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City Buzz: May 2013

Chiang Rai is abuzz with creativity, and with that comes a variety of exciting new places to eat and drink. Here are a few new hotspots to get you started.

Music Box: May 2013

Starting with The Polyphonic Spree, there was an early 2000s trend of American indie rock bands with more members than could fit on a stage. These so-called ‘collectives’ of often 20-plus musicians and singers seemed to use their size as more of a gimmick than an actual benefit to the group’s sound.

This is Thailand: May 2013

For those of you with questions regarding Thailand, Thai culture, history, tourism, laws, rules, food, nightlife, subcultures, dating; generally anything as long as it is relevant, we have a panel of experts ready to respond to all your enquiries.

The Life of Wine

You, like me, have probably had cause to mutter recently: ‘Christ it’s filthy hot in Chiang Mai’, while coughing up a lung or two and wondering if a trip to the optometrist might be in order because you can’t see quite as well as you used to. Because most of us feel like we have a permanent hangover in this dirty heat, I have decided that this month we should take a brief look at wines with slightly less alcohol in them.

Your Say: May 2013

 • Conflicting Criticisms  I have to say I agree with some of the remarks made by Terry Reardon in February’s Citylife, although not his solutions. Your content seems to have lost its way, the articles headlined having little to do with Chiang Mai; they have become the sort of anodyne pieces that can be found in any magazine Please focus on Chiang Mai, there are enough local problems and contentio … Continued

The Curiosities of Cambodiana

How many journalists have been assaulted by North Korean bodyguards while conducting a video interview with a king in a country far from Pyongyang?

City Talk: May 2013

01 Anan, 49, Writer, Thai The temporary street art performed at Three Kings Monument last year. There were 3D paintings and it surprised me because I’d never seen something like that before. I didn’t even know it was possible! 02 Zhang Yan, 23, Student, Chinese Lost in Thailand, because the film shows the different sides of Thailand in a funny way, such as the traditional customs, foods and landsc … Continued

Design Ideas

Love or Something Like It

God doesn’t exist. The air whooshed from my lungs as I allowed the thought to rise to the surface of my consciousness, giving in to the struggle I had worked months to keep at bay. I broke into a cold sweat, momentarily paralysed by both fear and exhilaration.

Keeping the Faith

In spite of being named after a Buddhist temple, Chiang Mai’s Wat Gate area is, surprisingly, home to a thriving Muslim community. Walking around, you pass by men in white caps and women in flowing headscarves. There is the green and white mosque audible by its haunting daily calls to prayer and visible by the high dome topped by a minaret.

Rebecca Weldon on the Cultural Evolution of Chiang Rai

“When I first moved to Chiang Rai in the early 80s, the city’s cultural events consisted of parades blaring international and Thai pop tunes carrying along beauty queens in white tulle western style dresses on foam and plastic floats,” recalls Rebecca Weldon of her early years in the northern city.

Dancing with Your Imagination

“TCDC is an incubator for ideas,” said Apisit Laistrooglai, national director of the Thailand Creative and Design Centre (TCDC), at the centre’s official opening last month. “It encourages dancing with your imagination.”

Bridge Over Coloured Water

Chiang Mai’s little sister, Chiang Rai, long known as little more than a backwater base for trekking, is ready to show the world its true colours – a whole artful mix of them, in fact.

Clients’s Spot

Oasis Spa Baan Saen Doi Heaven is a place on earth, and it can be found at Oasis Spa Baan Saen Doi, the renowned spa chain’s latest Chiang Mai locale. From the moment you enter the property, a teakwood palace ripe with Lanna flavour and surrounded by lush gardens, trickling fountains and mountain views, you’ll feel the worries and stresses of daily life fall away. Tucked away in a quiet, tree-line … Continued

City 7: Live Music

Chiang Mai is full of live music, from jazz to pop to Thai country. Here are just a few of the city’s top rockin’ venues. It was hard for us to pick just seven, so we cheated a little…

Forget the Furby, Pass the Prints!

Amidst the ancient temples and modern souvenir stalls, Chiang Mai is a city on the rise, growing ripe with youthful culture and a broad mix of people coming here to travel and live. Walking down any given street you’ll see a hodgepodge of fashion choices, from backpackers wearing the ubiquitous printed harem pants and Chang singlets (come on guys, it’s not a uniform!) to local teens sporting the latest version of anime character Arale’s winged trucker hat, to chic young co-eds in gauzy tops and patterned leggings (regardless of temperature). While diverse and interesting, the city’s fashion palette does show a preponderance of trends, with various pockets of culture looking as though they all called each other the night before to coordinate their outfits.

Milk Bag Magic

Every afternoon for six months, I heard the same thing from twenty four tiny faces punctuated with shiny black eyes, whining in unison: “Teachuuuuur.” It was like a mantra, delivered in a way that only Prathom Four  students can really get away with – dorable and, as a result, terribly, terribly manipulative. “Teacher…gin nom?” Milk. They wanted to drink milk during class, just like they did eve … Continued

Shoot Cameras, Not Guns

Diana Sabreen originally came to Thailand to rock climb. A professional photographer living in Colorado, USA, she was invited by some friends to join in a kind of working holiday to take some photos, enjoy a good workout and relax amidst the country’s famous mountain vistas. The trip was ultimately cancelled, but Diana decided she still wanted to take the journey to Thailand by herself. This was about seven years ago.

Editorial: May 2013

She was wailing, sobbing uncontrollably, her face twisted in despair. My heart went out to her. I didn’t know her from Eve, but this well dressed woman in her mid twenties, very pretty under the streaked mascara and smeared lipstick, was blubbering inconsolably about her loss. We passersby were looking on with great concern. She had obviously just lost someone. “But what am I going to do without mun? (Mun in Thai is anything from a very close ‘she’ or a ‘he’ to a mere ‘it’.) Mun has been with me for years. I don’t know where to start,” she moaned to the increasing distress of a gathering crowd.

More From Citylife

The largest international book fair in Northern Thailand runs from 29th August – 7th September 2025 at Chiang Mai Hall, Central Chiang Mai Airport

Sat 30th Aug

Plan for Kids Co., Ltd., a leading publisher and distributor of children’s books and learning resources for families, together with Big Bad Wolf Books, the renowned international book fair organiser with a track record of hosting events across 34 cities in 13 countries, and Central Chiang Mai Airport, proudly present the “International Book Sale Featuring Big Bad Wolf 2025.” Book lovers across Chi … Continued

Monks pulled across raging river to attend funeral of flood victims in Mae Chaem 

Sat 30th Aug

Residents of Pang Oong Village in Mae Chaem District, released images showing images of a recent landslide, carrying earth and uprooted trees, which surged down into the village without warning. It has now been three days since the devastating flash floods and resulting landslides struck the area, claiming six lives. As of today, rescue teams from multiple agencies, together with local villagers a … Continued

Hom Nguyen – “Māeye”: An Ode to Maternal Love, and to the Soul of Thailand

Fri 29th Aug

27 August 2025, Chiang Mai, Thailand – Renowned French–Vietnamese artist Hom Nguyen is set to present his latest exhibition with a special collection, “MĀEYE”, a heartfelt tribute to the enduring love of mothers and the spirit of Thailand. The exhibition will be showcased from 6 to 30 September 2025 at 1921 House, a century-old heritage mansion that once served as the British Consulate. Throughout … Continued

Two more bodies found, raising death toll to six

Fri 29th Aug

Rescue operations continue searching for five people missing after flash floods and mudslides struck Ban Pang Ung in Mae Chaem District. According to the latest report, two additional bodies have been found submerged in mud, raising the death toll to six. The operation is being carried out by a highly trained rescue team, supported by K9 dogs from K9 USAR THAILAND.   Authorities are working immedi … Continued

EVA AIR Hosts “EVA AIR Sharing Smile, Movie Day” to inspire Chiang Mai Youth through out-of-classroom learning

Fri 29th Aug

EVA AIR, Taiwan’s leading international airline, is promoting out-of-classroom learning opportunities for Thai youth. The airline recently organised the “EVA AIR Sharing Smile, Movie Day” in Chiang Mai, aiming to provide children with a new learning experience that nurtures creativity and imagination through age-appropriate films. For this activity, EVA AIR invited 211 students and teachers from R … Continued

Search continues for five missing in Mae Chaem landslide

Thu 28th Aug

Rescue efforts are ongoing at Ban Pang Ung in Mae Chaem District, where five people remain missing following a devastating flash flood and mudslide. The Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization, along with volunteer rescue teams, have mobilized crew and heavy machinery to support the search. Backhoes are being used to clear debris from destroyed homes and blocked roads. The search is curr … Continued

Three confirmed dead, six missing in Mae Chaem floods 

Thu 28th Aug

Rescue teams from the Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization, along with volunteers, are assisting flood victims after heavy rain caused the Mae Chaem River to overflow its banks and flood 13 villages in the subdistricts of Tha Pha, Chang Kheung, and Mae Chaem. Rescuers used boats to evacuate people trapped in hotels, resorts, and homes, moving them to safer areas. According to the flas … Continued

The Austrian Embassy strengthens trade and tourism cooperation with Chiang Mai Province

Wed 27th Aug

Michael Friedl, Commercial Counsellor at the Austrian Embassy, paid a courtesy call on the Chiang Mai Governor, heads of various government agencies, executives of the Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organisation and the Chamber of Commerce on 26th August. During the courtesy call, Friedl discussed and proposed cooperation to support and promote tourism and commerce between Austria and Chiang … Continued

Huge international drug ring drug bust

Wed 27th Aug

The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) Region 5 announced the arrest of three suspects from the same family in a major drug bust. Authorities seized 3.5 million methamphetamine pills and 60 kg of crystal meth hidden in agricultural trucks at a gas station in Chiang Rai on August 24. The suspects are linked to Wa drug networks in Myanmar’s Shan State. Police also confiscated assets worth … Continued

Flash floods across Chiang Mai following heavy rains

Wed 27th Aug

Reports of heavy floods in Mae Chaem District say that two people have been swept away by last night’s floods, one of whom was a 12 year old girl. As rains continue? Homes have been swept away and landslides causing damage to many villages and roads. Photo credit: โก๋ แม่แจ่ม

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