Newsletter • Connecting Our Community

From the President’s Desk

Greetings dear members,

It’s wonderful to see the Chiang Mai Expats Club evolving in such positive ways. As many of you know from recent updates, we’re working hard to revitalise our events and deepen community engagement — especially through our first-Saturday breakfast buffet at Duke’s in Ruamchok and our monthly Expat Connection meetings.

One meaningful addition has been our Newcomers’ Table, hosted by generous members like Mr. Ken Keach and others. It’s become a warm and welcoming space for new arrivals navigating life in Chiang Mai. Attendance has been strong, and I thank all of you who’ve helped make our new members feel at home.

Looking ahead, our calendar remains vibrant. If you plan to attend the next Duke’s buffet — which begins at 9:30 AM — I encourage you to reserve your spot via the club website, as spaces fill quickly.  And of course, our Expat Connection meet-ups at the Duangtawan Hotel offer a welcoming alternative where informal conversations and shared interests thrive.

Most importantly, I want to reflect on our shared purpose. Our mission — “Expats helping Expats” — is about sharing essential knowledge and support around banking, immigration, housing, driving, insurance, and healthcare. Whether you’ve been here a decade or just arrived, your experience is valuable. Please don’t hesitate to join our sub-groups, attend events, or reach out on our website or the Chiang Mai Expats Club Facebook group.

Together, we’re building a community that is welcoming, resourceful, and sustainable — and it’s thanks to each of you.

Warmly,
Robert Brake
President, Chiang Mai Expats Club

Member Exclusive Offers

We’re revamping member perks—bringing clarity and real value to offers from sponsors and other local businesses to bring added value to members. Your new digital card opens the door.

All offers are exclusively available to Chiang Mai Expats Club members.

Not a member yet? Join now →

Please confirm availability or terms directly with participating businesses. Offers may change and are presented in good faith.

Club Updates

Website Development

Over the past few months, our team has been working hard behind the scenes to improve the Chiang Mai Expats Club’s digital infrastructure. While many of these efforts have remained invisible until now, we’re pleased to finally share some exciting progress.

When we first evaluated the state of our website, it was clear that years of well-intentioned but conflicting updates—especially attempts to add paywalls and other features—had left the system unstable, slow, and increasingly difficult to manage. Our first priority was to stabilize the site, and then begin laying the foundation for something better.

While the new website is still in progress, we’re now at a point where we can start introducing new features directly into the existing platform. These improvements are the first visible steps toward a faster, more modern, and more maintainable online home for CEC.

Introduction of E-Membership Cards

Just as significant is the work we’ve done on the member list. For quite some time, we’ve been managing four separate member databases, which made it difficult to ensure everyone had a valid member ID. We’re proud to say that these lists have now been consolidated into a single, unified system—and we’re finally able to offer members something we’ve long hoped for: a downloadable digital member card.

Getting your card is simple: just send a message from your registered email address. You can find full instructions on this page:

In future updates, we’ll be sharing more about how your digital member card can be used, and how we’re working to make your membership even more valuable.

Upcoming Events

Chiang Mai Photographers/CMPG Meeting

📅 Wednesday, August 6, 2023 – 10:00 AM
📍 Payap Life Long Learning Center
💰 Free

This meeting will include sharing and discussing Night and Low Light images taken by attendees. Chiang Mai Photographers/CMPG is a group dedicated to bringing together individuals that share a passion for photography. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a beginner just starting out, our meetings will provide an engaging environment where you can learn, share tips and tricks, and review each other’s work. Join the group Facebook page for more information and updates. Payap requests attendees register at View details

Gin Jing Gin Food Festival

📅  August 6-12, 2025
📍 Airport Plaza

A 90's-inspired food festival featuring over 70 renowned restaurants from across Thailand and a lineup of celebrities, including Ko Ped, Trang Grilled Pork Buns, Pa Thep's Chinese Pastries, and more.

Film Night at Alliance Francaise

📅 Friday, August 8, 2025 – 8:00 PM
📍 Alliance Francaise

The term "kompromat" refers to a form of blackmail used by the Russian authorities to gain leverage over individuals, and it's a concept at the heart of this event.  More info culture.afchiangmai@alliance-francaise.or.th

Chiang Mai Farmer’s Market at META Mall

📅  August 8-12, 2025 – 3:00 to 9:00 PM
📍 META Mall

Paul Burger is coming to the Chiangmai Farmers’ Market: Farm in the City at META MALL. Chill farm vibes right in the heart of the city — and yes, it’s Pet Friendly! We’re not just bringing you our juicy burgers, we’ve got exciting news to share… Paul Burger is opening a new branch at Meta Mall this September! Come get a sneak taste of what’s to come! Featuring the Philly Cheesesteak and of course our fan-favorite, BBQ Pork Ribs. All served with smiles and the warm, welcoming vibes you’ve come to love. See you there!

Expat Night Market at Anusarn Building

📅 Saturday, August 9, 2025 – 5:00 PM
📍 Anusarn Building

An international community market in Chiang Mai, providing a welcoming space for people to connect, featuring a wide variety of food and beverages, engaging cultural activities, and live music in a relaxed evening atmosphere. Fun atmosphere, with global and local friends. Held monthly on the second weekend of each month.

Wine Tasting at Le Crystal Restaurant

📅 Saturday, August 9, 2025 – 6:00 PM
📍 Le Crystal Restaurant
💰 1,200 THB net per person. Early bird payments receive a special price of 1,000 THB net per person.

Le Crystal Restaurant, in collaboration with Vanichwathana Company, invites you to join national wine experts for a special wine-tasting event designed to enhance your wine knowledge. Enjoy an engaging presentation by national wine sommelier Professor Thira Weerawan, who will guide you through six carefully selected wines from different countries. Each wine will be paired with a curated selection of canapés and reception-style dishes. Limited seating.  Live music jazz band: 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm.

Organic Longan Chef’s Table

📅 Saturday, August 9, 2025 – 5:30 PM
📍 The Gad Lanna Restaurant, InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping Hotel

Indulge in an exclusive dinner featuring organic longan, a local product of Chiang Mai. This culinary experience is crafted by chefs from three AWC Chiang Mai hotels, in collaboration with Chiang Mai University and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation. Discover over 7 exquisite menu items, including: Crisp Shell Spring Roll of Blue Swimmer Crab & Longan, River Prawn Ceviche with Longan Essence, and Pithiviers of Duck. View details

Grand Opening of 7 Senses – The Factory

📅 Sunday, August 10, 2025 – 6:30 PM
📍 7 Senses – The Factory

Join us for the grand opening with food and drinks throughout the day and activities for the whole family. Enjoy free gelato tasting, a bouncing castle for the kids, live music, and a variety of food and drinks. We look forward to welcoming you to our new home in Hang Dong.  Sign up now via official LINE ID: @7senses  or email to 7sensesgelato@gmail.com

Mother’s Day Celebration at Melia Hotel

📅 Monday, August 11, 2025 – 6:00 PM
📍 Melia Hotel

Celebrate Thai Mother’s Day with a heartfelt dining experience. Our limited-time à la carte menu is inspired by nostalgic flavors and home-cooked comfort, elevated with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients — all served with a breathtaking Doi Suthep view.

Mothers Day at The Duke's Annual Pizza Party

📅 Tuesday, August 12, 2025
📍 The Duke's

Celebrate Thai Mother’s Day with a fun-filled pizza party at The Duke's! Enjoy free pizza, chicken fingers, and drinks while making merit. Invite your favorite children’s home and register them by emailing pr@thedukes.co.th or calling Kwan at 093 130 0799. Space is limited, so register ASAP! Email us or call for more details.

Mother's Day Celebration at Kad Kafé

📅 Tuesday, August 12, 2025 – 11:30 AM
📍 Kad Kafé

Treat your mom to an unforgettable dining experience with a sumptuous international brunch buffet featuring fresh seafood on ice, premium New Zealand beef, sushi & sashimi, live cooking stations, and a tempting dessert spread. THB 1,388 net per person, with moms dining FREE when accompanied by 3 paying adults. Every mom will also receive a complimentary cake to take home. Families can enjoy a DIY flower bouquet activity — a heartfelt touch for this special day. Kids under 12 dine FREE (1 child per paying adult). For more information and for reservations, please call (053) 253 888 or email: restaurants.slcm@shangri-la.com

Sweet Sensation: A Heartfelt Tribute to Mom

📅 Saturday, August 12, 2025 – 2:00 PM
📍 KHAO by Four Seasons Resort

This Thai Mother’s Day, celebrate the love, grace, and warmth of motherhood with an unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy our Sweet Sensation, where Mom dines with our compliments when accompanied by two paying guests (THB 1,150 net per person). Mom will also receive a complimentary jasmine garland. Early Bird Privilege: Confirm with advance payment by August 8 to receive a complimentary buffalo bathing experience for Mom (valued at THB 1,412). Create cherished memories in the heart of the Mae Rim countryside.

Excursion to Nirotharam Bhikkhuni Arama

📅 Thursday, August 14, 2025 – 8:30 AM
📍 Nirotharam Bhikkhuni Arama, Chom Thong
💰 1200 THB

Join us for a unique visit to Nirotharam Bhikkhuni Arama, the largest bhikkhuni centre in Thailand. The day includes a guided tour, a talk by an English-speaking Bhikkhuni, a Q & A session, a short meditation, and a vegetarian lunch. View details

Natural Soap Making Workshop

📅 Saturday, August 16, 2025 – 10:00 AM
📍 ättika Studio l Cafe & Gallery
💰 590 THB per person

Join our hands-on Natural Soap Making Workshop, led by Amara Soap, an expert soap maker with years of experience in crafting all-natural, eco-friendly skincare products. In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn how to make cold process soap using nourishing oils, essential oils, and botanical ingredients, completely free from harmful chemicals. Limited seats available.

Free Wooden Chopstick Carving Workshop

📅 Saturday, August 16, 2025 – 1:00 PM
📍 ättika Studio l Cafe & Gallery

In collaboration with Haan Studio, this cozy afternoon session will guide you through the basics of carving your very own pair of wooden chopsticks. Whether you're a beginner or just looking to unwind and get creative, this workshop is the perfect way to spend your Saturday. All tools and materials will be provided. Just bring yourself (and maybe a friend!) and enjoy a relaxing time with wood, tea, and good vibes.

🙏 Special thanks to Steve Yarnold for compiling Chiang Mai’s most comprehensive events listing.
See the full list here: https://tiny.cc/stevesemail

Community Groups

From morning hiking clubs to photography meetups and Thai study circles, our community groups help you connect around shared interests. Starting next issue, we’ll begin spotlighting a new group each week.

Want your group featured? Reach out to patrick@expats.cx.

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17 amazing sponsors supporting our community

View all sponsors & learn more →

Please confirm event details or promotional offers directly with our sponsors. All listings are presented in good faith and may be subject to change.

Not yet a member of the Chiang Mai Expats Club? Join today to get full access to events, member perks, and community news.

Chiang Mai Expats Club Newsletter — Prepared with ❤️ by the CEC team

This newsletter is for informational purposes only. Offers and events are subject to change. Contact sponsors directly for details.

Contact us: info@chiangmaiexpatsclub.com