CHIANG MAI – A historic canal saw a new addition last Thursday when city officials released ten geese near Chiang Mai Gate. This week-long trial hopes to reduce the green algae and thick vegetation that have built up in the water.
As word spread, crowds of families, children, and seniors appeared at the canal to see the geese, turning the area into a busy spot for photos. While the sight has delighted many, some locals worry about heavier traffic, scarce parking, and possible pollution from the geese themselves.
The geese provide a light-hearted sight as they swim through the old city’s water. “I brought my grandkids along to look at the birds,” shared Somsri Kaewmanee, a local woman enjoying the afternoon as her grandchildren laughed beside her.
“It almost feels like a farm in the middle of town!” The geese are kept in a bamboo pen by the water, drawing steady crowds. Social media quickly filled with cheerful pictures and playful comments.
On Facebook, former candidate Teerawuth Kaewfong encouraged neighbours to “enjoy a little break from the usual news” and pointed out that the water’s green tint probably inspired the experiment.
Geese Draw Complaints Over Parking
The project has not pleased everyone. The stream of visitors has caused jams around Chiang Mai Gate, with cars pausing for photos and people parking on tight side roads.
Vendor Arun Srisuk, who sells nearby, lamented, “It’s chaos by evening. Cars stop anywhere they want, and there’s nowhere left to park.” Events took a turn when several geese wandered onto the street, holding up traffic while city workers guided them back to their enclosure.
Health concerns have also come up. Some residents fear that goose droppings could spoil the water further instead of helping it clear up. “The moat’s dirty enough already,” said Patcharee Boonmee, a local.
“Now they’re adding more mess? It doesn’t add up.” Chiang Mai’s Mayor, Atsani Buranupakorn, responded by quoting wildlife experts who believe that goose droppings feed the fish. The city also plans to place 40,000 fish in the moat to support the effort.
The mayor explained that fish help keep the ecosystem healthy and mentioned plans for a larger, more secure space for the geese, aiming to stop any more escapes.
Online discussion is lively. Some just call it a distraction, suggesting it ignores bigger issues with wastewater. Others welcome the fresh approach and praise the geese for eating algae and other invasive plants.
Chiang Mai News reported that sanitation officials view the project as a test, waiting for results before possibly increasing the number of geese.
City leaders remain hopeful but are paying attention to feedback. Mayor Buranupakorn said the situation is under review and promised that if the birds help, there could soon be more. At the same time, the city is looking into ways to ease traffic and might set up special viewing or parking areas.
As the first week draws to a close, the geese have become popular in Chiang Mai. Whether this animal crew will stay for good or remain a one-off is still unclear. For now, the geese have stirred up both happiness and debate in the heart of the city.
