ravine in Chiang Mai, leaving the driver trapped for two days and two nights. Miraculously, he survived by eating the cabbages before a cattle herder found him yesterday. In a dramatic rescue operation, emergency responders arrived on the scene at Huay Phak Kut curve in Mae Suek sub-district of Chiang…

  • Doi Inthanon National Park pioneers integrated conservation area management approach

    Doi Inthanon National Park pioneers integrated conservation area management approach

    Doi Inthanon National Park is piloting a holistic area conservation approach, with a focus on integrated administration and avoiding unnecessary burdens on personnel. This pioneering project aims to effectively manage the park’s 16 sub-agencies and a budget of 50 million baht, whilst protecting the natural environment and resources. Doi Inthanon National Park, the country’s highest peak, is launching a comprehensive…

  • Prominent Chiang Mai abbot’s shocking crash leaves trail of carnage

    Prominent Chiang Mai abbot’s shocking crash leaves trail of carnage

    A revered Chiang Mai temple abbot crashed into eight vehicles, including six cars and two motorcycles, causing carnage and prompting netizens to question why he was wearing shorts. The abbot, known as Kru Ba, was travelling to visit his younger brother but ended up in a multi-vehicle pile-up. A witness at the scene, Sakul, reported that the accident occurred around…

  • Miracle numbers appear at Chiang Mai temple during candlelit ceremony

    Miracle numbers appear at Chiang Mai temple during candlelit ceremony

    A Thai temple in Chiang Mai has revealed lottery numbers after a candlelit blessing ceremony. The numbers in the temple’s sacred water were previously linked to a million-baht winning ticket. The temple continues to host such ceremonies and supports around 30 monks. On May 28, a candlelit blessing ceremony was held at the San Ma Kiang Temple, Chiang Mai Province,…

  • Police say woman found dead in Chiang Mai condo wasn’t murdered

    Police say woman found dead in Chiang Mai condo wasn’t murdered

    UPDATE Despite police saying that they assumed the woman found dead in a condo room in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, this morning was murdered by her foreign husband, they are now saying she was not murdered at all. Pol. Lt. Col. Phirom Yosalai, an inspector at Mae Ping Police Station, said the woman is expected to have died from an…

  • Thai woman found dead in Chiang Mai condo, farang husband missing

    Thai woman found dead in Chiang Mai condo, farang husband missing

    This story has been updated. Police launched a murder investigation after the body of a Thai woman was discovered in a rented room at a famous condo in Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand, this morning. The deceased’s “farang husband,” who also lives in the room, is nowhere to be found. At approximately 10.45am, officers at Mae Ping Police Station were…

  • Chiang Mai cafe encounters issue with production team of drama series

    Chiang Mai cafe encounters issue with production team of drama series

    A well-known Chiang Mai café refused a request for a popular drama series production team to film on their premises, urging respect for businesses that have high costs and investments. A social media user claimed that a renowned Chiang Mai café was approached by a drama series production team seeking permission to film at their establishment with 9 to 10 crew…

  • Car saleswoman brutally raped and murdered in Thailand, family demands death penalty

    Car saleswoman brutally raped and murdered in Thailand, family demands death penalty

    The family of a young used car saleswoman who was brutally raped and murdered in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, on Saturday is calling for the serial rapist responsible to be punished with the death penalty. Police arrested a 40 year old suspect, Nathapol Panpadungsap, in Mueang district at 3.30pm on Sunday. He has a long criminal history and was most…

  • British expat missing for a week in Chiang Mai

    British expat missing for a week in Chiang Mai

    A foreigner took to social media to seek help after his British friend went missing in Chiang Mai province in northern Thailand. Kastro Freeman, a member of a Facebook group called Chiang Mai News in English, shared a picture of his missing friend, 46 year old Dominic Boyle, on Wednesday, April 26, with a caption that said… “Howdy all, our…

  • Crafty Chiang Mai tuk tuk drivers paint pavement yellow to avoid traffic fines

    Crafty Chiang Mai tuk tuk drivers paint pavement yellow to avoid traffic fines

    Crafty Tuk Tuk drivers were caught on camera painting yellow paint over the red lines on the pavement in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand so they could park their three-wheeled vehicles next to Tha Phae Gate without getting traffic fines. Red and white means absolutely no parking, whereas yellow and white means parking there temporarily is permitted. In a short…

  • Thailand’s PM visits Chiang Mai, a Pheu Thai stronghold

    Thailand’s PM visits Chiang Mai, a Pheu Thai stronghold

    Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is hoping to win over supporters in Chiang Mai, a province historically known as a stronghold of support his rival Pheu Thai Party. The No.1 prime ministerial candidate for the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party visited Chiang Mai yesterday in an attempt to sway voters, Bangkok Post reported. Prayut, joined by key UTN Party members including…

  • Beware of passport scam targetting British nationals in Thailand warns UK Foreign Office

    Beware of passport scam targetting British nationals in Thailand warns UK Foreign Office

    The British Foreign Office issued a warning to both UK residents and expats in Thailand about a passport scam that is currently targetting British nationals in the kingdom. Fraudsters are attempting to capitalize on the recent strikes by government workers in the UK, which have caused delays in passport renewals, by promising to bypass the three-month waiting period for a…

  • Gang attacks Swedish tourist for defending waitress in Chiang Mai, Thailand | Thaiger

    Gang attacks Swedish tourist for defending waitress in Chiang Mai, Thailand

    A Swedish tourist was brutally attacked by a gang of young men after he tried to stop them from assaulting a waitress at a karaoke bar in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, on Friday. The gang also stole the victim’s gold necklace before throwing him into a canal. Yesterday, police arrested three men of Tai Yai ethnicity (an ethnic group from Shan state…