CHIANG RAI – On 31 December, a group of field reporters and independent news outlets in Chiang Rai Province came together to form a citizen media network called Chiang Rai Watch.
The network was set up to push for progress on big structural issues in the province. It also invited parliamentary candidates and political parties to share their vision on five key topics that will shape Chiang Rai’s future and long-term sustainability.
Chiang Rai Watch explained that the idea grew out of ongoing local reporting. Over time, the group saw that Chiang Rai’s problems are complex and closely linked. No single agency or civic group can solve them alone, so the network wants stronger cooperation with policymakers and political representatives.
The network began sending letters to parliamentary candidates and political parties, inviting them to join a process focused on sharing plans and comparing policies. Chiang Rai Watch said it will act as a neutral platform, linking political visions with people in the province.
At the centre of this work are five urgent issues that the network says affect daily life and the survival of Chiang Rai residents. The group is calling for clear, practical responses from candidates and parties on each issue.
Issue 1: Water resources
The first issue is water, with a focus on secure access to safe drinking water and water for everyday use. The group also highlighted toxic contamination in major rivers in the province, including the Sai River, the Ruak River, the Kok River, and the Mekong. Scientific reports have confirmed chemical and heavy metal pollution linked to mining activities in neighbouring countries. Chiang Rai Watch said this clashes with the province’s “safe food city” policy.
Issue 2: Security
The second issue is security, covering safety in border areas and the spread of illegal money. This includes drugs and cross-border crime, as well as fraud networks and money laundering. The group warned that these forces can seep into the local economy, distort it, and harm residents directly.
Issue 3: Economy and livelihoods
The third issue is the economy and livelihoods. Chiang Rai is often promoted as a destination for agro-tourism and health tourism, yet residents still face PM2.5 dust and long-term pollution in soil and water.
Chiang Rai Watch raised concerns about how economic growth and border trade can move forward without placing more environmental burdens on local communities.
Issue 4: Politics and democracy
The fourth issue focuses on politics and democracy. Chiang Rai Watch wants closer scrutiny of campaign funding sources, the risk of vote buying, and the use of influence from informal business networks. The group said these factors can weaken election integrity and damage people’s long-term interests.
Issue 5: Culture and the arts
The fifth issue is culture and the arts. The network questioned how Chiang Rai can better support artists and creative workers so they can build stable careers. It argued that being an “art city” should be more than an image or tourism slogan.
A representative of Chiang Rai Watch said the aim is to create a neutral space where parliamentary candidates can speak plainly about the issues the province is facing. All information and responses will be shared openly, and the next step will be a public forum where residents can ask questions directly.
Chiang Rai Watch also said it wants to shift the political mood from simply “listening to policies” to “building commitments with the public”. The network sees this election as a starting point for serious problem-solving, with a focus on a sustainable future for the people of Chiang Rai.
