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‘Get Covid-19 in Chiang Mai, collect 100,000 baht’ tourism groups pledge
Despite
being hit with several new coronavirus cases this week, Chiang Mai tourism
officials say, “If you get Covid-19 in Chiang Mai, we’ll pay you 100,000
baht.”
Nopniwat Krailerg
Despite being hit with several new coronavirus cases
this week, Chiang Mai tourism officials are making tourists a potentially
lucrative offer: “If you get Covid-19 in Chiang Mai, we’ll pay you 100,000
baht.”
Phallop Saejew, chairman of the Chiang Mai Tourism
Industry Council, said Dec. 2 that his group and six other tourism
associations created the offer to reassure domestic tourists that the region
is safe. In addition to paying 100,000 baht to anyone who contracts the
coronavirus in the Chiang Mai area, the groups will pay a million baht if a
person dies.
Phallop Saejew, chairman of
the Chiang Mai Tourism Industry Council.
He said the groups met with the local Communicable
Disease Control Committee on Nov. 30 and learned about its contact-tracing
program.
“That gives us very high confidence in the work being
done by Chiang Mai health officials. All staff members work with speed as
soon as a patient is found,” Phallop said. “There are clear procedures even
though the outside world may view the public information to be delayed. But
all parties work hard until they can get clear information. This creates a
lot of confidence in the private sector. The private sector believes it will
help the government and Chiang Mai Province to work together through this
situation.”
The guarantee comes as Chiang Mai reported at least
four cases of the virus among a group of women who skipped quarantine when
they returned from Myanmar and went out partying despite having Covid-19
symptoms. Ten cases related to the group have been reported nationwide as of
Wednesday.
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Donations pour in for Red Cross fair, lottery
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Residents
brought new and second-hand items to sell in the Red Cross Macha Kacaht shop
and for prizes in the foundation’s new year’s lottery.
Nopniwat Krailerg
People donated motorcycles, bicycles, appliances and
other goods to the Chiang Mai Red Cross as it prepared for its annual new
year charity fair.
Gov. Charoenrit Sanguansat and wife Sudaporn, president
of Chiang Mai Red Cross Foundation, were on hand at Territorial Volunteer
Regiment 1 Dec. 2 as residents brought new and second-hand items to sell in
the Red Cross Macha Kacaht shop and for prizes in the foundation’s new
year’s lottery.
The Red Cross and OTOP fair will be held from Dec. 30
to Jan. 10 on the field behind Chiang Mai City Hall in Mueang District.
The fair will see the selling of cheap agricultural
products as well as locally made goods from 25 districts.
Funds from the fair and lottery will go toward Red
Cross projects encompassing disaster relief, help for the poor, disabled and
elderly, and other public charities.
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Gov.
Charoenrit Sanguansat and wife Sudaporn, president of Chiang Mai Red Cross
Foundation.
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People
donated motorcycles, bicycles, appliances and other goods to the Chiang Mai
Red Cross.
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Covid-infected Chiang Mai woman skipped quarantine, likely entered Thailand illegally
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A 29-year-old Thai woman
tested who had returned from Myanmar where she had been since Oct. 23,
tested positive for Covid-19, said Dr. Sopon Liamsirithavorn, director of
the Communicable Diseases Division at the Public Health Ministry.
Nopniwat Krailerg
A Chiang Mai woman who tested positive for the
coronavirus Friday may have entered Thailand illegally from Myanmar and
skipped quarantine, authorities said.
Health officials on Saturday were scrambling to reach
and test 326 people deemed to be at risk of contracting the disease from the
bar hostess. More than 100 of those were considered at high risk.
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Public-health workers in full hazmat suits are spraying disinfectant in
locations the woman visited.
The 29-year-old Thai woman had returned from Myanmar
where she had been since Oct. 23 and where she likely was infected, said Dr.
Sopon Liamsirithavorn, director of the Communicable Diseases Division at the
Public Health Ministry.
On Nov. 23, she developed a fever, diarrhea and lost
her sense of smell. The next day she developed a cough and headache, but
still proceeded to travel to Mae Sai District in Chiang Rai by a public van
and never entered quarantine.
The only way that happens, authorities said, is if she
entered the country illegally.
Early on Nov. 25 she arrived in Chiang Mai by bus and
went to her condominium with a Grab ride-sharing car. She took another Grab
that night to meet friends, share cigarettes and sing at a karaoke bar in
the Santitham area. After the bar closed, the three women joined two others
in a friend’s apartment to continue drinking.
On Nov. 25 the infected woman continued her travels by
Grab Car, visiting shopping malls, a cinema, restaurants and retail stores.
She was said to have worn a mask most of the time.
Only on Nov. 26 did she finally go to a private
hospital in Chiang Mai where she was tested for Covid-19. When the test came
back positive, she was transferred to Nakornping Hospital.
Chiang Mai has gone into full-on panic mode, with
Central Festival Chiang Mai closed for a “big cleaning”, several employees
quarantined for 14 days, alerts sent to everyone who checked in with the
Thai Chana contact-tracing app, and public-health workers in full hazmat
suits spraying disinfectant inside the karaoke bar in Chang Phuek
Subdistrict and other locations the woman visited.
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Chiang Mai
has gone into full-on panic mode, with Central Festival Chiang Mai closed
for a big cleaning.
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The infected
woman visited shopping malls, a cinema, restaurants and retail stores.
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Chiang Mai Horticultural Festival officially opens
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Highland
Research and Development Institute Director Wirat Prappruk presides over the
Chiang Mai Horticultural Festival opening ceremony.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Flowers, agriculture and northern culture will merge
for four months as the Chiang Mai Horticultural Festival returns to
Chaloemphrakiat Ratchaphruek 2006 Park.
The festival, which began Nov. 1, saw its official
opening Nov. 27 with Highland Research and Development Institute Director
Wirat Prappruk presiding over the ceremonies. It runs through Feb. 28.
The festival began in 2006 when the Agriculture and
Co-operatives Ministry organized the World Horticultural Fair at the Royal
Agricultural Research Center in Hang Dong District. Twelve years later, in
2018, the HDRI was instructed to revive the event and take over management
of the park to develop a horticulture learning center and an agricultural
and cultural tourist attraction.
A major target of the learning center is the North’s
hilltribe peoples who have transitioned from growing opium to vegetables,
fruits, flowers, coffee and bio-products.
The institute seeks to create better quality of life
for the 4,000 groups of homes sitting 500 meters above sea level in the
greater Chiang Mai area.
Poverty is severe there and has been exacerbated by
degradation of the watershed environment.
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The festival
runs through Feb. 28.
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A major
target of the learning center is the North’s hilltribe peoples who have
transitioned from growing opium to vegetables, fruits, flowers, coffee and
bio-products.
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The
institute seeks to create better quality of life for the 4,000 groups of
homes sitting 500 meters above sea level in the greater Chiang Mai area.
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Chiang Mai airport’s new bag-screen system to go live Dec. 1
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Final
testing is underway on a new baggage-screening system at Chiang Mai Airport.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Final testing is underway on a new baggage-screening
system at Chiang Mai Airport with expectations it will go into service Dec.
1.
Airport Deputy Director Mathayat Kraisorn Thongsri
watched Nov. 27 as security officers ran a simulation of a passenger
checking bags at the counter and carrying hand luggage on board.
A test with real passengers was planned for Friday
morning. If everything runs smoothly, the new system will be turned on for
all passengers Tuesday.
The switch will mean bags no longer will have to be
screened when entering the passenger terminal with guards only checking body
temperatures.
Those with no checked luggage can now check-in through
various channels and simply pass through security at the gates.
Those with checked luggage will go to the check-in
counter and then bring their luggage to the scanner.
Passengers carrying licensed firearms must register at
Gate 3.
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If
everything runs smoothly, the new system will be turned on for all
passengers Tuesday, Dec. 1.
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Volunteers clean Chiang Mai’s Lanna Garden Rama IX
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Gov.
Charoenrit Sanguansat salutes their Majesties the King and Queen, as well as
Rama VI on Rama VI Day Nov. 25.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Government workers and volunteers cleaned Lanna Garden
Rama IX to honor the late King Rama VI.
Gov. Charoenrit Sanguansat opened the Nov. 25 event at
the Chang Phuek Subdistrict garden.
Participants painted the park’s nameplate, planted
trees, cut grass, pruned trees and washed walkways and roads.
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Volunteers
pledge to do good deeds and uphold their commitment to the monarchy.
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Participants
paint the park’s nameplate.
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Young and
old get together to clean the park.
280 clean Mahidol Road in Chiang Mai
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Almost 300
Chiang Mai government workers fanned out along Mahidol Road to give it a
scrubbing in preparation for an anticipated rush of December tourists.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Almost 300 Chiang Mai government workers fanned out
along Mahidol Road to give it a scrubbing in preparation for an anticipated
rush of December tourists.
Eknarin Jintawong, director of Chiang Mai Highway
District 2, kicked off the Nov. 25 cleanup of the Muang District road with
280 civil servants from the local government and highway district.
They picked up trash, removed illegal signs, washed the
road surface and trimmed trees along the route from Don Chan to Chiang Mai
International Airport, a distance of more than 7.5 kilometers.
Local officials predict the Father’s Day four-day
weekend will bring another flock of Thai tourists to the area.
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Government
workers clean the bridge over the Ping River in anticipation of a busy
tourism high season.
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Workers
picked up trash, removed illegal signs, washed the road surface and trimmed
trees.
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Chiang Mai remembers King Rama VI
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Chiang Mai
officials, educators and boy and girl scouts mark the 95th anniversary of
the death of HM King Rama VI.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Chiang Mai officials, educators, boy and girl scouts
marked the 95th anniversary of the death of HM King Rama VI, who founded the
Boy Scouts of Thailand in 1911.
Gov. Charoenrit Sanguansat laid a wreath to commemorate
HM King Vajiravudh Nov. 25 at Yuparaj Wittayalai School.
In addition to creating the rank of general in the Thai
military and inserting the kingdom into World War I, Rama VI set aside royal
land in 1925 to construct the Sattahip Naval Base.
King Rama VI also founded the Boy Scouts in Thailand on
July 1, 1911. Each year, more than 10,000 scouts march at National Stadium
in Bangkok to express their loyalty to the monarchy and scouting.
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Gov.
Charoenrit Sanguansat laid a wreath to commemorate HM King Vajiravudh at
Yuparaj Wittayalai School.
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King Rama VI
founded the Boy Scouts in Thailand on July 1, 1911.
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Scouts
recite the Scouts Pledge to honor King Rama VI.
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Students
from local schools bring wreaths to lay at the foot of the King Rama VI
monument.
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Millions in jewelry from dead victims found after tragic Chiang Mai road wreck
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Insurance
companies paid more than 6 million to relatives of a Pathum Thani family
killed in a weekend accident on Doi Inthanon.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Relatives of a Pathum Thani family killed in a weekend
accident on Doi Inthanon already have been paid more than 6 million baht by
insurance companies as they tried to locate gold and other personal items
lost in the crash.
Insurance company bean counters were quick to assign
values to each of the five dead bodies in the Nov. 21 crash that killed
Sompong Sri-anan, mayor of Lak Hok Subdistrict in Pathum Thani, his wife and
three daughters. Insurers were quick to brag and detail each of the payments
under two policies, but what actually mattered to grieving family members
were jewelry and other items that didn’t make it into the ambulances with
their remains.
Amid accusations that rescue workers stole gold
necklaces and medals, authorities set out to work Nov. 24 with metal
detectors to find the items, which they said were lost when Sompong Sri-anan
and his wife were ejected from the cab of their Toyota Hilux after it
smashed into ta tree while descending the Chiang Mai mountain.
In the weeds, officers recovered a King Rama V coin
worth about 1 million baht, a gold necklace, gold ring and bracelet, along
with six other items.
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The Nov. 21
crash killed Sompong Sri-anan, mayor of Lak Hok Subdistrict in Pathum Thani,
his wife and three daughters.
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In the
weeds, officers recovered a King Rama V coin worth about 1 million baht, a
gold necklace, gold ring and bracelet, along with six other items.
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Chiang Mai to install CCTVs to catch helmetless motorcyclists
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Chiang Mai
traffic police deputy commander Pol. Lt. Col. Supachai Chantra and
accident-prevention project head Thirawut Komutabut announce the start of
Thailand’s first “smart” closed-circuit cameras to snap photos of
motorcyclists not wearing helmets
Nopniwat Krailerg
Chiang Mai will become the first province in Thailand
to install “smart” closed-circuit cameras to snap photos of motorcyclists
not wearing helmets so police can fine and educate them.
Chiang Mai traffic police deputy commander Pol. Lt.
Col. Supachai Chantra and accident-prevention project head Thirawut
Komutabut said the goal is to cut the number of deaths and injuries
resulting from accidents in which motorbike drivers and passengers didn’t
wear helmets.
The first phase of the project that begins Dec. 15 will
see two “Smart AI CCTV” cameras installed each in Muang, San Sai, Saraphi,
Mae Rim and Hang Dong districts. Signs also will be posted warning
motorcyclists about the cameras and explaining the risks of not wearing
helmets.
Thailand has one of the highest road fatality rates in
the world with motorcycles involved in more than 80 percent of those deaths.
In Chiang Mai, 504 people have been killed in road accidents this year, 398
of them on motorcycles. In the five targeted districts alone there have been
243 deaths, 204 of them riding motorbikes.
The cameras are being funded with a grant from the
Thailand Safer Roads Foundation. Police in each district will review the
photos of offending motorcyclists and deliver tickets in person to the
owner’s home to explain the risk of driving without a helmet.
Of course, drivers and passengers also will be fined
800 and 400 baht, respectively. It’s hoped education and repeated fines will
result in an 80 percent reduction in fatalities in the five districts.
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Pol. Lt.
Col. Supachai Chantra said police in each district will review the photos of
offending motorcyclists and deliver tickets in person to the owner’s home to
explain the risk of driving without a helmet.
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In Chiang
Mai, 504 people have been killed in road accidents this year, 398 of them on
motorcycles.
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Pathum Thani’s Lak Hok Subdistrict mayor, family killed in Chiang Mai road wreck
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The mayor of
Pathum Thani’s Lak Hok Subdistrict and his family were killed when their
pickup truck overturned while taking a sharp curve on the road down from
Chiang Mai’s Doi Inthanon.
Nopniwat Krailerg
The mayor of Pathum Thani’s Lak Hok Subdistrict and his
family were killed when their pickup truck overturned while taking a sharp
curve on the road down from Chiang Mai’s Doi Inthanon.
Sompong Sri-anan, his wife and four female relatives –
some of whom were sitting in the bed of the Toyota pickup – all were thrown
from the vehicle in the Nov. 21 crash on Highway 1009 from Chom Thong to Doi
Inthanon in Baan Luang Subdistrict.
Witthaya Chainan, head of the Chom Thong Highways
Department, said the truck was a Highways Department vehicle. The driver
lost control while descending from the top of the mountain. The truck hit a
tree, ejecting six people, five of whom died.
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Sompong Sri-anan,
his wife and four female relatives – some of whom were sitting in the bed of
the Toyota pickup – all were thrown from the vehicle.
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Chiang Mai ‘Inthakin’ ceremony sees prayers for peace, rain
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Chedi Luang
Temple monks ask for blessings and safeguards for Chiang Mai.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Chiang Mai monks prayed for rain, peace and prosperity
in the annual ceremony to pay homage to the city pillar.
The Nov. 21 ceremony at the “Inthakin” pillar, Chedi
Luang Temple monks asked for blessings and safeguards for Chiang Mai and the
nation, to promote peace and protect the Chakri Dynasty.
Farmers were invited to attend and participate in the
service, which features a rain-making Buddha figure and chanting an
incantation to pray for abundant rain, rice and fish as well as stability
and wealth.
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Chiang Mai
monks prayed for rain, peace and prosperity in the annual ceremony to pay
homage to the city pillar.
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Devout
Buddhists participate in the service to promote peace and protect the Chakri
Dynasty.
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The Nov. 21
ceremony took place at the beautiful Inthakin pillar.
Return home for family of 5 killed in Chiang Mai mountain slowed by ambulance breakdowns, crashes
A family of
five killed was killed over the weekend while driving down Chiang Mai’s Doi
Inthanon mountain.
A family of five killed over the weekend while driving
down Chiang Mai’s Doi Inthanon mountain suffered more indignities Monday
when four of five ambulances returning their bodies to Pathum Thani either
broke down or crashed.
The mayor of Pathum Thani’s Lak Hok Subdistrict and his
family were killed Saturday when their Toyota Hilux pickup truck overturned
while taking a sharp curve on the road down from Chiang Mai’s Doi Inthanon
mountain.
Sompong Sri-anan, his wife and three daughters all died
in the mid-day crash on Highway 1009 from Chom Thong to Doi Inthanon in Baan
Luang Subdistrict. The parents were thrown from the truck when it hit a tree
while the three young women died inside the vehicle.
An investigation Sunday concluded Monday that Sompong,
who was driving, both was unfamiliar with the route and driving on steep
mountain roads. He kept the automatic transmission in drive, but continued
to use the accelerator instead of letting gravity do the work and only apply
brakes.
Others suggested he should have downshifted into low
gear. Regardless, the vehicle was moving too quickly when it hit the curve
and he lost control, killing himself and his entire family.
The spirits apparently were angry enough not to let him
lie in peace as five separate ambulances were commissioned to take bodies
individually back to Pathum Thani on Monday.
Four of the five vehicles suffered breakdowns or
accidents: One suffered an engine issue, the second "swollen tires" that
needed to be replaced while the third suffered a suspension failure. The
fourth ambulance ended up on its side at the Mae Kao Sa-Aad Sai underpass.
Daeng Wongpheng, a fellow member of Lak Hok Subdistrict
Council, said his and Sompong’s family had come to Chiang Mai for the long
holiday and were paying respects to images of Buddha and gods at the top of
Doi Inthanon. His car had come down the mountain first.
A version of this story first appeared in the
Bangkok Herald.
Workers
recover the damaged vehicle to clear the route again.
A fourth
ambulance taking the bodies home ended up on its side at the Mae Kao Sa-Aad
Sai underpass.
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Royal Park Rajapruek Chiang Mai bustling with tourists on long weekend
Most of the
visitors are Thai tourists from other provinces. Throughout this four day
weekend break, it is expected that more than 1,500 tourists a day will be
visiting the park.
Tourists from other provinces flocked to see the beauty
of various kinds of flowers at Royal Park Rajapruek, Chiang Mai.
Royal Park Rajapruek in Mueang Chiang Mai District was
busy with tourists attracted by the beauty of various kinds of flowers all
beautifully presented. Most of the visitors were Thai tourists from other
provinces. Throughout the four day weekend break, more than 1,500 tourists a
day visited the park.
Tourists can tour the park on a tram, to enjoy the
beauty of flowers all around them. There are eight stops in total and the
tourists can hop on and off the trams at any time. For those who want to
exercise, there are bicycles for rent at a cost of 60 baht. A particular
highlight that tourists are keen to see is the orchid greenhouse where a
great array of orchids are in bloom. The visitors are full of admiration for
the beauty of the orchids of various kinds and multiple colors, as well as
Hor Kham Luang in Lanna style.
The Royal Park Rajapruek has also made a feature of
toxin-absorbing plants and air-purifying plants that encourage the visitors
to relax in the surrounding fresh air. Meanwhile, all visitors are asked to
wear face masks, always wash their hands and keep a distance from one
another to protect themselves from COVID-19. (NNT)
Tourists can tour
the park on a tram, to enjoy the beauty of flowers all around them.
Royal Park Rajapruek in Mueang Chiang Mai District is busy with tourists attracted by
the beauty of various kinds of flowers all beautifully presented.
There are eight stops in
total and the tourists can hop on and off the trams at any time. For those
who want to exercise, there are bicycles for rent at a cost of 60 baht.
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Pickup crashes through Chiang Rai market, injuring 11
It is not yet known why the
female driver of a white Isuzu pickup truck crossed the centerline and
crashed through a Chiang Rai fresh market Saturday morning.
Eleven people were hurt and more than 15 vehicles
damaged when an out-of-control pickup truck crashed through a Chiang Rai
fresh market Saturday morning.
Shoppers and market vendors ages 20-85 were hurt in the
7 a.m. accident at the Thung Hong Market in Wiang Subdistrict of Thoeng
District.
The female driver of the white Isuzu pickup truck was
trapped in the vehicle and had to be cut out before she and all the injured
were sent to local hospitals.
A preliminary investigation found that the pickup truck
had been traveling from Thoeng to Chiang Khong District on the left side of
the road. For some reason, the truck crossed over the center line and into
the market on the right side of the road.
Fifteen motorcycles, two bicycles, food and vendor
carts overturned as the truck barreled through the open-air market.
A version of this story first appeared in the
Bangkok Herald.
Eleven
people were hurt and more than 15 vehicles damaged.
Eleven
shoppers and market vendors ages 20-85 were hurt in the 7 a.m. accident at
the Thung Hong Market in Wiang Subdistrict of Thoeng District.
Fifteen
motorcycles, two bicycles, food and vendor carts overturned as the truck
barreled through the open-air market.
The unnamed
female driver was trapped in the vehicle and had to be cut out.
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Thai Smile launches Chiang Mai- Nakhon Si Thammarat service
Gov. Charoenrit Sanguansat
and Thai Smile CEO Wiset Sonthichai announce Thai Smile Airways’ new direct
service from Chiang Mai to Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Thai Smile Airways on Wednesday launched their new
direct service from Chiang Mai to Nakhon Si Thammarat just in time for the
four-day weekend.
Gov. Charoenrit Sanguansat and Thai Smile CEO Wiset
Sonthichai were on hand as the first flight departed Chiang Mai
International Airport Nov. 18.
Wiset called Nakhon Si Thammarat a major destination
for the airline, as it serves both tourists and business travelers. The
southern province has unique culture and food and many tourist attractions,
he said.
The airline will operate three round-trip flights a
week using Airbus A320-200 aircraft seating up to 156 passengers. Fares
start at 1,710 baht each way with an allowance for up to 30 kilograms of
baggage included.
The launch
came just in time for the four-day weekend.
All smiles
at Thai Smile Airways.
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Montfort College to host Family Run Dec. 6
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Montfort
College will host the first MC Family Run to celebrate the school’s 90th
anniversary Dec. 6.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Montfort College will host the first MC Family Run to
celebrate the school’s 90th anniversary Dec. 6.
Director Surakit Srisarankulwong on Nov. 16 announced
the charity walk-run will raise funds for development of smart classrooms at
the college.
The walk-run will be split into four categories: a
10.8-kilometer mini-run, 5.8-km. fun run, 1.8-km VIP run and a virtual run
where participants can run at home. Virtual participants can send in results
to receive t-shirts and medals.
Surakit said all standard Covid-19-prevention measures
will be in place for the event, with runners released in 22 stages to avoid
crowding.
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Director
Surakit Srisarankulwong announces the charity walk-run will include all
standard Covid-19-prevention measures.
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Trophies and
ribbons up for grabs.
Chiang Mai observes Royal Rainmaking Day
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Gov.
Charoenrit Sanguansat presided over the Nov. 14 celebration of Father of
Royal Rainmaking Day.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Chiang Mai celebrated Father of Royal Rainmaking Day to
pay respect to HM the late King Rama IX’s efforts to mitigate drought in
Thailand.
Gov. Charoenrit Sanguansat presided over the Nov. 14
ceremony at the Royal Park Rajapruek Building, laying a fresh flower wreath
for HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej with government workers, military, police,
local administration organizations, business leaders, and students
attending.
Thai farmers traditionally have to wait for seasonal
rain to grow crops and they are often faced with difficulties from drought.
During his travels to all parts of the country, His Majesty found that
drought had become more severe in certain areas of the country and rainfall
was inconsistent.
Early in his reign, His Majesty became interested in
artificial rainmaking to assist farmers. At this point, he began to study
rainmaking techniques to seek ways of bringing down more rain to ease the
drought situation. He read research work on meteorology and weather
modification, which he found useful for combating weather change.
In 1955, when the King visited the northeastern
provinces, he looked at the sky and saw a large number of clouds moving over
the vast, arid area of the Northeast. The initial conception arose from his
observation that there was no rain despite heavy clouds. He wondered how to
make the clouds heavier and turn into rain. This idea was the starting point
for his efforts to conduct rainmaking operations, which proved successful in
1959.
On Nov. 14, 1955, His Majesty donated his private funds
to launch the Royal Rainmaking Project. He also devoted a great deal of time
and energy to develop rainmaking technology.
The project serves as a model for many Asian countries,
which have asked for assistance from Thailand in rainmaking. Officials from
Indonesia, Bangladesh, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Sri
Lanka also travel to Thailand to train in the science of rainmaking.
His Majesty’s technique was registered with the World
Meteorological Organization in 1982. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary
of His Majesty’s accession to the throne, WMO presented an award to His
Majesty in recognition of his strong support for meteorological and
operational hydrology. The award presentation took place in 1997 and came in
the form of a certificate and a barometer.
Later, the cabinet in August 2002 endorsed the Ministry
of Agriculture and Cooperatives' proposal for the title of the Father of
Royal Rainmaking to honor His Majesty King Bhumibol. They also agreed to
designate 14 November each year as Father of Royal Rainmaking Day. For more
than 60 years now, royal rainmaking has contributed to Thailand’s water
security.
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High-ranking officials tour
the rainmaking center in Chiang Mai.
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Exhibits
were held to pay respect to HM the late King Rama IX’s efforts to mitigate
drought in Thailand.
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TAT invites domestic tourists to go road trippin’ in North
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The Tourism Authority of
Thailand invited Thais and expats to explore the North by taking road trips
through Sukhothai and Chiang Mai.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand invited Thais and
expats to explore the North by taking road trips through Sukhothai and
Chiang Mai.
Kritsana Kaewthamrong, deputy governor for domestic
marketing, kicked off the “Season of the North” campaign with Gov. Wirun
Phandevi at Chang Lom in Sukhothai.
The marketing campaign emphasizes experiencing the
cold-weather beauty of flowers and mist along northern road routes.
The TAT mapped out routes tourists can follow in their
own vehicles, running from Chiang Mai’s Galyani Vadhana District to Pai; the
Bok Hug flower route through Uttaradit, Phrae, Phayao and Chiang Rai; the
Kamphaeng Phet Chailai route to Uthai Thani and Sukhothai, and the flower
path from Tak to Sukhothai, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun.
In Sukhothai, the zoo at the airport is a new tourist
attraction. Other activities include the province’s organic-farming project,
Suksamer Cafe, the Timothy Seramid Sawankhalok's Street, Art Chom Huen
Ancient Puan, and Soontaree Thai Fabrics Shop.
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Kritsana Kaewthamrong,
deputy governor for domestic marketing, kicks off the “Season of the North”
campaign
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The
marketing campaign emphasizes experiencing the cold-weather beauty of
flowers and mist along northern road routes.
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Gov. Wirun Phandevi
co-kicks off the launch at Chang Lom in Sukhothai.
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The Chiang Mai road trip
takes to the road up north.
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299 monks receive alms to honor Doi Suthep road-builder
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Chiang Mai
Deputy Gov. Saranyu Meethongkham opens the merit-making ceremony at the
Kruba Sriwichai Monument in Suthep Subdistrict.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Chiang Mai residents offered alms to 299 monks to mark
the 86th anniversary of the road to Doi Suthep Temple’s paving by the “Saint
of Lanna.”
Chiang Mai Deputy Gov. Saranyu Meethongkham opened the
Nov. 9 merit-making ceremony at the Kruba Sriwichai Monument in Suthep
Subdistrict.
Descendants and followers of the famed “monk-engineer”
Kruba Sriwichai gave rice and dried food to monks to mark the anniversary of
the day when workers, led by Chao Kaew Nawarat, the last ruler of Chiang
Mai, broke ground on the modern road leading to the steps of the mountain
temple on Nov. 9, 1934.
Phra Dharma Sisters, Deputy Dean of Region 7, Abbot of
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Ratchaworawihan led 15 monks in performing Buddhist
rituals.
Records show there already was a road suitable for cars
there, but it was unpaved and washed out during rainy season. Work continued
through the dry season and the road opened on April 30, 1935.
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Chiang Mai residents mark
the 86th anniversary of the road to Doi Suthep Temple’s paving by the “Saint
of Lanna.”
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Alms were offered to 299
monks to mark the historic occasion.
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The famed
“monk-engineer” Kruba Sriwichai.
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39 Chiang Mai contacts with Krabi man infected with Covid-19 test negative
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Dr. Kittipan Chalom, assistant to the Chiang Mai
Public Health Department chief, said coronavirus tests on 39 people who came
into contact with an Indian tourist infected with Covid-19 came back
negative.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Coronavirus tests on 39 people who came into contact
with an Indian tourist infected with Covid-19 came back negative, the Chiang
Mai Public Health Department said.
Dr. Kittipan Chalom, assistant to the department chief,
said Nov. 10 that two people in close contact with the 37-year-old visitor
from Krabi Province and 37 others with incidental contact all tested
negative, but will remain under observation.
Living in the southern province for the past three
months after being unable to return to India, the Indian man went to a
private hospital in Krabi last week for a health exam as part of his
application for a work permit. A routine coronavirus test came back
positive.
He had visited Chiang Mai on Oct. 30 and visited
several bars and restaurants.
The Indian man later tested negative for the virus and
has not developed symptoms.
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Ombudsman’s office drawn into Mae Rim forest-encroachment battle
Chiang Mai
business owners facing eviction for encroaching on the Mae Rim National
Forest Reserve appealed to the government’s ombudsman office, claiming they
were being unfairly prosecuted.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Chiang Mai business owners facing eviction for
encroaching on the Mae Rim National Forest Reserve appealed to the
government’s ombudsman office, claiming they were being unfairly prosecuted.
Chief Ombudsman Viddhavat Rajatanun and top deputies
toured forested areas of Pong Yaeng and Mae Ram subdistricts to meet with
business owners and investigate the claims and counterclaims.
The Royal Forestry Department has been prosecuting 31
people for operating hotels, resorts and other businesses allegedly
encroaching on the protected forest.
The business owners claim to be some of the 900 allowed
to live on the land by a 50-year-old royal decree. They argue they were on
the land before the area gained national park status in 1964 and are not
encroaching illegally on the preserve.
The forestry department, however, asserts that the
original inhabitants either sold off their property illegally to investors
or converted their residential and agricultural land deeds to commercial
operations like resorts which violate the decree.
Viddhavat said the ombudsman office will collect
documents and legal filings to determine whether there has been abuse of
power as alleged by the business owners or if, in fact, the forestry
department cases are valid.
Chief
Ombudsman Viddhavat Rajatanun and top deputies toured forested areas to meet
with business owners and investigate the claims and counterclaims.
Business
owners claim they were on the land before the area gained national park
status in 1964.
Forestry
officials assert that the original inhabitants either sold off their
property illegally to investors or violated the decree.
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Chiang Mai University wins Royal Cup Krathong Contest
The event begins with a float bringing in the Royal Cup
honoring the royal family.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Chiang Mai University won the Royal Cup in this year’s “new normal” version of the Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival krathong contest.
Mayor Tassanai Buranupakorn awarded top prizes to winners Nov. 2 at the Three Kings Monument. Other winners included Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna and Mahamakut Buddhist University, Lanna Campus.
Before the Royal Cup was awarded, attendees were entertained by a candle dance show performed by 450 local women, a dance performance by students of Wat Tha Satoi School, flying lanterns and cultural exhibits.
Unlike past years, when a parade of
cars would carry large krathongs for judging, this year Chiang Mai sought to
avoid a large gathering by spreading out displays of the competing krathongs
to seven locations around the city.
People visiting the event were entertained by a candle
dance show performed by 450 local women, a dance performance by students of
Wat Tha Satoi School, flying lanterns and cultural exhibits.
Mae Jo University was the first runner-up in this year’s “new normal” version of the Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival krathong contest.
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2 hurt in Doi Suthep tree collapse
Two people
were injured and several cars damaged when a large tree came toppling down
across the road leading to Phra That Doi Suthep Temple.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Two people were injured and several cars damaged when a
large tree came toppling down across the road leading to Phra That Doi
Suthep Temple.
Two unidentified motorists were trapped in their
crushed vehicles Nov. 2 and were transported to a Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai
Hospital once extracted.
The curve, less than 200 meters from the temple, is a
common place for cars and buses to park while waiting for tourists to
return. In addition to the two vehicles with the injured people, an empty
SUV also was damaged.
Police and road workers used chainsaws to take apart
the fallen tree and reopen the road.
Two
unidentified motorists were trapped in their crushed vehicles.
Victims
transported to a Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital.
Wiang Kum Kam starts campaign to drive Chiang Mai tourism
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Gov
Charoenrit Sanguansat and honored guests kick off a tourism-promotion
campaign for Chiang Mai’s Wiang Kum Kam archeological site.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Chiang Mai’s Wiang Kum Kam archeological site will host
new activities twice a month through Songkran to drive domestic tourism.
Gov Charoenrit Sanguansat kicked off the
tourism-promotion campaign Oct. 31 at the well-known attraction in Saraphi
District.
The "Land of Wiang Kum Kam Pathom Nakhon Ratchatani
Lanna, Dharma Land, Golden Land of Happiness" campaign will offer historical
information, travel routes through the district and other incentives to have
people visit the area.
Organized activities and shows will be held the second
and fourth Saturdays of each month through April 12 at the Ekang Temple
archaeological site.
Located about five kilometers south of Chiang Mai along
the Ping River, Wiang Kum Kam is an ancient city dating back to the
eighth-century Haripunchai Kingdom. Later it served as the capital of the
Lanna Kingdom for a short while until Chiang Mai was chosen to replace it in
1296.
It features stone tablets with Mon inscriptions,
Buddhist sculptures and architecture, earthenware and pottery.
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The launch
featured a temple fair type atmosphere.
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Located
about five kilometers south of Chiang Mai along the Ping River, Wiang Kum
Kam is an ancient city dating back to the eighth-century Haripunchai
Kingdom.
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Organized
activities and shows will be held the second and fourth Saturdays of each
month through April 12 at the Ekang Temple archaeological site.
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Chiang Mai Zoo gets spooky for Loy Krathong
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A spooky
Halloween theme greets visitors to the Chiang Mai Zoo this weekend for Loy
Krathong.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Free gifts and a Halloween theme greet visitors to the
Chiang Mai Zoo this weekend for Loy Krathong.
Smith Darakon Na Ayudhya, board member with the
Zoological Organization of Thailand, kicked off the Loy Krathong Halloween
celebration Oct. 30 with zoo Director Wuttichai Muangman.
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A free pumpkin krathong or
fruit to feed the zoo’s hippopotamus are being given to the first 66
visitors Saturday and Sunday.
Smith said Loy Krathong and the Yi Peng Lanna festival
coincide with asking for forgiveness and remembering Phra Mae Ganga. This
year it also falls on the same day as Halloween, so staff members are
dressing up and the park is decorated in a spooky theme.
A free pumpkin krathong or fruit to feed the zoo’s
hippopotamus are being given to the first 66 visitors Saturday and Sunday,
commemorating the 66th anniversary of the zoo organization.
Krathongs made of bread can be floated on a reservoir
in front of the zoo’s aquarium.
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Krathongs
made of bread can be floated on a reservoir in front of the zoo’s aquarium.
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This weekend
is a dual treat for the kids, with Loy Krathong and Halloween.
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Princess opens HRH Galyani Vadhana Monument
HRH Princess
Maha Chakri Sirindhorn officially opens a monument to her late aunt.
Nopniwat Krailerg
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn officially opened a
monument to her late aunt in the Chiang Mai District bearing her name.
The HRH Galyani Vadhana, Princess of Naradhiwas
monument in Galyani Vadhana District, was commissioned by Chiang Mai City
Hall with sponsorship from the Thepparatana Vejchanukul Foundation.
Foundation Vice President and Privy Councilor Kasem
Wattanachai was on hand for the Oct. 26 opening with the Princess whom he
presented with a gift before she turned on the power.
The 1.5-times-scale statue shows HRH Galyani sitting in
a chair. She was the elder sister of King Rama IX and aunt to the current
King and his sister, HRH Princess Sirindhorn, and died in 2008.
Surrounding the statue are gardens that are still under
development.
The HRH
Galyani Vadhana, Princess of Naradhiwas monument in Galyani Vadhana
District, sits graciously looking over beautiful gardens all around her.
Thepparatana
Vejchanukul Foundation Vice President and Privy Councilor Kasem Wattanachai
greets HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn upon her arrival.
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Polling stations to increase for local Chiang Mai elections
The Election
Commission currently is meeting with political parties and groups to inform
them about voting regulations and changes to the law.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Chiang Mai will increase the number of polling stations
to prevent crowding during the first local election since the 2014 coup in
December.
Kriengkrai Phan Dokmai, director of the Chiang Mai
Election Commission, said Oct. 26 that the Dec. 20 provincial administrative
organization elections likely will see an additional 400-600 polling
stations to prevent crowds and possible transmission of the coronavirus,
even though Chiang Mai has not seen a local case of the virus in more than
five months.
Voter limits will be placed on each station. Instead of
the previous 2,400 people per station, limits could go as low as 600. Exact
numbers of polling stations and per-station limits will be set by
mid-November, Kriengkrai said.
The Election Commission currently is meeting with
political parties and groups to inform them about voting regulations and
changes to the law since the last PAO elections were held before the 2014
coup.
Chiang Mai has 42 constituencies that will send MPs to
parliament.
Kriengkrai
Phan Dokmai, director of the Chiang Mai Election Commission, said the Dec.
20 provincial administrative organization elections likely will see an
additional 400-600 polling stations.
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Interior minister inspects Chiang Mai wastewater project
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Interior Minister Anupong
Paochinda arrives to inspect the progress of the Mae Kha Canal
wastewater-treatment project.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda on Monday
inspected progress of the Mae Kha Canal wastewater-treatment project.
Chiang Mai Gov. Charoenrit Sanguansat, local irrigation
officials and community leaders greeted the minister for a presentation on
the project to both clean the canal and treat up to 55,000 cubic meters of
wastewater in the Hua Fai Community of Chang Klan Subdistrict, Muang Chiang
Mai.
The Mae Kha Canal Development Project aims to cut the
cost of water-quality improvement, solve public-land encroachment, improve
the landscape, restore original buildings, manage water systematically,
improve the landscaping of branch rivers and raise awareness about water
conservation.
Chiang Mai City Hall manages the community
wastewater-treatment system that operates like an aeration pond.
Approximately 20,000-30,000 cu. meters of wastewater can be collected a day
from an area of 20 square kilometers on the west bank of the Ping River.
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Officials
bring in heavy equipment to clean out the canal.
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The project
is undertaken to both clean the canal and treat up to 55,000 cubic meters of
wastewater in the Hua Fai Community.
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Interior
Minister Anupong Paochinda meets with Chiang Mai Gov. Charoenrit Sanguansat,
local irrigation officials and community leaders to discuss the project.
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Chiang Mai launches Loy Krathong crime sweep
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Deputy
national police chief Pol. Lt. Gen. Chinnapat Sarasin and Gov. Charoenrit
Sanguansat inspect the troops before sending them out to fight crime.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Chiang Mai police on Monday launched a new crackdown on
crime ahead of the annual Loy Krathong festival while keeping a close eye on
the use of fireworks and firecrackers.
Deputy national police chief Pol. Lt. Gen. Chinnapat
Sarasin and Gov. Charoenrit Sanguansat were joined by heads of state
agencies, administrative, police and military officers and volunteers in
dispatching patrols Monday from the Three Kings Monument.
Loy Krathong is celebrated alongside the Yi Peng Lanna
lantern festival. This year, the festival will be celebrated on Oct. 31 and
many residents and tourists are expected to release floating baskets and
launch lanterns in different areas.
Relevant agencies have made preparations to deal with
traffic congestion and the use of fireworks, firecrackers and lanterns,
while protecting members of the public and tourists from theft and other
crimes.
Included in the enforcement operation are Provincial
Police Region 5, the 33rd Military Circle, air force and Chiang Mai city and
provincial administrators.
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Chiang Mai
police on Monday launched a new crackdown on crime ahead of the annual Loy
Krathong festival.
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Top police
officials in Chiang Mai and the kingdom share their wisdom with police units
preparing to head out into the city to serve and protect the community
during the holidays.
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Democracy in spotlight as Chiang Mai marks Chulalongkorn Day
Gov.
Charoenrit Sanguansat presides over the Chulalongkorn Day ceremony at the
Chiang Mai Railway station.
Even as Chiang Mai student activists call for more
democracy, local officials and royalists pledged to uphold the monarchy on
Chulalongkorn Day.
Gov. Charoenrit Sanguansat presided over the Oct. 23
ceremony at the Chiang Mai Railway station. He expressed his gratitude for
the changes King Rama V brought about, including the end of slavery that put
Siam on the road to democracy.
Ironically, Chiang Mai has been hit with continual
protests from Thailand’s young generations who complain that the democracy
that Chulalongkorn heralded has been usurped by the military and
power-hungry elites. They now want to see more changes to the monarchy to
diminish its influence even more.
None of that was on display at the train station,
however, as royalists and government officials pledged to love the monarchy
and king before cleaning up the property, removing garbage and cleaning the
train platform.
Local
officials and royalists pledge to uphold the monarchy.
Volunteers
clean up around the railway station, removing garbage and cleaning the train
platform.
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Chiang Mai celebrates Chulalongkorn Day
Gov.
Charoenrit Sanguansat presides over the Chulalongkorn Day ceremony at the
King Chulalongkorn Monument.
Chiang Mai celebrated one of its greatest monarchs as
military, foreign diplomats, police, judicial and city officials marked
Chulalongkorn Day.
Gov. Charoenrit Sanguansat presided over the Oct. 23
ceremony at the King Chulalongkorn Monument. Candles and incense were lit,
prayers made and a wreath laid to mark the passing of the king, also known
as Rama V.
King Chulalongkorn was only 15 when he ascended to the
throne in 1868, ruling until his death in 1910. He transformed the country,
at the time called Siam, from a backward Asian land to a modern 20th century
nation.
When he assumed power, Siam had no schools, roads,
railways, hospitals or well-equipped military forces. To achieve the
enormous task of modernization, he brought in foreign advisors and sent his
sons and other young men abroad for education.
His most noteworthy achievement in Siam was the
abolition of slavery, devising a complex method of “freeing” slaves so that
older ones would not be left in poverty with no place to live. Younger
slaves were to be released in stages, responsibility falling to the owner to
see that they had a way of supporting themselves.
After his death, King Chulalongkorn was named Piya
Maharaj, "the beloved great king" and he is commemorated every Oct. 23, the
date of his death.
The governor
places a wreath at the King Chulalongkorn Monument in honor of the great
king.
Local
officials lit candles and incense, recited prayers, and laid wreaths to mark
the passing of the king, also known as Rama V.
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11 foreign consulates give OK to 2021 Chiang Mai PM2.5 plan
Envoys from
11 foreign consulates gave their approval to Chiang Mai officials' latest
plan to prevent and mitigate smoke and dust during the upcoming burning
season.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Envoys from 11 foreign consulates gave their approval to Chiang Mai
officials' latest plan to prevent and mitigate smoke and dust during the
upcoming burning season.
Ben Robert Svati, Chiang Mai honorary consul for the
United Kingdom, led the Oct. 22 delegation of embassy representatives which
met with Gov. Charoenrit Sanguansat at city hall.
Before presenting results of a quality-of-life survey
and the strategy for 2021, Charoenrit apologized to the diplomats, saying he
understood that expats and tourists were uncomfortable with air pollution
that ranked at times last year the worst in the world.
The
entourage gathers for a group photo during the event.
“We are making every effort to prevent and solve
foreign fires, haze and PM 2.5,” the governor said, referring to dust
particles 2.5 microns or smaller.
Charoenrit said there is no blanket solution to solving
the air pollution problem as the conditions and situation change every year,
but he is confident that 2021 will see improvements.
Chiang Mai Province’s plan targets a 25 percent
decrease in PM2.5 dust and haze by establishing working groups for forest
fire and smoke management at the district and sub-district levels, with
provincial disaster prevention and mitigation, natural resources and
environment officials monitoring forest areas inside and outside the Chiang
Mai city limits.
Constant monitoring is to be employed to control
hotspots and ensure that farmers do not co-opt burned forest areas.
District officials also were directed to stage
activities such as a cycling campaign to reduce vehicle use.
Speaking for the group, Svati said he was satisfied
with the strategy for the upcoming burnings season and that the British
consulate stands ready to assist if needed.
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Chiang Mai targets 4th straight drop in Loy Krathong waste
%20CMM%20Oct%2021%2002%20store%20Krathong%20waste%20after%20festival%20pic%201.jpg)
Each year
tons upon tons of banana-leaf and foam krathongs end up at the Tha Wang Tan
floodgates, requiring a massive cleanup.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Used krathongs and other holiday garbage in the Ping
River has declined 83 percent since 2017 and Chiang Mai officials are
pushing for another drop this Loy Krathong.
Chiang Mai Irrigation Office Director Jarin
Kongsricharoen said Oct. 21 that each year tons upon tons of banana-leaf and
foam krathongs end up at the Tha Wang Tan floodgates, requiring a massive
cleanup after several days of Loy Krathong celebrations.
But the amount of waste has declined steadily over the
past three years, from 300 tons in 2017 to 70 tons in 2018 and 50 tons last
year. In 2020, the Irrigation Office is hoping to see that number drop even
more.
Irrigation officials are asking families to limit their
krathong sailing to one float per family. And, as usual, revelers are
implored to use krathongs made only of natural materials, such as banana
leaves and bread instead of foam and plastic.
%20CMM%20Oct%2021%2002%20store%20Krathong%20waste%20after%20festival%20pic%202.jpg)
Chiang Mai
Irrigation Office Director Jarin Kongsricharoen asks families to limit their
krathong sailing to one float per family.
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Chiang Mai targets 25% cut in dust, smoke for ‘21
%20CMM%20Oct%2021%2001%20Chiang%20Mai%20reduce%20smoke%20by%2025%25%20pic%201.jpg)
Chiang Mai
Governor Charoenrit Sanguansat chairs a meeting with the Dust Prevention and
Solution Committee where he emphasized collaboration in all levels of
government.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Cycling events and local fire teams constitute key
parts of Chiang Mai’s plans to reduce dust and smoke levels next year by 25
percent.
Gov. Charoenrit Sanguansat chaired the Oct. 21 meeting
of the Dust Prevention and Solution Committee where he emphasized
collaboration in all levels of government to control fires and pollution
during the upcoming winter burning season.
He ordered every district to stage activities such as
cycling campaigns to reduce vehicles and establish working groups for forest
fires and smoke management at the district and sub-district levels.
The government also directed provincial disaster
prevention and mitigation, natural resources and environment officials to
monitor forest areas outside the Chiang Mai city limits.
The goal, he said, is to reduce fires, smoke and dust
by 25 percent below 2020 levels.
Constant monitoring is to be employed to control
hotspots and ensure that farmers do not co-opt burned forest areas. Any
farmer taking over burned forest to plant crops will be prosecuted, the
governor said.
%20CMM%20Oct%2021%2001%20Chiang%20Mai%20reduce%20smoke%20by%2025%25%20pic%202.jpg)
Heads of
provincial disaster prevention and mitigation, natural resources and
environment officials would monitor forest areas outside the Chiang Mai city
limits.
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Lamphun light festivals showcases colors of North
One of the exhilarating performances at the opening
ceremony of the Charming Colours of Lamphun festival.
By Nopniwat Krailerg
Lamphun kicked off its year-end festival of lights,
hoping to draw domestic tourists to the northern city to see the colorful
displays lining city streets through Jan. 6.
Lamphun Gov. Worayut Nawarat opened the “Charming
Colors of Lamphun” event at the Tha Nang Gate Oct. 18.
The festival, he said, shows off the colors of
Lamphun’s Old Town with light displays along Inthayongyot Road and around
the old city’s moat.
Special displays are set at Phra That Hariphunchai
Temple, Lamphun City Hall, the Khum Jao Jakkham Gate, Chang Sri Gate, Phra
Nang Chamadevi Monument, Li Gate and others.
The Lamphun City Hall Flower Garden features a light
sculpture at the visitor’s center using lit-up water droplets to simulate a
meteor shower. Other highlights include a projection-mapping light show
called "Back in the Face of Hariphunchai City” at the Phechara old building
near Phra That Hariphunchai Temple every Saturday and Sunday at 8 p.m.
Lamphun also is running a photo contest with the
festival, awarding 30,000 baht in prizes for the best photos of the light
displays. For more information, call 053-561-430.
A charming northern lady performs the exquisite Finger
Nail dance.
Lamphun Gov. Worayut Nawarat
opened the “Charming Colours of Lamphun” event which shows off the colors of
Lamphun’s Old Town with light displays along Inthayongyot Road and around
the old city’s moat.
This building is lit up with
a portrait of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great.
Beauty Queens of the north
added colour and charm to the festivities.
The roads and temples in
Lamphun are lit up with tens of thousands of colourful lights.
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Chiang Mai students continue pro-democracy protests
The Chiang
Mai Student Alliance for Democracy was undaunted by rain to again demand
changes to Thailand’s government, constitution and monarchy.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Pro-democracy protests continued in Chiang Mai with
university students rallying again at the Three Kings Monument.
In parallel with protests being held across the
country, the Chiang Mai Student Alliance for Democracy was undaunted by rain
to again demand changes to Thailand’s government, constitution and monarchy.
They also called for the release of core leaders Anon
Namapa and Prasit Krutharoj who are being held at Chiang Mai Central Prison
without bail for organizing a Sept. 19 protest.
As before, the demonstration ended peacefully with no
intervention from police.
The
demonstration ended peacefully with no intervention from police.
Environment minister oversees demolition of encroaching Chiang Mai resorts
Natural
Resources and Environment Minister Warawut Silpa-archa was in Chiang Mai
Oct. 19 to see for himself the continuing problem of encroachment on the Mae
Rim National Reserved Forest in Mon Jam.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Warawut
Silpa-archa was in Chiang Mai Oct. 19 to see for himself the continuing
problem of encroachment on the Mae Rim National Reserved Forest in Mon Jam.
Authorities have begun demolishing the Rai Nai Resort
that was prosecuted for building accommodations and Chinese-style pavilion
on state land.
The owners refused to comply with a court order to
dismantle their resort, so the government moved in with bulldozers of its
own.
The Doi Mon Jam forest is a watershed area where 30
resorts have been found encroaching on the national park. Seven of those so
far have progressed to the demolition stage.
Thirty
resorts have been found encroaching on the national park - seven have
progressed to the demolition stage.
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