Northern Thailand News

Northern Thailand news, Chiang Mai news, business, tourism, and culture—stay updated with breaking stories, local events, and travel insights from Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai, and beyond. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted Northern Thailand news source.

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    Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Here’s your health checklist before the move

    Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Thailand is a popular choice for retirees because of its beautiful landscapes, warm climate, and affordable living. Cities like Chiang Mai and coastal areas offer a relaxed lifestyle with friendly communities. The country also...

  • Thai police crack down on ecstasy disguised as cartoon figurines

    Thai police crack down on ecstasy disguised as cartoon figurines

    An alarming rise in a new form of ecstasy, resembling cartoon figurines, has been reported on social media, particularly in Chiang Rai. This new trend makes the drug more appealing and accessible to youth, prompting immediate police action. Police General Kittirat Phanpet, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, addressed the issue of ecstasy disguised as cartoon characters. He acknowledged…

  • Former Thai official arrested for 2011 corruption in Sakon Nakhon

    Former Thai official arrested for 2011 corruption in Sakon Nakhon

    Officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) arrested a former public works official involved in corruption related to three projects from the 2011 fiscal year. The official was taken into custody for legal proceedings yesterday, July 24. Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, Secretary-General of the NACC, and Prateep Jutasorn, Deputy Secretary-General of NACC Region 4, directed the Region 4 anti-corruption investigation team to…

  • Elderly man killed by pit bull in Khon Kaen

    Elderly man killed by pit bull in Khon Kaen

    A 70 year old Thai man was attacked and killed by an American Pit Bull Terrier in Khon Kaen province. The man’s 33 year old son, Prasert collected his father’s body from the Srinagarind Hospital morgue. The attack occurred at Kho village, Kud Khon Kaen subdistrict, Phuwiang district yesterday, July 24. Prasert, deeply saddened, urged the dog’s owner to take…

  • Rainy morning crash in Chaiyaphum injures four

    Rainy morning crash in Chaiyaphum injures four

    A road crash in Chaiyaphum province this morning resulted in three heavily damaged pickup trucks and four injuries. A white Toyota Hilux Revo lost control and veered into oncoming traffic, colliding with two other pickups. Chaiyaphum City Police Station received a report at 7.05am today, July 25, of a multi-vehicle collision in front of Chaiyaphum Radiator Shop on the Chaiyaphum-Si…

  • Thai man abandons family in roadside hut in Udon Thani

    Thai man abandons family in roadside hut in Udon Thani

    A Thai man deceived his family by promising to buy a birthday cake, only to abandon his wife and four children in a roadside hut. The local villagers, unable to leave the family in distress, stepped in to help and transport them back to their rented home. Local officials received a report at 5pm yesterday from Parida Prasomsri, a member…

  • Rev your engines: The ultimate motorcycle tour in Thailand

    Rev your engines: The ultimate motorcycle tour in Thailand

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Royal Enfield have teamed up to put the Land of Smiles on the map as a premier destination for motorcycle enthusiasts. The Royal Enfield Amazing Thailand Ride, which began its inaugural tour from July 18 to 23, promises an adventure like no other, showcasing the country’s rich cultural tapestry and stunning landscapes. Nithee…

  • Thai man severely injured in attack by police officers’ children

    Thai man severely injured in attack by police officers’ children

    A violent altercation involving a group of police officers’ children has resulted in severe injuries for a young man, with the case seeing little progress over the past month. The incident occurred today, July 24, when 45 year old Sanya and his son 20 year old Nattapong, visited Ekaphap Luangprasert, advisor to the Minister of Interior and founder of the…

  • Heartbroken woman rescued from bridge in northeast Thailand

    Heartbroken woman rescued from bridge in northeast Thailand

    A Thai woman, distressed after a breakup, was found crying by the Chi River Bridge in Yasothon province, prompting a good Samaritan to call the police. Officers managed to calm her down after an hour, ensuring her safety and returning her home. A young woman, overcome with sadness from a recent breakup, was found sitting alone on the edge of…

  • Thai man kills 2 month old baby girl after failing to rape her mother

    Thai man kills 2 month old baby girl after failing to rape her mother

    A Thai man killed a two month old baby in a rage by throwing the infant to the ground after he failed to rape the child’s mother at her home in the northern province of Chiang Rai. Officers from Wiang Kaen Police Station arrested the 40 year old alleged murderer, Lee Saeyang, at his home, which was located opposite the…

  • Wildlife tragedy: Thailand mourns as serow and tiger bite the dust

    Wildlife tragedy: Thailand mourns as serow and tiger bite the dust

    A serow was discovered shot dead in Phetchabun province, while an injured tiger succumbed to its wounds in Buriram, according to reports from Thai officials yesterday. Chanyaphak Thanachatakkarakun, the chief of Phupha Daeng Wildlife Sanctuary, revealed yesterday, July 21, that a worker from the Silarat Lom Sak stone crushing plant heard gunshots emanating from a mountaintop and subsequently witnessed a…

  • Thai senior police officer disguised as monk arrested in scam probe

    Thai senior police officer disguised as monk arrested in scam probe

    Thai police apprehended a senior police officer, allegedly involved in a call centre scam, who had fled to become a monk in Lampang. The officer denied being the ringleader, claiming he was merely an accomplice. An investigation into a call centre scam led police to a residence in Pa Tan, Mueang district, Chiang Mai, and another apartment within the Baan…

  • Police seize 6 million methamphetamine pills in North Thailand

    Police seize 6 million methamphetamine pills in North Thailand

    Police in Pai district, Mae Hong Son province in northern Thailand seized 6 million methamphetamine pills (meth) and 21 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) that had been abandoned in the area. However, the individuals responsible for transporting the drugs escaped arrest. Chucheep Pongchai, Governor of Mae Hong Son, instructed Anek Pantayom, the District Chief of Pai, to address the drug…

  • Persistent Chiang Mai gang arrested for bird food scam on tourists

    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…

  • Knife-wielding man shot dead after attacking police in Chiang Rai

    Knife-wielding man shot dead after attacking police in Chiang Rai

    A man wielding a knife caused chaos in Santat village, Mae Chan district, Chiang Rai province, injuring a police officer before being fatally shot. A subsequent search of his home revealed drug paraphernalia. Local police received a report at 9.30pm yesterday that a man was wreaking havoc in the village. Upon arrival, the officers found 28 year old Toon walking…

  • Fatal crash on Lampang-Phrae road kills woman, injures two others

    Fatal crash on Lampang-Phrae road kills woman, injures two others

    A tragic accident involving a car and a 10-wheel truck occurred on the Lampang-Phrae road, just before reaching the Wang Ngern shrine, resulting in the death of a woman and injuries to two others, including a one year old child. Police from Mae Tha Police Station reported that the collision happened at 5pm yesterday, July 17. The police, including the…

  • Discover Thai ancient history at Phimai National Museum

    Discover Thai ancient history at Phimai National Museum

    A captivating blend of ancient history and modern exhibition techniques awaits visitors at the newly renovated Phimai National Museum in Nakhon Ratchasima province, 325 kilometres northeast of Bangkok. The museum recently reopened its doors, offering a refreshed and engaging exploration of Phimai’s rich cultural heritage. Located near the Phimai Historical Park, the museum, established in 1993, has long been a…

  • Stateless elderly in Chiang Rai die waiting for Thai citizenship

    Stateless elderly in Chiang Rai die waiting for Thai citizenship

    Numerous stateless elderly individuals in Chiang Rai have tragically passed away before receiving Thai citizenship due to prolonged bureaucratic processes. A Chiang Mai teacher, Daeng, called upon Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to visit the area and witness the situation firsthand. Teacher Daeng, whose full name is Tuenjai Deetes, along with Pienporn Deetes, Secretary-General of the Foundation for Community…

  • Thai AirAsia flights between Bangkok & Lampang take off in October

    Thai AirAsia flights between Bangkok & Lampang take off in October

    Thai AirAsia announced a new route connecting Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) and Lampang, marking the airline’s 25th domestic destination in Thailand. Starting October 1, travellers can look forward to daily flights on this new route, operated by the airline’s trusty Airbus A320 aircraft. Flight FD3923 will leave Bangkok (DMK) at 11.10am, touching down at Lampang Airport (LPT) by…

  • Heavy rain breach reservoir and bridge in northeast Thailand

    Heavy rain breach reservoir and bridge in northeast Thailand

    Heavy rain wreaked havoc in Maha Sarakham, causing the Huai Chiang Kham Reservoir to develop a significant leak, resulting in a flood that has submerged thousands of rai of paddy fields. The deluge has also led to the collapse of the Huai Chiang Kham Bridge, situated between Ban Kam Pi and Ban Lao Yaw. Continuous downpours in the Non-Rasi subdistrict, Borabue…

  • Thai village health volunteer wins 6 million baht in lottery

    Thai village health volunteer wins 6 million baht in lottery

    A village health volunteer from Yasothon has struck it rich by winning the first prize in the lottery, netting a total of 6 million baht. The lucky numbers were chosen from a ticket she had reserved but not yet paid for. Rungaradee Sriwisat, a 53 year old resident of Ban Hua Kham, Moo 4, Samran subdistrict, Mueang Yasothon district, revealed…

  • Ancient artefacts found in Phrae to boost tourism

    Ancient artefacts found in Phrae to boost tourism

    The ancient city of Wiang Chiang Chuen in Phrae, northern Thailand, has unveiled numerous historical artefacts, including polished stone axes and objects over 2,000 years old. The Fine Arts Department plans to develop it into a new historical tourist attraction. During a survey today, Warawut Euapinyakul, MP for Phrae’s 3rd district from the Pheu Thai Party, and Director-General of the…

  • Escort scam: Thai man assaulted & robbed in Chiang Mai hotel trap

    Escort scam: Thai man assaulted & robbed in Chiang Mai hotel trap

    A Thai man filed a complaint against a male escort and his four friends after they lured him to a hotel in the northern province of Chiang Mai before physically assaulting and robbing him. The victim, 31 year old Korn, told officers at Doi Saket Police Station that he lost cash, a mobile phone valued at about 20,000 baht, and…

  • Mobile SIM card dispute leads to fatal shooting in Uthai Thani

    Mobile SIM card dispute leads to fatal shooting in Uthai Thani

    A heated argument over a mobile phone SIM card ended tragically when a man shot his uncle dead at the front door of their home. The gunman, a former village assistant headman, had resigned after testing positive for drugs. Wasawat Siphipob, an investigator at Sawang Arom Police Station in Uthai Thani province, received a report yesterday, July 15, at around…

  • Nakhon Ratchasima man orders toolset, gets water bottles instead

    Nakhon Ratchasima man orders toolset, gets water bottles instead

    A man from Nakhon Ratchasima was left disheartened after spending 499 baht on what he believed to be a set of tools but instead received three bottles of water. Nirat Sukboon, a 46 year old resident of Nai Mueang subdistrict, Phimai district, took his complaint to the Phimai Police Station, presenting the evidence of the water bottles. Nirat shared that…

  • Thai couple arrested for illegal wildlife trade in Surin province

    Thai couple arrested for illegal wildlife trade in Surin province

    Police arrested a Thai couple involved in the illegal wildlife trade, confiscating two tiger cubs, two pairs of Thai elephant tusks, and 26 pieces of African elephant tusks worth millions of baht. Efforts are underway to rescue an additional four tiger cubs. The operation, led by Director of the National Parks Office Chaiwat Limlikhitaksorn and officers from Dom Police Station…

  • Udon Thani hotel calls for delay in electricity rate hike

    Udon Thani hotel calls for delay in electricity rate hike

    A prominent hotel in Udon Thani urged the government to delay the planned electricity rate hike, citing concerns about the current purchasing power of consumers. They argue that customers are only spending on necessities, and an increase in electricity costs could further impact the number of patrons using their services. Apicha Veerachatiyanukul, the managing director of Udon Plaza Co., Ltd.,…

  • Students report being misled into bizarre camp in Thailand

    Students report being misled into bizarre camp in Thailand

    Several students from a renowned university in northeastern Thailand have reported being misled by senior students into attending a peculiar camp that deviated from Buddhist teachings. The camp involved strange rituals, including chanting hundreds of times and creating heavenly passports. Students from a well-known university in northeastern Thailand raised concerns about a camp they were taken to by senior students,…

  • Garbage truck crash in Buriram kills worker, injures driver

    Garbage truck crash in Buriram kills worker, injures driver

    A garbage truck skidded on a slippery road and crashed into a village sign and an electric pole, causing the death of a worker who fell from the truck and leaving the driver severely injured. A tragic accident occurred when a municipal garbage truck lost control on a wet road and collided with a village sign and an electric pole,…

  • Khon Kaen fatal collision leaves one dead

    Khon Kaen fatal collision leaves one dead

    A car accident on a road in Ban Phai, Khon Kaen, resulted in a fatal collision, with one man dead at the scene and efforts underway to locate his relatives. The crash involved a sedan spinning out of control and hitting a pickup truck. Police Lieutenant Kittipol Sripan of Ban Phai Police Station received a report of a car accident…

  • Thai monk’s mention of 730 kip per baht stirs lottery excitement

    Thai monk’s mention of 730 kip per baht stirs lottery excitement

    A renowned Thai monk caused a stir among his followers by unexpectedly mentioning a three-digit number, though he wasn’t discussing the lottery. Phra Ratchawat Wajratam Sopon, better known as Luang Pu Sila Sirichanto, the abbot of Wat Phra That Muen Hin in Khon Kaen province, has become a widely talked-about figure. In recent lottery draws, numbers associated with Luang Pu…