Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Tourist Police in Chiang Mai have arrested seven people accused of illegally selling pigeons food, at Tha Phae Gate after a confrontation with foreign tourists went viral online, prompting concerns over public nuisance and the city’s tourism image. The suspects were detained on 25 December 2025 and charged with causing public disturbance before being handed over to Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station for legal proceedings.

 

The case emerged after a video circulated widely on social media showing an argument between tourists and individuals selling bird feed at the Tha Phae Gate plaza, a major tourist landmark in Chiang Mai province. The footage sparked public criticism and debate, with many questioning the impact of such activities on visitors and the reputation of the historic site.

 

According to Pol Col Phitsanu Triamdii, Superintendent of Tourist Police Division 2, Region 2, an investigation team was immediately dispatched to verify the facts. The operation was led by Pol Lt Col Avirut Sukyaem, an investigation inspector from the same division, who deployed officers to inspect the Tha Phae Gate area. As a result, seven Thai nationals were found to be secretly selling pigeon food and were arrested on charges of causing public nuisance.

 

Further investigation identified the individual seen arguing with tourists in the video as a woman referred to as Ms Joom. After the video was released, she did not return to the Tha Phae Gate area, prompting police to track her down at a temple elsewhere in Chiang Mai province. Ms Joom admitted she was the person in the clip and expressed regret over the incident.

 

Pol Col Phitsanu also stated that officers met with the tourists involved in the confrontation to gather detailed accounts and ensure the response addressed the issue accurately. The tourists reportedly praised and thanked the Tourist Police for their swift action and attentive care, noting it improved their sense of safety and confidence while visiting Chiang Mai.

 

The incident has highlighted ongoing challenges in managing unauthorised activities at popular tourist attractions. Authorities acknowledged that illegal pigeon feeding can create sanitation issues, disturb visitors and lead to conflicts, undermining the overall tourist experience at key heritage sites.

 

Khoasod reported that police confirmed that a coordinated effort will continue between Tourist Police, Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station, and Chiang Mai City municipal officers. Regular patrols and inspections will be carried out in a systematic and ongoing manner to prevent further illegal pigeon feeding at major tourist locations, including Tha Phae Gate.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Seven people were arrested on 25 December 2025 for illegally selling pigeon food at Tha Phae Gate and causing public nuisance.

• Police identified and questioned the woman seen in the viral video, who admitted involvement and apologised.

• Authorities plan sustained joint patrols to protect Chiang Mai’s tourism image and prevent repeat incidents.

 

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-12-26

 

23 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

As a result, seven Thai nationals were found to be secretly selling pigeon food and were arrested on charges of causing public nuisance.

 

Verry good, just get rid of theflying flthe flying rats.

        Disgusting filthy disease ridden animals  in UK we call them "rats with wings" its illegal to feed them in most places  in Manchester for example there is a £100 instant on the spot fine   and quite right too, astonishingly people still try to feed the vermin.

        Pidgeon excrement is particularly dangerous, When discovered in buildings it is subject to stringent safety measures as onerous as those applied when Asbestos is discovered, Ie Completely evacuate the area ,  then erect a full airtight enclosure around it with negative air pressure to prevent any particles escaping, then commence removal using licensed specialist contractors wearing Hazchem type protection , and with access to decontamination units 

          The filthy pests need completely exterminating world wide

          

On 12/26/2025 at 10:23 AM, Georgealbert said:

The tourists reportedly praised and thanked the Tourist Police for their swift action and attentive care, noting it improved their sense of safety and confidence while visiting Chiang Mai.

Of course they did     lol

On 12/27/2025 at 3:33 AM, Bday Prang said:

it improved their sense of safety and confidence while visiting Chiang Mai.

 

And please dont come back.  No offense intended     

That could be quite the earner... 

 

Sell the tourists pigeon food, then fine them 20,000 baht for feeding the pigeons.  That's what the signs around Bangkok say.  20,000 baht fine.

 

Of course, that neglects the scammy nature of how they "convince" the tourists to pay for the free pigeon food.  That's been a time honored scam forever.