Earthquakes Around Chiang Mai in 2025

In late March 2025, Chiang Mai experienced noticeable shaking due to a major earthquake that struck central Myanmar. The quake was very strong—reported around magnitude 7.7—and although its epicenter was far from Thailand, the tremors reached many northern provinces, including Chiang Mai.

Residents in the city felt the shaking clearly, especially those living in high-rise condominiums. Some buildings developed small cracks, and one older condo in the Muang district was temporarily evacuated for safety inspection. Thankfully, there were no major collapses or serious injuries reported in Chiang Mai.

After the March event, Chiang Mai continued to experience several smaller local earthquakes:

• A 4.5-magnitude quake in early June 2025 in Phrao District

• A 4.1-magnitude tremor north-northeast of Chiang Mai on the same day

• A 3.8 quake in Wiang Haeng District

• A 2.6-magnitude tremor in Mae Taeng in August 2025

These quakes were mild but noticeable in some areas, reminding people that northern Thailand does sit near regional fault lines.

Following the earthquakes, officials inspected many buildings and key infrastructure, including dams around the region. All major structures were confirmed safe. Disaster teams also reviewed emergency protocols and monitored aftershocks throughout the following weeks. Although Chiang Mai was not at the center of the March 2025 earthquake, the city still felt strong tremors. The event raised awareness about earthquake preparedness, building safety standards, and the importance of staying informed.

 

Flowers in Summer: Nature’s Brightest Season

Summer is the season of full bloom, where nature celebrates life with bold colors, warm sunshine, and sweet scents carried by the breeze. Among the most striking signs of this lively season are the flowers that burst into life across gardens, parks, meadows, and hillsides. These summer blooms add joy and beauty to every landscape, reminding us of nature’s power to inspire and uplift.

No summer flower scene is complete without the cheerful face of the sunflower. With tall stems and bright yellow petals, sunflowers turn to face the sun, symbolizing happiness and positivity. Fields of sunflowers are popular photo spots and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making them both beautiful and ecologically important.

Summer is also the time when lavender reaches its peak, especially in warm, dry climates. Its soft purple flowers and calming fragrance make it a favorite in both gardens and bouquets. Beyond its beauty, lavender is valued for its relaxing properties, often used in oils, teas, and bath products, turning a simple flower into a gift for wellness.

In warmer regions, summer brings out tropical flowers such as hibiscus, bougainvillea, and plumeria. These flowers explode with bright, exotic colors—hot pinks, fiery oranges, and electric reds—that capture the heat and energy of summer. Often found near beaches or in tropical gardens, they add an exotic touch to summer’s colorful palette.

Although roses bloom in many seasons, summer is when they flourish most abundantly. From creamy whites to deep reds, roses offer a wide spectrum of color and emotion. Whether climbing over garden fences or growing in neat rows, roses provide elegance and romance to summer landscapes and are often the centerpiece of summer weddings and celebrations.

Summer flowers play a vital role in supporting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Bright colors and sweet nectar attract these pollinators, who in turn help flowers reproduce. This natural partnership ensures biodiversity and food production, showing that flowers are not just beautiful, but also essential to life on Earth.

For gardeners, summer is a rewarding time to see their hard work bloom. With longer days and warm weather, flowers grow quickly and abundantly. Regular watering, mulching, and a bit of pruning help gardens stay vibrant. Whether you’re growing zinnias, cosmos, marigolds, or petunias, a summer garden can be both a peaceful retreat and a source of creative expression.

Flowers in summer remind us of life’s abundance, warmth, and beauty. They bloom with little reservation, soaking in the sunlight and filling the world with joy. Whether walking through a field of wildflowers or admiring a neighbor’s garden, the sights and scents of summer blossoms lift the spirit and connect us to the rhythms of nature’s most generous season.

see aslo Golden Shower Flowers

Coffee is more than just a beverage — it’s a global ritual

For many people, the day doesn’t start until they’ve had their first cup. Whether brewed at home, grabbed from a local café, or sipped slowly with friends, coffee plays a central role in morning routines and social life across cultures.

The journey of coffee begins with the humble coffee bean. Grown mainly in regions like Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, coffee plants thrive in high altitudes and tropical climates. The beans are harvested, roasted, and ground to bring out their unique flavors, which can range from bold and bitter to smooth and fruity, depending on the origin and roast.

Over time, coffee has evolved into a symbol of creativity and connection. Cafés have become hubs for study, work, and casual meetings, while coffee culture continues to grow with trends like cold brew, specialty lattes, and sustainable sourcing. For many, making the perfect cup at home has become a hobby, with tools like pour-over kits and espresso machines gaining popularity.

Beyond taste and tradition, coffee also has real effects on the mind and body. Its caffeine content provides a mental boost, improving focus and alertness. However, moderation is key — too much can lead to restlessness or poor sleep. When enjoyed mindfully, coffee is both a comforting daily habit and a shared experience that brings people together.

Symbol of Hope and Joy

A rainbow is one of nature’s most magical and fleeting displays, appearing when sunlight meets raindrops in just the right way. This beautiful arc of color forms through the refraction, reflection, and dispersion of light, creating seven distinct bands—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Often seen after a rain shower, a rainbow brings a sense of peace and wonder, reminding us that beauty can follow even the stormiest moments.

Throughout history and across cultures, the rainbow has been seen as a symbol of hope, promise, and renewal. It often appears in myths, stories, and spiritual beliefs—like the biblical promise after the great flood or the Irish legend of a pot of gold at its end. For many people, spotting a rainbow is like receiving a gentle reminder to stay optimistic and look forward to brighter days.

Rainbows continue to inspire art, music, poetry, and even science. Children often draw them with joyful strokes of color, while photographers chase them for the perfect shot. In today’s world, the rainbow has also become a symbol of diversity and inclusion, celebrating the beauty of differences united in harmony. Whether seen in the sky or used in a cause, the rainbow remains a timeless sign of wonder and unity.

Fresh from the Earth—The Beauty of a Vegetable Farm

A pumpkin farm in full bloom is a sight to behold, with golden-orange pumpkins nestled among lush green vines. Rows of sunflowers and wildflowers sway in the gentle breeze, adding vibrant colors to the landscape. The crisp autumn air carries the scent of fresh earth and blooming blossoms.

Walking through the farm, visitors can see pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, from tiny decorative ones to massive, prize-worthy gourds. Surrounding them, marigolds, dahlias, and zinnias create a beautiful contrast. The farm bursts with life as bees hum around the flowers, and butterflies dance gracefully in the golden sunlight.

Harvest season is the farm’s busiest time, with families and friends gathering to pick pumpkins and enjoy the beauty of nature. Children eagerly search for the perfect pumpkin, while others admire the colorful flower arrangements. The cheerful atmosphere, filled with laughter and joy, makes the farm a magical autumn retreat.

Farmers take pride in their work, nurturing both pumpkins and flowers to create a harmonious blend of nature’s best. They carefully tend to each plant, ensuring a bountiful harvest and stunning floral displays. Their dedication shines through in every pumpkin patch and flower bed, making the farm a true masterpiece of nature’s artistry.

As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the fields, the farm transforms into a dreamy landscape. The warm hues of pumpkins, combined with the delicate beauty of flowers, create a breathtaking scene. A visit to the farm leaves hearts full of happiness, embracing the simple joys of the season.

Urban Farming: Growing Green in the Heart of the City

Urban farming is transforming the way cities interact with food, sustainability, and community. From rooftops and balconies to abandoned lots and community plots, urban agriculture brings green life into concrete landscapes. 

As populations grow and environmental challenges rise, urban farming offers practical and hopeful solutions rooted in the soil beneath our feet—even in the heart of a bustling city.

One of the most powerful aspects of urban farming is its ability to reclaim unused or forgotten spaces. Empty rooftops, sidewalks, and narrow alleyways can be turned into thriving gardens. 

These green spaces not only produce food but also improve air quality, reduce heat, and bring color and life to gray cityscapes.

Urban farming contributes to local food production, helping reduce dependence on imported or long-distance produce. Fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruits grown within the city provide families and communities with healthier, affordable options. 

For many urban residents, especially in low-income neighborhoods, these farms fill a gap in access to fresh food.

Urban farms come in many forms—community gardens, hydroponic systems, rooftop greenhouses, vertical gardens, and even indoor setups using LED lighting. Each model adapts to space, climate, and need, showcasing the creativity and flexibility of city farming. 

Whether it's a schoolyard vegetable plot or a high-tech vertical farm, the goal is the same: grow more with less.

Urban farming is also an educational tool. Schools, NGOs, and local governments use city gardens to teach children and adults about sustainability, nutrition, and environmental stewardship. 

Many people experience gardening for the first time in these spaces, discovering how food grows and the effort it takes to bring it to the table.

Shared urban farms create opportunities for community bonding. Neighbors gather to plant, water, harvest, and share stories. People from different backgrounds connect over a common goal—growing food and taking care of the environment. 

In cities where isolation is common, community gardens offer a much-needed sense of belonging.

Spending time in an urban garden has proven benefits for both mental and physical health. Gardening reduces stress, encourages physical activity, and promotes mindfulness. 

Even small interactions with soil and plants have been shown to lift mood and improve concentration, offering a natural therapy in the midst of busy urban life.

Despite its many benefits, urban farming faces several challenges. Limited space, soil contamination, water access, policy restrictions, and lack of long-term land security can hinder progress. However, innovative techniques like raised beds, aquaponics, and rooftop irrigation are helping to overcome these obstacles step by step

Urban farming supports local economies and green jobs. From composting businesses to organic produce markets, it creates employment opportunities in agriculture, education, and food distribution. Small-scale farmers can sell produce at local markets or supply restaurants and cafes, strengthening local food systems and encouraging sustainable consumption.

Urban farming is more than a trend—it’s a movement that reimagines how we live, eat, and connect with nature. In a world facing climate change, food insecurity, and urban isolation, growing food in cities is an act of resilience and hope. Whether you're planting herbs on a balcony or volunteering at a neighborhood garden, every seed planted is a step toward a more sustainable and connected future.

Myrtle Crape (Pride of India) 🩵💛

The Myrtle Crape, often called the Pride of India (Lagerstroemia speciosa), is a stunning flowering tree known for its vibrant blooms and graceful presence. With clusters of soft, crinkled petals ranging from lavender and pink to deep purple, it brings bursts of color to gardens, parks, and streetscapes.

Native to tropical Asia, especially the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, this tree thrives in warm climates. It’s a common sight in countries like India, Thailand, Myanmar, and the Philippines, where it is celebrated not just for its beauty, but also for its resilience and cultural significance.

One of the most charming features of the Myrtle Crape is its prolonged blooming period. The flowers bloom profusely in the hot summer months and sometimes continue into early autumn. Their delicate, tissue-like appearance and range of soft hues bring joy during the driest part of the year.

Beyond the flowers, the tree is admired for its smooth, peeling bark and glossy green leaves that turn red or orange before falling. The contrast of textured bark, vibrant foliage, and showy flowers makes it attractive year-round, even outside the blooming season.

In many parts of Asia, the Pride of India is a symbol of strength and renewal. Its ability to bloom brightly despite heat and drought reflects resilience. In India, it’s often planted near temples or government buildings, highlighting its association with dignity and honor.

The tree is not just ornamental. Its leaves, flowers, and bark are used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and digestive issues. Herbalists value it for its natural healing properties, making it a functional beauty.

The Myrtle Crape also plays an essential role in urban biodiversity. It attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, making it a favorite among eco-conscious gardeners. Its long flowering season offers a consistent food source for pollinators, helping to sustain urban ecosystems.

Whether lining city streets or standing tall in home gardens, the Pride of India lives up to its name. It’s more than just a pretty tree—it’s a celebration of nature’s endurance, grace, and generosity. Every bloom is a quiet reminder of beauty’s power to flourish, even in the most challenging environments.

see also Purple is for Royals