Chiang Mai (1296-present)

A Chiang Mai (1296-present) is a Northern Thai mountain city located at 18.7883° N and 98.9853° E.

• Context:
  • It can (typically) have a Chiang Mai Population (with languages including Thai, Northern Thai, English).
  • It can (typically) be influenced by the Ping River System.
  • It can (often) maintain Traditional Lanna Architecture in its temples, historic gates, and other historic structures.
  • It can (often) showcase Northern Thai Buddhist Culture through numerous temples and religious sites.
  • ...
  • It can serve as the cultural center of Northern Thailand since its establishment as Lan Na Kingdom capital.
  • It can feature Modern Urban Development including digital economy, universities, and tourist infrastructure (after 1921).
  • It can include Chiang Mai Historic Districts such as Old City, Nimmanhaemin, and Wat Ket.
  • It can function as a Regional Education Hub with Chiang Mai University, research centers, and international schools (after 1964).
  • It can experience Environmental Challenges including seasonal burning, air pollution, and urban sprawl.
  • It can serve as Northern Thailand's center for education, tourism, culture, and technology.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • Chiang Mai (1296), when established as capital by King Mangrai, founding the Lan Na Kingdom.
  • Chiang Mai (1558), during Burmese conquest and integration into the Burmese Empire.
  • Chiang Mai (1774), recaptured by Siam under King Taksin.
  • Chiang Mai (1921), connected to Bangkok by Northern Railway.
  • Chiang Mai (1964), establishment of Chiang Mai University.
  • Chiang Mai (1996), 700th anniversary celebrations and urban development.
  • Chiang Mai (2010-2023), emergence as digital nomad hub and smart city.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • Chiang Rai, the former Lan Na capital known for its white temple.
  • Lampang, a Northern Thai city with distinct horse-drawn carriages.
  • Phitsanulok, a central Thai city with different cultural heritage.
  • Udon Thani, an Isan city with different regional culture.
  • Sukhothai, the former Sukhothai Kingdom capital with different historical period.
• See: Lanna Culture, Thai Municipality, Wat Phra Singh, Doi Suthep Temple, Sunday Walking Street, Northern Thai Food, Thai Buddhism, Northern Thailand.

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References

2024

• (Wikipedia, 2024) ⇒ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiang_Mai Retrieved:2024-10-27.
  • {{Infobox settlement

    | name = Chiang Mai

    | official_name = Chiang Mai City Municipality
    {{lower|0.1em|{{is the largest city in northern Thailand, the capital of Chiang Mai province and the second largest city in Thailand. It is north of Bangkok in a mountainous region called the Thai highlands and has a population of 1.2 million people as of 2022, which is more than 66 percent of the total population of Chiang Mai province (1.8 million). Chiang Mai (meaning "new city" in Thai) was founded in 1296 as the new capital of Lan Na, succeeding the former capital, Chiang Rai. The city's location on the Ping River (a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River) and its proximity to major trading routes contributed to its historic importance. The city municipality of Chiang Mai (thesaban nakhon) officially only covers parts (40,2 km²) of the Mueang Chiang Mai district in the city centre and has a population of 127,000. This census area dates back to 1983 when Chiang Mai's municipal area was enlarged for the first and last time since becoming the first City Municipality in Thailand (then under Siam) in 1935. The city's sprawl has since extended into several neighboring districts, namely Hang Dong in the south, Mae Rim in the north, Suthep in the west and San Kamphaeng in the east, forming the Chiang Mai urban area with over a million residents. The city municipality is subdivided into four khwaeng (electoral wards): Nakhon Ping, Sriwichai, Mengrai, and Kawila. The first three are on the west bank of the Ping River, and Kawila is on the east bank. Nakhon Ping District includes the northern part of the city. Sriwichai, Mengrai, and Kawila consist of the western, southern, and eastern parts, respectively. The city center—within the city walls—is mostly within Sriwichai ward.

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