In Chiang Mai, the more authorities arrest the pigeon food-selling gang, the more they continue selling. The same group is back at their usual spot at Tha Phae Gate, scattering even more food to lure pigeons—gathering flocks numbering in the thousands. Medical professionals emphasize these birds are carriers of meningitis and infections that can be life-threatening.
On 5 Jan 2026 in Chiang Mai, reporters observed that the problem of people secretly selling pigeon food at the multifunctional plaza near Tha Phae Gate in Mueang Chiang Mai District remains unresolved. The area is dirty with bird droppings, and some sellers act like territorial mafias, harassing tourists who do not buy bird food or refuse photo services. This harms the tourism image. Despite strict enforcement and arrests on 25 Dec 2025, the group remains undeterred.
Most recently, on 5 Jan, the same individuals continue occupying the area to hawk bird food and persistently pressure tourists to use their photo services, showing no fear of the law or authorities.
Reporters also found that these sellers have increased the amount of food scattered to lure pigeons, attracting flocks numbering over a thousand. This growing bird population not only dirties the area and creates a pervasive foul smell but also raises concerns about public health safety.
Local residents near Tha Phae plaza said the issue of illegal pigeon food sellers, locally known as the “pigeon gang,” has persisted for years. Although authorities have repeatedly arrested and cracked down on them, these individuals persistently ignore regulations and resume their activities shortly after enforcement, disappearing only for a few days before returning.
Previously, Dr. Songyot Kamchai, head of the Communicable Disease Control Group at Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office, warned against approaching areas densely populated by pigeons. There is a high risk of inhaling pathogens, especially in the winter season when infections spread more easily, increasing exposure. Pigeons are carriers of three major diseases: pigeon fungal disease caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans found in pigeon droppings. Inhaling this fungus directly affects the lungs and can spread through the bloodstream to other organs, causing fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, unconsciousness, and can be fatal—especially in immunocompromised or weak individuals who are 1,000 times more susceptible than healthy people.
Pigeons also carry meningitis, a common disease transmitted by contact with pigeon droppings containing viruses and bacteria. Bacterial infections can cause severe symptoms such as seizures, loss of consciousness, paralysis, and death.