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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Sponsored Why retirees in Thailand are choosing long-term health insurance over quick fixes
Retirees in Thailand are increasingly seeing the importance of health insurance in protecting their well-being during retirement. With insurance requirements for retirement visas and rising healthcare costs, many are moving away from short-term plans and choosing long-term coverage. Long-term health...
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Khon Kaen man spends over 10 hours at buffet restaurant
A man from Khon Kaen has broken his eating record three times by dining at a buffet restaurant for over 10 hours, thanks to the restaurant’s unlimited time promotion. He even managed this feat without having slept. Social media in Khon Kaen buzzed with images from the Oshinei Khon Kaen Facebook page at 6pm yesterday, September 25. The post showed…
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Second body found in Lampang’s Wang River amid strong currents
Police in Lampang discovered a second body floating in the Wang River yesterday, September 25. Despite efforts to retrieve the body, strong currents carried it away. The deceased is believed to be a 60 year old woman who went missing on September 20. Police in Ko Kha were alerted to the discovery of a body in the Wang River near…
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Thailand digital wallet handout falls short: Woman gets only 4,000
A Thai woman attempting to withdraw 10,000 baht for her father, as part of the Thai government’s digital wallet handout for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities, received only 4,000 baht, sparking suspicions of debt deductions by the bank. In Uthai Thani province, the government commenced disbursing 10,000 baht to vulnerable groups and those with disabilities. From early morning, recipients…
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Excavator fined during Chiang Rai flood relief sparks heated debate
Thai social activist Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet revealed that an excavator on its way back from assisting with flood relief efforts in Chiang Rai was fined for being overweight at a weigh station in the northern province of Phayao. Gun shared that one of his followers requested help for the excavator, which was stopped by the Department of Highways’ weigh station.…
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Northern Thailand: Electricity bills scrapped in disaster zones
To ease the burden on flood-ravaged communities, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced that electricity bills for this month will be waived for those living in the northern and northeastern regions of Thailand. After chairing a crucial Cabinet meeting at Government House, the 38 year old PM confirmed, “We are suspending the collection of electricity fees for this month. It’s a…
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Chiang Rai launches ‘Big Cleaning Day’ after flood devastation
Chiang Rai is gearing up for a massive province-wide cleanup on Sunday, September 29, aiming to restore communities battered by recent floods. Dubbed “Big Cleaning Day,” this operation will target public spaces and homes in eight zones across the capital district, with a special focus on vulnerable residents, including the elderly and disabled. But it’s not all smooth sailing. A…
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Crocodile tears: Thai farmer takes action to keep community safe
A Thai farm owner in the northern province of Lamphun took the heartbreaking decision to kill 125 crocodiles to ensure the safety of his neighbours and residents. The action was taken as a precaution, given that the animals could have escaped during the floods. Extensive agricultural land and livestock farms in various provinces, particularly in Isaan and northern Thailand, have suffered…
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Elderly man found sleeping in sack on pavement in Khon Kaen (video)
A recent TikTok video revealed the heart-wrenching scene of an elderly man sleeping in a sack on the pavement, enduring cold and mosquito bites. The video, posted by @hengpusit, captures the plight of the vagrant in Ban Phai, Khon Kaen. The video, shared yesterday, September 24, by TikTok user @hengpusit, shows an elderly man shivering in a sack on the…
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Man arrested for snatching gold necklaces, attempts to ordain
After trying to escape to a temple, a man has been arrested for a series of gold necklace snatchings in Nong Khai and Bueng Kan provinces. Originally from Udon Thani, 31 year old Anurak was living with his wife in Bueng Kan. On September 10, Anurak targeted a female government employee at the Bueng Kan Government Complex, attempting to snatch…
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New facial scan system leaves elderly Thai couple without welfare
An elderly couple in Buriram, who are heavily reliant on their state welfare cards, faced a significant hurdle with the new system requiring facial scans for verification. The couple, Lom Chaisuwan who is bedridden, and his 87 year old wife, anxiously await the outcome as their monthly welfare is a crucial part of their livelihood. Yesterday, September 22, Lom, residing…
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Thai police arrest man in Phayao for illegal online gambling
Police in Phayao province arrested a 22 year old Thai man for operating an illegal online gambling website, seizing 2.8 million baht in cash and assets valued at over 5 million baht. The suspect confessed to earning approximately 100,000 baht daily from the operation. Law enforcement officers led by Police Commander Pitak Nasamwas and Deputy Commander Jirapat Moongdee, along with…
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Executive jailed in Nakhon Ratchasima for illegal waste disposal
An executive from an industrial waste management company has been handed a two years and six months prison sentence, and the firm has been fined 250,000 baht for the illegal disposal of chemical substances in Nakhon Ratchasima in 2021. The Sikhiu Provincial Court found Varalee Kijsa-ard, an executive at Aek Uthai Co’s Klang Dong branch, guilty of breaching environmental and…
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Shoppers rush post-flood markets in Chiang Rai for bargains
Shoppers flocked to the Sai Lom Joi Market and Doi Wao Market in Chiang Rai‘s Mae Sai district to purchase discounted goods following the recent floodwaters receding. The bustling atmosphere saw a surge of visitors eager to take advantage of the low prices on offer. This annual post-flood shopping event has become a tradition for these border trade markets. Floodwaters…
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Scam caller demands 120,000 baht from Surin official
A mysterious call claiming to be from a high-ranking official in Surin province demanded 120,000 baht from the director of the Sri Narong District Lifelong Learning Centre in the province to clear up a complaint against her. The Facebook page Watchdog Operation recently published a post and images accusing Nitaya, the director of the Sri Narong District Lifelong Learning Centre,…
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Udon Thani woman forced to sign new loan, assaulted by creditor
A woman reported her creditor for assaulting her in the middle of a market, despite claims of having repaid the loan in full. She was forced to sign an additional loan agreement for 40,000 baht after already repaying both the principal and interest. The woman, 46 year old Phanomphon from Nong Khon Kwang, Mueang district, Udon Thani province, filed a…
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Sukhothai launches durian festival with Monthong at just 1 baht
Sukhothai has kicked off an exciting durian festival, offering special promotions with 200 queues per day for the coveted Monthong durian at just 1 baht per fruit. Customers are flocking to take advantage of the deals and carry home the prized fruit. Today, September 19, in front of the Big C department store in Ban Kluai, Mueang district, Sukhothai province,…
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Durian plantation owners busted for cheating electricity meters
More than 10 durian plantation owners in Khon Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima, have been caught red-handed in an electricity scam. A daring investigation by the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) exposed the scam after officials noticed suspiciously low electricity bills. The durian plantations, which typically cover between 32,000 and 48,000 square metres, were racking up bills of just 200 baht a month,…
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Headless corpse found in flood shelter in Nong Khai
A woman intending to open her home for flood victims discovered the headless corpse of a man in a state of advanced decomposition submerged in water. Police have not yet identified the deceased, and no missing person reports have been filed in the area. Police Lieutenant Netipong Jamnongnit from Tha Bo Police Station in Nong Khai province was informed of…
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Nong Bua Lamphu residents win 30 million baht lottery
Two residents from Nong Bua Lamphu province have won first prize in the latest government lottery draw, collectively taking home 30 million baht. One couple celebrated their 18 million baht win, while another winner, who received 12 million baht, remained silent and did not give interviews. After the government lottery results were announced yesterday, September 16, reporters flocked to Nong…
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RTAF deploys helicopter to survey Mekong River floods
Floods in two northeastern provinces, Udon Thani and Nong Khai, prompted the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) to deploy an EC-725 helicopter to survey the situation and assist affected residents. The water level in the Mekong River has been steadily rising, necessitating close monitoring in provinces along its banks. RTAF Commander, Air Chief Marshal Phanpakdi Phatthanakun, yesterday, September 16, ordered…
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Mentally unstable Thai woman causes stir at Sisaket university
A mentally unstable woman caused a commotion at a university sports field, claiming she needed to catch a flight to assist with flood relief in Chiang Rai. Police were called to the scene, and she was taken to a hospital for further care. Police in Mueang Sisaket received a report on Sunday, September 15 about a woman, believed to be…
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Chiang Rai man offers free filtered water amid flood crisis
A generous man in Chiang Rai is offering free, high-quality filtered water 24 hours a day to anyone in need due to the recent floods. Those without access to tap water can contact him directly, and a hose over 50 metres long ensures easy access to their vehicles. Widespread flooding in Chiang Rai caused significant damage yesterday, disrupting daily life…
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Dogs cause motorcycle crash, owner denies responsibility
Two dogs chasing each other caused a motorcycle accident, leading to injuries and damage to a pickup truck. The owner of the dogs denies responsibility, despite CCTV footage showing the dogs leaving and returning to the house. On September 16, 38 year old Kritsanapon Sukcharoen, who works at a law office in Nang Rong district, Buriram province, and 43 year…
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Phichit Hospital seeks blood donors for injured rescue volunteers
Phichit Hospital has urgently appealed for blood donations to aid four rescue volunteers injured in a road accident while returning to Nonthaburi after assisting flood victims in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand. The hospital reported receiving three bags of donor blood delivered by helicopter from Chiang Rai yesterday, September 16. Two of the bags were used immediately, and the third was…
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Thai residents flooded with massive bills, demand monthly relief
Residents of Bua Yai in Nakhon Ratchasima are fuming over eye-watering water bills running into tens of thousands of baht, courtesy of a two-year billing cycle enforced by Bua Yai Municipality. Furious locals are demanding an immediate switch to monthly billing to ease their financial strain. Today, September 16, the story of 57 year old Busakorn Changkrian brought the issue…
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Lice to meet you: TikTok clip of girl’s hair-raising ordeal bugs social media
A TikTok video has taken social media by storm after a hairdresser in Khon Kaen noticed a young girl lingering outside the shop, too embarrassed to step inside. The heartbreaking reason? An overwhelming infestation of lice covering her scalp. The viral clip, posted by user @rattanavichasr, showcases the shocking extent of the lice and eggs crawling through the girl’s hair,…
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Floods and landslides in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai claim 16 lives
Floods and landslides in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have resulted in 16 deaths and 136 injuries, with officials closely monitoring two additional districts for heavy rainfall anticipated from today until September 18. The Ministry of Public Health, represented by Opas Karnkawinpong, reported on the current flood and landslide situation in health zone one, covering September 8 to September 13.…
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Locals seek lottery luck at Phrae temple ceremony
Locals flocked to Chai Mongkol Temple in the northern province of Phrae to seek lucky numbers from a grand ceremony honouring Thao Wessuwan, hoping for a big lottery win. A local vendor revealed that since offering to the temple, her life has significantly improved, with her business thriving. A group of residents, led by Sukanya, a fresh market vendor, gathered…
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Severe flooding hits Bueng Kan province after heavy downpour
A heavy overnight downpour in Bueng Kan province resulted in widespread flooding, particularly affecting the Seka district. The incessant rain caused an overflow of local streams, leading to significant disruptions and damage in the area. The continuous rain throughout the night caused water to accumulate and overflow from streams into the Seka district. This surge in water levels affected various…
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Udon Thani child molester recaptured after escaping through vent
Police detained a suspect in a child molestation case for a DNA test in Udon Thani, but he escaped through a bathroom vent. Fortunately, officers quickly recaptured him. The suspect claims he was framed and missed his family. Pattanawong Chanphon, Superintendent of Muang Udon Thani Police Station, received a report from the Udon Thani Provincial Forensic Office yesterday, September 13,…
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