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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Pheu Thai MP in hot water for illicit online campaigning
The Election Commission (EC) has unleashed legal fury upon Pattana Sapso, the Pheu Thai Party MP for Sakhon Nakhon. The EC’s crackdown comes in the wake of a damning investigation revealing Pattana’s alleged breach of election laws by engaging in prohibited online canvassing just hours before the crucial May 14 general election. The EC’s official statement, released on December 8,…
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Northeast Thailand: Local uncovers rare square yams, boosts income by 4,000 baht
A 74 year old local known as Uncle Aum from the Map Krat district of Nakhon Ratchasima province dug almost 3 metres deep to forage for a rare variety of wild yams, referred to as square yams by locals due to their distinct shape. Uncle Aum used his free time after the end of the rice harvest season to supplement…
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North Thailand: Unique black turtle sparks intrigue and hope among villagers
A large black turtle, weighing over 6 kilogrammes, caused a stir among local villagers who were seeking good fortune. The turtle’s owner, 45 year old Natee Jaisaen discovered the unique creature today, December 15. The turtle’s distinct markings under its belly, resembling powerful talismans, have further ignited the local community’s intrigue. Natee, the owner of the house located at 82…
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Geminids meteor shower to light up the sky
The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) has extended an invitation to Thai citizens to witness the Geminids meteor shower, commonly known as the Gemini Twins meteor shower, which will peak tonight December 14, continuing into the early hours of tomorrow. The spectacle can be observed from around 8pm onwards, with an expected peak frequency after midnight of approximately…
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Wealthy Thai man arrested for gold shop robbery in Chiang Mai
Police arrested a wealthy Thai man for robbing a gold shop in the northern province of Chiang Mai after a two-week investigation. The thief claimed he wanted money for stock and digital currency investments and sold gold necklaces worth at least 17 million baht for just 4 million baht. Security cameras at Lotus’s Supermarket and Yaowarat Krungthep Gold Shop showed…
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Four Thai teens drown after electrocution in public pond
A tragic incident unfolded in Ubon Ratchathani, where four teenagers drowned after being electrocuted in a public pond. The event happened near a ruined temple, where an electrical fault had caused a live current to pass into the water. The deputy investigation officer of Nam Yuen Police Station in Ubon Ratchathani was informed today, December 12, of the fatal accident…
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Update: Former Thai boxer denies sexual assault allegations
A renowned former Thai boxer denies sexually assaulting a 17 year old girl from Kalasin province after she lodged a complaint with Khon Kaen police. The incident allegedly took place in a hotel in Khon Kaen after they met at a local club. The accused, Somsak Singmanee, however, vehemently denied the sexual assault accusations, asserting his innocence and respect for his…
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Major drug trafficking bust in Mukdahan seizes over 600,000 meth pills
A drug trafficking gang was apprehended in the province of Mukdahan, as Region 4 Police seized a staggering haul of over 600,000 meth pills on December 10. Acting on intelligence, the law enforcement officers intercepted a white Mitsubishi Attrage sedan en route from Don Tan district to Mueang Mukdahan district. Behind the wheels was 30 year old Daeng, a resident…
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Neigh-saying no more: Horse racing chief urges PM to reopen track after four-year hiatus
Sunthorn Paengpairi, head of the Horse Racing Association in Nakhon Ratchasima, appealed to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to reopen a local horse racing track which has been closed for four years. This long-term closure has significantly impacted the livelihood of around 400,000 individuals involved in the industry, leaving them in severe hardship and without means to support their families. On…
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Mekong momentum: Nakhon Phanom’s new bike lane sets sail for tourism boost
In Nakhon Phanom, a new initiative has been launched to boost tourism along the scenic Mekong River. The local municipality has collaborated with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to introduce a Bike Lane Tunnel, an innovative attraction that’s set to captivate tourists throughout December. This project was announced to the public yesterday, December 7. The Bike Lane Tunnel, a…
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Cable cash approved: Thai Cabinet greenlights 28 million baht for sky-high project in Phu Kradueng
The Thai Cabinet recently approved a 28 million baht budget to design a contentious cable car project at Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei, according to Lertsak Watthanachaikul, a Pheu Thai Party MP for Loei. This was further confirmed by PM’s Office Minister Puangpet Chunlaiad, a former Loei MP, who stated the design fund was presented to the cabinet at…
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Lampang high-speed chase ends with seizure of 1.3 million amphetamine pills
Amidst the serene landscapes of Lampang, the tranquillity was shattered on December 6, as a high-speed chase ended in the capture of two alleged drug smugglers with amphetamine pills. The suspects, identified only as 43 year old Worapot and Chainarong, were found in possession of an astonishing 1.3 million amphetamine pills. The apprehension of such a significant drug haul was…
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Thai farmer turns backyard into mussel farm, earning 400 baht daily
A farmer in Nakhon Ratchasima has turned a hollow behind his house into a lucrative freshwater mussel farm. The mussels, which are large, fresh, and clean, have found a ready market, with customers even purchasing directly from the mussel farm. With an average daily income of 400 baht, the farmer is gearing up to expand his mussel farming operations. A…
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Northeast Thailand: Woman fatally stabbed during Ngiew celebration in Khon Kaen
A shocking incident unfolded at a festive event in the Phon District of Khon Kaen when a woman was fatally stabbed by an unknown assailant. The incident occurred in the early hours of today, December 6, during the Ngiew celebration, a traditional festive event. The fatally stabbed woman suffered from severe injuries, succumbing to the wounds later in the hospital.…
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Golden Buddha statues draw crowds to Phayao’s Wat Phra That Chom Sin
The Wat Phra That Chom Sin in Ban Tham, Dok Khamtai district, Phayao province, now stands out with 108 golden meditating Buddha statues. These statues, each measuring 2.5 metres wide and 3.5 metres tall, are majestically arranged around the temple’s mountainous landscape, attracting a stream of tourists and worshippers. These statues, made from concrete, are a unique attraction in the…
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Umphang Hospital appeals for unexpired medication donations amid supply shortage
A call for public assistance has been issued by Umphang Hospital, a state-run facility located in the border district of Tak’s northern province. As supplies dwindle, the hospital is appealing for donations of unexpired medication, previously prescribed for other illnesses. Dr Worawit Tantiwattanasap, the director of Umphang Hospital, shared the situation yesterday, December 5. According to him, the hospital is…
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Tragic death of camping enthusiast in modified vehicle sparks police investigation
A tragic incident unfolded in the town of Buriram, where a camping enthusiast was found dead in his modified vehicle. The 57 year old camping enthusiast, known as Warayuth, was discovered by a friend after he spent the night camping on private land. The cause of death remains unknown and police are investigating. Upon arrival at the scene, police found…
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Fatal night-time collision on Uthai Thani road claims teenage life
A tragic collision on a dark road resulted in the death of a 17 year old high school student and injured two others yesterday, December 1. The incident occurred on the Khao Khong Chai-Ban Pa Ao route, in Uthai Thani’s Lan Sak district. The vehicles involved were an E-Tan pickup carrying a full load of rice, a Honda PCX scooter,…
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Thai man punches neighbour to death after conflict over dog waste
A Thai man reportedly punched his neighbour to death on the side of the road in the northern province of Lampang after a dispute over dog waste. The killer claimed he acted in self-defence. Mueang Lampang Police Station officers and a rescue team rushed to the scene on Lampang-Ngao road at 7.45am today, December 1. The deceased, 68 year old…
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Young women ignore safety warnings at Phu Chi Fah, sparking concerns
Two young women risked their lives by crossing a safety line at Phu Chi Fah viewpoint to take photographs, triggering concerns from officials about a potential increase in copycat behaviour. Phu Chi Fah National Park in Thoeng, Chiang Rai, reported the incident occurred at 6.04am on October 26, and issued a public warning on their page. The tourist attraction has…
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Prime Minister Srettha’s extravaganza: Loy Krathong festivities and flood prevention
In a dazzling display of civic duty and celebration, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, accompanied by his wife Dr Pakpilai, immersed themselves in the magic of the Loy Krathong Festival in Sukhothai. The dynamic duo, adorned in traditional attire, partook in the age-old tradition of launching intricately decorated floats, or krathong, onto waterbodies to honour Phra Mae Khongkha, the revered Goddess…
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Thief steals 88 gold necklaces worth at least 17 million baht in Chiang Mai
A Thai man stole 88 gold necklaces from Yaowarat Krungthep Gold Shop in Lotus’s supermarket in the Fang district in the northern province of Chiang Mai yesterday. Each gold necklace was worth 200,000 to 500,000 baht causing losses of at least 17 million baht. The theft took place at about 18.45pm yesterday, November 28. The thief stole 88 gold necklaces…
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Lantern blamed for burning Chiang Mai market, causing over 100 million baht damage
A fire broke out at nine buildings within Rim Ping Flower Market in the northern province of Chiang Mai at 3am yesterday, November 28. A witness claimed the blaze was triggered when a lantern from the Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Lantern Festival fell onto the buildings. Ten firefighting trucks swiftly rushed to the market on Praisanee Road in the…
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Unprecedented tourist influx on full moon day at Wan Nakee Island’s shrine
Tourists flocked to Wat Kham Chanot Wang Nakee coinciding with the revered day of the full moon and the traditional Loy Krathong Festival on November 27. The shrine, located in Ban Muang, Ban Dung district, Udon Thani province, is dedicated to Nakee Island’s spiritual guardians, Grandfather Sri Sutho and Grandmother Ya Sri Pathum. The shrine’s spiritual significance attracted a vast…
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Belgian man found dead at house in Chiang Mai, murder suspected
The lifeless body of a Belgian man was discovered with a bag over his head after a Thai maid stumbled upon his suicide note in a Chiang Mai province residence. Thai police suspect murder rather than suicide. The Thai maid reached out to San Kampaeng Police Station after finding the suicide note of a 73 year old Belgian businessman, Vachaudez,…
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Northeast Thailand: Former police commissioner linked to Saudi jewel theft dies
Chalor Kerdthes, the former police commissioner implicated in the infamous Saudi royal jewellery theft case, passed away at the age of 85. He succumbed to heart failure at Maharaj Hospital in Nakhon Ratchasima on November 24. Chalor was born to Lieutenant Colonel Chaem and Thongkum Kedthes on August 28, 1938, in Bangkok. Chalor, an alumnus of the 15th class of the…
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Northeast Thailand: Giant turtle with markings resembling Thai King found in Nakhon Ratchasima
A giant turtle, believed by locals to bring wealth and good fortune, caused a stir in the Nakhon Ratchasima community. The turtle, weighing approximately 12 kilogrammes, was found by 63 year old resident Jod Songnok who has been taking care of it for over two years. The unusual creature is attracting crowds due to its peculiar shell markings, which resemble…
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Khon Kaen: Diarrhoea outbreak in village linked to contaminated water system
A diarrhoea outbreak has affected 27 residents, two of whom are critically ill, in a village in the Khon Kaen province of Thailand. Suspected to be caused by contamination in the local water system, medical professionals have collected samples for further investigation. Chanachai Sorosriwichai, the deputy governor of Khon Kaen, Krung Namsanga, the district chief of Waeng Yai, along with…
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Northern Thailand: Passing of revered monk Luang Phor Phat of Wat Huay Duan at the age of 101
Revered monk Luang Phor Phat of Wat Huai Duan, famously known in Nakhon Sawan, has passed away at the age of 101, having served as a monk for 77 years. The news was announced today, November 24, by the Facebook page of the Office of the Royal Monk of Vajirajarn, stating that Luang Phor Phat, the former advisor to the…
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Unregistered firearm found during routine weight check on highway in central Thailand
Highway Police officers apprehended a 22-wheel lorry driver on Tuesday during a routine weight check operation on Phra Prathon-Ban Bo Road, Mueang Nakhon Pathom, central Thailand. The driver, a 47 year old man known as Jirapat (surname withheld), was found in possession of an unregistered 9-millimetre firearm and four bullets. Jirapat was arrested, and charged with possession of firearms without…
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