Culture
Ministry of Interior Approves Village and Temple Name Changes in Chiang Mai
The Thai Ministry of Interior has officially approved requests to rename two villages and one temple in Chiang Mai province to better reflect local history and community identity.
On September 11, 2026, the Thai Ministry of Interior held a committee meeting to review requests for renaming administrative locations. During the session, chaired by Deputy Permanent Secretary Santithorn Yimlamai, officials approved the renaming of two villages in Chiang Mai province: Ban Pa Daet and Ban Mae Om Long. Additionally, the committee authorized the renaming of a local religious site, changing 'Wat Ban Siao' to 'Wat Pa Siao Kao.'
According to Khaosod Online, these changes were proposed to resolve issues regarding duplicate names and to ensure that the official designations align more accurately with the historical context and the current way of life of the local communities. The meeting involved representatives from various government bodies, including the Office of the Royal Society, the Department of Provincial Administration, and the National Office of Buddhism, ensuring that the administrative adjustments met official standards.
For residents and travelers, these updates mean that maps, signage, and official documents for these specific locations in Chiang Mai will be updated to reflect the new names. While the administrative approval has been granted, those planning to visit these areas should verify the updated names on local navigation apps or official signage, as physical updates to infrastructure may take time to implement following the formal announcement.
