Socializing in Chiang Mai – Connecting With Facebook and Meetup

When I relocated to the UK, I discovered the power of Meetup in finding like-minded individuals to socialize with. In bustling London, there seemed to be an endless array of events happening every day. It was incredibly convenient to find activities I enjoyed and meet people who shared similar interests. So, this post “Socializing in Chiang Mai – Connecting With Facebook and Meetup” describes similar approach.

Socializing in Chiang Mai – Connecting With Meetup: Exploring the Possibilities

However, in Chiang Mai, the experience is slightly different. Perhaps it’s due to the city’s smaller population, particularly among expats. It’s unclear whether Thai locals actively utilize this platform at all.

Nonetheless, it’s worth giving Meetup a try or even creating your own group and event to see who might be interested. Personally, I didn’t attend any Meetup events during my nearly one-year stay in Chiang Mai. However, I did come across a few noteworthy groups such as the Language Exchange Group or the Board Games Group, which stood out due to their active engagement and a significant number of participants.

Navigating Chiang Mai Facebook Groups: Challenges and Insights

Facebook, on the other hand, offers a plethora of groups dedicated to Chiang Mai. Simply search for “Chiang Mai” and join the groups that catch your interest. Typically, joining these groups requires approval, but you’ll usually be accepted within a day without any complications.

When I arrived, I joined approximately ten different Chiang Mai-related groups. However, after a couple of months, I muted most of them. Here’s why:

1. Redundancy: Many Chiang Mai groups feature the same individuals sharing identical information, asking similar questions, and providing repetitive answers. You’ll likely find yourself choosing a favorite group and leaving the rest behind.
2. Air Quality Obsession: A prevalent topic in Chiang Mai groups revolves around air quality. It’s astonishing how people discuss this matter year-round. In reality, the air quality in Chiang Mai is generally good for most of the year, with the burning season lasting no more than three months. Consider creating a group that prohibits discussions solely focused on air quality.
3. Event-related Groups: Unfortunately, many event-oriented groups primarily serve as platforms for individuals to promote their restaurants and business promotions.
4. Popular Topics: Common subjects in these groups include visa-related queries, renting homes and condos, and buying or selling items.
5. Socializing Recommendations: Frequently, people inquire about places to meet new people or hang out in Chiang Mai. In response, others tend to advertise their own bars.
6. Unfortunate Presence: Some of these groups harbor individuals with racist tendencies who remain unaddressed. They often express dissatisfaction when the local currency strengthens or when they encounter issues with the police due to invalid driving licenses.
7. Political Discourse: Surprisingly, these groups sometimes become platforms for discussing politics in the USA and UK, which might not align with your interests.

Socializing in Chiang Mai – Facebook Groups and Pages to Explore

Here are a few user groups and pages that I found during my time in Chiang Mai:

1. Up:beat – Drum&Bass – Organizers of Drum and Bass events in Chiang Mai and other cities.
2. Synergy Chiang Mai – Known for hosting grand music events such as Halloween and New Year celebrations.
3. Mohawk Bar – A vibrant venue for punk events. They had an incredible Halloween party planned in 2019, although I ended up attending the Synergy event.
4. Chiang Mai News in English – The name speaks for itself. This group occasionally posts about upcoming events in Chiang Mai, including air shows.
5. Chiang Mai Nightlife – Your go-to group for discovering the best places to grab a beer tonight and potentially meet new people.
6. Events อีเว้นท์เชียงใหม่ ภาคเหนือ ข่าวสารกิจกรรม – This Thai-language group can still be followed with relative ease since Facebook provides automatic translations. They share information about major events in Thailand and Chiang Mai, such as expos and traditional festivals.

Additionally, consider following the Facebook pages of restaurants and bars you enjoy to stay updated on their upcoming events.

By utilizing these online resources, you can enhance your social experience in Chiang Mai and make meaningful connections during your time in this remarkable city.