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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  • Japanese woman found dead at luxury hotel in Chiang Mai | Thaiger

    Japanese woman found dead at luxury hotel in Chiang Mai

    A heart-wrenching incident unfolded at the upscale Parc Borough hotel on Mahidol Road in Chiang Mai’s Padad sub-district when a Japanese man discovered his girlfriend’s dead body in their room. The shocking discovery prompted an immediate response from Mueang Chaing Mai Police Station officers, who rushed to investigate the scene. The victim, identified as 25 year old Ami Hosue, was…

  • Chiang Mai court convicts dog killer: A justice victory for popular campus pet | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai court convicts dog killer: A justice victory for popular campus pet

    In Chiang Mai, a man who killed a beloved dog has been sentenced to six months in prison for animal cruelty. The dog was known as Thia Mor Chor, a short-legged, popular fellow among students. Watchdog Thailand, an animal rights organisation, announced the verdict yesterday, signalling justice for Thia, whose name means shorty. The late Thia was an adored fixture…

  • Fireworks factory explosion triggers panic in tranquil Chiang Mai community (video) | Thaiger

    Fireworks factory explosion triggers panic in tranquil Chiang Mai community (video)

    A thunderous explosion rocked all tranquillity when a fireworks factory exploded, sending tremors of shock through a Chiang Mai community and engulfing the plant in billowing fire and smoke. The emergency response was put into swift action around midday today. The incident occurred in the sub-district of San Pu Leui, located in the Doi Saket district. The intense noise and…

  • Clam-bushed in Thailand: 53 year old diver vanishes, family in deep distres | Thaiger

    Clam-bushed in Thailand: 53 year old diver vanishes, family in deep distres

    The family of a 53 year old diver are distraught after he disappeared whilst fishing for clams in a reservoir in northern Thailand. His motorbike and discarded shoes were found at the reservoir yesterday, leading his family to believe he had drowned. Police were alerted to the man’s disappearance, leading a coordinated search with local divers. The local police from…

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

    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 | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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…

  • Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary faces closure amid family inheritance dispute | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary faces closure amid family inheritance dispute

    The renowned family-managed elephant sanctuary, Mae Sa Elephant Camp in Chiang Mai, might be confronted with closure amidst an ongoing legal battle over inheritance between the late owner’s eldest child and his spouse (her stepmother). The camp, nestled in the Mae Rim district of this northern province, has been grappling with monetary issues that are impacting its operations, according to…

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

    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 | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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…

  • Jealousy’s fatal blade: Thai wife stabs unfaithful husband in Chiang Mai | Thaiger

    Jealousy’s fatal blade: Thai wife stabs unfaithful husband in Chiang Mai

    In a tragic twist of jealousy, a Thai wife fatally stabbed her unfaithful husband in the Fang district in the northern province of Chiang Mai. The chilling incident unfolded when Fang Police Station received a distress call on July 4. Rushing to the scene, officers discovered the lifeless body of 30 year old Khamlu Siamlai on the road, his chest bearing…

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

    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 | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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…

  • Monkey business alert: Chiang Mai Zoo stages emergency drill as gibbons plot daring escape | Thaiger

    Monkey business alert: Chiang Mai Zoo stages emergency drill as gibbons plot daring escape

    Chiang Mai Zoo set in place an emergency drill for the staff members in preparation just in case any of the zoo’s gibbons tried to escape. To enhance the realism of the exercise, two zookeepers wore gibbon costumes and assumed the roles of the stubborn animals. Chiang Mai Zoo’s official Facebook page of shared a video of the emergency drill…

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

    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 | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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…

  • Chiang Mai human trafficking gang busted, 3 underage victims rescued | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai human trafficking gang busted, 3 underage victims rescued

    Thailand’s plague of human trafficking has once again reared its ugly head. Thai authorities have arrested members of a human trafficking gang operating in Chiang Mai. The arrests followed tip-offs from organisations fighting human trafficking, such as Destiny Rescue and the Immanuel Foundation. Officials discovered that My Tirak Bar and My Tirak Pub were offering sexual services, involving minors, to…

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

    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 | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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…

  • Chiang Mai teens seen vaping, sniffing glue in public in downtown | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai teens seen vaping, sniffing glue in public in downtown

    A group of audacious Chiang Mai teenagers, all under the age of 16, astounded onlookers with their outrageous behavior near the historic city moat in Chiang Mai. Their exploits included frolicking in the water, engaging in provocative dance moves, and using electronic cigarettes and inhalants, all while blatantly ignoring the stares and concerns of passersby who observed them. Four males…

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

    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 | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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…

  • Suspected murderer of car saleswoman in Thailand charged with 7 serious offences | Thaiger

    Suspected murderer of car saleswoman in Thailand charged with 7 serious offences

    UPDATE Police pressed seven serious charges against the man who yesterday confessed to raping and murdering a young car saleswoman in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, on Saturday. Police say it is likely he will be punished with the maximum penalty. Initially, officers at Doi Saket Police Station charged 40 year old Nathapol “Ainat” Panpadungsap with three counts of rape using…

  • British expat missing for a week in Chiang Mai | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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…