Community leaders, civic groups and local stakeholders have joined forces to address ongoing graffiti vandalism across the city, warning that the damage threatens Chiang Mai’s image as it moves closer to potential World Heritage recognition.
On 27th February 2026, Sangkom Saenbuddee, President of the Chiang Mai Royal Volunteer Club, together with Supharuek Pavilai, Acting Secretary-General of the Chiang Mai City Council and Secretary of the Steering Committee preparing Chiang Mai’s cultural heritage nomination for World Heritage status, and Saowakhon Sriboonruang, representative of the Hug Chiang Mai Community Network, convened a meeting and conducted site inspections.
The group surveyed multiple locations where tourists and self-described independent artists have spray-painted graffiti on temple walls, electricity boxes, private homes and shopfronts, causing concern among residents. The issue comes at a critical time, as Chiang Mai is in the process of advancing its nomination as a cultural World Heritage city.
“Chiang Mai is a living city, not a ‘zombie city’,” said Supharuek. “These acts make the city look untidy and damage its image. Shop owners are reluctant to repaint because they fear the vandalism will simply happen again. Although complaints have been filed, arrests are often difficult.”
Chiang Mai, now 730 years old, is currently seeking inscription under the proposed title “Monuments, Sites and Cultural Landscape of Chiang Mai, Capital of Lanna.” The nomination includes seven key temples: Wat Chiang Man, Wat Umong, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Jed Yod, as well as the historic moat, city walls, four corner bastions and five city gates.
Each year, UNESCO inscribes approximately 35 sites worldwide. Currently, around 800 sites globally remain on the Tentative List, including Chiang Mai. Each country may submit only one site per year as its official nomination. An expert delegation from ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) is expected to visit Chiang Mai in June 2026 to assess the proposed heritage sites.
Following a Cabinet resolution on 13th January 2026 approving the nomination dossier, preparations are now underway ahead of the anticipated inspection. Officials say only a few months remain to ensure the city presents itself in its best condition.
Phra Khru Palad Anon Visuttho, abbot of Wat Lam Chang, said his temple has also been affected by graffiti. In one case, the perpetrator fled to Phuket but was later apprehended and returned to Chiang Mai for prosecution. However, many other incidents remain unresolved.
“If arrests are made and legal action is taken seriously, the problem can be greatly reduced,” he said, urging stricter and more consistent enforcement.
He emphasised that Chiang Mai, as a 730-year-old historic city rich in art and architecture, operates under clear legal frameworks and regulations. Those who violate the law should face consequences, he said, adding that stronger cooperation among authorities is needed to prevent copycat behaviour.
“If offenders believe nothing will happen to them, the damage will continue without end,” he warned.
Piyapong Chaingenta, owner of Tam Yum Chang Phueak restaurant, told CityNews that his business has also been affected. The shop’s rolling shutter was spray-painted despite CCTV footage capturing the incident.
“It has no meaning for us — it only damages our image,” he said. “This is our property. We have filed a police report and officers are investigating. It appears to be the same group targeting multiple locations along this road.”
He added that many business owners hesitate to repaint because they fear repeat vandalism. While the graffiti does not significantly affect daily operations, it detracts from the city’s appearance, particularly in tourist areas.
Local stakeholders are now calling for coordinated preventive measures, including increased CCTV coverage, closer cooperation with police and more decisive legal action. Many business owners say they support Chiang Mai’s push towards World Heritage status and hope stronger action will protect the city’s historic character.
