Northern Thailand News
Stay updated with the latest Northern Thailand news at The Thaiger, your ultimate source for regional information. Keep informed on local events, business developments, and lifestyle stories in popular locations like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Pai.
Our in-depth coverage includes famous monuments such as the White Temple and Doi Suthep. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, The Thaiger’s Northern Thailand news page is your essential guide to exploring this culturally rich region. Delve into the vibrant community and diverse culture with our expertly curated content, designed to keep you connected and well-informed.
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Sponsored Retiring in Thailand: Why and how health insurance is crucial for your golden years
Thailand offers an ideal setting for retirees with its tropical climate, warm hospitality, and affordable living. But enjoying your golden years to the fullest means planning for health coverage. Here’s a complete guide on why health insurance is essential for...
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Village in Udon Thani draws crowds after 18 million baht lottery win
The village of Naka in Udon Thani has become a significant destination for devotees after tourists reported winning 18 million baht in the lottery. This rare occurrence prompted a major ritual to honour the revered figures of Phraya Srisattanakarat and Prasat Phor Phu Srisuttho. Today, October 14, at Naka Village in Mueang district, Udon Thani, Anon Saennan, the founder of…
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Former officer arrested for embezzling 10 million baht
A former special operations officer from the Department of Corrections accused of embezzling 10 million baht from government funds has been arrested. The suspect, identified as 36 year old Pornchai Paripreecha was arrested at a barbecue restaurant in Nong Khai while allegedly waiting for his wife to bring him cash. Police Major General Montree Teskhan, head of the Crime Suppression…
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Thailand and Myanmar discuss Mae Sai River illegal structures
Thai officials are set to engage in discussions with Myanmar regarding illegal structures along the Mae Sai River, aiming to address the flood crisis in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced. Severe flooding has inundated the district, leaving a thick layer of mud as waters receded, prompting these high-level talks. Phumtham, who also serves as…
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Stork raving success: Endangered bird’s triumphant return to Thailand
In a ground-breaking win for wildlife conservation, Thailand has achieved an unprecedented milestone: critically endangered Asian woolly-necked storks have bred in the wild for the first time. These majestic birds, once at risk of vanishing forever, are back and thriving in their natural habitat. Officials from the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand and Khao Kheow Open Zoo were thrilled to…
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Former Aussie cop’s epic run across Thailand for tsunami victims
A former forensic cop from Australia is gearing up for his biggest physical challenge yet—a gruelling 1,400-kilometre run across Thailand in December. Dubbed “Run to Remember,” this endurance test marks the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, which claimed 230,000 lives worldwide, including 5,400 in Thailand. Starting on December 1, charity Hands Across the Water founder Peter Baines…
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Tidal wave of trouble: Phitsanulok fields flooded as waters overflow
Floodwaters are inundating the Bang Rakam model fields in Phitsanulok province, receiving overflow from Sukhothai and reaching 571 million cubic metres, or 143% of capacity. The water expands, flooding nearby areas and roads, particularly in Phrom Phiram, Mueang, and Bang Rakam districts. Since late September, 304 villages across 50 subdistricts in nine districts of Phitsanulok have been affected by floodwaters…
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Elderly man cycles 80km home to Surin with blind wife
An elderly man cycled nearly 80 kilometres with his blind wife amid scorching heat to return home. The journey started from Ban Nong Mek in Nong Han district, Udon Thani province and headed towards Ban Dung district. The couple was spotted on the roadside by a concerned resident who informed Weerapon, an admin of the Ban Dung Update page. Weerapon received…
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Lamphun sets up command centre as water levels rise
Lamphun is in full crisis mode as floodwaters surge from Chiang Mai, prompting emergency preparations. District chief Yutthapong Chaisorn revealed that a command centre has been established in the Mueang Lamphun district office to tackle the unfolding disaster. While Lamphun is not typically flood-prone, Yutthapong warned that many households may be ill-prepared for the deluge, leaving residents stranded. “Some households…
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Final tenant eviction clears way for SRT high-speed rail project
State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is set to demolish a disputed commercial building after the final tenant was ordered by the court to vacate. This paves the way for the construction of a high-speed rail project that has faced significant delays. Today, October 9, officials and construction engineers installed barriers and fencing over a 200-metre stretch in front of the…
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Train services resume in northern Thailand after flooding
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) successfully managed the recent flooding in the northern region, ensuring the safety and convenience of passengers. Train services on the northern route, including Chiang Mai station, have resumed normal operations as of yesterday evening, October 8. The flooding had previously disrupted train services…
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Bank policy leaves elderly Buriram couple without government aid
A resident of Ban Silachai in Buriram province sought assistance after finding himself unable to withdraw money using his wife’s ATM card. The resident, 61 year old Tuk Sae Ho’s wife Jamlong, also 61, has been bedridden for over a year and unable to care for herself. When Tuk attempted to withdraw funds from the bank, he discovered that the…
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Scammers posing as repair technicians target homes in Buriram
Scammers posing as repair technicians have been targeting residents by forcibly entering homes and demanding payment for unnecessary repairs. This unsettling incident has left the community of Samrong, Plapplachai district, Buriram province in a state of alert. On October 6, around 1pm, 59 year old Jamnien, was looking after her four month old granddaughter in front of her house when…
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Fishing for owner: Chiang Mai rescue reels in 300kg catfish
A rescue team that operated during the floods in Chiang Mai discovered a 300-kilogramme giant catfish in the floodwaters and is now searching for its owner, believing the fish to be a pet. One of the rescuers, who found the giant catfish, Wi Sang, took to his Facebook account to post pictures of the animal, both to record the shocking…
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Thai man receives death threats from cheating, bed-hopping wife
A Thai man pleaded for help after receiving death threats after seeking a divorce from his unfaithful bed-hopping wife, who cheated on him five times to his knowledge. The non-profit organisation Saimai Survive assisted the desperate Thai man, identified only as 45 year old A, and held a press conference today, October 8, for him to share his story with the…
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Khon Kaen MP accused of 431 million baht embezzlement
The court of Thailand has postponed the verdict hearing for an MP of Khon Kaen province, who is facing charges of embezzling 431 million baht from the Khon Kaen Teachers’ Savings Cooperative. Ekkarat claims the case has been politically manipulated and made a statement at 2.30pm yesterday, October 7. The Khon Kaen Provincial Court initially scheduled the verdict for Ekkarat…
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Thai family prays for son’s release from Hamas captivity in Gaza
The Sriaoun family gathered in their local church in Kut Yang, Udon Thani yesterday, October 6, their voices filled with emotion as they prayed for the safe return of their oldest son, 32 year old Watchara, believed to still be held captive by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas. Watchara Sriaoun is among six Thais believed to be held in Gaza…
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Man high on meth terrifies employee at Udon Thani petrol station
A petrol station employee in Udon Thani was left terrified when a man, barefoot and behaving erratically, approached her while she was resting in the office. The man then groped himself and attempted to rush at her, prompting her to flee for help. Police later apprehended him, discovering he was under the influence of methamphetamine (meth). Police officers Udon Suksiri…
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Tide turns: Chinese man in hot water over risky Ping River plunge
A Chinese man faces a fine of up to 5,000 baht for swimming in the Ping River in Chiang Mai province during a strong current and flooding. A video of the man floating and relaxing in the Ping River during heavy flooding in Chiang Mai was first shared last month. The video drew widespread criticism, with many expressing concern that…
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Ping River on the rise: Chiang Mai braces for watery wake-up call
Chiang Mai braces for more flooding today as the Ping River is set to reach 4.95 metres, starting in the morning. Heavy rainfall in upstream areas has caused a rapid rise in the Ping River, according to Governor Nirat Pongsitthithaworn. He urged residents along the river to relocate their vehicles and valuables to higher ground. Hospitals and clinics in low-lying…
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Winter story: Thai cool season arrives fashionably late with icy twist
Brace yourselves, Thailand’s winter this year will arrive a little late but pack an extra punch of chill. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) announced that the cool season will kick off in the third week of October, with temperatures set to dip lower than last year. Although winter will extend until late February, the TMD is predicting cooler-than-usual temperatures. The…
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Village headman in Udon Thani kills son in self-defence
A tragic event unfolded when the village headman of Nong Wua So district in Udon Thani province, found himself in a life-and-death situation with his youngest son who was under the influence of methamphetamine (meth). The confrontation ended with the village chief fatally shooting his son in self-defence after the latter fired at him. The incident occurred yesterday, October 2.…
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Elderly woman dies in Nakhon Phanom after electricity cut off
The family of a 68 year old bedridden woman who tragically died is laying the blame squarely at the feet of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) after her electricity supply was cut off for failing to pay a bill of 1,500 baht in Nakhon Phanom province. Hospital director Nongluk Chanchana, along with the grieving relatives, is demanding accountability from the Provincial…
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Relief team cars break down in Chiang Rai due to water in petrol
A team led by Panadda Wongphudee, a beauty queen, presenter, and president of the Foundation for Good Deeds, encountered significant issues during their relief efforts in Chiang Rai. Panadda revealed that five vehicles broke down after refuelling at a local petrol station, which allegedly had water mixed with the fuel. Panadda shared her experience on her Facebook page, Dr Panadda…
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Thailand’s ‘Glowing Owl’ flower: A rare botanical spectacle
Deep in Thailand’s remote wilderness, one of nature’s rarest and strangest blooms is set to emerge from the forest floor, leaving tourists and botanists scrambling for a glimpse. The mysterious Thismia thaithongiana, also known as Phisawong Owl’s Eye, is about to make its annual appearance in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary in Tak province on Thailand’s eastern border with Myanmar. Discovered…
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Phimai police boost bank security for 10,000 baht withdrawals
Police in Nakhon Ratchasima have increased security measures at local banks, fearing that loan sharks might target citizens withdrawing their 10,000 baht digital money. Officers from Phimai Police Station’s crime prevention unit were deployed to the Phimai branch of the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) on September 30, to safeguard the public waiting to withdraw funds from the…
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Uttaradit locals seek lottery luck at towering temple statue
Residents of the upper northern province of Uttaradit flocked to Wat Khlong Kaphuea to seek blessings from the towering statue of Thao Wessuwan, hoping for good fortune for today’s lottery draw, October 1. The locals engage in rituals, trying their luck with a three-digit number drawn from a jar. Wat Khlong Kaphuea in Ban Khon, Phichai district, Uttaradit province, became…
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Mae Sai issues urgent evacuation alert amid heavy rainfall threat
Mae Sai municipality in Chiang Rai province has issued an urgent evacuation alert for residents in flood-prone areas due to the risk of a second wave of flooding. Local officials forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall from today until October 3, which could significantly raise water levels in the Sai River and potentially lead to severe flooding in vulnerable regions.…
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Khon Kaen resident loses 16,800 baht to phone scam
A resident of Khon Kaen lost 10,000 baht from her government assistance money to a phone scam, which also took an additional 6,800 baht from her health volunteer allowance. Visarut Pupeng, an advisor to the Deputy Minister of Education, assisted Buathong, a 63 year old resident of Chum Phae district, Khon Kaen province, in filing a police report with Police…
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Two suspects arrested for motorcycle thefts in Khon Kaen
Two individuals suspected of motorcycle theft have been apprehended in separate investigations in Khon Kaen, police announced yesterday, September 30. Victims reported their bikes had been left parked without the handlebars locked, simplifying the thefts. Security camera footage revealed a man dressed as a delivery driver frequenting areas where the motorcycles disappeared. The suspect, identified as 40 year old Anusit…
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Thai woman criticised for crashing car into schoolboy, blames victim (video)
Police officers in the northern province of Chiang Mai are on the hunt for a female driver who crashed her sedan into a 10 year old schoolboy, subsequently blamed the young victim, and shirked all responsibility for his injuries. The 30 year old Thai woman, A, came forward to seek justice for the 10 year old schoolboy by sharing CCTV…
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