Chiang Mai Province

Chiang Mai (Thai Th-Chiang Mai.ogg เชียงใหม่ (help·info)) is the second-largest province (changwat) of Thailand, located in the north of the country. Neighboring provinces are (from northeast clockwise) Chiang Rai, Lampang, Lamphun, Tak, and Mae Hong Son. In the north it borders Shan State of Myanmar.

Chiang Mai province is about 700 kilometres from Bangkok and is situated on the Mae Ping River basin and is 300 metres above sea level. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, it covers an area of approximately 20,107 square kilometres. The district is covered by many mountains, chiefly stretching in the south-north direction. The river Ping, one of the major tributaries of the Chao Phraya River, originates in the Chiang Dao mountains. The highest mountain of Thailand, the 2,565 meter high Doi Inthanon, is located in the district. Several national parks are in the district: Doi Inthanon, Doi Suthep-Pui, Mae Ping, Sri Lanna, Huay Nam Dang, Mae Phang, Chiang Dao.

The mountainous terrain is mainly jungle, parts of which are within national parks which are still fertile and verdant with plentiful flora and fauna. There are many sites and locations where tourists prefer to visit to study the lifestyle of the tribal people who live on high hills.

History
Pratat Doi Suthep, a temple in Chiang Mai

The city of Chiang Mai was capital of the Lanna kingdom after its founding in 1296. During the same period of time as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. From then, Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also the centre of Buddhism in northern Thailand and King Meng Rai built innumerable temples.

In 1599 the kingdom lost its independence and became part of the Ayutthaya kingdom. This ending the dynasty founded by King Meng Rai which had lasted for 300 years. The occupiers Burma, had a powerful Burmese influence on the architecture which can still be seen today. It was only in the late 18th century that Burma was finally defeated with the leadership of King Taksin.

In 1932 the province Chiang Mai became the second level subdivision of Thailand when the administrative unit of Monthon Phayap, the remains of the Lanna kingdom, was dissolved.

[edit] Demographics
Tribe Girls

13.4% of the population on the province are members of the hill tribes, among them the Hmong, Yao, Lahu, Lisu, Akha and Karen.

[edit] Symbols
Provincial seal The seal of the province shows a white elephant in a glass pavilion. The white elephant is a royal symbol in Thailand, and it is depicted to remember the offering of a white elephant by King Rama II to the ruler of Chiang Mai. The pavilion symbolizes that Buddhism prospered in Chiang Mai, especially when in 1477 the teachings of Buddha, the Tripitaka, were reviewed.

The provincial flower and tree is the Flame of the Forest (Butea monosperma). The provincial slogan is In the shadow of Doi Suthep mount, blessed with rice customs and traditions, beautiful wild flowers, magnificent Nakhon Phing.

[edit] Administrative divisions
Map of Amphoe

Chiang Mai is subdivided into 24 districts (amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 204 subdistricts (tambon) and 1915 villages (muban).

1. Mueang Chiang Mai
2. Chom Thong
3. Mae Chaem
4. Chiang Dao
5. Doi Saket
6. Mae Taeng
7. Mae Rim
8. Samoeng
9. Fang
10. Mae Ai
11. Phrao
12. San Pa Tong



13. San Kamphaeng
14. San Sai
15. Hang Dong
16. Hot
17. Doi Tao
18. Omkoi
19. Saraphi
20. Wiang Haeng
21. Chai Prakan
22. Mae Wang
23. Mae On