Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In an unexpected twist in urban management, the picturesque city of Chiang Mai has embarked on a unique environmental project involving geese. This week, a pilot initiative saw the release of 10 geese into the city's historic moat to investigate their potential role in cleaning the water and reducing pollution.

 

The trial, launched on Thursday near the Chiang Mai Gate, caught locals by surprise, with pedestrians and motorists alike pausing to capture the quirky scene. The initiative's visibility sparked curiosity and debate, particularly as many residents were initially unaware of the project's purpose.

 

The municipality's announcement revealed that the geese are part of a week-long experiment. The aim is for these birds to consume algae, plankton, and aquatic plants, naturally purifying the moat's waters. If deemed successful, the project may expand, ultimately covering the entire waterway encircling the old city.

 

However, the project didn't exactly take off without a hitch. On its first evening, the project faced logistical challenges; workers encountered difficulties corralling the geese back into their temporary quarters, leading to a brief disruption as the birds wandered onto nearby roads, momentarily halting traffic.

 

Mayor Assanee Buraupakorn, speaking the following day, claimed the project as the brainchild of his municipality. He reassured residents that plans for a more robust enclosure are underway and expressed confidence that the geese will acclimate soon. Intriguingly, he remained tight-lipped about the birds' origins, adding an element of mystery to the venture.

 

While the idea is certainly innovative, it has not escaped scrutiny. Critics have raised valid concerns about the practicality and consequences of relying on geese as natural purifiers.

 

Teerawuth Kaewfong, a local politician who vied for the mayoral seat in the previous election, voiced his reservations. He pointed out that geese droppings could potentially exacerbate water quality issues rather than alleviate them. Furthermore, with the potential for geese to stray onto roads, there is a risk of road accidents, adding a layer of complexity to the project.

 

"The real solution should be better wastewater treatment from markets and residential areas, not relying on geese," Teerawuth argued, highlighting a need for more traditional approaches.

 

As the week unfolds, city officials will be assessing the initiative's impact meticulously. Feedback from this pilot could determine whether Chiang Mai's moat will see a feathered workforce in the future or whether the city will revert to more conventional methods.

 

The project has undeniably placed Chiang Mai on the map once again, albeit with a creative approach that has ignited conversation. Residents and environmentalists alike will be watching closely to see if this novel idea can indeed take flight or if it's just for the birds.

 

In blending an age-old environmental issue with a modern-day twist, Chiang Mai's foray into avian assistance reflects both innovation and the challenges of sustainable urban planning. As the trial progresses, the question remains: can geese truly hold the key to cleaner waters in this historic city? Only time—and careful observation—will tell.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-08-22

 

Can expect one or two of those will appear in someone's pot for dinner very soon...

23 minutes ago, JoePai said:

Can expect one or two of those will appear in someone's pot for dinner very soon...

 

If they don't dissolve in the moat first

51 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

On its first evening, the project faced logistical challenges; workers encountered difficulties corralling the geese back into their temporary quarters, leading to a brief disruption as the birds wandered onto nearby roads, momentarily halting traffic.

 

Sounds safe. 

Having been attacked several times in the past I can assure you that geese, when. distubed , can be very aggressive

14 hours ago, Crossy said:

 

If they don't dissolve in the moat first

I agree. Anyone who has been to Chiang Mai and seen the moat there knows how disgusting it really is. I recall the city warning people not to use the moat water for Songkran because it was making people sick. i would not be surprised if the geese either end up dead on someones plate or dead from the water itself. 

A death sentence for the geese?

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

This week, a pilot initiative saw the release of 10 geese into the city's historic moat to investigate their potential role in cleaning the water and reducing pollution.

While they defecate on the grass?

Sunday Roast. See how long they last there.

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

release of 10 geese into the city's historic moat to

 

Well I never!

 

I must visit Chiang Mai to have a gander to see them swanning about!   (British English)

 

But don't they do in the water what bears do in the woods?

 

.........The aim is for these birds to consume algae, plankton, and aquatic plants, naturally purifying the moat's waters. .......

 

The birds eat the beneficial plantlife and poop nitrates into the water.....🤔

 

 

I can see one of two things happening...

 

1. The Thais will run them over with thier cars and they end up on a local restaurant menu...

 

2. The Chinese will fall in love with them  feed them and they will multiply to such an extent that they will post signs not to feed them which will be ignored...

 

Either way it will not end well... 

There's machines available for this job, like water pumps and filters. 

 

I've seen some huge snakes in the moat too....It'll be a race between them and the restaurants! 

The geese will probably die of air pollution in the winter when the burning season starts.

On 8/22/2025 at 5:10 AM, snoop1130 said:

The real solution should be better wastewater treatment from markets and residential areas, not relying on geese," Teerawuth argued, highlighting a need for more traditional approaches.

Absolutely.  

On 8/22/2025 at 4:10 PM, snoop1130 said:

Teerawuth Kaewfong, a local politician who vied for the mayoral seat in the previous election, voiced his reservations. He pointed out that geese droppings could potentially exacerbate water quality issues rather than alleviate them.

He has hit the nail on the head. Canada geese, going feral in the UK have turned many an attractive park lake into a green sludgy mess by defecating in the water, and any grass nearby. That is, assuming these geese actually multiply.

The official that came up with this brainwave idea will make a goose of himself for sure.