Chiang Rai Times is a non-profit English news site that has shared local, regional, and global stories since 2007, helping expats, tourists, and locals stay informed in Chiang Rai and beyond.
Set in the green mountains of Chiang Rai, near the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, the Golden Triangle draws visitors and long-term residents from around the world. Because of that mix, clear English-language news matters. Expats, travelers, business owners, and English-speaking locals need updates they can trust, from city policies and local business shifts to tourism news and major world events.
That’s where the Chiang Rai Times comes in. Often described as the only consistent English-language news source centered on Northern Thailand, especially Chiang Rai Province, it runs as a non-profit online outlet under CTN News. For close to two decades, it has filled a gap left by larger media that rarely cover the far north in depth.
Founding and early growth
The Chiang Rai Times launched in 2007 as an independent, non-profit English news portal. At the time, Chiang Rai was gaining more global attention, driven by tourism, border trade, and a growing expat population. So the need for reliable reporting in English kept rising.
From the start, the site focused on stories that affected daily life in the area. It covered local and regional news, while also sharing international headlines that mattered to residents. Early reporting included politics, business updates, community events, and tourism features across Chiang Rai Province. Instead of chasing national trends, it highlighted local stories that Bangkok-focused outlets often missed.
As the 2010s began, the platform expanded into a broader online resource. It added classifieds, business listings, and travel guides. That online-first direction helped as print readership dropped and more people turned to the web. Today, the site reaches over a million readers each year and posts weekly updates in a clear, reader-friendly style.
A rare English news source for the upper north
Northern Thailand includes Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Phayao, and other provinces with strong local cultures and a steady English-speaking audience. Still, dedicated English reporting in the region remains limited.
While Chiang Mai has long-running publications such as Chiang Mai Citylife (founded in 1991), few outlets keep a steady focus on Chiang Rai and the upper north the way the Chiang Rai Times does. National English newspapers like the Bangkok Post and The Nation tend to offer only light regional coverage. Other digital outlets, including The Thaiger, cover Thailand more broadly, yet they don’t provide the same Chiang Rai-centered reporting.
Because of that, the Chiang Rai Times has become a key English news source for Thailand’s northernmost province. It helps non-Thai speakers understand local issues, including air quality, river pollution, community events, and economic changes.
A focus on clear, timely reporting
The Chiang Rai Times puts accuracy and speed first, while keeping its reporting straightforward. In March 2024, the outlet introduced a refreshed digital platform to improve the reading experience and widen its coverage. Editor-in-Chief Somsak Jitman described the update as part of meeting modern reader needs while keeping strong standards.
Coverage includes:
- Local politics and public policy in Chiang Rai
- Business and the local economy, including agriculture and tourism
- Community life, including social events and cultural activities
- Tourism features temples, hill tribes, and nature sites
- Regional and global news that connects back to Northern Thailand
Because it operates as a non-profit, the outlet can keep its attention on public service instead of commercial pressure. At the same time, it supports local businesses and community events while protecting editorial independence.
Long-running coverage that supports the region
Over the years, the Chiang Rai Times has reported on major moments in Northern Thailand. It has tracked environmental problems, border trade changes, and tourism’s return after the pandemic. It has also shared stories that highlight Chiang Rai’s identity, from Lanna-era temples to the diversity of hill tribe communities, helping introduce the province to readers worldwide.
With millions of annual views, the platform also shapes how people see the region. As a result, it supports tourism interest and encourages informed discussion among residents, newcomers, and visitors.
Journalists and the editorial team
The Chiang Rai Times works with a committed group of contributors who care about Northern Thailand. Bylines change over time, yet the outlet regularly partners with local and regional reporters who understand the area and its people.
Editor-in-Chief Anna Wong oversees daily operations, with a focus on accuracy and fresh ways to share news online. The site also publishes work from writers familiar with Southeast Asian issues, which helps strengthen context and credibility.
Overall, the team mixes local reporting with curated international stories, while keeping Chiang Rai-centered coverage as the priority.
Chiang Rai Times Awards and Recognition
The Chiang Rai Times has received positive attention for its role in regional media. In 2023, it earned recognition as a winner in the Media Innovator Awards, highlighting its approach and its long service to Northern Thailand journalism.
Readers often praise the outlet for making local news easy to follow, while also connecting it to bigger stories. Just as important, its steady work since 2007 has helped build trust with the community.
What’s next
As Chiang Rai changes through eco-tourism growth, sustainable farming, and cross-border projects, the Chiang Rai Times plans to keep reporting with clarity and care. Its recent site updates also set the stage for wider reach and more interactive options.
With misinformation spreading quickly online, this non-profit news source continues to focus on fact-based reporting for English speakers across Northern Thailand.
For current stories, visit chiangraitimes.com or follow CTN News on social media. The Chiang Rai Times remains proof that community-first journalism can stay strong online.
