Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

Pigeon feed sellers have returned to Chiang Mai's Tha Phae Gate today, January 5, rekindling hygiene and tourism concerns. We spotted the previously arrested group selling pigeon feed again, urging tourists to pay for photos with the birds. This behaviour continues, despite police actions and health warnings about the risks associated with large pigeon populations.

The sellers have resumed their activities in the open plaza of Tha Phae Gate, Mueang district, attracting even more pigeons with significant amounts of feed. This has resulted in an increased number of birds, causing droppings to accumulate and creating unpleasant odours that affect the cleanliness of the tourist hotspot. Local residents report this recurring issue has remained unresolved for years.

Residents complain that after arrests, the same individuals, known as the 'pigeon gang', typically return in a few days. These sellers allegedly intimidate tourists who decline to buy feed or photo services, which locals claim tarnishes Chiang Mai’s tourism image. Even after recent arrests on December 25, their presence and activities persist unabated.

Health officials continue to warn about serious health risks from pigeon droppings, particularly during cooler months. Dr. Songyot Khamchai from the Chiang Mai Public Health Office highlights that pigeon droppings contain pathogens that pose infection risks. Diseases like cryptococcosis, linked to these birds, can start in the lungs and lead to severe health complications.

The potential spread of meningitis from contaminated droppings further raises health alarms, with symptoms such as seizures and paralysis possibly resulting. The situation at Chiang Mai underscores the urgent need for effective solutions to protect tourists and maintain public health standards, reported The Thaiger.

Key Takeaways

• Pigeon feed sellers return to Chiang Mai, defying previous arrests.

• Health risks from pigeon droppings continue to concern officials.

• Locals say the 'pigeon gang' damages Chiang Mai’s tourism reputation.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2026-01-06

 

 

Pigeons ,, "Rats with wings" !

I have about 30 pigeons living on my house. They create a heck of a mess. I have to keep spraying the solar panels off. I'd love to get rid of them but the wife is against killing them.

3 months in jail... that'll stop them

3 hours ago, rwill said:

I have about 30 pigeons living on my house. They create a heck of a mess. I have to keep spraying the solar panels off. I'd love to get rid of them but the wife is against killing them.

I don't know the arrangement of your solar panels or if the solution I used will work but allow me to explain. I have a small lanai with 2 air conditioner compressors, and the birds loved making a mess on top of them as they sit on the support structures above. I considered a number of lethal solutions but decided against that because it's probably illegal. So, I decided to try a snake, the kind you buy at a cheap novelty store of which some are wood or plastic or material, all of which are about 100 baht (maybe cheaper if you shop around). I tried one snake hanging from the support structure and noticed that the birds would hang out on the other side away from the snake and still making a mess. I bought a 2nd snake and put on the other side and then the birds would hang out up high in the middle and I could see them looking at the snakes. The final solution was to buy a 3rd snake and put it up high in the middle. BINGO!! Haven't seen a bird (or the mess) on my lanai in at least 10 years. Maybe fake snakes will work in your situation. It won't cost you much to try.

4 hours ago, rwill said:

I have about 30 pigeons living on my house. They create a heck of a mess. I have to keep spraying the solar panels off. I'd love to get rid of them but the wife is against killing them.

Forgot to mention, if you try fake snakes to see if it works be sure forewarn any maintenance people about the snakes. My aircon service guy said he almost had a heart attack when he saw the snakes.

someone needs to remind Chiang Mai City Council of the developing threat of H5N1 Avian Inluenza and its devestating effects on humans.

On 1/7/2026 at 10:53 AM, rwill said:

I have about 30 pigeons living on my house. They create a heck of a mess. I have to keep spraying the solar panels off. I'd love to get rid of them but the wife is against killing them.

option 1 get a pellet gun and then send her shopping !

option 2 grow a pair... and hand her the hose ..

( 1st .... just quietly dissconect the panels and blame the outage on the flying rats ..

I'm sure after her blow dryer won't work and she can't charge her phone things will change

I saw a condo in Pattaya with a pair of these on the balcony, not a single pigeon anywhere near their place, plenty ion other balcony’s.

On 1/6/2026 at 11:03 AM, webfact said:

after arrests, the same individuals, known as the 'pigeon gang', typically return in a few days. These sellers allegedly intimidate tourists who decline to buy feed

Make them eat whatever pigeon feed they've got on them.

Though it probably won't taste worse that what they normally eat. Which is probably pigeon.

38 minutes ago, Packer said:

Make them eat whatever pigeon feed they've got on them.

Though it probably won't taste worse that what they normally eat. Which is probably pigeon.

Nothing wrong with pigeon, tastes like any other chicken

6 minutes ago, Slowhand225 said:

Nothing wrong with pigeon, tastes like any other chicken

You too have been to KFC.

12 hours ago, Packer said:

You too have been to KFC.

I have not ever been.
We grew up eating them