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 to join UNESCO’s World Heritage list

    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

    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

    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…

  • Brrr-illiant care: Chiang Mai Zoo keeps animals cozy at 10°c

    Brrr-illiant care: Chiang Mai Zoo keeps animals cozy at 10°c

    As temperatures in Chiang Mai drop to a chilly 10 degrees Celsius (°C), Chiang Mai Zoo is stepping up to ensure its animals stay warm and healthy. Located at the foot of a mountain, the zoo faces sharp nighttime and early-morning temperature dips, prompting a range of protective measures for its residents. Zoo director Wutthichai Muangman revealed that heat lamps…

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

    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)

    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

    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 soldiers seize 300,000 meth pills after shootout

    Chiang Mai soldiers seize 300,000 meth pills after shootout

    Soldiers in Chiang Mai‘s Fang district intercepted a significant drug smuggling operation early yesterday morning, December 21, confiscating 300,000 methamphetamine pills left behind by fleeing suspects. The incident unfolded when two military patrols from the Chaiyanuparb special unit encountered three or four men carrying rucksacks near an orange grove in tambon Monpin at approximately 3am. Upon being signalled to stop…

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

    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

    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

    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…

  • Body of missing five year old boy found in Chiang Mai canal

    Body of missing five year old boy found in Chiang Mai canal

    Thai police have confirmed the tragic discovery of a five year old boy who had been missing for three days. His lifeless body was found in a canal near his school yesterday, November 29 at 5pm. The search had been ongoing since his disappearance on Wednesday, November 27 from Tri Mit Witthaya School, a special education centre in Thung Ruang…

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

    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

    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

    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…

  • Flood-mitigation plan unveiled for Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai

    Flood-mitigation plan unveiled for Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai

    The Transport Ministry is preparing to unveil a detailed flood-mitigation strategy for Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai during a mobile Cabinet session scheduled for Friday in Chiang Mai. Transport Permanent Secretary Chayatan Phromsorn revealed the plan yesterday, November 25, following last week’s meeting of a dedicated task force assembled to devise protective measures against future floods and landslides in these…

  • Minor earthquake rattles Lamphun, Chiang Mai with no damage

    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…

  • Purring gold: Chiang Mai’s golden tiger sparks a roaring sensation

    Purring gold: Chiang Mai’s golden tiger sparks a roaring sensation

    Recent images of a golden tiger have captured public attention, with the adorable tiger from Chiang Mai Night Safari creating quite a buzz. Known for her glamorous appearance and strikingly soft fur, the tiger, Nong Ava, has become a favourite among animal lovers. The Chiang Mai Night Safari, renowned for its diverse range of wildlife, has unveiled the latest pictures…

  • Malaysian monk arrested for theft at Chiang Mai temple

    Malaysian monk arrested for theft at Chiang Mai temple

    Chiang Saen police officers in northern Thailand, including immigration, apprehended a Malaysian monk suspected of theft at Chiang Mai’s Jed Yod Temple. The suspect, identified as 50 year old Paramasivan, was found near Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong in Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai. The investigation kicked off after Chang Phueak police in Chiang Mai were alerted to missing valuables from…

  • Chiang Mai swept up: Chinese investors leave locals concerned

    Chiang Mai swept up: Chinese investors leave locals concerned

    Residents in Chiang Mai have raised concerns about the future after Chinese investors continue to sweep up real estate in the largest city of northern Thailand. Locals are speaking out against what they see as an increasing domination by Chinese investors swooping in to purchase property en masse, fundamentally altering neighbourhoods and threatening the city’s cultural identity and economic autonomy.…

  • Sunbathing crocodile makes snappy getaway into Ping River

    Sunbathing crocodile makes snappy getaway into Ping River

    A 2-metre crocodile was spotted sunbathing at a sand quarry in Chiang Mai before making a quick escape into the Ping River. Witnesses believe the reptile might have escaped from a farm during recent floods. Concerns for public safety have prompted calls for its immediate capture. Reports have emerged from Chiang Mai about an unexpected encounter with a crocodile at…

  • Chiang Mai’s Doi Inthanon draws tourists with frosty scenic views

    Chiang Mai’s Doi Inthanon draws tourists with frosty scenic views

    Cold temperatures on Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai have attracted tourists eager to experience the chill and witness the stunning frost formations on grass and wildflowers. As of today, the temperature on the summit dropped to 9°C, creating a picturesque scene that drew many visitors to the national park. There is great anticipation for the occurrence of Maei Khap frost,…

  • District in Chiang Mai faces landslide threat amid waterlogged soil

    District in Chiang Mai faces landslide threat amid waterlogged soil

    Experts have warned about potential landslides and ground subsidence in Chiang Dao district, Chiang Mai. The region is grappling with waterlogged soil after enduring two months of consecutive flooding, raising concerns about the stability of the land. A TikTok video recently brought attention to the situation, as it showed water surfacing from the ground at multiple spots in the Mueang…

  • Chiang Mai: Free rent for grabs in exchange for taming neighbour

    Chiang Mai: Free rent for grabs in exchange for taming neighbour

    A Chiang Mai homeowner is taking drastic measures to settle a neighbourhood feud by offering three months of rent-free living to anyone willing to stand up to a particularly “mad” bully next door. Saranya, known only by her Facebook handle, made the unusual offer on a local community page, ดอยสะเก็ดเด็ดทุกอย่าง Doi Saket Ded Took Yang (all is good at Doi…

  • Shocking cruelty: Child abuse claims haunt Chiang Mai orphanage

    Shocking cruelty: Child abuse claims haunt Chiang Mai orphanage

    The Social Development and Human Security Ministry (MSDHS) is set to revoke the licence of an orphanage foundation in Chiang Mai following allegations of child abuse. Minister Varawut Silpa-archa announced the decision after a former caregiver reported that employees at the orphanage had been physically punishing children aged three to six for several years. Varawut confirmed that the Human Security…

  • Spring surprise: Flooding ‘washes out’ Chiang Mai roads (video)

    Spring surprise: Flooding ‘washes out’ Chiang Mai roads (video)

    Water springs in Mueang Na, Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai have been causing unusual flooding, leading to road closures. Normally dry for six months, these springs have continuously flowed, affecting multiple areas simultaneously and disrupting local transport. A TikTok user, under the account @j_khamsan, shared videos highlighting the strange phenomenon of multiple water springs in Mueang Na, Chiang Dao district, Chiang…

  • Chiang Mai ‘grounds’ Yi Peng Festival lanterns to keep skies safe

    Chiang Mai ‘grounds’ Yi Peng Festival lanterns to keep skies safe

    Chiang Mai reinforced strict measures against the release of sky lanterns during the Yi Peng Festival to protect air traffic, particularly in six districts identified as high-risk areas. The release of lanterns outside these zones is permitted for only two days, with heavy penalties for violators. The Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai, Siwa Thamikanont, along with the Chiang Mai Provincial…

  • Chill seekers: Tourists flock to Doi Inthanon for a ‘cool’ getaway

    Chill seekers: Tourists flock to Doi Inthanon for a ‘cool’ getaway

    A cold morning greeted visitors at Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai, as temperatures dipped to a chilly 8 degrees Celsius. Tourists flocked to experience the cold weather, with Kew Mae Pan recording 9 degrees Celsius and the park headquarters at 13 degrees Celsius. Chiang Mai City saw morning temperatures ranging between 21 and 22 degrees Celsius, prompting locals to don warm…

  • Drunken Thai boxer takes page from Tyson’s ear-book

    Drunken Thai boxer takes page from Tyson’s ear-book

    In an incident eerily reminiscent of Mike Tyson’s infamous clash with Evander Holyfield, a drunken Thai boxer left a man earless after a savage encounter in Chiang Mai. The attack has prompted pleas for justice from the victim’s distraught girlfriend. In a startling revelation, Duean, a 25 year old from Lampang Province, recounted the gruesome details to reporters. Her boyfriend,…

  • Chiang Mai tourists embrace 10 degrees cold snap

    Chiang Mai tourists embrace 10 degrees cold snap

    Chiang Mai is experiencing a significant drop in temperature, with the renowned Doi Inthanon registering a chilly 10 degrees Celsius (°C). Tourists are flocking to the area to enjoy the cold weather, despite warnings from the Northern Meteorological Centre about possible thunderstorms and weather changes that could impact health. The weather in Chiang Mai remains cold and overcast with intermittent…