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.
-
Sponsored 9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
-
Tour bus flips in northeast Thailand, 36 injured in midnight crash
Dozens of terrified passengers were left bloodied and bruised after a packed tour bus flipped onto its side in the dead of night in northeast Thailand — with many suspecting the driver had dozed off behind the wheel. The crash occurred around 3am yesterday, May 9, as the Chan Tour bus, en route from Rayong to Nakhon Phanom, veered off…
-
Ancient Buddhist relics unearthed in Korat temple dig
In an archaeological breakthrough, ancient Buddhist relics dating back over 1,300 years have been unearthed beneath a historic temple in northeastern Thailand — and experts say the find could reshape our understanding of early Buddhist art in the region. The rare artefacts were discovered in April during a conservation project at Wat Dhammachak Semaram in Sung Noen district, Nakhon Ratchasima.…
-
Nan hit by two tremors after Nakhon Si Thammarat quake damage
The northern province of Nan experienced two tremors early yesterday, following a previous earthquake that caused damage to a hospital in Nakhon Si Thammarat on May 7. According to the Earthquake Observation Division of the Thai Meteorological Department, the tremors in Nan registered magnitudes of 1.7 and 1.5 on the Richter scale, occurring at 4.04am and 4.52am, respectively. Local officials…
-
Thai officials brace for rocket risks at Bun Bang Fai festival
Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri has directed the Department of Airports (DoA) to work closely with communities to ensure compliance with aviation safety protocols during the forthcoming Bun Bang Fai festival. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has established guidelines to mitigate risks, as festival rockets may ascend to altitudes that could endanger aircraft. Approaching festival dates have prompted…
-
Fourth anthrax case confirmed in northeast Thailand outbreak
The Mukdahan Provincial Public Health Office announced yesterday a new case of anthrax, raising the total number of cases in the current outbreak to four, with one resulting in death. According to a source, three are currently hospitalised; two at Mukdahan Hospital and one at Don Tan Hospital. Of the 636 deemed at risk, 538 have completed a seven-day observation…
-
Out of tune: Thai man punches singer after his football team loses
A Thai man repeatedly punched a singer at a bar in the northern province of Lampang, allegedly out of anger after his favourite football team lost. The 34 year old singer, Bas, filed a complaint at Mueang Lampang Police Station following the assault, which occurred while he was working at the bar on Sunday, May 4, around midnight. The incident…
-
Thailand rattled by tremors as 10 mini quakes rock region
Residents in northern and northeastern Thailand woke up to a shaky surprise this morning after a swarm of small earthquakes hit the region, sending tremors through three provinces and sparking concern online. Ten mild earthquakes were recorded today, May 6, in parts of Myanmar and across northern and northeastern Thailand, according to the Thai Meteorological Department’s Earthquake Observation Division. The…
-
Kok River contamination sparks fears in northern Thailand
The Kok River, winding through the northern provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai before joining the Mekong River, has become a source of concern for residents who once depended on it for agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. High concentrations of arsenic, a hazardous heavy metal, have been discovered, generating fear and uncertainty among those who rely on the river for…
-
No new anthrax infections found in Thailand’s Mukdahan province
The anthrax situation in Mukdahan province is showing signs of improvement, with the Public Health Ministry reporting no new cases as of yesterday, May 5. The province has recorded three anthrax cases, according to Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin. Of these cases, one person has died, while two remain hospitalised. Some 636 people in the province have come into contact…
-
Northeast Thailand’s billion-baht cable car gets green light
A long-proposed cable car project at Phu Kradueng National Park in northeast Thailand is officially shifting into gear after a 25.7 million baht budget was approved for its design. Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), confirmed the scheme would see a 3-kilometre route constructed, potentially beginning at the Pha Mak Dook…
-
Thailand reports first anthrax death in 30 years, health alert issued
Thailand has experienced its first anthrax-related death in 30 years, resulting in a public health alert after hundreds in Mukdahan province were possibly exposed to the bacteria. A 53 year old man from Mukdahan passed away on Wednesday, April 30, after contracting anthrax. A second confirmed case and three additional suspected cases are also being investigated in the same province,…
-
Jackpot! Sisaket couple clears debt with Thai lottery win
A couple from Sisaket province experienced a life-changing event after winning 6 million baht in the latest lottery draw. At their residence in Lin Fa subdistrict, Yang Chum Noi district, family and locals gathered yesterday, May 2, to congratulate 58 year old Lamphong and his 56 year old wife, Kanokwan, who won the first prize in the Thai Government Lottery…
-
450kg of crystal meth seized in northeast Thailand chase
A high-speed police chase in Thailand’s northeast ended with a massive drug haul and three traffickers in cuffs. Police in Nong Khai province have arrested three men and seized a staggering 450 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, known as “Ice”, following a dramatic pursuit through Tha Bo district. The suspects, 23 year old Prasobsuk, 28 year old Thongthawat, and 20 year…
-
Cock-up confession: Heartbroken drug addict begs to go to jail
A lovesick drug addict handed himself over to police in a tearful plea to be locked up, claiming life had lost all meaning after his marriage collapsed and his bedroom antics dried up because he couldn’t get erect. The 48 year old man, devastated by the breakdown of his relationship, said prison seemed better than facing the daily heartache on…
-
Thai agriculture minister boosts lychee farming in Nakhon Phanom
Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat yesterday visited a major lychee farm in Nakhon Phanom province to observe the implementation of policies aimed at enhancing high-value agricultural products and services. Accompanied by Anongnat Jakaew, the agriculture minister’s secretary, and a team of officials, she engaged with local farmers to understand their challenges. The Uthai Rasmilichit Nakhon Phanom 1 lychee variety is a…
-
Khon Kaen restaurant faces closure over illegal hours and drug use
Police in Khon Kaen raided a well-known restaurant after receiving complaints about its operation beyond legal hours and the involvement of youths in drug activities. The venue, Foryou, on Ruenrom Road in Mueang district, which allegedly served alcohol from 2am to 1pm daily, has been proposed for a five-year closure. During the raid yesterday, April 29, officers led by Deputy Superintendent Police…
-
PM Paetongtarn’s health scare disrupts Nakhon Phanom visit
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s official visit to Nakhon Phanom province took an unexpected turn yesterday as she battled a high fever and fatigue, forcing her to cancel several key activities. The premier, who appeared visibly unwell, was seen struggling to stay focused during a briefing about cross-border drug issues along the Mekong River. Despite her efforts to push through, Paetongtarn’s…
-
UNESCO bid: Nakhon Phanom temple set for global recognition
In a move that could catapult one of Thailand’s most revered temples into the global spotlight, Minister of Culture Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol visited Wat Phra That Phanom in Nakhon Phanom province to advance the temple’s nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status. During her visit yesterday, April 28, Sudawan paid homage at the sacred site, taking part in a ceremonial wrapping of…
-
Thunderbolt sets Isaan home ablaze in terrifying storm (video)
A ferocious thunderstorm sent shockwaves through Na Chueak district, Maha Sarakham province, last night after a bolt of lightning struck a house and sparked a raging fire that gutted the entire property. At 7.10pm yesterday, April 28, Police Lieutenant Somwang Prangprakhon, Deputy Inspector at Por Phan Police Station, received an urgent call about a house fire in Baan Por Phan,…
-
PM visits Sakon Nakhon to address water quality, support tourism projects
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited Sakon Nakhon province today to review water management efforts and receive progress updates from Sakon Nakhon Governor Chusak Ruaying at Don Koen Public Park in Mueang district. The governor reported concerns about the deteriorating water quality and ecosystem of Nong Han Lake, which has become a major discharge point for untreated household wastewater. Rapid weed…
-
Thailand plans new economic zones up north
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is anticipated to consider a proposal to establish new economic zones in the north and northeast of Thailand, aiming to bolster regional economies distant from the heavily promoted Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The initiative was proposed by a House of Representatives extraordinary committee following a study of special economic development zones in these regions. Tachaphol Kanjanakul,…
-
8-year-old girl drowns in Buriram’s Mun River, mother distraught
An eight year old girl tragically drowned after a boat capsized in the Mun River in Buriram province. Her 45 year old mother was left distraught. Survivors recounted the incident, highlighting attempts to bail water from the boat and the rescue efforts by a seven year old boy. Yesterday, April 25, Phasakorn Phokham, a Police Lieutenant Colonel at Phutthaisong Police…
-
Tourism in Mukdahan drops by 50% after Songkran festival
The Mukdahan Hotel Association has highlighted a significant decline in tourism activity following the Songkran festival, with accommodation bookings plummeting by over 50%. The lack of major events in this secondary tourist destination is affecting employment, with thousands at risk of losing their jobs. Pramin Wongpralab, chairman of the Mukdahan Hotel Association, noted that the sluggish economic conditions in April…
-
Foreign man to face charges for drifting car on mountain road
Police plan to summon a foreign man for drifting his luxury car on Phu Thap Buek mountain in the northern province of Phetchabun after a video of the dangerous driving went viral on the TikTok application. The Thai TikToker, @lolono.re, shared the video of the car drifting yesterday, April 24, with a caption that read, “Brilliant! #Phetchabun #PhuThapBuek.” The video…
-
Men caught with more than 600k meth pills in northeast Thailand
Two men were arrested with a staggering 632,360 methamphetamine (meth) pills after a border patrol police chase in Mueang district. The pair, who attempted a brazen getaway, were eventually caught and taken into custody with their stash of illicit drugs. According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Boonlert Wisetchart, deputy commander of Border Patrol Police Subdivision 24, the two suspects were identified…
-
Chiang Rai police seize 110kg ketamine in hotel arrest
In Chiang Rai, police apprehended a 32 year old man at a hotel with 110 kilogrammes of ketamine. He allegedly planned to transport the drugs from Mae Sai to Ayutthaya, confessing to being paid 500,000 baht upon successful delivery. Police Lieutenant General Manop Senakul, commander of Chiang Rai Provincial Police, directed Police Colonel Technic Jansri, superintendent of Mae Sai Police…
-
Motorcycle rider killed in Nakhon Ratchasima road accident
A tragic accident occurred on Mittraphap Road yesterday, April 18 when a motorcycle collided with a pickup truck and was subsequently struck by a trailer truck, resulting in the death of the rider. Police Colonel Anon Sajanthuek, an investigator with the Pho Klang Police Station, received a report of the accident near the entrance to Ther Thai Market in Suranaree…
-
Khon Kaen ICU called ‘slaughterhouse’, complaint filed
Mancha Khiri Hospital in Khon Kaen province has requested police intervention after a man expressed his frustration towards nurses in the intensive care unit, referring to the facility as a “slaughterhouse.” The hospital director, Pornpol Laowithaya, stated yesterday, April 18, that a formal complaint had been lodged with Mancha Khiri police against 45 year old Anucha Chuenjai, accusing him of…
-
Forestry worker dies in Udon Thani forest gun accident
A 53 year old forestry worker and seasoned fireworks maker died from a gunshot wound in a forest in Udon Thani province. The incident occurred yesterday, April 17, with his wife expressing shock as they had spoken just that morning. Police Colonel Sonthaya Hitayaso from Phen District Police Station was notified of the incident, which took place in the forest…
-
Thief poses as monk to steal 300k baht from Ubon temple
A thief disguised as a monk targeted the abbot’s quarters at a temple in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani, stealing 300,000 baht. The incident, captured on CCTV, marks the second such theft, leading to a manhunt by local police. The footage, shared by the Warin Chamrap Ban Hao Facebook page, shows a man dressed like a monk leaving the…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.