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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What’s not covered by health insurance in Thailand?
Health insurance in Thailand has important limits that everyone should know. Many policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, motorcycle accidents, extreme sports, or specific treatments. These gaps can lead to unexpected costs during emergencies. Coverage for outpatient care and hospital...
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Road rage: Knife-wielding driver threatens man in Chiang Mai (video)
A heated road rage encounter occurred at a traffic junction in San Sai district, Chiang Mai, where a man wielding a knife confronted another driver after a horn was honked at him. The incident, which took place at 11.25pm on Saturday, August 3, sparked widespread attention after being shared on social media. Beat, the 26 year old driver and owner…
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Ceiling collapse at Chiang Mai Airport injures two foreign children
A ceiling collapse at Chiang Mai Airport‘s security checkpoint injured two foreign children yesterday at 7.55am. Medical staff at the airport quickly administered first aid to the injured children. The first child, from the Netherlands, sustained minor injuries to the back of his hand, while the second, from China, suffered a head injury. The Dutch child and his family decided…
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Cebu Pacific unveils first direct flights from Manila to Chiang Mai
Cebu Pacific introduces its inaugural direct flights from Manila to Chiang Mai, starting October 29. This new route marks the airline’s fourth destination in Thailand, adding to its existing services from Manila and Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports. Cebu Pacific’s President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao highlighted the significance of this new route. “Chiang…
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Chiang Mai: Fallen tree kills Chinese tourist, injures another
A tragic incident occurred yesterday at a zipline site in Doi Saket, Chiang Mai, where a fallen tree injured two Chinese tourists. The Erawan Emergency Response Center received the report at 2.50pm, prompting immediate action from rescuers. Upon arrival, emergency personnel found that a Chinese couple had been struck by a collapsing tree as they were crossing a rope bridge…
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Chiang Mai songthaew driver fined for aggressive road incident (video)
A driver of a red songthaew in Chiang Mai faces two serious charges after reacting aggressively to a car horn by brandishing a wooden stick. He admitted to overreacting and apologised for tarnishing the songthaew’s image. The incident, which gained attention on social media, involved the driver stopping in the middle of the road to drop off a passenger, prompting…
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Tourists found safe after getting lost in Chiang Mai forest
Two tourists, a Russian man and a Chinese woman, were found safe but exhausted after getting lost in the forest on Doi Nang Meh in San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai. The search and rescue operation involved local police and rescue teams. At 8.30pm yesterday, July 27, Poempool Chaisit, the head of the Village Headmen and Subdistrict Chiefs Club in On Tai…
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Woman killed in Chiang Mai domestic, husband claims self-defense
A tragic domestic dispute in Chiang Mai resulted in the death of a woman, with her intoxicated husband claiming self defence. Police were alerted to the incident at a rented house on Muendamprakot Road, Chang Phueak Subdistrict, late yesterday. Investigators from Chang Phueak Police Station, including Winitchai Pinitsak, along with rescue teams and a medical examiner from Maharaj Nakorn Chiang…
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TAT, TikTok, and Klook Thailand launch incredible travel contest
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has teamed up with TikTok Thailand and Klook Thailand to launch the Amazing Thailand Passion Ambassador initiative. Tourists and content creators are invited to share their unforgettable Thailand travel videos for a chance to win amazing prizes. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated that this initiative supports the policy of the Minister of Tourism and…
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Persistent Chiang Mai gang arrested for bird food scam on tourists
Police have detained members of a scammer gang at Tha Phae Gate, Chiang Mai, who were scamming tourists by selling bird food and charging them for photos, deemed to be damaging the area’s reputation as a tourist destination. Today, July 19, officers from the Tourist Police Division 2, led by Makara Srisakulpisut and Nithipat Bunmak, conducted a thorough inspection of…
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Chiang Mai earthquake causes tremors, no major damage
An earthquake measuring 3.3 on the Richter scale struck Mae Chaem, Chiang Mai, causing noticeable tremors but no reported injuries or significant damage to buildings. Local officials have been instructed to conduct thorough inspections of the area to assess potential impacts. A 3.3-magnitude earthquake occurred in the Mae Na Chon area of Mae Chaem district yesterday at 11.04pm, with a…
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African swine fever outbreak reported in Chiang Mai
In a significant and concerning development, Thailand has reported its first outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) for the year, as confirmed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). This outbreak has occurred in Luang Nuea Village, located in the Doi Saket District of Chiang Mai Province. The outbreak details The outbreak began on June 5 on a farm…
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Chiang Mai residents scramble for lucky lottery numbers
Chiang Mai is experiencing a frenzy over lucky lottery numbers, with tickets selling out rapidly across various districts. Key numbers tied to the royal family and significant Buddhist holidays are in high demand, despite the consistently high prices. Residents have flocked to early morning markets in Chiang Mai, particularly on Mahidol Road in the city, Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road in Saraphi…
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Officer killed, another injured in Chiang Mai drug raid shooting
A police officer lost his life and another was injured in a shooting incident involving a drug suspect in Chiang Dao district, Chiang Mai last night. A coordinated operation involving police, soldiers, and local officials took place at around 9.30pm yesterday, July 11, targeting the suspect’s residence in Jiachan village, Moo 13, located in the Mueang Na subdistrict. As the team…
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New tree species unearthed in Thai Geopark
Researchers from Chiang Mai University have uncovered a brand-new species of Ylang Ylang, or cananga tree, at the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark. Dubbed “Chalermprakiat” in honour of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday, this discovery is set to shake the botanical world. Ylang Ylang, a tropical tree known for its fragrant flowers, is typically found in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia,…
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Thailand’s oldest oilfield to get 300 million baht redevelopment
Thailand’s oldest oilfield is set for redevelopment with a budget of 300 million baht, as announced by the Defence Energy Department’s Northern Petroleum Development Centre (NPDC). The redevelopment plan of Fang Oilfield in Chiang Mai includes upgrading the oil refinery to Euro5 standards, enabling it to produce lower-sulphur diesel that is safe for car engines, according to Montri Jeennakorn, director…
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Chiang Mai used car dealers rev up amid economic turmoil
Chiang Mai’s used car dealerships are on the brink of collapse as they battle economic woes and intense price wars. The once-thriving market is now a battleground, with many dealerships shutting their doors while the survivors cling on by the skin of their teeth. The surge in repossessed vehicles and stricter financing regulations have only added fuel to the fire.…
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Road rage incident in Chiang Mai sparks online debate (video)
A recent incident involving a road rage altercation in Chiang Mai drew significant attention online. The dispute began when a woman driving slowly in the right lane was confronted by an irate driver, who accused her of using her mobile phone while driving. The incident, which occurred yesterday, involved 28 year old Aem, who was driving on Samphoch 700 Pi…
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YouTubers’ motorbikes spotted on Chiang Mai route on Google
Google Street View captured two stylish motorbikes on the Chiang Mai–Mae Hong Son route, instantly recognised by netizens as belonging to popular YouTubers. The sighting has delighted fans who spotted their idols on the virtual map. Google Street View vehicles, known for capturing 360-degree panoramic images of locations for Google Maps, have a reputation for documenting everything in their path.…
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Senior Thai judge transferred after molestation accusation on train
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court urgently transferred a senior judge following accusations of molesting a female court officer on a sleeper train. A high-ranking source within the judiciary revealed the incident occurred during a staff development activity. The female officer lodged a complaint against the senior judge, who belongs to a major court in Bangkok, following the incident…
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Two South Korean illegal tour guides arrested in Chiang Mai
Two South Korean nationals working illegally as tour guides in Chiang Mai have been arrested by the Royal Thai Immigration Bureau. Thai immigration detained the suspects, identified as 50 year old Han and 41 year old Kim, on a local road in Chiang Mai City. The arrests were made after immigration officers received tips from concerned citizens about their illegal…
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Sri Lanna Park adopts drones and firebreaks to combat wildfires
Sri Lanna National Park adjusted its wildfire prevention strategies, incorporating controlled burns to tackle forest fires effectively. Park Chief Anon Kullanin revealed that using drones to monitor and map the fires significantly aided the firefighting efforts. Sri Lanna National Park recently faced a challenging wildfire situation. According to Anon, the park utilised drones to identify hotspots and plan entry routes…
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Chiang Mai lottery enthusiasts speculate on singer’s lucky numbers
The excitement around the upcoming lottery draw on Sunday has reached a fever pitch in Chiang Mai, with many eagerly hunting for tickets featuring the most sought-after numbers, particularly those associated with the late singer Phumphuang Duangchan. Lottery stalls across various key locations, including Chiang Mai Gate, Arcade Bus Station, the railway station, Mahidol Road in Mueang District, and Chiang…
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Trunk call: Monk leads project to build elephant shelter in Chiang Mai
Renowned monk Phra Kru Odd called upon elephant enthusiasts to join a significant initiative to construct a shelter for elephants of the Saen family in Chiang Mai. The project aims to protect the elephants from harsh weather conditions and is estimated to cost 1 million baht, taking one full year to complete. Phra Kru Odd, associated with Wat Chedi Luang…
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Brew discovery: Rare ancient tea plants sparks conservation efforts
The discovery of rare ancient tea varieties in Chiang Mai has significant implications for global tea conservation. The area now holds Thailand’s largest collection of ancient tea genetics. The Director of the 16th Conservation Area Administration Office in Chiang Mai, Kritsiyam Khongsatri commissioned the survey. The team, including the Head of the Doi Chiang Dao Watershed Research Station, Manop Kaewfoo…
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Chiang Mai seeks public input on Mae Hod Reservoir project
The Department of National Parks (DNP) in Chiang Mai is gathering public opinions on revoking parts of Ob Luang National Park to construct the Mae Hod Reservoir, aimed at increasing water resources for farmers and reducing drought risks. The Ob Luang National Park, situated in Chiang Mai, opened a forum for stakeholders and local communities to voice their opinions on…
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Chiang Mai statue restoration sparks debate over authenticity
The Chiang Mai governor coordinated with the Fine Arts Department to restore a 400 year old giant statue at a prominent historical temple, sparking criticism from an academic who argues that the restoration was inappropriate. The controversy began when an assistant professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts at Chiang Mai University, Surachai Jongjitngam criticised the restoration of a large…
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Chiang Mai University tops regional state rankings
Chiang Mai University has been named the most popular regional state university in Thailand this year, according to the latest uniRank rankings. The rankings, which evaluate universities based on website popularity, were released today. UniRank evaluates university popularity based on three main criteria: website popularity, accuracy and completeness of information, and the frequency of updated news. These comprehensive criteria ensure…
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NHL player Jonas Siegenthaler hosts hockey camp in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai hosted its first-ever NHL player camp, where Jonas Siegenthaler, a player of Thai heritage, conducted a three-day training session with Under-11 and Under-15 players, marking a groundbreaking moment for Thai hockey. Playing for Switzerland, Siegenthaler was fresh off his silver medal win at the World Championships in the Czech Republic, narrowly losing the title to the Czechia team.…
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Myanmar couple makes history at Thai Pride parade
Denied the chance to celebrate their union in their homeland, where LGBTQ individuals face persecution and imprisonment, a Burmese same-sex couple sought peace and happiness in the more tolerant kingdom next door. The couple, Nyan and Mae, tied the knot in front of thousands at the annual Pride parade in Chiang Mai. The late-night ceremony on Sunday was only symbolic…
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Fireworks factory explosion victims wait compensation a year on
A devastating fireworks factory explosion in San Thung Mai village of Chiang Mai, left residents grappling with extensive damage and financial burdens nearly one year later. Compensation from the factory has yet to be received, forcing many to bear repair costs themselves, with some incurring expenses close to 200,000 baht. The explosion occurred around noon on July 24 last year,…
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