mai

The Eastern Thungyai Naresaun Wildlife Sanctuary in Tak Province near [Chiang Mai] [1] is famous for its spectacular natural beauty. However, the area has long been victim to illegal logging and hunting. All that might soon be a thing of the past thanks to forest ranger Boontae Yorungrueng, who is leading groups of rangers and villagers through the sanctuary in the hopes of eradicating this illegal industry. “Normally we will ask for participants from the village closest to our patrolling area, but the village committees make the decision,'' Boontae Yorungrueng told the [Bangkok Post] [2] recently. “Local villagers harvest bamboo shoots to supply canning factories situated near the forests. We allow villagers to harvest the bamboo for their own food, but when it comes to trading in huge amounts, this is illegal. We have to enforce the law. But other preventive measures are necessary. And there has to be a good system and good management to get a good result.'' Under the guidance of the patrol leader local villagers are taking an interest in conserving the area. It is hoped that the problems of illegal logging, over-harvesting the forest and illegal will soon be eliminated. [1]: http://1stopchiangmai.com [2]: http://bangkokpost.com 2009-07-14T09:03:00+07:00 1366 2009-07-13T16:03:35+07:00 5 true 1366-taking-back-the-forest Andrew

If you’re in [Chiang Mai] [1] over the next few weeks and see an Englishman running in the full sun don’t worry, it’s probably just Ray Martin. The 48-year-old Englishman has started an intense 26 week training programme designed to get him in shape for the New York Marathon, which will be held on November 1st. Ray Martin is training hard as this will be his first ever marathon. He is taking part in the marathon in order to raise money for three charities, including Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai. “My goal is to complete the race in four hours and create a $6,500 dollar fund to help my chosen organizations,” Martin stated in an interview by the [Chiang Mai Mail] [2] recently “Obviously, I would be thrilled if it were possible to raise more than this and with your readers’ help, I am certain we can, as I am praying that people’s hearts will be truly touched by what they read on my website and that everyone will be as generous as they possibly can in these difficult economic times.” So if you see Ray Martin running towards you, show your support by donating to his cause. [1]: http://1stopchiangmai.com [2]: http://chiangmai-mail.com 2009-07-09T09:00:00+07:00 1360 2009-07-08T19:36:43+07:00 5 true 1360-join-ray-martin-s-marathon-challenge Andrew

Recent visitors to [Chiang Mai] [1] Zoo will have had the chance to see newly born panda cub Lin Hui. It seems that visitors are flocking to the zoo at the moment for the rare chance to see a panda up close and personal. Last Saturday alone, more than 4,000 visitors passed through the gates of Chiang Mai Zoo. Nearly all of those visitors headed directly to the display where the baby panda is being shown. The following day’s figures were almost as high, shattering the 2,000 tickets per day that were predicted to be sold over the weekend. However, panda project chief Prasertsak Boontrakulpoontawee is keeping an anxious eye on the welfare of the pandas. "We're concerned about the panda's health and safety, and taking the cub from its mother, Lin Hui, too many times will reduce Lin Hui's trust in her caretakers," Prasertsak Boontrakulpoontawee told [The Nation] [2] recently. The baby panda now weighs just over two kilograms and one eye has recently opened. Those who want to see Lin Hui better hurry to Chiang Mai Zoo as she will soon be travelling to China with her mother. [1]: http://1stopchiangmai.com [2]: http://nationmultimedia.com 2009-07-08T09:21:00+07:00 1359 2009-07-11T11:00:35+07:00 5 true 1359-chiang-mai-pandas-prove-to-be-big-business Andrew

The northern city of [Chiang Mai] [1] is often praised by visitors for its diverse art and culture. The city is simply teeming with art galleries, temples and museums. So it isn’t surprising that the newly opened gallery named Look At This, which is located opposite the Amari Rincome Hotel on Nimmanhemin Road, should have proven to be a big success. This month, the gallery is contributing to Chiang Mai’s cultural profile by hosting Singaporean painter Li Li Tan. Li Li Tan is known for her bright, happy images and the paintings have been a big hit. "I dream a lot in both colour and black and white" Li Li told [Good Morning Chiang Mai] [2] recently. "One of my favourite paintings here is Ave Maria. I dreamt it in black and white, then painted it in colour". Li Li Tan managed to sell several paintings on her first night in Chiang Mai, with the painting of Ave Maria painted in acrylic on canvas being sold for 40,000 baht. Another, larger painting also sold for 80,000 baht. Back in Singapore Lil Li Tan works as a TV commercial producer and photographer. However, she is so taken with Chiang Mai that she has announced plans to settle in the city in the near future. [1]: http://1stopchiangmai.com [2]: http://gmorning.info/news 2009-07-03T09:15:00+07:00 1353 2009-07-03T09:48:18+07:00 5 true 1353-chiang-mai-gallery-welcomes-new-artist Andrew

Most people who have travelled to [Chiang Mai] [1] will have visited the magnificent Prathat Doi Suthep pagoda. Situated atop a high hill, the climbing to the top of the pagoda provides spectacular views of the city below. Steeped in local legend, the Prathat Doi Suthep pagoda is an icon of Chiang Mai. However, it seems that the future of the mighty monument may be uncertain as it is sitting on unstable ground. Recently, engineers from the Asian Institute of Technology and Chiang Mai University discovered cracks on the second level of the pagoda and the northern section of the surrounding terrace. After assessment, they believe the structure is at risk and may collapse after an earthquake or heavy rain. "First I thought they were just cement cracks, but after more checks, we found they were caused by structural subsidence," Sahawat Naenna, director of Fine Arts Office region 8 in Chiang Mai told [The Nation] [2] recently. The top part of the golden pagoda snapped in 1995 after heavy rain and an earthquake. Measures are being taken to preserve the monument, but those who have yet to admire the pagoda should visit soon before it suffers further damage. [1]: http://stopchiangmai.com [2]: http://bangkokpost.com 2009-06-29T09:02:00+07:00 1344 2009-06-29T11:02:51+07:00 5 true 1344-chiang-mai-temple-threatened-by-flood Andrew

Visitors to [Chiang Mai] [1], Bangkok, Phuket and a number of other top destinations in Thailand will be able to make great savings for the next few months when they pay by VISA. VISA has teamed up with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to offer VISA holders special benefits and promotions in various destinations around Thailand until the end of August. “As the Official Card of the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2009, we believe strongly in supporting the Royal Thai government and Tourism Authority of Thailand in promoting and re-building the tourism industry in Thailand,” said Stuart Tomlinson, Visa Malaysia Country Manager told [Etravel Blackboard] [2]. This is Thailand’s 11th annual Grand Sale and runs on the back of a decade successful summer promotions. Tourists who charge 500 baht or more on their VISA card during the sale will be entered into the lucky draw for the chance to win one of a hundred great prizes. Deals and promotions are available through a range of department stores, airlines, hotels, spas and golf courses. So if you’re traveling in Thailand right now, it’s time to flex that plastic and pick up a great deal. [1]: http://stopchiangmai.com [2]: http://etravelblackboardasia.com 2009-06-26T09:10:00+07:00 1343 2009-06-25T09:58:33+07:00 5 true 1343-great-new-deal-on-thai-tourism Andrew

As conflict between the Burmese army and the breakaway Democratic Karen Buddhist Army, (DKBA), and the Karen National Liberation Army, (KNLA) worsen, 4,000 Karen villagers fled across the Thai-Burmese border from a refugee camp. With nowhere really to go, the refugees have been forced to take up residence in the north of Thailand near [Chiang Mai] [1] in places such as Tha Song Yag district in Tak province and Mae Sot. Refugees have been leaving Myanmar since 1997 and it is estimated that as many as 500,000 ethnic Karen have been forced out of their homes by the fighting and bombing in their home villages. Of those 500,000 it is believed that around 100,000 are living in Thailand, mostly in the north-west. According to a recent report by the [Chiang Mai Mail] [2] the European Union’s council gathered earlier this week and expressed their concern over the refugee situation. They demanded that the Burmese Army declare a cease-fire and conform to international and human rights laws. This is the first time that the EU has formerly addressed the situation in Myanmar and the crisis. It can only be hoped that this marks a positive turning point. [1]: http://1stopchiangmai.com [2]: http://chiangmai-mail.com 2009-06-19T09:00:00+07:00 1331 2009-06-18T10:56:15+07:00 5 true 1331-burmese-citizens-seek-refuge-in-thailand Andrew

A further tightening of the Thai visa laws means that things have become even more difficult for tourists who want to extend their stay in the Land of Smiles. Until a few years ago, staying in Thailand indefinitely on a tourist visa was relatively simple; all you had to do was hop across the border into a neighbouring country once a month and pick up a visa new stamp. However, the Immigration Police announced last week that they will be tightening the laws to prevent tourists from living and working unofficially in Thailand without paying the proper taxes and submitting to checks and monitoring. As [The Nation] [1] reported recently, Immigration Police chief Lt General Suwat Thamrongsrisakul insists that the measures are not intended to dissuade tourism. “We are trying to make it more difficult for bad people to get in,” he announced in a press conference. I don’t think it’s going to hurt good people because they can apply for a tourist visa in their homeland.” The new laws will affect a large number of foreigners who have so far managed to work on tourist visas and also those who own bars in cities such as [Chiang Mai] [2] and Pattaya. [1]: http://nationmultimedia.com [2]: http://1stopchiangmai.com 2009-06-16T09:17:00+07:00 1325 2009-06-16T09:17:48+07:00 5 true 1325-further-restrictions-for-thai-visas Andrew

Don’t be alarmed if you see giant pandas roaming the streets of [Chiang Mai] [1] this month. It’s all part of the city’s ‘Green and Clean’ campaign, during which residents gather to take part in projects to help smarten up the area. According to a recent report by the [Chiang Mai Mail] [2] there will be a total of eight community projects taking place in and around Chiang Mai during June. People get together to help take care of the region in north Thailand by recycling waste, purifying well water and even sterilizing local dogs to prevent disease and keep down the numbers of stray dogs on the streets. Numerous health workers and other officials are donating their free time and money to the projects in order to help make Chiang Mai an even better place to live and work. And what about the giant pandas? Well, two Chiang Mai residents have been causing quite a stir by donning panda costumes and taking to the streets to raise money for the projects. All are welcome to take part in the green and clean projects and bring whatever skills and experience they have to help all those concerned. [1]: http://1stopchiangmai.com [2]: http://chiangmai-mail.com/ 2009-06-12T09:07:00+07:00 1322 2009-06-11T13:08:43+07:00 5 true 1322-chiang-mai-gets-green-and-clean Andrew

How do you lose an elephant? It would seem that this might be the start of some silly joke, but two elephants have actually managed to go missing in [Chiang Mai] [1] this week. One elephant died in Chiang Mai recently after eating some contaminated vegetables. It seems that another two elephants ate the same vegetables and managed to escape into the forest. According to a report by the [Chiang Mai Mail] [2], Thai elephants have been suffering all sorts of hardships. Nearly a hundred elephants have been found to be roaming the streets of Bangkok, forced to beg by their keepers, who drag them to noisy areas of the city after dark to try and part tourists with their cash. In response to the ever worsening situation, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment are considering a new Elephant Act. Anyone who is found with an elephant in Bangkok will be arrested and served a recorded warning. After a total of three warnings, the offender will be fined as much as 50,000 baht. Although it may take some time for the situation to improve, it would seem that they are moving in the right direction. [1]: http://1stopbangkok.com [2]: http://chiangmai-mail.com 2009-06-10T08:30:00+07:00 1316 2009-06-09T13:30:42+07:00 5 true 1316-thailand-s-jumbo-problems Andrew

[Chiang Mai] [1] Zoo is celebrating at the moment to welcome its new addition. The first ever panda to be born in Thailand arrived last Wednesday, much to the delight of zoo staff and all who witnessed the event. Breeding pandas in captivity is notoriously difficult, and staff were delighted at the birth. To mark the occasion, Chiang Mai Zoo is asking members of the public to take part in a competition to name the panda club. "Those who submit one of the chosen names have a chance of winning Bt100,000 plus a free trip for their family to visit pandas in China,” Sopon Damnui, Zoological Park Organisation director was quoted as saying by [The Nation] [2] newspaper recently. "The winner from the lucky draw may get a car too." So if you’re feeling lucky, head over to Chiang Mai Zoo and write the new name of the panda cub on a postcard. Simply hand the postcard to a member of zoo staff and before you know it you could be driving away a brand new car. Sounds too good to miss. [1]: http://1stopchiangmai.com [2]: http://nationmultimedia.com 2009-06-05T09:46:00+07:00 1311 2009-06-04T11:47:35+07:00 5 true 1311-name-that-panda-win-a-prize Andrew

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to get a panda in the mood, can now visit [Chiang Mai] [1] Zoo and ask the experts. Chinese panda specialist Wei Ming recently travelled to Chiang Mai Zoo to advise staff on how to get their pandas to mate. While he’s there, Wei Ming will be collecting sperm samples giant panda Xuang Xuang to take back to China. Chiang Mai Zoo’s own panda Lin Hui was recently successfully artificially inseminated by this same method, so there’s a good chance of triumph this time also. Lin Hui's female cub that was born on May 27 and was declared healthy by Wei Ming. There had been several attempts to get Lin Hui to mate naturally with Xuang Xuang, but they were unsuccessful. Zoo staff tried to encourage them by playing the couple a "panda porn" video, but this was also rejected. However, Prasertsak Buntrakulpuntawi, director for panda research and display at the Chiang Mai Zoo is confident of future success. "We plan to let them mate naturally and carry out artificial insemination again during 2011 and 2012," he was quoted as saying in the [Bangkok Post] [2]. Perhaps the zoo needs to update their panda porn collection to ensure the couple stays interested. [1]: http://1stopbangkok.com [2]: http://bangkokpost.com 2009-06-04T09:21:00+07:00 1308 2009-06-03T11:23:24+07:00 5 true 1308-chiang-mai-zoo-shows-panda-porn- Andrew

Burmese residents, workers and students have gathered together in [Chiang Mai] [1] this week to show their distress over the arrest of Burmese freedom fighter Aung San Suu Kyi and the current situation in the country. “On the surface, this is absurd; we must look at it from another perspective, to try to see what the real purpose is. For example, are they looking for a way to postpone the so-called elections? As there is no freedom of speech, and no party can organise properly, there are no proper regulations for the election. Now, because of her arrest, any elections will look even phonier,” the [Chiang Mai Mail] [2] quoted one Burmese student as saying. “Her arrest by this government is so unjust. By law, they have to release her. There should be rule by objective law in Myanmar,” another added. For once, it seems that people in Thailand have found an issue that they can unite on. Most seem to think and feel that Aung San Suu Kyi and that the situation in Myanmar needs to improve dramatically. [1]: http://1stopchiangmai.com [2]: http://chiangmai-mail.com/ 2009-05-28T09:30:00+07:00 1298 2009-05-27T20:04:41+07:00 5 true 1298-chiang-mai-residents-support-aung-san-suu-kyi Andrew

Visitors to Yasothon in northeastern Thailand recently will have witnessed a memorable occasion, the colourful Bun Bang Festival. Yasothon, which is located just a few hours’ drive from [Chiang Mai] [1], is usually a sleepy little town, where people come to relax and recharge their batteries. However, in the middle of May the town comes alive to celebrate this intriguing festival. The [Bangkok Post] [2] reported this week that this was one of the largest festivals to date. People flock to Yasothon from all over Thailand to join in the Bun Bang Fai, which is also known as the Rocket Festival. With plenty of singing, dancing and parades through the street, the festival lasts for about five days. The festival is held each year in order to make it rain. Local legend tells of an agreement by deity Phaya Thaen that he would make it rain every time people launched rockets into the sky. One of the highlights is the home-made rocket competition, and hundreds of people compete to see who can create the largest and most elaborate rocket before launching it into the sky along which thousands of others. [1]: http://1stopchiangmai.com [2]: http://bangkokpost.com 2009-05-26T11:56:00+07:00 1292 2009-05-27T12:45:05+07:00 5 true 1292-north-thailand-s-festival-spectacular Andrew

The staff at [Chiang Mai] [1] zoo are waiting with bated breath to see if they will soon have a new addition to their animal kingdom. The [Chiang Mai Mail] [2] reported recently that on February 17th, female panda Lin Hui mated with her partner, and it is hoped that she will soon start to show signs of pregnancy. Staff have observed that Lin Hui is eating and sleeping more as well as spending time alone, which all point towards pregnancy, but so far Chiang Mai Zoo’s veterinarians are unable to determine pregnancy, despite performing two separate ultrasound tests on Lin Hui. False pregnancies are quite common with female pandas, so even if Lin Hui tests positive the staff at Chiang Mai Zoo may be kept guessing until the very last minute. However, everyone is hoping for the birth of a baby panda, not least because there are only an estimated 800 to 1,000 pandas left in the wild and there are very difficult to breed in captivity. The number of pandas in the world continues to decrease, making it important for zoos to encourage the pandas in their care to breed. The staff at Chiang Mai Zoo are optimistic about Lin Hui’s chances, and members of staff from are being sent to China to receive special instructions on caring for newly-born panda cubs. [1]: http://1stopchiangmai.com [2]: http://chiangmai-mail.com 2009-05-21T09:49:00+07:00 1288 2009-05-20T11:51:08+07:00 5 true 1288--pregnant-pause-for-panda-lin-hui Andrew

Those who thought that book burning was banished to the dark ages can think again. In [Chiang Mai] [1] last week more than 500 books were burnt in an act of protest. However, rather than works of literature, these were bank books that were being burnt, an act of protest by the political group Rak Chiang Mai 51 dubbed the ‘red shirts’ against a number of commercial banks. More than 200 members of the group gathered on May 6th in front of the Grand Waroros Hotel in Chiang Mai to burn their bank books as they believe the banks have been giving support to rival group the PAD or the ‘yellow shirts’. The [Chiang Mai Mail] [2] reported recently that round 500 bank books were burnt and the sounds of protesting rang out into the night as the red shirts protested against favoritism by the commercial banks. Although it is uncertain what the protestors were trying to achieve, the banks will certainly have got the message. Rak Chiang Mai 51 have drawn up a blacklist of banks and vow to avoid using their services in the future. [1]: http://1stopchiangmai.com [2]: http://chiangmai-mail.com 2009-05-19T09:35:00+07:00 1284 2009-05-18T20:36:45+07:00 5 true 1284-red-shirt-protestors-burn-their-books Andrew

A big arrest for the Thai and Taiwanese police on May 6 when a notorious Chine drug gang was caught. A squad of 100 officers belonging to Taiwanese drug suppression and the Office of Narcotic Control Board joined forced with Thai police in [Chiang Mai] [1] to raid seven homes in the Fang, Chaiprakarn, and San Kamphaeng districts. The Haw brothers, Jeemao Sai-Joeng, 37, and Jeefun Sae-Joeng, 45 were asleep when the police stormed their homes and arrested them on the charge of transporting a total of 145 kilos of heroin from Chiang Mai to Taiwan in three separate trips. The gang hid the drugs in sacks made from tree bark rope. The brothers denied the charges, but goods amounting to 100 million baht were seized. The brothers had been working undercover as pig farmers and dealers in fish farms, but had been under suspicion for some time, as reported by the [Chiang Mai Mail] [2]. Singphol Sae-oo, 33, was also arrested in a house in the Mae Taeng district as it is believed that he was working for the two brothers. All three suspects have been taken to a police station in Bangkok, where they await further questioning. [1]: http://1stopchiangmai.com [2]: http://chiangmai-mail.com 2009-05-15T09:00:00+07:00 1278 2009-05-14T16:55:46+07:00 5 true 1278-chinese-drug-gang-apprehended-by-police Andrew

One of the first things many visitors to Thailand notice is the crazy traffic. Cars, motorbikes, tuk-tuks and even buses zip along the roads in a haphazard manor, seemingly paying little regard for road rules, traffic lights, lane marking or even each other. A particularly prominent example of this is the city of [Chiang Mai] [1], where dozens of people are seriously injured in traffic accidents every week. All over the city you can see parents riding motorbikes balancing babies on the front, while dogs perch on the handlebars or others and yet more are piled high with goods for the market. Many travelers are stunned at the risks drivers take. As a member of the British Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents commented to [Good Morning Chiang Mai] [2] “It’s a miracle that the figures are not much worse. I’ve driven cars for thousands of kilometers in Thailand and ridden a motorcycle in Chiangmai for several years. The main danger here is from other motorcyclists who ignore red lights, fail to read the road far enough ahead and never use their mirrors, always assuming they have them.” Unfortunately, although Thailand has a complex system of road rules, they rarely seem to be enforced, and it is down to individual drivers to improve the driving conditions of Chiang Mai’s roads. [1]: http://1stopchiangmai.com [2]: http://gmorning.info 2009-05-13T10:04:00+07:00 1275 2009-05-12T22:05:03+07:00 5 true 1275-panic-on-the-streets-of-chiang-mai Andrew

Those who thought that book burning was banished to the dark ages can think again. In [Chiang Mai] [1] last week more than 500 books were burnt in an act of protest. However, rather than works of literature, these were bank books that were being burnt, an act of protest by the political group Rak Chiang Mai 51 dubbed the ‘red shirts’ against a number of commercial banks. More than 200 members of the group gathered on May 6th in front of the Grand Waroros Hotel in Chiang Mai to burn their bank books as they believe the banks have been giving support to rival group the PAD or the ‘yellow shirts’. The [Chiang Mai Mail] [2] reported recently that round 500 bank books were burnt and the sounds of protesting rang out into the night as the red shirts protested against favoritism by the commercial banks. Although it is uncertain what the protestors were trying to achieve, the banks will certainly have got the message. Rak Chiang Mai 51 have drawn up a blacklist of banks and vow to avoid using their services in the future. [1]: http://1stopchiangmai.com [2]: http://chiangmai-mail.com 2009-05-09T09:35:00+07:00 1283 2009-05-18T20:36:32+07:00 5 true 1283-red-shirt-protestors-burn-their-books Andrew

One of the worst things about being stuck in a prison in another country is the lack on contact from friends and family. Unless they are extremely lucky, many prisoners have to make do with annual visits from their loved ones. However, some of Thailand’s main prisons such as [Chiang Mai] [1] and Bangkok are introducing a new way of communicating that should make life a bit more bearable for inmates. A new online video-conference link is allowing families and friends to contact inmates from the comfort of their homes. The new system is the brain child of Correction Department director general Nathee Chitsawang, who was proud to talk about it with [The Nation] [2] recently. "We believe that e-visiting will create benefits for families, relatives and prisoners because they will be able to maintain contact by visiting online without spending time to travel to prisons or the Correction Department. It will also help relatives to save the costs of making prison visits," Nathee said. Although the system is currently only available to Thai prisoners and their families, the overwhelming demand for it means that western prisoners should soon be able to use it to contact their loved ones. [1]: http://1stopchiangmai.com [2]: http://nationmultimedia.com 2009-05-07T10:14:00+07:00 1267 2009-05-07T09:15:34+07:00 5 true 1267-chiang-mai-inmates-pose-for-the-camera Andrew