Chiang Mai News
Chiang Mai news, politics, business, culture, and tourism—stay updated with breaking stories, local events, and expat insights from Thailand’s northern hub. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted Chiang Mai news source.
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Sponsored 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Fire fight: Minister braves flames to back Chiang Mai wildfire battle
The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Doctor Chalermchai Sri-on, yesterday made a daring visit to the smoky frontlines of Thailand’s forest fire battle in a show of support. Accompanied by Jatuporn Buruspat, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Chalermchai rallied the troops at Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai, bolstering the morale of fire-fighting personnel and community networks dedicated to…
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Chiang Mai to join UNESCO’s World Heritage list
Chiang Mai, the jewel of northern Thailand and the former capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, is inching closer to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Officials from the Culture Ministry, the Fine Arts Department, and Chiang Mai Province are finalising a nomination dossier to submit to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in Paris—a move that could cement the city’s…
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Chiang Mai police arrest foreigner for selling psilocybin mushrooms
Chiang Mai police apprehended a 59 year old foreign national for illegally selling psilocybin mushrooms mixed with honey to other expatriates. The arrest took place yesterday, January 22, following an operation led by Police Colonel Prachaya Thitsala, head of Mueang Chiang Mai district police station in Chiang Mai province. The operation was executed under the direction of Police Lieutenant Colonel Kathawut…
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Treasure game chaos: Chiang Mai teens warned to stay out
Chiang Mai police issued a stern warning to teenagers playing the Jagat Coin treasure-hunting game after reports of property damage and safety risks surfaced. The popular app, developed in Indonesia, has caused disturbances in the northern province, prompting law enforcement to caution players against trespassing on private property. The warning was posted on the Chiang Mai Police Facebook page after…
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Unfair pricing: Chiang Mai shooting game stall shut down (video)
A shooting game stall at the Chiang Mai Winter Fair has been permanently closed following complaints of misleading pricing. A Facebook user recounted an experience where a price misunderstanding led to demands for an inflated payment of 1,200 baht. The event organisers have intervened and ended the stall’s operations. The incident began when Benjawan, a 26 year old resident of…
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American tourist crashes dirt bike in Chiang Mai, kills local woman
An American tourist riding a dirt bike collided with a Thai woman, tragically resulting in her death while she was crossing a road in Chiang Mai. Overwhelmed with remorse, the tourist knelt and apologised to the deceased’s family. Officers from Mae On Police Station in Chiang Mai were alerted to an accident involving a dirt bike and a middle-aged Thai…
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Tourist halted from releasing sky lantern in Chiang Mai (video)
A Japanese tourist caused a commotion after being stopped from releasing a sky lantern in Chiang Mai. The incident, which occurred yesterday, December 31, at 9.40am, saw the tourist grabbing the collar of a police officer after being prevented from releasing the lantern during new year celebrations. Despite the altercation, the officer, a member of Chiang Mai’s patrol unit, remained…
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Chiang Mai council chairman accused of assaulting local resident
A significant altercation involving a prominent local council chairman in Chiang Mai has left a resident severely injured, sparking outrage among the community. The incident took place when the chairman allegedly insulted and physically assaulted a local during a campaign event at the home of a former Chiang Mai provincial council member. Reports from residents in a municipality area of…
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Chiang Mai fraud suspect arrested for bamboo blind scam
A significant fraud case involving over 50 victims duped into paying for bamboo blinds they never received has culminated in the arrest of the alleged perpetrator. Since 2018, numerous complaints have been filed, with victims coming forward to report being scammed by a Facebook page with a misleading name. The accused, who had been evading the police, was finally apprehended…
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High-stakes heist: Fake cops raid Chiang Mai cannabis shop
A daring robbery took place yesterday in Chiang Mai, where a group of four individuals impersonating police officers raided a cannabis shop, tying up the owner and his staff before making off with a substantial amount of valuables. The incident, reported to have occurred at 3am yesterday, December 12, saw the assailants seizing cash, electronics, and even motorcycles. The shop…
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Thai police enlist Interpol in hunt for Moroccan murder suspect
Thai police are enlisting Interpol’s assistance to apprehend a Moroccan man suspected of murdering his girlfriend in Chiang Mai before fleeing the country. The tragic incident involves Thitikarn Dulikanon, a transgender woman and owner of a beauty clinic near the Mae Hia Market intersection in Mueang district, whose body was found on December 6. Police and forensic experts from Maharaj…
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Cyber police raid Chiang Mai resort, bust illegal call centre
Cyber police and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) carried out a raid on a luxurious resort in Chiang Mai, uncovering a Chinese gang operating an illegal call centre targeting Thai victims. The operation, which involved over 20 officers, took place yesterday afternoon, leading to the arrest of several individuals and the seizure of numerous illegal telecommunications devices. The…
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Bet on busted: International gambling ring crumbles in Chiang Mai
An opulent online gambling racket has been busted in the heart of Chiang Mai, as Thai police swooped in on a Taiwanese-led operation pulling in over 10 million baht a month. The syndicate, which targeted gamblers from Thailand, China, and Taiwan, had set up shop in luxury properties across the city, living it up large while running the illegal network.…
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Five year old boy with special needs missing in Chiang Mai
A five year old boy, described as having special needs, has mysteriously gone missing from his school in Chiang Mai, sparking an extensive search operation involving rescue teams and locals. Despite the efforts, which include land and water searches and the use of drones, the child remains unaccounted for. The incident was reported yesterday afternoon, November 27 when rescue teams…
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CIB dismantle illegal telecom network in Chiang Mai
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) successfully carried out Operation CIB Crush the Grey Dragon, dismantling a network of illegal telecommunications in Chiang Mai. This operation led to the arrest of a Thai woman, 30 year old Jiraporn Prakobkit, and 14 other people associated with the criminal group. Among those arrested were one Thai man, five Chinese nationals, and eight Myanmar…
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Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary wins 2024 Travellers’ Choice Award
In a big win for ethical tourism, the Elephant Freedom Project in Chiang Mai has been honoured with the prestigious Travellers’ Choice Award for 2024 by TripAdvisor. This recognition places the sanctuary among the top-rated destinations in Chiang Mai, celebrating its commitment to conservation, education, and the welfare of Thailand’s beloved elephants. Siriporn Tanaseth, founder of the sanctuary, said they…
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Boy 7 killed by Thai mother rocks quiet Welsh town
Police in Wales reported that the death of a 7 year old boy at the hands of his Thai mother has rocked the quiet Welsh town of Haverfordwest. Seven year old Louis Linse was found dead in his bed, his life tragically cut short by his mother. Thai-born Papaipit Linse admitted to manslaughter by diminished responsibility, a truth that unravels…
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Minor earthquake rattles Lamphun, Chiang Mai with no damage
An earthquake measuring 2.5 on the Richter scale struck Lamphun, with tremors felt in two districts across two provinces. Occurring at a shallow depth of 1 kilometre, this seismic activity was triggered by the Mae Tha fault line. Residents reported no damage. The Department of Mineral Resources, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, issued a warning regarding the…
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Purring gold: Chiang Mai’s golden tiger sparks a roaring sensation
Recent images of a golden tiger have captured public attention, with the adorable tiger from Chiang Mai Night Safari creating quite a buzz. Known for her glamorous appearance and strikingly soft fur, the tiger, Nong Ava, has become a favourite among animal lovers. The Chiang Mai Night Safari, renowned for its diverse range of wildlife, has unveiled the latest pictures…
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Malaysian monk arrested for theft at Chiang Mai temple
Chiang Saen police officers in northern Thailand, including immigration, apprehended a Malaysian monk suspected of theft at Chiang Mai’s Jed Yod Temple. The suspect, identified as 50 year old Paramasivan, was found near Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong in Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai. The investigation kicked off after Chang Phueak police in Chiang Mai were alerted to missing valuables from…
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GLO hosts Chiang Mai lottery draw to boost transparency
The Government Lottery Office (GLO) of Thailand is set to conduct a lottery draw in Chiang Mai province on December 1. This initiative aims to enhance transparency in the lottery process and methods, offering the public an opportunity to witness the proceedings firsthand. The lottery draw, set for December 1, will take place at the Chiang Mai International Exhibition and…
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Sunbathing crocodile makes snappy getaway into Ping River
A 2-metre crocodile was spotted sunbathing at a sand quarry in Chiang Mai before making a quick escape into the Ping River. Witnesses believe the reptile might have escaped from a farm during recent floods. Concerns for public safety have prompted calls for its immediate capture. Reports have emerged from Chiang Mai about an unexpected encounter with a crocodile at…
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Chiang Mai’s Doi Inthanon draws tourists with frosty scenic views
Cold temperatures on Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai have attracted tourists eager to experience the chill and witness the stunning frost formations on grass and wildflowers. As of today, the temperature on the summit dropped to 9°C, creating a picturesque scene that drew many visitors to the national park. There is great anticipation for the occurrence of Maei Khap frost,…
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District in Chiang Mai faces landslide threat amid waterlogged soil
Experts have warned about potential landslides and ground subsidence in Chiang Dao district, Chiang Mai. The region is grappling with waterlogged soil after enduring two months of consecutive flooding, raising concerns about the stability of the land. A TikTok video recently brought attention to the situation, as it showed water surfacing from the ground at multiple spots in the Mueang…
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Chiang Mai buzzes with lottery fever as ticket sales soar
Chiang Mai is abuzz with lottery fever as punters flock to buy the latest winning numbers, clearing out ticket stalls. The excitement is fuelled by the recent appearance of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at a public rally, with his associated numbers selling rapidly. The vibrant scene at Chiang Mai’s lottery stalls reflects the anticipation among locals keen to get…
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Shocking cruelty: Child abuse claims haunt Chiang Mai orphanage
The Social Development and Human Security Ministry (MSDHS) is set to revoke the licence of an orphanage foundation in Chiang Mai following allegations of child abuse. Minister Varawut Silpa-archa announced the decision after a former caregiver reported that employees at the orphanage had been physically punishing children aged three to six for several years. Varawut confirmed that the Human Security…
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Spring surprise: Flooding ‘washes out’ Chiang Mai roads (video)
Water springs in Mueang Na, Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai have been causing unusual flooding, leading to road closures. Normally dry for six months, these springs have continuously flowed, affecting multiple areas simultaneously and disrupting local transport. A TikTok user, under the account @j_khamsan, shared videos highlighting the strange phenomenon of multiple water springs in Mueang Na, Chiang Dao district, Chiang…
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Chiang Mai ‘grounds’ Yi Peng Festival lanterns to keep skies safe
Chiang Mai reinforced strict measures against the release of sky lanterns during the Yi Peng Festival to protect air traffic, particularly in six districts identified as high-risk areas. The release of lanterns outside these zones is permitted for only two days, with heavy penalties for violators. The Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai, Siwa Thamikanont, along with the Chiang Mai Provincial…
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Bangkok man dies on Chiang Mai mountain hike
A 35 year old man from Bangkok tragically passed away during a hiking trip on Doi Luang Chiang Dao in Chiang Mai with two friends. Beginning their journey in Chiang Mai, their trek was cut short when the Bangkokian experienced severe exhaustion and subsequently fell unconscious in a restroom at the Khun Huai Mae Kok Forest Protection Unit office at…
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Drunken Thai boxer takes page from Tyson’s ear-book
In an incident eerily reminiscent of Mike Tyson’s infamous clash with Evander Holyfield, a drunken Thai boxer left a man earless after a savage encounter in Chiang Mai. The attack has prompted pleas for justice from the victim’s distraught girlfriend. In a startling revelation, Duean, a 25 year old from Lampang Province, recounted the gruesome details to reporters. Her boyfriend,…
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