This was my first time joining a ride with PEKETUM after three months of planning and saving. Mad Duha and I have been cycling together since 2014, and he’s even one of the pioneers of RAKAP BESI. The long-awaited day finally arrived—15 Ketum warriors reported for duty at the Bukit Kayu Hitam–Dannok border.
Why we choose Chiang Mai? Well, Chiang Mai nestled in the mountainous north of Thailand, Chiang Mai is a city where ancient traditions meet modern challenges. Founded in 1296 by King Mengrai, Chiang Mai was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, a powerful state whose influence shaped northern Thai culture for centuries. The city’s name means “New City,” marking its emergence as a strategic and spiritual center after replacing Chiang Rai as the capital.
Chiang Mai’s Old City, still surrounded by remnants of its original moat and defensive walls, offers a glimpse into its medieval past. Within this square-shaped district lie over 300 Buddhist temples, more than any other city in Thailand. Among the most revered are Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, perched on a mountain overlooking the city, and Wat Chedi Luang, home to a towering chedi that once housed the Emerald Buddha.
The city’s architecture and urban planning reflect ancient Tai beliefs, with cardinal directions and spiritual harmony guiding its layout. In fact, Chiang Mai was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 for its cultural landscape and historical significance.
Beyond its temples, Chiang Mai is known for its vibrant festivals. The Yi Peng Lantern Festival and Loy Krathong in November transform the city into a glowing wonderland, as thousands of lanterns float into the sky and candle-lit baskets drift down rivers. These celebrations are deeply rooted in Lanna traditions and continue to draw global visitors.
We journeyed for seven days by bicycle and train, pushing ourselves despite Thai media reporting that Chiang Mai was experiencing severe flooding. In recent months, Chiang Mai has faced a series of challenges that underscore the tension between heritage and modernity. The Ping River, which flows through Chiang Mai, breached its banks during the storm, inundating homes, businesses, and even hospitals. Authorities scrambled to erect sandbag barriers and evacuate residents, while Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra oversaw emergency drainage efforts.
Meanwhile, environmental concerns have intensified due to illegal rare earth mining in neighboring Myanmar. Satellite images revealed extensive damage in Shan State, with toxic chemicals from mining operations contaminating rivers that flow into northern Thailand—including the Kok and Sai Rivers, which affect Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces. These pollutants pose serious health risks and threaten agriculture, fisheries, and local livelihoods. At the same time, Thai and Cambodian forces were reportedly engaged in border disputes.
Nevertheless, we safely returned to Perlis after seven days of adventure in that uniquely captivating country.
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