Northern Lights - The Chiang Mai Journal Podcast

Discover the soul of Northern Thailand. Northern Lights, by the Chiang Mai Journal brings you stories, sounds, and insights from Chiang Mai and beyond—covering culture, current events, expat life, and everyday moments that make the north shine. Powered by the Chiang Mai Journal.

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Episodes

Thursday Jul 24, 2025

In this special episode, we explore the opening of MaPIN Art Space, Chiang Mai’s newest destination for art, performance, and creative community. Set to launch on July 26, 2025, MaPIN is more than just a venue—it’s a living canvas for collaboration and cultural exchange.
🎨 Hear what to expect on opening day:
Live performances and exhibitions
Interactive art walls and workshops
A vibrant gathering of artists, locals, and visitors
Whether you're an art lover or just curious about Chiang Mai’s cultural scene, this episode paints the full picture.
🎧 Tune in and discover how MaPIN is putting creativity on the map!

Wednesday Jul 23, 2025

In today’s Chiang Mai Journal podcast (July 23, 2025), the city remains on high alert as the aftermath of Tropical Storm Wipha continues to unfold:
🌧️ Nearly 100mm of rain in 12 hours triggers a yellow alert and community safety push
🏞️ Flash flood and landslide warnings extended for 25 districts, including Chiang Dao and Mae Taeng
🚨 The Chiang Mai Governor activates a 24-hour Emergency Command Centre and shelters for over 20,000 residents
🛟 Disaster officials mobilize with equipment and pre-deployed teams across risk zones
🌬️ Gale-force winds and heavy thunderstorms forecasted by the TMD
🌊 Mekong Basin flood risks rise as upstream rainfall increases runoff potential
As scattered rain and strong winds persist, officials urge residents to stay vigilant and follow updates. Tune in for your essential daily briefing from Northern Thailand.
🎙️ Powered by ChiangMaiJournal.com

Monday Jul 21, 2025

In today’s Chiang Mai Journal episode, we cover the city's unfolding response to Tropical Storm Wipha. While Chiang Mai has avoided fatalities so far, heavy rains continue across the North. We bring updates on:
Massive fraud ring busted in Hang Dong, defrauding over 100,000 victims
Royal Thai Army helicopters deployed for storm rescue ops
Emergency flood planning launched for the Mekong Basin
Thunderstorms & travel disruption warnings
Flash flood caught on camera downtown earlier this week
International tourists killed in Phuket, raising alarm across Thailand
From scattered downpours to national coordination efforts, tune in for a complete roundup of Chiang Mai’s day—where calm meets caution.
🎙️ Stay dry, stay aware — powered by ChiangMaiJournal.com

Sunday Jul 20, 2025

In today’s Chiang Mai Journal news podcast (July 20, 2025), we track Tropical Storm Wipha as it triggers flash flood and landslide warnings across 25 districts, while the Ping River shows signs of calming—dropping below critical levels. We also report on hospital cracks from Myanmar’s earthquake tremors, scattered thunderstorms forecasted through the week, and storm-preparation efforts ramping up ahead of July 24.
On the cultural front, Chiang Mai Marriott spices things up with a “Master of Korean Cuisine” event, while national-level landmine tensions along the Thai–Cambodian border draw fresh scrutiny.
Stay informed and prepared as Chiang Mai faces the peak of monsoon season.

Thursday Jul 17, 2025

In today’s Chiang Mai Journal podcast, we cover a packed news day:
🚧 The municipality ramps up flood defenses as Ping River levels rise, while ongoing flooding and flash flood alerts grip northern districts.🔥 A fire scare at Nakornping Hospital triggers a full evacuation — no injuries reported.🎉 Chiang Mai basks in glory after being crowned Asia’s Best City for 2025 by Travel + Leisure, with a near-perfect score of 91.94.👮‍♂️ Nine karaoke staff are arrested following a viral assault on a British tourist over a disputed bill.🚄 National infrastructure eyes the future as Thailand prepares for high-speed rail bidding next year.🌏 Experts call for a tourism pivot towards sustainability and cultural integrity following Chiang Mai’s international spotlight.
All this and more in today’s update — your daily window into the beating heart of Northern Thailand.
🎧 Powered by ChiangMaiJournal.com

Wednesday Jul 16, 2025

In today’s episode, we dive into a dramatic day for Chiang Mai. Torrential rains trigger flash floods across northern districts, a fire scare at Nakornping Hospital leads to emergency evacuations, and health officials warn about the deadly Naegleria fowleri amoeba. Meanwhile, the city celebrates global recognition as Asia’s Best City in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 Awards. We also cover police crackdowns on “Grey Chinese” business networks, a shocking assault case involving an autistic child, and flash flood alerts across Chiang Dao and Doi Saket.
Tune in for:
Weather & flooding updates ☔
Fire response at Chiang Mai hospital 🔥
Health warnings from Chiang Mai University ⚠️
Chiang Mai crowned top Asian city 🏆
Crime & safety alerts 👮‍♀️
Tourism development with “Kad MICE” 🚉
Stay informed, stay safe.Powered by ChiangMai Journal

Tuesday Jul 15, 2025

In today’s Chiang Mai Journal Audio for July 15, 2025, we cover a vibrant mix of civic pride, cultural events, and urban planning:
🏆 Chiang Mai crowned Best City in Asia by Travel + Leisure — and 2nd in the world!
🌧️ Overcast skies and light rain continue as the city stays cool and cloudy.
🧹 Big Cleaning Day: Authorities and volunteers dredge the Ping River to restore its banks.
🧳 Kad MICE tourism initiative launches to elevate Chiang Mai as a hub for business events and conferences.
🎶 Bastille Day concerts light up Anantara and Alliance Française with piano and French flair.
🚉 Light-rail project still planned for 2027 despite funding uncertainties.
👑 Miss Grand Thailand 2025: Chiang Mai’s Wisansaya Pakasupakul represents with pride.
Tune in as we unpack the top headlines shaping the heart of Northern Thailand—from global recognition to muddy riverbanks.
📍 For visuals and more, visit ChiangMaiJournal.com🎧 Available now on Podbean, Spotify, and wherever you get your monsoon-season updates.

Monday Jul 14, 2025

In this July 14th edition of Chiang Mai Journal Audio, we dive into a whirlwind of local news that’s anything but dull:
🌧️ Heavy rain & flood alerts issued across 39 provinces, including Chiang Mai — with prolonged monsoon forecasts stretching to July 24.
⚠️ Two light earthquakes rattle Chiang Dao and Pai — no damage, just shaky coffee cups.
🚧 Urban flood prep underway, with crews clearing drains and reinforcing flash-flood defenses.
💡 Blue streetlamps get the boot after public backlash sparks removals.
🛵 Temple theft twist — two women allegedly swipe a monk’s phone using a Chiang Mai–registered scooter in Bangkok.
☁️ CityLife weather update: cloudy skies, light rain, and steamy temps around 33°C.
Grab your umbrella, your headphones, and join us for today’s chaotic calm from Northern Thailand.
📲 Follow more at ChiangMaiJournal.com🎧 Available on Podbean, Spotify, and wherever rain boots are worn indoors.

Sunday Jul 13, 2025

In today’s episode of Chiang Mai Journal Audio, we explore how Chiang Mai is making headlines for all the right reasons—despite monsoon downpours. 🌧️
▪️ The city earns a spot in Asia Nature Weekly’s Top 5 “Green Retreats” for its eco-tours and lush rainy-season charm.▪️ Wildlife cameras confirm a second serow sighting near Ban Pa Pong Piang—a rare and hopeful sign of ecosystem recovery.▪️ Meanwhile, the Halal Street Food Festival at Central Festival powers through wet weather, drawing strong local support under the tents.
Join us for stories of resilience, nature, and flavor from Northern Thailand.
👉 Subscribe, share, and stay dry out there!🎧 ChiangMaiJournal.com

Thursday Jul 10, 2025

In today’s episode of Chiang Mai Journal, we dive into the top local headlines from July 10, 2025. Chiang Mai braces for continued heavy monsoon rains as 32 provinces face flash-flood alerts. Health officials respond to two arsenic poisoning cases in Mae Ai, possibly linked to fish from the Kok River. Meanwhile, tourist bike rentals sit idle during the low season, and river monitoring intensifies across the Ping and Mekong basins. But it's not all storm clouds—Thailand has just been named the safest holiday destination in the world, boosting Chiang Mai's global charm.
Stay informed, stay dry, and stay tuned.

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