In Chiang Mai, despite arrests, pigeon food vendors are back at Tha Phae Gate, scattering more food than before and attracting flocks of thousands. Medical experts emphasize these birds carry meningitis and other infections that can be fatal.
On 5 Jan 2026 in Chiang Mai, reporters observed that the issue of unauthorized pigeon food sellers at the multipurpose plaza near Tha Phae Gate remains unresolved. The problem causes filth from bird droppings and some vendors behave like territorial mafias, harassing tourists who refuse to buy food or take photos, damaging the tourism image. Authorities had recently cracked down with arrests on 25 Dec 2025, but the vendors remain undeterred.
Today (5 Jan), the same group continues to occupy the area, hawking pigeon food and persistently urging tourists to use their photo services, showing no fear of the law or officials.
Reporters also found that the amount of food scattered to lure pigeons has increased significantly, drawing flocks numbering in the thousands. The growing bird population not only dirties the area and spreads foul odors but also raises concerns about public health safety.
Local residents near Tha Phae Plaza say the problem of illicit pigeon food sellers—known locally as the “pigeon gang”—has persisted for years. Despite repeated enforcement actions by authorities, these groups show no regard for the law, disappearing briefly after arrests only to return and resume their activities.
Previously, Dr. Songyot Kamchai, head of the Communicable Disease Control Group at Chiang Mai Public Health Office, warned against close contact with large numbers of pigeons. He explained that pigeons can easily transmit respiratory infections, especially in the winter when pathogens spread more readily. Pigeons are carriers of three major diseases, including pigeon cryptococcosis caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans found in their droppings. Inhalation of this fungus can severely affect the lungs and spread through the bloodstream to other organs, causing fever, headaches, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, unconsciousness, and potentially death, particularly in immunocompromised or weak individuals who are up to 1,000 times more vulnerable than healthy people.
Pigeons also carry meningitis, commonly caused by exposure to pigeon droppings contaminated with viruses and bacteria. Bacterial meningitis can be severe, leading to seizures, unconsciousness, paralysis, and death.