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The Life of Plaa: One Woman’s Journey from Childhood Slavery to Self-Made Salvation

Gonwarra Kasee, nicknamed Plaa, was born in Bangkok 42 years ago. Her father was a Thai man of Chinese descent from the south and her mother originated in Koh Mak, an island in the Gulf of Thailand. The two young lovers had met and fallen in love in the capital: she an orphan, working as a live-in maid to a distant relative; he a student at Ramkhamhaeng University. Just as Plaa’s mother suspected … Continued

Ink of the Gods: The Myth and Magic of Sak Yant

Sak is the Thai word for tattoo and yant is the Thai pronunciation of the Pali-Sanskrit word yantra, meaning “sacred design.” Sak yant (sacred Buddhist) tattoos have been extremely popular in Cambodia and Thailand for a long time. For hundreds of years, Hindu and Buddhist monks and holy men tattooed themselves with Buddhist prayers, mythical creatures or deities. Along with body modifications such as skin piercing and body binding, tattoos have been used by virtually every major society to cope with the spirit world and mark rites of passage.

One Smart Lady

by Pim Kemasingki The President of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW), Chonchanok Viravan, said in a speech in Seoul in 2008 that Thai women were one of the most entrepreneurial groups of women in the world.  This claim has unfortunately not been verified, but as president of an association boasting 45 chapters in 100 nations with a membership of over a quarter o … Continued

Frozen in Time, Stuck in Place

In June of 1979, National Geographic published an article titled “Anatomy of a Burmese Beauty Secret” by Dr. John M. Keshishian, M.D. The article featured a photo of a woman decked out in full traditional Kayan garb, silver pendants dangling from her hair and ears, red and white shirt embroidered with colourful stitching, neck wrapped in approximately 30 gleaming brass coils. She looks tall and pr … Continued

The Laramie Project

Twenty five residents of Chiang Mai – men, women, old, young, gay, straight, Thai, multinational – have spent the past month and a half rehearsing for an upcoming theatrical production, “The Laramie Project.” Everything about this project is intense, starting with the play itself, a docudrama about the real life torture and murder of a 21-year-old gay student in Laramie, Wyoming in 1998. Members o … Continued

Heart of Seoul

K-Fever is rife in Thailand, following the explosion of K-pop acts, melodramatic soaps, rom coms, and of course the virally-vile Gangnam Style. Indeed, a trip to Korea is a rite of passage for many young Thais, so Citylife’s office nearly succumbed to a stampede when the invitation for an exclusive media trip to Korea by Centre Korea of North Gate Holiday and Happy World Holiday arrived. Staff wer … Continued

Editorial

My name is Pim and I post pictures of food on social media. It’s all rather embarrassing. I get overexcited when presented with an artistic dish. I gush with enthusiasm when faced with a thrillingly creative menu. I feel like Keats’s Stout Cortez upon the discovery of a unique and spectacular dining venue. And due to being an onl y child, I have always had a problem with over-sharing (which thankf … Continued

Special Scoop

The Barbeque Store One of the best outdoor dining options in town just might be closer than you thought.  Chiang Mai has the perfect climate for spending time outside all year round, but we can’t deny that the cool season is our favourite. Why not welcome its arrival with a barbeque? All you need is a backyard, a garden area, some poolside space, an open field, a patio or even just a sma … Continued

Inspiration Incognito: The Unseen Art Scene of Wat Umong

If you drive west from Chiang Mai’s old city, down Suthep Road toward the cloud-capped, blue-green embrace of Doi Suthep, you will reach the back entrance of Chiang Mai University, recently ranked one of the top 100 universities in Asia. Across the street from campus, there are a series of numbered soi. Take any one down far enough and you’ll find a place where nature still flourishes. The air fee … Continued

Design Ideas

Thaiwijit Puangkasemsomboon    The abstract artist was born in 1959 in Pattani Province. He graduated from The Fine Arts Department, Silpakorn University and was a visiting instructor at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai University between 1987 – 1989. He has lived in Chiang Mai for eight years now.  www.rama9art.org/thaiwijit Design in Chiang Mai is often both traditional and co … Continued

Clients’ Spot

Fashion King Looking for fashion that will make you feel like royalty? Fashion King Chiang Mai has come to be known as one of the best tailors in the business. They combine professional tailoring and authentic craftsmanship with the finest selection of over 500 high quality materials and fabrics. Choose from cashmere, gabardine, wool, mohair, linen, cotton, silk, and more. Made to measure clothing … Continued

City7: Big Breakfasts

01 Archers Big English-style breakfasts with plenty of protein, beans and toast. And if you drop some scraps on the floor amidst your feeding frenzy, fear not, Mary the big friendly dog (horse?) will scarf it up for you. 133/4 Rachapakanai Road www.archers.asia 083 637 7621 02 Butter is Better Come for the classic diner atmosphere – kitschy 1950s Americana – and stick around for the fabulous food, … Continued

Your Say

  Buddhist Bashing Living in a Buddhist country run by the military, no not Burma, where the religion is totally in league with the greedy ruling elite, I find this talk of Buddhism being a religion of peace offensive nonsense. The Christian idea of charity appears to be absent in Buddhist circles and the crass materialism of continuous temple building deprives resources which could benefit t … Continued

The Life of Wine

The Champagne Wars I have a completely unfounded suspicion that the recent kerfuffle over America adding Syria to its long list of bad ideas in the Middle East may in fact be a smokescreen. A cunning diversion to take the eyes of the world off a much more serious situation, the battle lines of which are currently being drawn by the world’s biggest corporation and a bunch of grape-growers just east … Continued

What’s Happening?

Art and Exhibitions “NOMADS NO MORE” PHOTO EXHIBITION Now – 2nd October @ Documentary Arts Asia, Wualai Road Soi 3  088-1387470 This photo exhibition by Taylor Weidman explores Mongolia’s fast track to change. With some of the world’s largest reserves in coal, copper and gold, the country is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing economies in the world. But how will these changes affect … Continued

This is Thailand

For those of you with questions regarding Thailand, Thai culture, history, tourism, laws, rules, food, nightlife, subculture, dating, or generally anything as long as it is relevant, we have a panel of experts ready to respond to your enquiries. Email: hilary@chiangmaicitylife.com Is there anywhere I can eat Vietnamese sandwiches (banh mi) in Chiang Mai? Sophie (intern): There are plenty of g … Continued

Music Box

Janelle Mon?e – The Electric Lady The uber-creative Janelle Monae continues her upward trajectory with suites IV and V of the Metropolis series of sci-fi concept albums. Loaded with guest artists, orchestral interludes, skits, and numerous nods to classic soul, rock, disco and hip-hop, The Electric Lady initially comes off as wanting to be a big album. It kicks off with the one-two punch of Prince … Continued

City Talk

Wichada Mali, 26 Pharmacist, Thai I love Ang Thong Islands in Surat Thani so much! You have to be tough and hike a little bit if you want to have a nice view of the islands. I got a bit injured from the hiking but it couldn’t stop me from going there again. Herman Lim, 30 Hotel Crew, Indonesian I like Green Palace Temple [Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok]. It is a beautiful place. The desig … Continued

City Buzz

Want to booze with the cool kids? You’ve got options. From laidback expat standbys to artsy hipster hubs, one thing is for sure: in Chiang Mai, you don’t have to drink alone. If you’re into beer, beats and bikes, CMBC is the old city’s latest hotspot. A small place, with a patio out front and a funky blend of exposed brick, low lighting and eclectic art inside, CMBC has created a modern, intimate … Continued

City Events

City Guide

For this new feature, we will select a different neighbourhood in and around Chiang Mai each month, along with a resident expert to show us all the best spots. Interested in being featured? Email: hilary@chiangmaicitylife.com with your name  and neighbourhood and we will send you a survey! Neighbourhood: Don Keaw (Lower Mae Rim) Resident Expert: Donjai  Srivichainanda, 46, Manager of Mae … Continued

More From Citylife

Truck crash leaves one dead, power infrastructure severely damaged

Wed 10th Sep

A pickup truck lost control and crashed into high-voltage power poles on Nong Ho Road in Chang Phueak, resulting in 52 power poles collapse in a row. Among them, 24 poles carried 115 kilovolts. The damage extended over approximately one kilometer, affecting around 20 houses. Fortunately, no residents in the area were injured. However, both passengers in the pickup truck were seriously injured. Res … Continued

Flash flood hit Mae Rim

Wed 10th Sep

Heavy rainfall in Mae Rim caused flash floods from the highlands of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park to overflow onto Chotana Road in front of the Pack Squadron. The poor drainage systems led to traffic congestion, and several vehicles had engine damage while driving through floodwaters. As of 11 am, water levels have dropped. However, further rainfall could lead to flash flooding. In response, Don Ka … Continued

Shops stocking up in anticipation of impending half-half policy 

Tue 9th Sep

Retail shops across Chiang Mai are beginning to stock up on more goods, especially household items and daily necessities in anticipation of the upcoming “Half-Half” co-payment scheme, prepared to launch this October under Anutin’s government. Vendors at Siriwattana Market expressed hope that the program will roll out as soon as possible, noting that it provides benefits for both local businesses a … Continued

Miss International Queen 2025 officially kicks off in Chiang Mai

Tue 9th Sep

The Miss International Queen 2025 competition has officially launched in Chiang Mai, reinforcing Thailand’s status as a premier cultural tourism destination and enhancing the country’s soft power on the global stage. This year, 23 stunning contestants from 23 nations received a heartfelt Lanna-style welcome as they embark on a series of pre-pageant activities designed to immerse them in Thailand’s … Continued

New Chiang Mai Governor seeks blessings for a good start

Tue 9th Sep

Thotsapol Phueanudom, the newly appointed 42nd Governor of Chiang Mai Province, and his wife paid their respects to sacred objects inside the Chiang Mai Provincial Hall to seek blessings for good fortune. The worship began at the Singh Monument, regarded as the city’s lion, and continued to the Chiang Mai Provincial Government Center, where they paid homage to the royal monument of King Chulalongk … Continued

Nurse daughter joins pilot father in first flight as a volunteer Sky Doctor 

Tue 9th Sep

Lt. Col. Yongyuth Sawangthong, commander of the Pha Muang Task Force, and his daughter, Thachaphan “Khaimook” Sawangthong, a nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Nakhon Ping Hospital, proudly serve together as part of the Thai Sky Doctor team. On her very first mission, Thachaphan joined her father who piloted the helicopter to safely transport a patient by air. Working side by side, they … Continued

Car crash brings down power lines, injures two

Tue 9th Sep

A pickup truck accident occurred when it lost control and crashed into a roadside electric pole in front of Him Kong Restaurant on Nong Ho Road in Chang Phueak, causing over 10 large high-voltage power poles to collapse across nearly one kilometer. The fallen poles damaged nearby houses and shops and blocked traffic. A fire also broke out at Him Kong Restaurant shortly after the crash. Two men, bo … Continued

Infinity Star Language School Opens New Branch at Kad Farang, Hang Dong

Tue 9th Sep

Infinity Star Language School is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest branch on the 2nd floor of the Kad Farang Village in Hang Dong, located inside the Rimping Supermarket building. The school is dedicated to helping students of all ages build strong language foundations for a brighter future. Approved by the Ministry of Education, Infinity Star Language School is led by School Direc … Continued

Maejo University develops eco-friendly artificial stones for sustainable landscaping

Mon 8th Sep

Maejo University has developed an innovative and eco-friendly artificial stone made from recycled materials to replace natural stone in landscaping. The Faculty of Architecture at Maejo University, in collaboration with architecture students and interested parties, has developed lightweight and environmentally friendly artificial stones made from recycled materials, including fabric scraps, foam, … Continued

Many Buddhists complain about lazy monks who won’t walk to receive alms

Mon 8th Sep

In the early morning at Chiang Mai Gate Market, Buddhist monks can be seen standing and waiting for people to offer them food, instead of walking on alms rounds as is customary. Each monk remains in place until his alms bowl is full, then transfers the food into a bag and continues standing until late. Local residents reported that monks have been collecting alms at Chiang Mai Gate Market for many … Continued

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