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Thailand’s Organic Concerns: Understanding the complexities of Organic Farming in Thailand

Anyone who frequents local supermarkets and the more popular weekend markets will have noticed that over the past few years, a growing number of ‘organic’ produce are hitting the shelves. Mass produced vegetables and fruits are being tucked out-of-sight on the lower shelves, as these glowing ‘natural’ produce are given centre stage…at a much higher price point of course. Advertised proudly as being organic, natural, clean, safe, and pesticide free, the reality is that many of these terms are, whether intentionally or not, misused. The producers may not be setting out to hoodwink the public, but a lack of clarity in definition leads to free-wheeling labelling which confuses not just the consumers but often even the producers themselves. What’s the difference between an all-natural organic cabbage and a pesticide free, safe cabbage grown on an organic farm? For those in the know, this topic may be a damp squib, but for most of us, the world of labelling and branding has left us unsure and distrustful of the industry as a whole.

Moonshine’s Lustre: The Story of Thailand’s Lao Khao

The first time I tasted lao khao was after I decided to write this article. Inspired by a CNN photo essay featuring chefs Antony Bourdain and Andy Ricker sipping on the infamous liquor in a Mae Rim distillery, I wanted to learn more and try it for myself. I’ll admit that growing up in middle-class suburbia left me oblivious to the lao khao culture of the rest of the country. I was really surprised to learn that over 60% of Thais choose lao khao as their libation of choice, according to Thailand’s Department of Mental Health.

Where is home?

Isn’t the internet simply marvellous? The global communication network has just informed me that as well as being almost exactly the same age as hip hop (I know! Rap is 44 years old!) I have, according to a popular social networking service, also been living in the gorgeous city of Chiang Mai for a decade. To give that a bit of perspective when I first set foot in this city the world was on the verge of learning what a Kardashian is, Harry Potter was making his final appearance in hard-back and the Land of Smiles was yet to be contaminated by the iPhone.

Keeping a Step Ahead of Cancer with Absolute Health

Cancer is something that worries us all. At Absolute Health, they understand the dangers of cancer and, importantly, how best to prevent it. People across the world suffer from this terrible affliction but for those of us lucky enough not to have it, the fight to keep it away is real and should be something we are constantly aware of.

Your Say: September 2017

This is our open forum for you to express your opinions. Letters can be on any topic but priority will be given to those under 200 words.

Chiang Mai’s Farm Attractions

Fancy a lovely day out in a bucolic farm with the family? We’ve got you.

Pretty Little Digits

Colour, shine, sparkle or a simple elegant buff…if you enjoy pretty nails, or some wholesome pampering, then make a stop at any of these salons.

Breathe Out: The Park that WE Made

It was a year ago, nearly to the day, when over one thousand people came together on the lawn of Regina Coeli School, holding hands and singing songs in protest. Led by an imam, a bishop, nuns, monks, a Sikh giani ji and other community leaders, they had gathered to object the proposed construction of a 900 unit condominium project which would have caused mass congestion in what was already the city’s most congested area during rush hour. What began a couple of weeks before as one catholic girls school’s efforts to halt a mammoth construction project next door had grown into a protest covered by both local and national press and supported by 23 communities in the Chang Klan Sub-District as well as countless more people and organisations across the city.

Oh, Crepes!

We all love crepes. French ones, Thai ones, face ones. Yes, if you want to eat a crepe of your face, Chiang Mai has you covered…

Dungeons & Dragons Review

Long before the blood and mud and full-frontal shenanigans of Game of Thrones titillated television viewers around the globe, assassins and sell-swords were guiding the rise and fall of warring kingdoms, bold rangers were roaming icy northlands keeping monstrous undead hordes at bay, and dragon-mounted valkyrie queens were ecstatically vaporising foolhardy enemy hosts.

Migrant Lives Matter: The challenges and prejudices faced by Shan migrant workers

For the past few hundred years the people of Chiang Mai have had a strong relationship with their cultural and ethnic brothers and sisters across the border in the Shan State. Our royal families intermarried, we took turns exerting power and influence over one another, trade was brisk, Buddhism and cultures shared, languages were similar enough to converse with one another and we even look similar. Combine those elements with the geo-proximity, and the Shan had more affinity for their southeastern neighbours in Chiang Mai than they did their southwestern Burmese oft-times enemies.

My Journey: 17 Year Old Essay Winner’s Journey to Dublin

At the start of this year, I submitted an essay titled with the theme ‘A Journey’ to Citylife that eventually won me a round trip to Dublin this past summer. Within it I had written: “For every journey one undertakes there must be a will. A will to fight and a want that drives us to be.”

Engage Your Brain

Get those cogs whirring once again with these three great places that focus on brain development and creativity for both fun and educational purposes!

Editorial: September 2017

I mentioned in the April editorial of this year that I had been feeling slightly discombobulated following accusations of being a purveyor of fake news. Now, nearly half a year and a few added allegations later, I feel as though I must return to this distressing topic. To be fair, I am only talking about perhaps a half dozen denunciatory readers out of the hundreds of thousands who have laid eyes on our content since my original strop. But while the only things hurt here are my tender feelings, I do worry about this trend and how it is going to come back and bite all of us on the tuches further down the road.

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

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

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

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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