Chiang Mai News

Stay up-to-date with the latest news from the charming and historic city of Chiang Mai with The Thaiger. Our team of seasoned journalists brings you breaking news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive stories from this fascinating city, covering a diverse range of topics, including local politics, business, culture, and tourism. Keep yourself informed about the city’s rich history, vibrant arts scene, and thriving expat community, as well as updates on events, attractions, and transportation.

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  • Boy sleeping in Chiang Mai laundrette sparks action (video)

    A young boy has drawn widespread attention after sleeping alone in a laundromat in the Chiang Mai province late at night. Concerned netizens expressed their desire to help the child, sparking a conversation about his welfare. Footage shared by TikTok user @suwatchareek captured the boy entering the laundromat around 3am and staying until 5am. “A little boy came to sleep…

  • Persistent Chiang Mai gang arrested for bird food scam on tourists

    Police have detained members of a scammer gang at Tha Phae Gate, Chiang Mai, who were scamming tourists by selling bird food and charging them for photos, deemed to be damaging the area’s reputation as a tourist destination. Today, July 19, officers from the Tourist Police Division 2, led by Makara Srisakulpisut and Nithipat Bunmak, conducted a thorough inspection of…

  • Chiang Mai earthquake causes tremors, no major damage

    An earthquake measuring 3.3 on the Richter scale struck Mae Chaem, Chiang Mai, causing noticeable tremors but no reported injuries or significant damage to buildings. Local officials have been instructed to conduct thorough inspections of the area to assess potential impacts. A 3.3-magnitude earthquake occurred in the Mae Na Chon area of Mae Chaem district yesterday at 11.04pm, with a…

  • African swine fever outbreak reported in Chiang Mai

    In a significant and concerning development, Thailand has reported its first outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) for the year, as confirmed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). This outbreak has occurred in Luang Nuea Village, located in the Doi Saket District of Chiang Mai Province. The outbreak details The outbreak began on June 5 on a farm…

  • Senior judge accused of molestation on sleeper train to Chiang Mai

    A female court stenographer has lodged a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), alleging that a senior judge molested her while they were travelling on a sleeper train to Chiang Mai for a personnel development activity. Investigators, led by Police Colonel Ekkasit Panseetha, began their inquiry into the case on Wednesday, July 10, after the stenographer filed her lawsuit.…

  • Officer killed, another injured in Chiang Mai drug raid shooting

    A police officer lost his life and another was injured in a shooting incident involving a drug suspect in Chiang Dao district, Chiang Mai last night. A coordinated operation involving police, soldiers, and local officials took place at around 9.30pm yesterday, July 11, targeting the suspect’s residence in Jiachan village, Moo 13, located in the Mueang Na subdistrict. As the team…

  • New tree species unearthed in Thai Geopark

    Researchers from Chiang Mai University have uncovered a brand-new species of Ylang Ylang, or cananga tree, at the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark. Dubbed “Chalermprakiat” in honour of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday, this discovery is set to shake the botanical world. Ylang Ylang, a tropical tree known for its fragrant flowers, is typically found in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia,…

  • Thailand’s oldest oilfield to get 300 million baht redevelopment

    Thailand’s oldest oilfield is set for redevelopment with a budget of 300 million baht, as announced by the Defence Energy Department’s Northern Petroleum Development Centre (NPDC). The redevelopment plan of Fang Oilfield in Chiang Mai includes upgrading the oil refinery to Euro5 standards, enabling it to produce lower-sulphur diesel that is safe for car engines, according to Montri Jeennakorn, director…

  • Viral video reveals flaws in Chiang Mai homestay (video)

    A young man’s review of a homestay in Huay Kub Kab, Chiang Mai, has gone viral on social media, revealing numerous flaws in the accommodation, from an insecure lock to gaps in the roof. The video was intended as a humorous take on his experience. Nutthakorn (surname withheld) and his friends had travelled to Huay Kub Kab, Chiang Mai, to…

  • Road rage incident in Chiang Mai sparks online debate (video)

    A recent incident involving a road rage altercation in Chiang Mai drew significant attention online. The dispute began when a woman driving slowly in the right lane was confronted by an irate driver, who accused her of using her mobile phone while driving. The incident, which occurred yesterday, involved 28 year old Aem, who was driving on Samphoch 700 Pi…

  • YouTubers’ motorbikes spotted on Chiang Mai route on Google

    Google Street View captured two stylish motorbikes on the Chiang Mai–Mae Hong Son route, instantly recognised by netizens as belonging to popular YouTubers. The sighting has delighted fans who spotted their idols on the virtual map. Google Street View vehicles, known for capturing 360-degree panoramic images of locations for Google Maps, have a reputation for documenting everything in their path.…

  • Senior Thai judge transferred after molestation accusation on train

    The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court urgently transferred a senior judge following accusations of molesting a female court officer on a sleeper train. A high-ranking source within the judiciary revealed the incident occurred during a staff development activity. The female officer lodged a complaint against the senior judge, who belongs to a major court in Bangkok, following the incident…

  • Deputy headteacher found dead in car after 13-day search

    Police confirmed the tragic discovery of a missing deputy headteacher, found dead in his car under a bridge in Chiang Mai after a 13-day search. The man, identified as 43 year old Ruchakorn Jaisanti, had been missing since June 16. Ruchakorn, also known as Bank, served as the deputy headteacher at San Pa Yang Nom School and the acting headteacher…

  • Sri Lanna Park adopts drones and firebreaks to combat wildfires

    Sri Lanna National Park adjusted its wildfire prevention strategies, incorporating controlled burns to tackle forest fires effectively. Park Chief Anon Kullanin revealed that using drones to monitor and map the fires significantly aided the firefighting efforts. Sri Lanna National Park recently faced a challenging wildfire situation. According to Anon, the park utilised drones to identify hotspots and plan entry routes…

  • Chiang Mai lottery enthusiasts speculate on singer’s lucky numbers

    The excitement around the upcoming lottery draw on Sunday has reached a fever pitch in Chiang Mai, with many eagerly hunting for tickets featuring the most sought-after numbers, particularly those associated with the late singer Phumphuang Duangchan. Lottery stalls across various key locations, including Chiang Mai Gate, Arcade Bus Station, the railway station, Mahidol Road in Mueang District, and Chiang…

  • Trunk call: Monk leads project to build elephant shelter in Chiang Mai

    Renowned monk Phra Kru Odd called upon elephant enthusiasts to join a significant initiative to construct a shelter for elephants of the Saen family in Chiang Mai. The project aims to protect the elephants from harsh weather conditions and is estimated to cost 1 million baht, taking one full year to complete. Phra Kru Odd, associated with Wat Chedi Luang…

  • Chiang Mai locals hiss with concern over roadside snake (video)

    A large snake was spotted slithering by the roadside in Chiang Mai, sparking a flurry of comments from locals who have seen it before and are seeking solutions to the recurring issue. Early yesterday, residents reported seeing a large snake along the canal road near the Mae Hia market intersection in Chiang Mai. The incident, which occurred yesterday, June 11,…

  • Chiang Mai seeks public input on Mae Hod Reservoir project

    The Department of National Parks (DNP) in Chiang Mai is gathering public opinions on revoking parts of Ob Luang National Park to construct the Mae Hod Reservoir, aimed at increasing water resources for farmers and reducing drought risks. The Ob Luang National Park, situated in Chiang Mai, opened a forum for stakeholders and local communities to voice their opinions on…

  • Chiang Mai statue restoration sparks debate over authenticity

    The Chiang Mai governor coordinated with the Fine Arts Department to restore a 400 year old giant statue at a prominent historical temple, sparking criticism from an academic who argues that the restoration was inappropriate. The controversy began when an assistant professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts at Chiang Mai University, Surachai Jongjitngam criticised the restoration of a large…

  • Chiang Mai University tops regional state rankings

    Chiang Mai University has been named the most popular regional state university in Thailand this year, according to the latest uniRank rankings. The rankings, which evaluate universities based on website popularity, were released today. UniRank evaluates university popularity based on three main criteria: website popularity, accuracy and completeness of information, and the frequency of updated news. These comprehensive criteria ensure…

  • Chiang Mai lottery predictions spark excitement ahead of draw

    Chiang Mai‘s latest lottery predictions are out, with Kraisorn offering his insights ahead of an important date. Fans of the late singer Phumphuang Duangchan are eagerly hoping for a big win. Several significant numbers have been revealed by the lottery expert, promising hopefuls a chance at substantial financial gains. Yesterday at 8.40am, reports emerged about the bustling atmosphere in Chiang…

  • Myanmar couple makes history at Thai Pride parade

    Denied the chance to celebrate their union in their homeland, where LGBTQ individuals face persecution and imprisonment, a Burmese same-sex couple sought peace and happiness in the more tolerant kingdom next door. The couple, Nyan and Mae, tied the knot in front of thousands at the annual Pride parade in Chiang Mai. The late-night ceremony on Sunday was only symbolic…

  • Fireworks factory explosion victims wait compensation a year on

    A devastating fireworks factory explosion in San Thung Mai village of Chiang Mai, left residents grappling with extensive damage and financial burdens nearly one year later. Compensation from the factory has yet to be received, forcing many to bear repair costs themselves, with some incurring expenses close to 200,000 baht. The explosion occurred around noon on July 24 last year,…

  • Bugged out: Chiang Mai traveller’s rose petal bath hit by insect invasion

    A traveller’s recent trip to Chiang Mai took an unexpected turn when a planned relaxing bath turned into an encounter with a swarm of insects. The traveller chose a picturesque accommodation with a bathtub on the balcony, offering stunning mountain views during the day. However, as night fell, the situation drastically changed. Dhiwa Bhochawatt’s post on Facebook detailed the surprising…

  • Former PM Somchai Wongsawat stuns with senate bid

    Former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat made a surprise appearance at the Chiang Mai district office at 9am, marking the opening of senatorial candidate registrations. Eyewitnesses report that Somchai, whose brief tenure as prime minister lasted from September 18 to December 2, 2008, did not address the media, slipping quietly into the registration process. Somchai’s short-lived stint as prime minister was…

  • Teenage gang leader arrested after samurai sword robbing spree

    Chaing Mai authorities apprehended an 18 year old gang leader following a robbery spree, his latest venture involved threatening and attacking local skateboarders with a samurai sword, before speeding off on a motorcycle driven by his assailants. Police Lieutenant and Deputy Investigation Chief of Mueng Chiang Mai Police Station Worawan Kanwana, along with investigation officers, yesterday arrested an 18 year…

  • Chiang Mai’s rot daeng under threat from ride-hailing apps

    Chiang Mai’s iconic rot daeng, or red cars, transport service is under threat as tourists are opting for alternative modes of transport, causing local operators to urge the government for assistance. The issue was highlighted in an online debate where a Facebook user expressed concerns over the survival of the rot daeng services, which are now facing stiff competition from…

  • Teen courier with 900k meth pills caught in Chiang Mai

    In a dramatic pre-dawn operation, at 1.50am this morning, Thai police intercepted a teenage drug courier in Chiang Mai province, seizing nearly one million methamphetamine pills hidden in his pickup truck. The teenage driver admitted to being paid 80,000 baht for the illicit transport. Law enforcement officials from Lhoongkhot Police Station, under the command of Superintendent Suphachai Chanthara, collaborated with…

  • Chiang Mai red trucks decline as Grab gains ground

    Chiang Mai’s iconic red trucks, an integral part of the city’s transport network, are facing an existential threat in the wake of declining patronage post-tourist season, with concerns over the future being reduced to mere photographic memories. The rise of international ride-hailing services such as Grab or Bolt has compounded the issue, leading to a significant drop in customers for…

  • Thai woman’s nostrils infested by hundreds of maggots

    A Thai woman got more than she bargained for during a routine nasal examination when doctors unearthed a horrifying secret lurking inside her nose. A 59 year old Thai woman received a chilling diagnosis during what she thought was a routine visit to address her stuffy nose. Doctors at Nakornping Hospital, nestled in Thailand’s Chiang Mai Province, made a startling discovery,…