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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Former bank officer arrested in Nakhon Sawan for 500k fraud
The Anti-Corruption Division of the police, in collaboration with the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission, apprehended a former state bank officer involved in defrauding locals of half a million baht. The suspect faces charges at the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 6 today, December 4. Police Major General Jaroonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), and…
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Nakhon Phanom lottery scam leaves woman 4000 baht short
A woman from the Nakhon Phanom province found herself in a distressing situation when she discovered that her lottery tickets were past their valid date, just as she was preparing to celebrate her supposed win with a grand meal. This incident has raised concerns about fraudulent sellers in the area. Nang Maew Thai, a 53 year old resident of Saen…
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Elderly man loses 120k baht cash and gold in Udon Thani
An elderly man is in distress after losing a substantial sum of money while tending to his cattle in a field. The incident occurred yesterday, December 3 in a village in Udon Thani, where the 85 year old man misplaced 80,000 baht in cash along with a gold ring worth 41,000 baht, totalling 121,000 baht. The elderly man, identified as…
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Kalasin warns of rising ‘farmer’s fever’ cases with 120 infections
Kalasin’s public health sector is on high alert as they warn residents about the rising tide of melioidosis cases, with 120 reported infections and three fatalities. Known locally as “soil fever,” this bacterial infection poses a significant risk to farmers, and currently, no vaccine exists for prevention. Melioidosis, often referred to as “farmer’s fever,” is emerging as a serious public…
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High drama in Isaan: Man’s police assault claims don’t hold up
A Thai man accused police officers in the Isaan province of Chaiyaphum of physically assaulting him during a visit to the police station to provide information about a drug suspect. The police, however, refuted the allegations, asserting their innocence and presenting clear evidence to support their defence. The complainant, identified as Wiroj, filed a formal complaint on November 29 against…
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Thailand grants citizenship to 72 stateless individuals in Chiang Rai
A historic moment unfolded in Chiang Rai as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra presented Thai citizenship cards to 72 individuals from ethnic minority groups, marking a monumental step towards addressing statelessness in the country. The ceremony, held at the GMS International Convention and Exhibition Centre on Sunday, December 1, highlighted Thailand’s commitment to inclusivity and human rights, with key officials and…
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Borderline busted: Thai police smash Tak Internet scam network
Police in Thailand’s Tak province have uncovered a sprawling illegal Internet and telephone cable network believed to fuel cross-border call centre scams in Myanmar. The operation, hailed as the largest bust of its kind, has exposed the scale of high-tech fraud haunting the region. In a joint announcement yesterday, December 2, Police General Nathathorn Prousoontorn of the National Broadcasting and…
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Villagers in Uthai Thani flock to banyan tree for lucky numbers
Excitement builds as villagers gather around the near century-old banyan tree near a crematorium in Uthai Thani, hoping for a lucky lottery number. Reports indicate that on the evening before a lottery draw, people flock to this tree at Wat Hadsainngam in Village 8, Rabam subdistrict, Lan Sak district. The locals are drawn by the belief that a long-haired woman…
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19 billion baht allocated for Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai flood repairs
Thailand’s government has allocated 19 billion baht for infrastructure and utility repairs in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, responding to the recent severe floods, according to Government Spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub. This announcement followed a Cabinet meeting conducted in Chiang Mai, where an economic and social development plan was approved, as proposed by the National Economic and Social Development Council. The…
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Thaksin hits the road to boost Pheu Thai’s PAO hopes
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is back in the political spotlight, gearing up to help Pheu Thai candidates in key Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) races. After a triumphant showing in Udon Thani, the party is looking to capitalise on its momentum with Thaksin as its secret weapon. A party insider revealed the 74 year old former PM will visit…
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Police in Uthai Thani build new shrine after lottery wins
Police officers in Huai Khot district, Uthai Thani province installed a new shrine dedicated to the spirit known as Chao Pho Saen Han Fa Laep, also referred to as Chao Pho Sai Thong, after a sergeant received multiple lottery wins following his visits to the old, damaged shrine. Police Colonel Komnat Atisuwan, acting head of Huai Khot Police Station in…
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Devotees flock to Phayao temple for lucky lottery numbers
Lottery enthusiasts eagerly flocked to Wat Champaram in Phayao province to seek lucky numbers from Taowessuwan, a revered deity. As the lottery draw approaches, devotees hope the numbers 453 and 71 bring fortune in the upcoming December 1 draw. Wat Champaram in Huai Kaeo, Phayao province was bustling with activity as people arrived with offerings of red flowers, incense, and…
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Naked and afraid: Thai man confronts thief with desperate plea
A Thai man shared a video of his plea to a thief on social media and sought help from local police officers in the northern province of Chiang Rai after his condominium room was a victim of two robberies. The victim shared the video, in which he begged the thief not to break into his room, on the news Facebook…
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RTA denies tensions with UWSA in Mae Hong Son
Tensions between Thai military forces and the United Wa State Army (UWSA) in Mae Hong Son’s Pai district have been dismissed by the Royal Thai Army (RTA), contradicting recent media claims. Colonel Thirat Sombatsiri, the RTA spokesperson, firmly denied reports circulating on social media, asserting that the border remains tranquil without any confirmed incidents of violence. “The overall border situation…
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Patient high on meth terrorises Maha Sarakham hospital (video)
A patient reportedly under the influence of methamphetamine became violent, targeting nurses on duty at a hospital in the northeastern province of Maha Sarakham. This dramatic event was captured in a video shared by a TikTok user, revealing the terrifying moment nurses fled the room in fear for their lives. The patient’s mother had requested that he be restrained with…
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Tutor arrested for defrauding over 30 parents in Nakhon Sawan
Police apprehended a female tutor accused of defrauding parents after a complaint was filed in Nakhon Sawan province. The accused, with three outstanding arrest warrants, was captured following a coordinated effort by local law enforcement. Yongyuth Kulthorn, a police lieutenant colonel with the Phayao Provincial Investigation Division, led the operation at 7pm yesterday, November 26, executing a warrant issued by…
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Thai woman wards off ‘black cat spirit’ with knife in Nakhon Sawan
A 52 year old Thai woman in Nakhon Sawan claims that the spirit of a black cat has been causing disturbances by climbing through her window day and night. This has led her to brandish a knife to ward off the alleged spirit, causing significant concern among her children and neighbours. This incident has unfolded in Village 7, Wang Makar, Tha…
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Nakhon Ratchasima camping site closes after park authority order
Rai Ruay Rin, a renowned camping site in Wang Nam Khiao, Nakhon Ratchasima province, announced its immediate closure following an order from national park officials. This news has saddened many camping enthusiasts who frequented the site for its stunning green landscapes just a few hours from Bangkok. The unexpected announcement was shared through a TikTok post on the account @rairuayrin,…
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Shocking tragedy: Farmer electrocuted by water pump in Sisaket
A tragic incident unfolded when a farmer was electrocuted while attempting to use a pump to draw water into his fields. The mishap occurred near a pond in the middle of a field in Ban Kho Klang Noi, Village 4, E Lam subdistrict, Uthumphon Phisai district, Sisaket province. Local police received a report of a man fatally electrocuted yesterday, November…
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Tensions rise on Thai-Myanmar border over alleged incursion
The Thai-Myanmar border in the Pai district of the northern province of Mae Hong Son is experiencing heightened tensions after the United Wa State Army (UWSA), also known as Red Wa, reportedly encroached on Thai territory. ThaiRath reported today, November 26, that the Shan State National Army (SSNA) revealed the situation along the border at Doi Nong Luang and Doi…
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Thai soldiers save stranded Chinese man from watery trap (video)
Thai soldiers rescued a Chinese man who was trapped for three days in a 10-metre-deep water well in a forest near the Thai-Myanmar border in the northern province of Tak. Soldiers from the Ratchamanu Task Force Headquarters in Mae Sot district were patrolling the area last night, November 24, at around 8.30pm to prevent drug and human trafficking. During their…
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Thai couple accuses ex-employee of stealing 5 million baht in cash and gold
A Thai couple suspected their ex-employee of stealing cash and gold accessories worth over 5 million baht from their home in the northern province of Lampang. The couple, whose identities have not been disclosed, filed a complaint with Kelang Nakhon Police Station after discovering the theft. Their home, located in Mueang Lampang district, also operates as a second-hand auto parts store.…
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PM leads Chiang Mai meeting to boost post-flood tourism
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to lead a Cabinet meeting in Chiang Mai on Friday, November 29, marking a significant effort to bolster northern Thailand’s tourism and economic recovery following severe floods. This event is part of a broader Cabinet tour of the northern provinces, including Chiang Rai, scheduled from November 28 to December 1. The Cabinet meeting in…
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No Bathing Trip but lots of noise as safety ride becomes a gamble (videos)
The Phetchabun Provincial Transport Department and police emphasised safety improvement in the controversial motorcycle trip, known as the No Bathing Trip as only one death was reported. However, gambling, fake banknotes, and loud noises continued to make headlines. A group of more than 6,000 motorcyclists and their followers, led by the YouTuber May Rai Ratchada, held their annual No Bathing Trip on…
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Amulet’s claims go nuclear: Protection from radiation and epidemics?
A Buddhist amulet from a temple in Chiang Mai province drew criticism for claims that it can protect its owner from nuclear radiation and epidemics. The amulet, with its surprising alleged abilities, was featured on the Facebook page หลวงพี่จัสติน วัดดูยูมีน (Luang Phee Justin What Do You Mean) on Thursday, November 21. The page shared an image of the white amulet…
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Fields of flower: Tourists flock to see Phayao’s sunn hemp
A vibrant field of sunn hemp, spread across 5 rai in front of the Phayao Agricultural and Technology College, has become a popular photography spot for tourists, coinciding with the winter season. This picturesque site, located in Mae Na Ruea subdistrict, Mueang district, Phayao province, is drawing attention with its radiant yellow hues. Prasert Phrompa, the Director of Phayao Agricultural…
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Teenage girl arrested for child abduction attempt in Udon Thani
A teenage girl attempted to abduct a three year old boy from a local temple in Udon Thani province, causing panic among residents. Concerned that she might harm the child due to her apparent drug-induced state, villagers promptly alerted the police. Upon receiving the call, officers from the local police station quickly arrived at the scene in Ban Pornsawan, Soi…
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Sisaket home buyer unreachable as phone gets destroyed in fire
A house recently sold and cleared of paperwork was destroyed by a fire, leaving the former owner unable to contact the new buyer. The fire, which remains unexplained, occurred yesterday evening, November 21, in the Thung Sawang community, Kanthararom district, Sisaket province. Police investigator Prayoon Boonyok received the fire alert at 7pm, with the incident taking place in a single-storey…
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Pickup driver killed in lorry crash on M6 in Nakhon Ratchasima
A tragic accident occurred when a pickup truck collided with the rear of a lorry on the M6 motorway, resulting in the pickup losing control and crashing into the central ditch. The driver was killed instantly. The incident unfolded in the early hours, with police receiving reports of the collision at approximately 5.44am today, November 22. Officer Jakrin Sitthipru from…
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Thai man accuses 11 police of illegal raid and attempted extortion
A Thai man travelled from the northern province of Lamphun to Bangkok to seek help after 11 police officers allegedly illegally raided his home and attempted to extort 3,000 baht per month from him. The 47 year old man, identified as Wongsaphat, sought assistance from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) in Bangkok because he no longer trusted local police in…
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