Pictures courtesy of Citylife Chiang Mai Facebook

 

Chiang Mai has embarked on an unconventional mission to clean its polluted southern moat, enlisting a flock of geese in a natural approach that’s attracting both tourist attention and local debate. Since 21 August, ten geese have been trialled to tackle aquatic weeds near Chiang Mai Gate, aiming to combat green algae and water pollution with their appetite.

 

The feathered recruits quickly became social media sensations, drawing hundreds of visitors eager for the perfect selfie or video. Yet, while the spectacle has drawn smiles, it's also sparked scrutiny.

 

Despite their billing as ecological helpers, the geese might not be munching on the right greenery. Although water hyacinth has largely disappeared, green algae continues to thrive over a 1.5-kilometre stretch of the southern moat, primarily between Ku Heung and Ka Tam Junctions. Experts highlight that the algae isn’t part of the geese's diet and is being exacerbated by wastewater laden with detergents.

 

Critics have voiced scepticism, suggesting the geese initiative is more theatrical than practical. Teerawuth Kaewfong, a politician from the People’s Party, argued for infrastructure improvements: “The real fix should lie in better wastewater treatment from markets and residential areas, not relying on geese.”

 

Moreover, concerns about the potential negative impact of geese droppings on water quality and safety risks have arisen. The birds have even briefly disrupted traffic by wandering off in the evenings. In response, Mayor Assanee Buraupakorn assured that a larger and safer enclosure is planned, promising that the geese would acclimatise soon.

 

City officials haven't clarified the origin of the geese, but hinted that a successful trial could lead to more feathered residents in the coming months. This uncertainty leaves residents wondering whether this natural experiment is a success or a whimsical misjudgement.

 

While their efficiency as moat cleaners remains uncertain, the geese are undeniably Chiang Mai’s latest attractions, charming both locals and visitors alike. Whether this initiative will translate into genuine ecological benefit or remain a tourist draw is yet to be seen. For now, the city continues watching its newest influencers as they paddle their way into the spotlight.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-27

 

10 Geese to clean that open sewer of stagnant poison? I think they might need a few more "Flocks"  - I suppose Geese don't really "swarm" that much.

2 minutes ago, Formaleins said:

10 Geese to clean that open sewer of stagnant poison? I think they might need a few more "Flocks"  - I suppose Geese don't really "swarm" that much.

One day we will find out that they were bought for 1 million baht per goose, no doubt

Add goose s##t to the problem

They will probably end up on someones plate.

Ah the golden geese of chang mai!

🤣🤣🤣😳

I know some old geese that followed a Thai,

 

I don't know why they followed a Thai,

 

Perhaps they'll die.

 

Ad infinitum...

Creating more traffic congestion around Chiang Mai Gate. As if the double and triple parking wasn’t enough, now we also must deal with drivers slowing and rubbernecking to look at the birds

1 hour ago, eddie61 said:

One day we will find out that they were bought for 1 million baht per goose, no doubt

They actually cost very little, around 300bht each.

They have put them right next to traffic, what were they thinking! Do they make "high-vis" jackets for geese, because they need some.

2 hours ago, Formaleins said:

10 Geese to clean that open sewer of stagnant poison? I think they might need a few more "Flocks"  - I suppose Geese don't really "swarm" that much.

I rekon tat the council have made a goose of themselves with this plan.

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

They actually cost very little, around 300bht each.

139 baht on lazdada fertilised goose eggs, put them in an incubator £30 on Amazon,

I've just done it with store bought quail eggs easy!

 

1 hour ago, cmsally said:

They have put them right next to traffic, what were they thinking! Do they make "high-vis" jackets for geese, because they need some.

We have them in the centre of Manchester uk,  along a canal system,

They do also produce a lot of waste,

🤣

 

Just the thing for Christmas

 

 

Geese mainly eat grass and grain. They will certainly not eat algae. City officials in Chiang Mai as clueless about animals' needs as most Thais, sadly.

I trust local residents can tolerate the noise once the flock go into honking mode.

Ahmm, whisper it quietly so that face is not lost to much, SWANS EAT ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEEDS, GEESE EAT GRASSES AND SEEDS, but I suppose to a Thai all white birds look the same.

11 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

Geese mainly eat grass and grain. They will certainly not eat algae. City officials in Chiang Mai as clueless about animals' needs as most Thais, sadly.

Sorry mate you beat me to it by about 5 seconds 555

6 minutes ago, Jimjim1 said:

Sorry mate you beat me to it by about 5 seconds 555

Never mind !

Just now, Thingamabob said:

Never mind !

Thanks

Reminds me how I met my wife ........... she goosed me !

Common carp will do the job.  If you can figure out a way to prevent them being poached before they can eat everything in sight. 

I never eat Geese, are they good to eat? If so, a restaurant could add them to his menu . . .

On 8/29/2025 at 5:52 AM, Look Chang said:

I never eat Geese, are they good to eat? If so, a restaurant could add them to his menu . . .

Yes they are nice to eat with red cabbage & crisp greens,the eggs are great too,

On 8/28/2025 at 12:33 AM, cowellandrew said:

We have them in the centre of Manchester uk,  along a canal system,

They do also produce a lot of waste,

🤣

 

So, Canadians have immigrated to the UK?

 

Got a lot of them down here in the U.S. of A. too!