Home Citylife CityNews CityNow!
CityLife Logo
Spoon and Fork Logo

What’s Happening?

6th-31st March COUNT 1 FROM 61 @ 9 Art Gallery / Architect Studio, Chiang Rai, artgallery9@yahoo.com , www.9artgallery.com Come see an art exhibition by Amnouy Baongam entitled ‘Count 1 from 61’. Open from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (closed on Mondays). Now – 24th April A DISTANT MIRROR: A RECORD OF OLD CHIANG MAI @ Lanna Architecture Centre (Intersection of Ratchadamnoen and Prapoklao road), 053 107772 The … Continued

Culturl Insight

Portuguese catholic missionaries first came to Siam in the 16th century. They were followed by a flood of French Jesuits and members of the Paris Foreign Missions Society who were welcomed by King Narai at the end of the 17th century. During the next hundred or so years they were harried and persecuted – none are known to have ventured to Chiang Mai. It was not until the time of King Mongut (1851 … Continued

City Sport

The Chiang Mai expat football team joined the ranks of the city’s best football teams in February, playing in a 16 team knockout competition. The Farangutans were drawn with Suthep FC, PRC FC and Praew FC. In a hard fought first match the farang’s lost 1-0 to Suthep, the goal coming in the second half after injuries were sustained and players were tired, all in all though, the older men made a goo … Continued

A Retiring Attitude

Lately, discussions with my expat friends here as well as my correspondences with the folks back home have been centered around the economy and, more often, what fraction of their retirement savings is left after the latest economic downturn. Here is an exact quote from an email I got today, “Even if I wait until normal retirement age, Social Security and whatever remains of my 401(k) will not be … Continued

Community Services

The Mission House is a Christian organisation offering a genuine service in both English and Thai to Chiang Mai. Their focus is on helping foreigners settle into Chiang Mai and offer many wonderful homes to rent. The Mission House supports and works in partnership with a number of Christian organisations and churches within Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai. Contact; Janta, The Mission House: jantawint … Continued

University Students: sex, drugs & uniforms

Every afternoon Chiang Mai’s centres of education open their doors and out spill hordes of students onto the city’s streets. At times, it seems, there are more uniforms in the city than casual dress. With 63,391 university students enrolled and living in Chiang Mai, they certainly make up a large, and significant, proportion of the population. No doubt if university students in western cities wore … Continued

Winner of 5th Junior IMPAC Dublin Literary Awards: letters never sent

March, 2009 Our favorite questions begin with ‘why’. ‘How’ mystifies us sometimes – it does for me a little, in this case – but the why is always the sought after prize. Why is so subjective, varied; the answer lies only in another mind. Knowing why is like finally catching triumph and seeing her true form. There are so many things I wish I could know about you, but I don’t have the courage to ask … Continued

The Price of Being Farang

Perhaps alienation is what we seek, hanging out here in bizarreland where your girlfriend of five years still refers to you as ‘farang’ when talking to her friends and family. Word on Wise Street is, you’re never gonna fit in, ask any old codger who’s been here long enough to wax wistful about the good old days on the Kampaengdin Road. But who cares really, we didn’t come here for church and chips … Continued

Tii Naa

Surfin’ Lessons

The new, thoroughly clueless, ICT Minister seems to believe we’re all using the internet for cyber sex and she’s determined to censor the entire worldwide web for our virtuous benefit. Actually, there’s so much more to the net than games, Facebook, YouTube and ‘showing your lower half on Skype’. Originally the internet was developed as a shared reference of information, and there is hardly a publi … Continued

City Vibes

Artist: Animal Collective Album: Merriweather Post Pavillion Rating: The ninth release from this Brooklyn/Baltimore behemoth plunges deeper into the feverish eclecticism that has been the nucleaus of Animal Collective since their inception. On Merriweather… vocalists Dave Portner and Noah Lennox let their lyrics drift softly, guided by orchestral and ghostly harmonies, both dream-like and rigidly … Continued

City Events

   

Chiang Mai on the www

[right]This column is to keep you abreast of the latest websites which Citylife has produced, introducing you to the ever-increasing presence of Chiang Mai online.[/right] In the past people went to Pai to rough it out, either camping or sleeping in little bamboo guesthouses as Pai was always a more laid back, mellow and simple place than our hectic Chiang Mai. However, times have certainly change … Continued

City Talk

City Buzz

On the 24th floor of Centara Duang Tawan Hotel, you can take in a spectacular birds eye panorama of Doi Suthep and Chiang Mai city while dining on fine Chinese cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. Sunflower Chinese Restaurant recommends their smorgasbord of dim sum buffet at 310++ baht per person. So grab friends, reserve a big table and experience Chinese Dim Sum the proper way. [i]Open daily 6 p.m. … Continued

Home Ideas

Ten Years Ago

  Citylife (which changed its name from the Chiang Mai Newsletter in 2002) has been in publication for over seventeen years. Let’s look back at what we wrote 10 years ago. 1999: After two years of renovations, and costs running into many millions of baht, the Chiang Mai Museum reopened this month expanding its exhibition space, making them more interactive and adding a stronger Lanna heritage … Continued

Your Say

[right]Your say is an open forum for you the reader to express your opinions. Write to: editor@chiangmaicitylife.com, subject: Your say. Letters can be on any subject and priority will be given to letters under 200 words. Letters may be edited for clarity or conciseness. Name and contact details must be supplied.[/right] Tips in Suburbia I live in the San Sai District near Meechok Plaza in one of … Continued

This is Thailand

For those of you with any questions regarding Thailand, Thai culture, history, tourism, laws, rules, food, nightlife, sub-cultures, dating; generally anything as long as it is relevant, we have a panel of three experts who will respond to your enquiries. Email: james@chiangmaicitylife.com. 1. If a farang should purchase a winning Thai lottery ticket number, can he/she actually claim the prize? Jam … Continued

Citylife In House

Citylife was the northern partner to The Nation again this year in organising the 5th Junior IMPAC Dublin Literary Awards for students between the ages of 14 and 18. This year’s submissions came from throughout northern Thailand and were held under the title ‘Once Upon a Time’. Some incredibly mature and creative essays were submitted and finally the judges, Robert Tilley, owner of the Writers Clu … Continued

Editorial

Common sense is a marvellous thing, even though it is terribly tricky to define. What is common sense to one person is often bewilderingly nonsensical to the next. This underrated practicality could even be termed an oxymoron as so few of us share anything in common when it comes to our senses. Should we all stand on the same level playing field of sense, there would be far fewer misunderstandings … Continued

Citylife’s New Office

Citylife is looking forward towards the bright light at the end of the tumbling financial tunnel. While times are tough, we are gearing up and readying ourselves for the turnaround. Over the past year we have focused on building and strengthening our internal system, upskilling our staff, training management, systems placement and improvement, and generally using the tough and slow times to fortif … Continued

Elite Property Special Scoop

March, 2009 “It was when we moved to Chiang Mai, three years ago, and began house hunting, that the germination of the idea of Elite Property began,” explains Krongkwan ‘Kay’ Mulcahy, one half of Chiang Mai’s newest power couple and owner of Elite Property. “My husband Patrick and I were frustrated at the time we wasted while searching for our ideal house by being shown many properties which were … Continued

Mae Chaem

March, 2009 Mae Chaem, a two and a half hour drive from the city of Chiang Mai has recently become a well known destination for tourists for its preservation of old culture and maintenance of local lifestyles. It is home to artists, artisans and traditional Lanna ways. Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains including the highest in the land, Doi Inthanon, the drive to Mae Chaem itself is wort … Continued

Soft Focused Lanna

March, 2009 Ever since early man first invited his neighbour round to check out his cave etchings he has argued about the definition of beauty in art. Wandering through Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar, I found it. I was transfixed. I stood open-mouthed and wide-eyed gazing at a shop front covered with photographs of families, lovers and individuals all with flawless faces dressed in fabulous embroidered … Continued

Change at the American Consulate

The American consulate has made changes to its American Citizen Services section in an effort to make various consular services less time consuming. It’s now possible to make an appointment for all non-emergency services, including passport services, notarials, and reports of birth. Until March 31st 2009 the walk-in service will be available but after this date all non-emergency services will have … Continued

More From Citylife

China, Thailand, Laos and Burma working to push sustainable gastronomy through shared spices 

Tue 20th Jan

The LMC Spice Festival was held as part of the Chiang Mai International Food Festival 2026 (CMFF 2026) at the Chiang Mai Cultural Centre this past weekend. LMC is short for Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, a multilateral platform for six countries—China, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Burma and Vietnam—which are found along the Lancang and Mekong Rivers to share environmental and resource connectivity and s … Continued

Chiang Mai Night Market: Sankamphaeng Walking Street Opens for the First Time on 17 January 2026

Tue 20th Jan

Chiang Mai officially launched the Chiang Mai Night Market: Sankamphaeng Walking Street for the first time on 17 January 2026, offering a vibrant new nighttime attraction filled with dazzling lights, sounds, local products, delicious food, and a memorable atmosphere. The opening ceremony was presided over by Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), together w … Continued

VIP Cinema Joyful Treat at Central Festival Chiang Mai

Fri 16th Jan

VIP Cinema Joyful Treat Deliver a truly special experience for someone important with an exclusive VIP Member Card. Enjoy a premium movie-going experience with elevated comfort and exceptional privileges, including access to the VIP Lounge, a complimentary welcome drink and snack bar, and personalized butler service. Experience luxury at outstanding value with the Platinum Card, offering 10 seats … Continued

British Embassy Bangkok’s Northern Thailand roadshow celebrates 170 Years of diplomatic relations 

Fri 16th Jan

The British Embassy Bangkok hosted its outreach roadshow in Northern Thailand on 13th-16th January 2026, marking 170 years of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Thailand. This roadshow is part of a nationwide series of events celebrating this historic milestone and is the fourth in a series of outreach initiatives aimed at strengthening people-to-people connections … Continued

Dutch Mill Fresh Milk at Chiang Mai Coffee Week 2026

Fri 16th Jan

Dutch Mill Fresh Milk serving “Fresh from the Farm”  Made with quality milk directly from Thai farmers Experience the true freshness of pure cow’s milk Chiang Mai Coffee Week 2026 Fresh from the Farm Zone 15–18 January 2026 Jing Jai Market, Chiang Mai Opening Hours Thu–Fri: 09:00–20:00 Sat–Sun: 06:30–20:00 Fresh from the Farm, Crafted in Thailand Delivering quality cow’s milk from Thai farmers dir … Continued

Chiang Mai tops the digital nomad charts 

Thu 15th Jan

The reasons why digital nomads around the world continue to choose Chiang Mai go far beyond its reputation as a friendly and safe place to live. The city’s growing appeal is also reflected in its selection as the host of major international conferences year after year. In 2024, Chiang Mai hosted the Pop-up Village – Edge City Lanna. In 2025, the city welcomed large-scale tech events such as the SE … Continued

Chiang Mai steps up Mpox vaccinations 

Thu 15th Jan

The Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office has launched a proactive outreach programme providing free Mpox (monkeypox) vaccinations, along with health education on Mpox, HIV, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and the distribution of condoms. The initiative targets traditional Thai massage workers, individuals with high-risk sexual behaviours, and Thai nationals within the LGBTQA+ com … Continued

 A temple sanctuary for 300 city dogs 

Tue 13th Jan

At Wat Mae Yuak in Chang Phueak, compassion comes with four legs. Behind the temple walls live more than 300 dogs—small, large, pedigree and local mixes—most of them abandoned, many literally dropped off in cages or cardboard boxes. Alongside them are nearly 90 cats, all now under the care of the temple. Abbot Phra Khru Samu Apisit Chaiwichit has quietly turned the temple into a sanctuary, providi … Continued

Chiang Mai launches ‘Chiang Mai Night Market’ to boost early year tourism

Mon 12th Jan

A press conference was held at the Three Kings Monument on the evening of the 9th January, to announce the upcoming ‘Chiang Mai Night Market’. The briefing was led by Deputy Governor Boonlue Thammathonarak, Khajondej Apichattrakul, Director of the Northern Region of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT),  Phisut Phisutkul, Adviser to the Mayor of Chiang Mai Municipality and Chakree Khattirat, Ma … Continued

Strategy in place for all 17 northern provinces as pollution season nears

Fri 9th Jan

The Commander of the Third Army Area has launched a comprehensive policy drive across 17 northern provinces to prepare for forest fires, haze and fine particulate pollution (PM2.5), mobilising personnel, equipment and aircraft to support effective on-the-ground operations and reduce public health impacts. On 9th January 2026, at the 7th Infantry Division in Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai, Lt Gen Wor … Continued

Citylife
Chiang Mai
  • About Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Mailing List
  • Contact Us

Copyright 2019 Citylife Group .Co . Ltd. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced using any storage medium without prior written permission of the publisher.
Opinions expressed in Citylife Chiang Mai are not necessarily those of the publisher.