CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – Chiang Mai was named the safest city in ASEAN for 2026 by Numbeo’s Safety Index, retaining its top position from the previous year.
Chiang Mai holds regional lead
The northern province of Chiang Mai was again ranked the safest city in the ASEAN region in the new Safety Index 2026. It maintained first place for the second consecutive year in the international comparison, which assessed cities worldwide in terms of their security situation.
How the Safety Index was compiled
The platform Numbeo, a global database on quality of life, based its Safety Index on reported crime statistics and the subjective perception of safety among residents. Both concrete offences and the everyday feeling of security were measured, for example on nighttime journeys or in public spaces.
Three Thai cities in ASEAN top ten
Alongside Chiang Mai, Bangkok in fifth place and Pattaya in sixth also made it into the top ten of the ASEAN ranking. With a total of three cities near the top, Thailand positioned itself in the regional comparison as a location with a high level of public safety.
Long-term security cooperation highlighted
According to responsible officials, the results reflected longer-term cooperation between security agencies, state bodies, the private sector and local communities in maintaining public order. The Royal Thai Police stated that it would continue to implement strict security measures to make the country a reliably safe destination for both residents and international visitors.
“The Royal Thai Police stated that it would continue to implement strict security measures to make the country a reliably safe destination for both residents and international visitors.”
said Royal Thai Police, national law enforcement body.
Public invited to compare rankings with real life
Local coverage also asked whether Chiang Mai was really the safest city and pointed to the strong placements of Bangkok and Pattaya. Readers were encouraged to share whether the ranking matched their own experience and to post their views in the comments.