Chiang Mai
- Environment News
Chiang Dao wildlife sanctuary closed due to man-made hotspots
The Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary in Chiang Mai province has been indefinitely shut down by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation. The decision comes in the wake of the discovery of several man-made hotspots in areas of key ecological importance. The department’s chief, Attapol Charoenchansa, announced the measure as an immediate response to the pressing issues of…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai massage parlour busted for underage employment
Chiang Mai police, along with affiliated agencies, raided a massage parlour suspected of employing minors on Tuesday, all under 18 years old, for providing illicit sexual services to customers. The owner of the massage parlour, identified as 21 year old Natthanaree Puangmala, was allegedly facilitating the provision of these services secretly to customers who engaged with the massage facilities. The cost…
- Thailand News
Burmese man commits murder-suicide killing wife and son
A Burmese man carried out a murder-suicide in a rented house in the Sankampaeng district of Chiang Mai province. He stabbed his wife to death and hanged their nine year old son from a bedroom door before hanging himself. The family of three was found dead inside the one-storey house in the Sankampaeng district of Chiang Mai province yesterday, April…
- Tourism News
Bangkok and Chiang Mai among top Asian cities for expats in 2024
A recent report by an acclaimed online language-learning marketplace unveiled its list of the top 10 Asian cities for expats making a move in 2024. Two Thai gems, Bangkok and Chiang Mai, have made their mark on this list, further cementing Thailand’s appeal to a global audience. Second in the ranking, the bustling metropolis of Bangkok has been lauded as…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai duo nabbed for 76 million baht home theft
Chiang Mai police apprehended two suspects in a brazen theft that saw 76 million baht stolen from a home. Police recovered nearly 40 million baht in cash, revealing that the culprits were known associates of the victim, motivated by a dispute over incomplete payment for work done. Other stolen assets were discarded in black bags. The incident, which occurred on…
- Chiang Mai News
Fire lights up Chiang Mai: Doi Suthep Forest blaze sparks alarm
The night skies over Chiang Mai were illuminated after a fire erupted in Doi Suthep Forest. The incident, reported by local media on Wednesday, April 17, was first sighted at a temple nestled within the forest. Phuping Forest fire officers from Doi Suthep-Pui National Park were the first ones to spot the blaze and were promptly dispatched to the site…
- Thailand News
Truck brake failure leads to fatal crash in Chiang Mai
A tragic accident occurred yesterday at 2.45pm in the Hod district of Chiang Mai when a six-wheeled truck’s brakes reportedly failed, causing it to crash into a procession of revellers. The incident resulted in the death of two individuals and serious injuries to two others. The procession was part of a traditional ceremony in which participants were enjoying themselves in…
- Chiang Mai News
Shell-shocked: Poacher nabbed for selling rare turtle in Chiang Mai
A poacher has been apprehended for hunting protected big-headed turtles in Pha Daeng National Park, with 17 of the creatures discovered in his possession. The suspect confessed to having been commissioned to sell the turtles for 2,400 baht per kilogramme. The head of Pha Daeng National Park, Prakasit Rawiwan, yesterday revealed a successful joint operation with the military’s Chaiyanuphap Task Force.…
- Chiang Mai News
Chiang Mai battles extensive forest fires and severe air pollution
Chiang Mai, a city in the northern region of Thailand, is currently combating an alarming number of forest fires, with over 15 fires reported, some of which have been persisting for three days. As per the local authorities, 17 out of 153 hotspots were detected in the city yesterday. Five of these hotspots are located in the Chiang Dao district,…
- Chiang Mai News
Chiang Mai lottery fever spikes as Songkran hopefuls chase lucky numbers
The buzz of the Thai New Year, known as Songkran, is palpable in Chiang Mai, where locals eagerly anticipate the lottery draw on April 16. Amidst the festive fervour, the city’s lottery vendors witness a surge in sales, with certain lucky numbers becoming the talk of the town. Today, at 8.30am, the atmosphere in Chiang Mai was electric with anticipation,…
- Environment News
Chiang Mai to declare PM2.5 crisis areas as disaster relief zones
Chiang Mai Governor Nirat Phongsitthithawon announced that any area experiencing a PM2.5 dust pollution crisis of Level 2 or higher would be declared a disaster relief area, entitling it to emergency aid. He explained that a Level 2 crisis is declared when the average amount of fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometres exceeds 150 microgrammes per cubic metre for…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai declares more districts as disaster zones amid wildfires
Wildfires continue to blaze through Chiang Mai, leading the local authority yesterday to declare three additional districts as disaster zones. These districts, Chiang Dao, Mae Taeng, and Chai Prakarn, have joined Fang and Phrao districts, which were declared disaster areas on April 4. The provincial governor has cited the fatigue of initial firefighters and soldiers as a significant obstacle in…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai: Thailand’s biggest pumpkin weighs 380 kilos
Thailand’s largest pumpkin, tipping the scales at 380 kilogrammes, has been successfully cultivated by a group of alumni at Maejo University in Chiang Mai. The university’s acting president, Associate Professor Weerapon Thongma, officially opened the annual giant pumpkin showcase at Panawat Garden in tambon Bo Luang, Hot district, yesterday. Financial support for career and agricultural development was also handed out…
- Things To Do
Songkran survival guide: Top 10 tips 2024
Songkran is a celebration of the Thai New Year on April 13 each year. What started as a respectful washing of Buddha images with water to welcome in the forthcoming wet season, has turned into a mega-water fight. No prisoners are taken in this annual water battle – if you head outside or drive along the roads you will get…
- Things To Do
Why you should spend your Songkran in Chiang Mai 2024
Thailand’s most-awaited holiday- Songkran- is approaching! This nationwide holiday celebrating the Thai new year provides us with an opportunity to have our much-deserved break while making memories with our loved ones. Songkran means “to move forward” in Sanskrit. Where do you want to leap forward to the Thai new year? Why not welcome the new year in Chaing Mai, The…
- Thailand News
Dust distress: Thailand choked by PM2.5 air pollution surge
Air pollution levels in parts of Thailand have surged into the red-coded category, indicating serious health risks. Particularly hard hit was Chiang Mai, where excessive PM2.5 dust levels were detected on today, April 4. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) revealed that 21 provinces were grappling with dangerous PM2.5 particulate levels – fine airborne particles measuring 2.5 micrometres…
- Thailand News
Murdered teen’s body found in reservoir in Chiang Mai
A 15 year old boy was savagely beaten and murdered by a group of five teenagers, who then concealed his body by throwing it into a reservoir in Chiang Mai. The assailants, aged between 15 and 17, admitted to the crime, citing a dislike for the victim’s character as the motive. Law enforcement officials apprehended five youths responsible for the…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai tourism expects rebound despite hotel booking slump
Chiang Mai, once bustling with tourists, has been grappling with a slump in hotel bookings as recorded on Wednesday. The Northern Thai Hotels Association advisor, La-iad Bungsrithong, disclosed that the reservations were only 30% full compared to the beginning of April last year. However, she projected a silver lining in the looming clouds of despair. The occupancy would bounce back…
- Thailand Hotels
Best affordable hotels in Chiang Mai for 2024
Chiang Mai is one of the most exciting cities to visit in Thailand. It boasts a wealth of untouched natural havens, interesting culture, relaxing spas, delicious food, and affordable hotels. The city is the perfect destination for budget travellers who don’t want to compromise their travel experience. Chiang Mai is chock full of affordable yet excellent hotels, making it hard…
- Expats
Chiang Mai ranked among top budget-friendly retirement locations
The lively and diverse city of Chiang Mai in Thailand has been listed among 13 budget-friendly global locations where couples can retire and live comfortably on a modest sum of US$1,500 per month, according to a new survey from International Living. The city, an eclectic mix of Thai, Chinese, Indian, and foreign residents, is celebrated for its rich history, culture,…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai summer storm topples gateway arch, damages car
The northern city of Chiang Mai witnessed the aftermath of a summer storm when a significant gateway arch collapsed at the intersection of Bo Sang traffic lights, causing damage to a red sedan and nearby structures. In the wake of the incident, local officials and emergency services worked through the night to clear the debris and restore normalcy to the…
- Thailand News
Songkran festival in Chiang Mai to draw in millions of tourists
Anticipation builds as the Songkran festival in Chiang Mai, set to span 10 days, is projected to pull in millions of tourists, raking in an estimated 20 billion baht in revenue. This year’s observance of the festival, scheduled from April 7 to 17, is particularly special as it not only seeks to uphold the local Lanna culture but also marks…
- Thailand News
Malaysian Airlines unveils new routes including to Chiang Mai
Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) announced three new routes to the Maldives, Chiang Mai, and Da Nang. As part of its ambitious expansion strategy aimed at capturing the leisure market, MAB, a key player in the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), is primed to whisk travellers away to exotic destinations with unparalleled ease. From its bustling hub in Kuala Lumpur, MAB is…
- Business News
Thailand enforces ban on maize imports from field burning regions
The Government of Thailand has given the green light to a ban on maize imports from regions notorious for field burning, a practice contributing to the annual smog crisis. This legislation is slated to come into force within the year. This action is part of a broader strategy to mitigate the recurring smog issue, which the government primarily attributes to…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha joins dinner with Thaksin and Somchai in Chiang Mai
In an extraordinary meeting, Srettha Thavisin, Thaksin Shinawatra and Somchai Wongsawat gathered for dinner last night in Chiang Mai. The trio, led by current PM Srettha, are set to gather as Thaksin, on parole, returns to his hometown for various engagements, including paying homage to his late parents. Thailand’s 23rd prime minister, Thaksin, despite a corruption conviction, barely tasted prison…
- Thailand News
Neighbour’s pit bull goes on rampage, seriously injures woman
In a chilling incident captured on CCTV in Chiang Mai’s Sansai district, a ferocious male pit bull, approximately 10 years old, launched a horrifying assault on a 30 year old woman, leaving her arm perilously close to being severed. The footage reveals the pit bull viciously attacking the woman, only halted by the intervention of her boyfriend and the dog’s…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai crowned world’s most polluted as smog crisis worsens
Chiang Mai recently ascended to an undesirable top spot on the global stage as it experiences severe air pollution, making it the most polluted city in the world. The air quality in this northern Thai city has reached levels that pose significant health risks due to the pervasive spread of PM2.5 particles. At 3am today, March 15, the air quality…
- Politics News
Former Thai PM Thaksin returns to Chiang Mai after 17 years
A remarkable event unfolded in Thailand’s northern city of Chiang Mai when former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to his hometown. Accompanied by his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who also leads the Pheu Thai party, and other family members, Thaksin arrived via private jet at precisely 9.28am on March 14. On his arrival, the Deputy National Police Chief, Surachet Hakparn,…
- Thailand News
Flame game foiled: Chiang Mai crackdown scorches forest arsonist
Chiang Mai authorities have taken swift action against forest arson, resulting in the arrest and fining of a perpetrator following a tip-off from a vigilant citizen. Yesterday, March 13, a man was spotted igniting a fire within the protected forest area of Ban Pang Keut, Mae Taeng district in Chiang Mai. The deputy governor personally delivered a cash reward to…
- Thailand News
British man arrested in Chiang Mai drug bust
A British man was arrested in a sting operation uncovering a sprawling drug trade targeting unsuspecting tourists in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai police, acting on a tip-off, apprehended 48 year old British man Charly Garcia in an operation at a cannabis products shop in the Mueang district, where he was allegedly peddling narcotics to foreign visitors. Undercover officers, playing their…
