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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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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Police in Nong Khai thwart major heroin smuggling operation
Police in the northeastern province of Nong Khai successfully intercepted a major drug smuggling operation involving two Thai women and a man from Laos, seizing 10 kilogrammes of heroin. The operation, believed to be preparing for internal distribution and eventual export, was halted yesterday, November 29. The arrest took place at 3pm at the 2104th Ranger Company. It was led…
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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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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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Mentally ill Thai woman suspected in Chiang Mai missing boy case
A five year old boy with special needs went missing from an education centre in Mae Wang district in the northern province of Chiang Mai on Wednesday. The boy, Napaphat “Pleum” Chaisawat, disappeared from the Special Education Centre in the afternoon. He was wearing red sportswear with the number 23 on his shirt. Security camera footage from the centre showed…
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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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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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Dangerous elephant traps found in Khao Yai National Park
Numerous dangerous elephant traps have been unearthed in Khao Yai National Park, prompting immediate action from park officials. Reports indicate that these traps, designed to injure wild elephants, were strategically placed by locals in areas frequented by the animals. Chaiya Huaihongthong, head of Khao Yai National Park, received a tip-off from the community leader of Ban Mai Samakki in Village…
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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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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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Food poisoning: Cruise ship chef found dead in Udon Thani hotel
A 47 year old chef working on a cruise ship was found dead in his hotel room in Udon Thani province, apparently due to severe food poisoning which led to a heart attack. The incident was reported at 5pm yesterday. Officers from the Na Kha sub-station, led by investigative officer Watthapong Chamnongudom, responded to the scene at a hotel in…
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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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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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Drunk deputy district chief kills 2 teenagers, injures 1 in Tak car crash
A drunk deputy district chief crashed her pickup into a motorcycle carrying three Thai teenagers on a road in the northern province of Tak, resulting in two deaths and one serious injury. Officers from Umphang Police Station were alerted to the fatal accident on the Mae Sot-Umphang Road in the Umphang district of Tak at approximately 8.15pm on Friday, November…
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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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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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Knife-wielding intoxicated man wreaks havoc in Uthai Thani
A man in a state of distress wielded a knife and threw objects at passing vehicles, causing alarm among locals. This incident unfolded yesterday, November 21 in Uthai Thani province, as police were alerted to a chaotic scene involving a 40 year old Thai man. Upon receiving reports from concerned villagers about a man throwing knives and objects at vehicles…
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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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Kamphaeng Phet cult premises raided, 12 corpses found (video)
Police Forensic Science Officers raided a cult premises in the northern province of Kamphaeng Phet and discovered 12 corpses, which the cult leader and members reportedly used in their rituals, including clairvoyance and other superstitious training programmes. A local Facebook page, กำแพงเพชร ร้องเรียนอะไร บอกไว้ที่นี่ (translated as Kamphaeng Phet, Complain Here), urged relevant government departments to investigate the strange cult located…
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Floating flavours: Uttaradit spiced up with ancient dish, raft parade
The northern Thai province of Uttaradit will host a festival featuring the traditional dish Oua Bak Phed Sai Pla (green pepper stuffed with fish), a recipe passed down for over 300 years, alongside a spectacular raft procession to celebrate local produce and waterways in Tron district. The annual festival, organised by the Uttaradit Provincial Cultural Office in collaboration with local…
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Lampang celebrates revered monk’s 112th birthday
Lampang is set to host a significant annual event entitled, Following the Path of Faith: Paying Homage to Venerable Luang Phor Kasem Khemko, marking the revered monk’s 112th birthday. This unique event will feature rarely seen traditional Lanna ceremonies and offerings. The event, organised by the local government of Lampang, will take place over three days and nights, from November…
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Lost for words: Sisaket cops solve drunk mute man mystery
A local police station in Sisaket province faced an unusual challenge when an inebriated and lost mute man was brought in. Struggling to communicate, officers eventually relied on pen and paper to identify and safely return him to his family. Officers from Phon Khwao Police Station received a report yesterday, November 20, of a disoriented man located within Ban Non I…
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Tourists report smelly water at northern Thailand waterfall
Visitors to Phu Soi Dao National Park in northern Thailand are raising concerns over the origin of the water from the Sai Thip Waterfall. Reports of an unusual smell from the water have sparked debate and curiosity among tourists. Phu Soi Dao, covering areas in Nam Pat and Ban Khok districts in Uttaradit province, as well as Chat Trakan district in…
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Van goes up in flames in Buriram, passengers unharmed
A terrifying fire turned a 13-seat passenger van into a fireball along the Buriram-Nang Rong Road, but in a miraculous twist, all six passengers, including a young schoolchild, made a lucky escape without a scratch. The fiery incident erupted on Tuesday, November 19, at 4pm, triggering a rapid response from the brave Mueang Buriram Police and firefighters. The heroic team…
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