Chiang Mai – Rarely seen images reveal Tha Phae Gate plaza strikingly empty as tens of thousands of pigeons have nearly all disappeared. Residents flock to praise officials after a strict crackdown on pigeon food vendors, who were not just fined at the police station but sent to court. Calls have been made for continued serious enforcement.
On 9 March 2026, reporters at the multi-purpose plaza near Tha Phae Gate, Mueang Chiang Mai District, observed that officials from multiple agencies—including tourist police and municipal officers from Chiang Mai City Municipality—have been intensifying crackdowns on pigeon food vendors at Tha Phae Gate. These vendors had been engaging in behaviors considered harassment and nuisance to tourists continuously.
Recently, scenes at Tha Phae Gate plaza have appeared unlike anything seen in years. Today, the plaza looks open and clear, with the once large flocks of thousands of pigeons almost entirely gone along with the pigeon food vendors. Tha Phae Gate has returned to a quiet and cleaner state. Only a few vendors remain on the right side of the Tha Phae Gate wall, scattering bird feed to attract small groups of pigeons for tourists, a stark contrast to last week when pigeons crowded the entire area.
Local residents said that the group of pigeon food vendors has disappeared for nearly a week now. Without the food, most pigeons have also left, moving on to find food elsewhere instead of gathering in large flocks as before.
“The near-complete disappearance of pigeon food vendors is believed to result from stricter enforcement. Recently, the police have taken a firm stance by sending offenders directly to court rather than just fining them at the station. Some caught vendors have had to spend a night in detention before their court appearance the next day. It seems many have become afraid of being held overnight and have gradually disappeared,” a source said.
The disappearance of the pigeons has positively impacted the city’s tourism image and hygiene standards. Locals hope authorities will continue such serious enforcement consistently to maintain this improved condition.