The Cabinet approved amendments to the Chiang Mai master plan to allow private land within certain forest conservation areas of Wiang Haeng and Galyani Vadhana districts to be used for commercial purposes, supporting the local economy and tourism.
On 21 July 2026, Ms. Lalida Pertvivattana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the Cabinet approved a draft announcement from the Ministry of Interior to amend the ministerial regulations enforcing the 2012 Chiang Mai provincial master plan. The amendment adjusts land use regulations in parts of Wiang Haeng and Galyani Vadhana districts to reflect changes in the area and development direction, allowing privately owned or lawfully possessed forest conservation land to be used for commercial purposes under specified conditions.
The Deputy Spokesperson said the amendment covers parts of Piang Luang, Saen Hai, and Mueang Haeng subdistricts in Wiang Haeng, as well as Ban Chan, Chaem Luang, and Mae Daet subdistricts in Galyani Vadhana. It expands permitted land uses from agriculture, agriculture-related activities, and single-family residences to include single-building commercial use, provided it does not involve land subdivision or large-scale buildings.
This update arose because the 2012 ministerial regulation enforcing the Chiang Mai master plan has been in effect for a long time, while economic, social, environmental conditions, and land use patterns have changed. Some original provisions no longer align with current realities and public needs, necessitating adjustments to allow lawful landowners to use their land appropriately and support economic, service, and tourism activities in the community.
The process received approval from the City Planning Committee and included a 30-day public consultation from 4 November to 6 December 2024. No comments or objections were submitted regarding the proposed amendments. Subsequently, the Committee acknowledged the consultation results and approved proceeding with further steps.
The Deputy Spokesperson added that this approach aligns with Northern development frameworks aimed at positioning Chiang Mai as a hub for creative economy, tourism, Lanna culture, and trade connections with countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion and South Asia, while balancing natural resource, watershed forest, and environmental conservation alongside development.
However, permitting commercial activities does not mean unrestricted forest land use. The amendment applies only to land lawfully owned or possessed by private entities, and all activities must comply strictly with laws, regulations, and Cabinet resolutions related to forestry, natural resources, environment, buildings, and land use control to prevent forest encroachment and uphold the conservation intent of forest protected areas.
Additionally, the Ministry of Interior must incorporate relevant agency feedback to supervise land use rigorously, ensuring no impact on forests or conservation areas, while considering water systems according to the Ping River basin plan to avoid altering or obstructing water flows, which could affect flood and drought management.
“This master plan amendment balances natural resource protection with enabling citizens to use their land suitably according to local conditions, supporting small entrepreneurs, community businesses, services, and tourism, generating income and spreading economic opportunities in Wiang Haeng and Galyani Vadhana districts. All activities must comply with laws and avoid harming forests, the environment, and public interests,” she said.