Aydan Stuart

Phuket’s turning up the volume this weekend with a lineup that’s as wild as it is diverse, featuring everything from seafront buffets to late night live performances from global acts.  Start things off with some tear-stained eyeliner as you rock out to the spooky anthems of  EMOWEEN 3.0 or swap horror for glamour with a glittering night dedicated to Taylor Swift – complete with karaoke and fan-girl inhibitions.  If you prefer melody over mayhem, Rafael Cerato brings his Ibiza-meets-Marseille soundscape to Illuzion, while Selina Beach Club turns up the flavour with a week-long Diwali feast by the sea. Meanwhile, Jazz and Strokes blends sax solos with paint strokes in the city’s first jazz-inspired art party. So whether you’re dancing, dining or diving into colour, one thing’s for sure: Phuket’s got a real vibe going on.

Chiang Mai hits all the notes this weekend with a series of events that cover everything from heart-pounding live concerts to rooftop cocktails and big-kid playtime. Start your weekend on the rooftop of Melia Hotel with a mixologist takeover before heading into the city for late night Whitney Huston sing-a-longs or adult-only trampoline and laser tag mayhem. As the city grows, its reputation for being sleepy is fast falling away, and this weekend delivers it all. 

Feeling the Bangkok burnout? It happens to the best of us. Leaving the city, with its Michelin-starred temptations and glorious, beautiful chaos, feels like a betrayal. Here's the secret: you don't have to break up, just take a break. Thailand is packed with ridiculously easy getaways that feel like you've crossed a border, not just a province line. From the cool mountain air of Khao Yai to the sun-soaked beaches of Phuket and the serene shores of Koh Samui, these October getaways are made for slowing down and recharging. Whether you want to explore nature, unwind by the sea, or indulge in a peaceful resort escape, there’s something nearby to refresh your mind and spirit. This October, let these escapes remind you that a little getaway is sometimes all you need.

Chiang Mai’s got no shortage of good eats, but when the chefs are as obsessed with the origin of their ingredients as they are with flavour, you know you’re in for something special.  From wild salad plucked fresh from the mountains to complex 360-degree systems that leave nothing but a crumb of food waste, some of Chiang Mai’s most exciting kitchens are shrinking the distance between farm and fork in ways that actually make sense. Think high-rise romance over sunset dinners, long lunches that roll lazily into the afternoon and menus built entirely on local, seasonal, socially-conscious ingredients. With that much goodness baked into the concept alone, just imagine how good your soul’s going to feel once you’ve cleared your plate.

Rooftop bars can be often overlooked by visitors to Chiang Mai who assume our low-rise cityscape has little to offer above eye level. But look up and there’s a lot of fun to be had atop our taller hotels and Old City townhouses. What’s better than sitting above it all, cocktail in hand, enjoying the purple hues of sunset over Doi Suthep? Answer: not much. So with that in mind, let’s elevate your weekend (or week, we’re not judging) with a cocktail or two at the city’s best and most eclectic rooftop bars. 

Chiang Mai may be laid-back by day, but after dark the city reveals a more mysterious side. Tucked behind unmarked doors, winding alleys and quiet staircases are some of the city’s most intriguing watering holes – places where the cocktails are serious, the lights are low and finding the entrance will require a bit of detective work. From speakeasy-style lounges with live jazz to minimalist hideaways in heritage buildings, these hidden bars are where Chiang Mai’s creative energy and nightlife scene quietly thrive. You won’t find big signs or flashing lights – these spots may appear on Google Maps, but good luck finding your way in. If you don’t know the secret, you could be pushing bookshelves or following mysterious red lanterns like moths to a flame. We’ll give you a hint, but it’s the whisper of music down an otherwise empty alley that will be your beacon call.  Once you eventually find your way inside, cocktails laden with the best liquor available to man are to be found – from rare international reserves to our favourite locally distilled spirit, Sonklin, from Choeng Doi Distillery just up the road. With a bit of planning (and some comfortable shoes), it’s entirely possible to turn these tucked-away gems into a weekend-long bar crawl – or even squeeze into one night if you’re feeling brave. Instead, we’d opt for a relaxed weekend of shaken drinks, sultry jazz and mysterious discoveries made by candlelight.

Pizza. It’s a staple among almost all cultures. From questionable 2am slices from delivery chains that hit just right after a few towers of beer to artisanal, hand-crafted sourdough pies that practically demand a knife and fork they’re so fancy, there seems to be a love for this food that transcends social status. Uncles, aunties, politicians, teens, kids, tourists and locals – they all love a pizza pie and, honestly, so do we.  So, without further ado, here’s our best list of pizza spots in and around Chiang Mai that hit the spot on many levels, from that gloriously gooey grease-topped New York special to the crispiest of thin crusts topped with a whole burrata. Whatever form your pizza craving comes in, these are the slices that deliver the goods.

Ok, full disclosure, I don’t frequent nail bars too often. Although, with a wife, daughter and mother at home, I do probably visit them more than many other cisgender males. Either way, for the sake of accuracy, I’ve teamed up with my most informed nail bar addicts to bring together a list of Chiang Mai’s best nail bars this side of 2025. And while this list is not exhaustive, it is growing every day, so bookmark and revisit every time those ten shimmering finger ends need a little colour or pizzazz. 

If there’s one thing Chiang Mai does better than most, it’s markets. From indie design pop-ups to full-on street takeovers, the city comes alive every weekend with stalls, snacks and surprises to suit every kind of shopper.  Whether you're after stylish homemade threads, organic veggies, vintage vinyl or a steaming bag of sai-oua saussage, there’s a market with your name on it somewhere in the north. To help you narrow it down, we’ve rounded up the best in one handy list. Now all you need to do is prepare some cash, sling on a tote bag and bring your best bargain-hunting energy.  

Chiang Mai has played a larger role in cinema than you might expect. With its stunning temples, charming streets, picturesque villages and sweeping mountain ranges, this northern gem is a favorite for filmmakers seeking the perfect backdrop. Often, Chiang Mai has doubled as a stand-in for its tropical neighbors like Laos, Cambodia, or Myanmar – likely due to enticing tax incentives and affordable accommodations. But here, we set aside those ‘stand-in’ roles to spotlight films where Chiang Mai takes centre stage, proudly showcasing its unique beauty and character. Whether you're reminiscing about a recent trip or simply looking to channel that Leo DiCaprio whistle-point meme from your couch, here’s a list of some of the best films that capture Chiang Mai in all its northern splendour.

Aside from its physical charms of temples and cultural spectacles, Chiang Mai boasts a distinctive culinary culture – one that spans both local, northern delights and an eclectic take on almost every international cuisine.  Add in influences from border states such as Myanmar, Laos and, culturally at least, China, the local food takes a unique approach to the more traditional Thai flavours found in Bangkok.  Khao soi, the rich coconut curry noodle soup, is a common forerunner for northern food fans, alongside sai oua (northern spicy sausage), gaeng hanglay (a rich pork belly curry imported from the Shan state) and laap krua (a cumin-rich take on the Thai spicy meat salad).  Yet beyond the local favourites sits menu upon menu of exceptionally good food that celebrates cuisines and creations the world over. Over the last few years, Chiang Mai has boomed as a destination for good food, with both fine-dining restaurants and roadside gems garnering international acclaim from the likes of Michelin, Tattler and Thailand’s Favourite Restaurant Awards.  To celebrate Chiang Mai’s burgeoning food scene, we’ve rounded up the best places to eat across the city. Yes, there’s more to life here than just khao soi – but don’t worry, we’ve got that covered too. From street-side staples to low-key fine dining, this list proves you don’t need white tablecloths to eat well in the north.

Chiang Mai doesn’t just celebrate Songkran – it owns it. With the Old City moat as the main splash zone, you’ll find temple ceremonies and cultural parades dominate the formalities while open-air DJ sets and street-wide water fights let you go full party mode.  This year, we’re ditching the tourist dos and don’ts and going full throttle into what really matters – a hit list of the best events, parties, parades and moat-side chaos that makes Songkran in Chiang Mai so iconic. Here’s everything you need to know about where to go, what’s happening, and how to celebrate Songkran in Chiang Mai this year – be it loud, local or absolutely drenched. If you have an event and want us to add it to the list, email aydan@timeoutthailand.com to get it added! 

From Marseille to Ibiza and now to Patong – international DJ and producer Rafael Cerato lands at Illuzion Phuket for one unforgettable night of melodic power and pulse-pounding beats. Splitting his time between Marseille and Ibiza, Rafael Cerato has become one of the most innovative names in European electronic music. With releases on Diynamic, Musical Freedom and Tomorrowland Music, as well as recent performances at Ultra Miami and Tribe Festival, his sets go global, and now he is too. See him here, for one night only. Oct 17. B500. Illuzion Phuket. 11.30pm-4am.   

It may be a few weeks early but it’s time to scream, cry and dance as Courage throws together emo anthems and Halloween themes for the first (and possibly only) emo-halloween night of the year. Face a haunted mix of pop-punk, metalcore and anthems from your most heartbreakingly dramatic teenage years, plus karaoke scream sessions, cursed photo booths, creepy cocktails and an all-night emo rave. It’s one of those parties where you have to dress to distress – the best-dressed emos win merch and drinks.  Oct 18. B199 per person, tickets here. Courage Phuket. 9pm-late.   

Celebrate the Festival of Lights this year with a waterside party of modern north Indian style.  Selina Serenity Rawai hosts a Diwali celebration of bright colours, festive cheer and exciting twists on South Asian delights. Think butter chicken birra tacos, mushroom galouti kebabs and a callebaut phirni creme brulee – a contemporary interpretation served fest-style for five days straight. And to keep the energy high, DJ Victory will play out the night from 8pm with an accompanying fire show at 8.30pm.  Oct 15-20. B700 for the buffet, tickets here. Selina Serenity Rawai. Midday-10.30pm.

Phuket, we hope you’re ready to shake it off, run for cover and head on down to the island’s first-ever Swifties night, where Taylor Swift fans can celebrate the new TS12 era album without any shame! The night is (you guessed it) absolutely Taylor's version, with DJ sets, karaoke, drag performances by Singola Heart and a few surprise appearances to look out for. No self-respecting die-hard fan would be found anywhere else, so dust off your burlesque outfits, lace your heels and celebrate musical history in the making.  Oct 17. B249 per person. Tickets here. Courage Phuket. 9pm-late. 

At Phuket’s first-ever jazz-inspired paint party, the sounds of live saxophone travel through your ears, into your mind and out of your brush. No experience required, just brushstrokes and booze to keep you entertained. Whether you’re a beginner or a creative at heart, this immersive session promises the perfect mix of rhythm and relaxation. Oct 18-19. Free, drinks and materials for purchase. Three Monkeys Restaurant. 6pm-9pm.

Take your drinks served sky-high this Friday as Khun Tommy (Suwan Seelee) takes over Melia Hotel’s MAI The Sky Bar for a night of creative mixology against a backdrop of some of Chiang Mai’s most dazzling rooftop views. On the menu is an exclusive showcase of cocktails crafted with premium Thai spirits, crafted with all the flair and flavour Khun Tommy is known for. A great sundowner spot before you head elsewhere, or get stuck into a night with bar food and a cheeky bottle at the end of the night.  Oct 17. Free. MAI The Sky Bar. 6pm-10pm.  

Swap your Friday night bar crawl for some full-throttle fun at 50FLY as Retro Recess takes over the trampolines and laser tag arena for an adults-only night of chaos. Jump, flip and fly high on the venue’s many trampolines before gearing up for some light competition in the laser tag arena. Spots are limited, but ideal for those who want to release their inner child, play and be silly with others.  Oct 17. B500 per person, register here. 50FLY. 7pm-9pm.

Get lost in the moment with an evening of cinematic magic as the Cello Orchestra takes to the stage to perform your favourite movie and musical soundtracks – from The Sound of Music to La La Land, Jurassic Park and The Greatest Showman. Brought together by the talented souls at NA Music Studio, Moonlight String Ensemble, Muzika Studio and Bliss Music School, this full-scale performance celebrates the beauty of the cello and the timeless melodies of the silver screen. Oct 19. B500 for adults, B300 for kids. 75th Anniversary Church Building, Northern Mission Centre. 3pm onwards.  

Head to the front of MAYA mall and bear witness to Chiang Mai’s most budding talents as they take to the stage in search of big cheers and even bigger recognition. Artists, musicians, creators and performers of every kind show off their talents in the heart of the city. From live music and art to impromptu performances and content creation sessions, it's a day dedicated to creativity and, as they say, audience is key. With a long and exciting lineup, there’s lots to see but word on the street is that the shows by Random Dance on Oct 18 and 25 are ones not to be missed. Oct 17-19 and 25. MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center. 1pm-9pm. 

Step into the world of Lee Yong Chao, a rising filmmaker from northern Myanmar whose work captures the quiet beauty and stark realities of life in his homeland. Over the weekend, two of his acclaimed films will be screened back-to-back – his breakthrough short film ‘EXIT’ and his still-untitled 2021 feature-length documentary about the country’s civil war. Known for his intimate storytelling, striking cinematography and a rare glimpse into everyday Myanmar life, take a peek through the eyes of Lee’s deeply personal lens. Oct 18. Free. The Commune CNX. 6.30pm onwards. 

The famed Hit the North Belfast street art festival lands in Chiang Mai, bringing three Irish muralists (Rob Hilken, EMIC and Zippy) to collaborate with Thai street artists for a weekend of paint, colour and community. While the event takes place mostly in Dream Space Gallery, the city will be plastered with bold live murals, jam sessions, art activations and a full street-jam showdown on Sunday that turns Chiang Mai into an open-air music-gallery must-see. Artists will also find time to share knowledge, make connections and host workshops. Find full details in person, at the gallery.  Oct 17-20. Free. Dream Space Gallery CNX. Opening 7pm Friday.  

Sing your heart out to Whitney Houston’s biggest hits at this special cover night at Paapu House. From ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ to ‘I Will Always Love You’, local bands come together to bring out the tunes before getting into their own groove. Aside from the tribute set, local legends Mr Cat will bring some Lanna-inspired folk music before Psycellium take over the mic with a free-spirited Grateful Dead-style set that takes you into the wee hours.  Oct 16. Free. Paapu House. 5pm-late.   

Two of the city’s most innovative cocktail bars  – Bar.San and Bar Not Found – earned national acclaim at the weekend, landing at numbers 10 and 12 respectively on Thailand’s 20 Best Bars 2025 list, revealed at this year’s Bangkok Bar Show Awards. While Bangkok’s heavyweights took the top spots (see the full list here on Time Out Bangkok), Chiang Mai proved it can hold its tipple, with both bars recognised for creativity, craftsmanship and boundary-pushing alcoholic beverages. Bar.San, the sophisticated sister to Noir CMI and its neighbouring jazz-inspired venues, not only placed 10 overall but also took home the title of Best Bar in Chiang Mai. Meanwhile, Bar Not Found – the city’s ultra-modern, Pantone-themed cocktail bar – came in at 12 with nods to its colourful cocktails and brightly lit conceptual flair. The Bangkok Bar Show was co-founded in 2019 by Thailand’s cocktail pioneer Niks Anuman and Singapore’s Colin Chia, who built events that not only spotlight the country’s best bars but also celebrates Southeast Asia’s rising fine-drinking culture and spirited creativity.  And while there’s many more we think could have made the list (check out our best hidden cocktail bar list here), when you’re next in town, head to Bar San for some moody elegance and masterfully balanced classics, or pull up a stool at the well-hidden Bar Not Found – but only if you can find the right doorway first.

As the Yi Peng festival looms closer, lantern sales are up – but beware, there are strict rules this year on where you can release them. From November 5-6, Chiang Mai officially celebrates Yi Peng – the northern counterpart to Loy Krathong is usually celebrated by releasing paper lanterns into the sky, often adorned with names, wishes and prayers to the gods. This year, authorities have drawn up six ‘surveillance zones’ where launching anything that flies, sparks or explodes is strictly off limits. Red Zones, where lantern release is strictly prohibited, includes Hang Dong, Saraphi, San Sai, Mae Rim, San Patong, Muang Chiang Mai and the ‘Toffy Zone’ – a designated flight safe area that stretches 15km north and south from the airport.  If you still want that picture-perfect lantern release for your social media stories, you’ll need to head to one of the few officially approved events, CAD Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival, where thousands of lanterns are set free in one go under strict safety rules. Take this as your warning: if you ignore the ban, you face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to B200,000. This almost doubles if your lantern starts a fire.  If, after all this, you’re still planning your own mini-release, then keep it green by using only biodegradable materials that vanish within a year – yes, this is also a strictly enforced rule from this year.  So if you’re planning to release a lantern this year, swap out the old frames for biodegradable ones and send off

Known to some, new to many, Chiang Mai’s newest (or maybe oldest) natural wonder has had a makeover fit for explorers. Mae Sap Cave – better known as Tham Sai Rung, or Rainbow Cave – has officially reopened after a transformation from dark and dingy hollow to dazzling geological wonder. Once submerged in water, the dramatic stalactites and stalagmites have frozen mid-drip, a dramatic time capsule millions of years in the making. What is new, however, is the visitor-friendly spruce-up: safe pathways, lighting and a proper chance to admire its natural spectacle without a miner’s helmet.  Inside, you’ll find four chambers – Rainbow, Chapel, Emerald and Diamond – each with its own otherworldly formations. Think towing columns, heart-shaped stones and imaginative shadow casting outcrops that form shapes of animals and ghosts.  The star of the show, though, must be the rainbow of colours that ripple across the walls and ceilings, where layers of white, grey, ochre and brown-yellow limestone bands tell their own story of time. Stretching 144 metres in length, the cave can be found inside Samoeng’s Khun Khan National Park, some 90 minutes west of Chiang Mai city centre. While far from the city, entrance is just B100, making it the perfect excuse to swap strawberry picking for subterranean sightseeing instead.

If you thought that Warm Up was only about rock riffs and EDM drops, think again. This month, the city’s favourite nightclub is flipping the script by hosting the legendary ‘50s doo-wop band The Platters for the first time in Chiang Mai history.  The Platters Experience – Sleepy Lagoon brings the timeless sound of the oldies to the city later this month with a live concert at Warmup Cafe across two matinee shows on Sep 20-21.  Tickets cost B2,500 and promise an exclusive experience with the inclusion of premium Martell cognac, fine wines, tasty snacks and a jazzy warm-up ensemble before the main act. Better yet, part of the proceeds go directly to Mae On Hospital to help renovate their outpatient wing. It’s giving good vibes with good intentions. Photograph: The Platters With seating capped at just 150 per show, exclusivity is the name of the game. For two nights only, this is likely the first (and possibly last) time Chiang Mai gets to hear these iconic harmonies live. Don’t sleep on this one. With an evolving line up of band members, their hits remain eternal. Expect spine-tingling renditions of classics like ‘Only You’, ‘The Great Pretender’, and ‘Smoke Gets in Your Eyes’.  Secure your spot by calling 02-113-1234 or messaging the dedicated ticket booking LINE account @theplatterscnx. 

Visitors and locals of Chiang Mai have been advised to avoid the city centre and stay at home as floodwater caused by tropical storm Kajiki leaves many parts of the city submerged.  Heavy rains showered down on Chiang Mai today leaving roads and canals unable to drain fast enough, resulting in citywide flooding.  Authorities have warned of continued heavy rains over the coming days and advise people to avoid the city centre wherever possible. As of today, many cars, properties and public spaces have been submerged by up to one metre in flood water.  Photograph: Traffic Radio Chiang Mai This year, Chiang Mai has been inundated with floods on many occasions, with December last year seeing the largest flood the city has seen for centuries.  Since then, drainage and flood defences have struggled to cope, leaving the city open to more chances of flooding – something many believe to be here for the long-run. Hopefully the rain clears and the flooding subsides fast, just in time for a weekend of city-based fun and parties.

After months of pursuing side projects, Yellow Fang are back – and their comeback tour is tearing through Thailand with the same bite and brilliance that made them a national favourite. Formed in Bangkok back in their uni days, this all-female alt-rock group quickly rose in the charts thanks to their alternative, gender-bending mix of rock, dream pop, lo-fi, shoegaze and atmospheric guitar textures that defined a generation of indie artists in their wake last decade. Their discography – including standout album The Greatest – has made international strides in recent years as the genre resurfaced into pop culture once again, with tours of Tokyo, Malaysia and even further afield over the last half a decade.  Photograph: Yellow Fang When is Yellow Fang playing in Chiang Mai? Yellow Fang is scheduled to take the stage in Chiang Mai on September 20, with a live performance at Muan More Space, Central Chiangmai Airport. Fans can look forward to hearing all their favourite tunes from ‘Unreal’ to ‘I Don’t Know’ as well as a supporting act from Chiang Mai dreampop band srwks. in partnership with Oversee.  Where to get tickets to see Yellow Fang in Chiang Mai? Tickets for Yellow Fang went live today (Aug 13) and are already selling out fast. They’re available for purchase through Ticket Melon. Grab yours here. Ticket prices As soon as the ticket sales opened, earlybird and Phase Two tickets have now already sold out.  Phase Three tickets are live and on sale for B450 per person, with

Last week, a clever and wildly popular venture that saw young Thais selling fresh hot coffee at traffic junctions in Chiang Mai hit a red light after police abruptly shut down the operation. However, undeterred by the setback, Chef James Noble, the founder and creative force behind viral sensation Rocket Coffee, is channeling his inner ikigai to reimagine the project and ensure ongoing success for his fast-growing network of empowered entrepreneurial baristas. Photograph: Chiang Mai News The Rocket Coffee phenomenon For the last few months, Rocket Coffee has appeared at red light junctions in Chiang Mai, serving fresh, hot coffee from a rocket-like backpack barista setup to drivers stuck in traffic, straight through their car windows.  As the queues grew, so did the craving for coffee – inspiring Noble and a team of empowered young Thais to join fellow doughnut and Yakult vendors at red lights through a brand new worker-first franchise that generates real income for those otherwise without work.  While Thais took to the streets with their very own equipment, behind the scenes Noble was working hard to maintain quality – importing equipment from Germany and working with local farmers to source and perfect their blend of single origin northern Thai coffee beans.  For under B100,000, anyone could buy and launch their own Rocket Coffee franchise. A price that includes barista training, the branding, portable backpack equipment and the support of a purpose-driven community roote

Chiang Mai is slated to become the entertainment capital of Thailand, and possibly Southeast Asia following a landmark film partnership memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between Hylife Group and the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).  Northern Thailand has always been a popular destination for Thai and International filmmakers thanks to its diverse setting, natural surroundings and cheap rates. We covered Chiang Mai on the silver screen in a recent top 12 film list, and that’s just the movies that directly reference the city in their script. Other films like Rambo, American Gangster, Twilight over Burma and Into the Sun were also filmed in our northern province with their stories set elsewhere. So, in a bid to decentralise big industry and capitalise on the popularity of Chiang Mai among filmmakers, Hylife Group – Chiang Mai’s leading conglomerate in real estate, asset management and manufacturing – has struck a deal with Korea’s BIFF, signing an MOU to join forces as key industry partners to position Chiang Mai as a premier entertainment hub in Asia.  Other signatories included K Wave Media, Solaire Partners and Lewis Pictures – three more big industry players that will help solidify this powerful alliance and advance the regional film industry. Under the broader citywide ‘Creative Chiang Mai’ campaign, this historic agreement aims to attract more international film investment, develop training platforms for local professionals and drive job creation.  The firs

Chiang Dao may not be the first place you think of when it comes to fine alcohol production. Its towering mountains and backwater vibes give off more ‘moonshine’ than ‘micro-distillery’ – but hidden just outside of town is a small-batch operation that, despite very strict Thai alcohol production laws, is creating contemporary spirits that exceed all expectations. What better way to spend a weekend than to see it for myself – from planting rice to bottling the final drop of Sonklin, their signature spirit crafted entirely from Sanpatong sticky rice. The result? A boozy, belly-laughing trip that showed me a new side of Chiang Dao where we spent days fermenting, distilling, condensing and popping corks in more ways than one. Photograph: Time Out Step one: Fermentation Any good spirit starts with some fermentation – a bubbling, transformative process that brings that which is inside, out. The same could be said about travelling, which is why a quick soak in the Chiang Dao hot springs helped ease myself into the trip, like an overripe plum preparing to pickle. Spirit lifted and pores open, I made my way to Choeng Doi Distillery for another, more uplifting experience – and not just because of the boozy vapour in the air.  Unlike other distilleries I’ve visited in Thailand, there were no fires burning over blackened stainless steel pots or shelves of old sticky rice bags and questionable permits collecting dust. On the contrary, it was a clean, meticulously planned operation that

Chiang Mai Zoo is gearing up to welcome two new pandas later this year, gifted from China to mark the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.  In a bid to ensure the pandas are safely and comfortably enclosed, the The Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand is investing B110 million to construct expansive, nature-inspired enclosures designed to meet the pandas' needs. This time around, it is hoped that animal welfare will be just as closely watched as the pandas themselves. Chiang Mai Zoo has historically been the host for Chinese-gifted pandas over the years, namely Xuang Xuang and Lin Hui who captivated over seven million visitors and even produced a cub in 2009.  For many, the love for Lin Hui reached fever pitch of Moo Deng-like proportions and became a furry symbol of Thai-Chinese relations. Born at the Giant Panda Research and Conservation Centre in Sichuan, China, she arrived in Chiang Mai in 2003 as part of a high-profile ten-year loan agreement worth one million dollars annually.  However, just before she was set to return to China in 2023, Lin Hui tragically passed away at the zoo following a sudden nosebleed. A joint investigation by Thai and Chinese experts later confirmed her passing was due to age-related complications. Since then the panda enclosure has remained eerily quiet, so the upcoming arrival of the new pandas is expected to incite panda-monium in Chiang Mai, boost tourism and further re

A little bit frisbee, a little bit golf – disc golf is catching on fast. This low-pressure, highly-addictive sport blends precision, power and playfulness in equal measure. And while it’s growing across Thailand, Chiang Mai is quietly becoming the country’s disc golf capital – home to one of the most passionate and well-established communities around. Photograph: Kingsley Flett What even is disc golf? If you’re imagining golf with frisbees, you’re not far off. The game essentially follows similar rules to the great game, aside from players throwing discs (smaller, denser versions of your beach frisbee) towards a standing metal basket in the fewest number of throws possible. Depending on how serious you get, most players carry around with them a hefty number of discs, all slightly different in size and weight, acting as drivers, midrangers and putters. The scoring system mirrors traditional golf, but the vibe is far more laid-back.  The terrain matters too. Unlike golf’s pristine fairways, disc golf thrives in forests, fields and unusual natural settings – in Chiang Mai this means wild parks, dense woodlands and watery mountain foothills. Outside of Chiang Mai, disc golf can be found on almost every continent. According to the Professional Disc Golf Association, Ed Headrick is widely considered the father of disc golf and founded the sport in the United States some ten years after patenting the first-ever frisbee in 1966. Today, 85% of all disc golf courses are in the US, Fi

Helmet wearing on motorbikes has been the law for decades in Thailand, but there are still a significant number of people who choose to ride without protecting their heads. In a bid to reduce the number of helmetless wearing bikers, the Royal Thai Police have announced new, higher priced fines for those who flaunt the rules. From June 1, people riding a motorcycle without a helmet will be liable for a fine of up to B2,000 as part of a new ‘Safe Roads Project’ implemented across the nation. Fines can also double to B4,000 if both rider and passenger are not wearing a helmet.  To ensure public safety and confidence in the project, the Traffic Police Hotline is available day and night at 1197, ready to answer questions or receive reports on traffic-related issues.