1. History of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, historically known as "Nopburi Sri Nakornping Chiang Mai," was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom since its founding by King Mengrai in 1296 AD (B.E. 1839). Chiang Mai enjoyed independent rule under the Mangrai dynasty for around 261 years before being conquered by King Bayinnaung of Burma in 1558 AD (B.E. 2101) and remained under Burmese control for nearly two centuries. During King Taksin’s reign, Chiang Mai regained independence with the aid of King Rama I, who appointed Phaya Kawila as the ruler of Chiang Mai under the Siamese protectorate. The Kawila lineage governed until the reign of King Chulalongkorn, who centralized administration in Northern Siam by establishing Monthon Phayap in 1899. Chiang Mai became an official province in 1933. In 2011, the Thai cabinet designated Chiang Mai as “The Most Splendid City of Culture” to honor its rich heritage. The year 2016 marked the 720th anniversary of the city.

2. Area and Administrative Boundaries

Area: Chiang Mai is located in Northern Thailand, covering 20,107 square kilometers, making it the largest province in the region and second nationwide. Its terrain consists largely of mountains and forests, with the country’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon, standing at 2,565 meters above sea level.

Borders:

North: Shan State, Myanmar, marked by mountain ranges.

South: Tak Province, demarcated by the Mae Tuen River and mountainous terrain.

East: Chiang Rai, Lampang, and Lamphun provinces, with boundaries defined by various mountain ranges and rivers.

West: Mae Hong Son Province, bordered by mountain ranges.

Chiang Mai shares a 227-kilometer border with Myanmar across five districts, including Mae Ai, Fang, Chiang Dao, Wiang Haeng, and Chai Prakan.

3. Topography and Climate

Chiang Mai’s landscape is predominantly mountainous, with fertile plains along the Ping River ideal for agriculture. The climate is generally cool year-round, with an average temperature of 25.4°C, peaking at 31.8°C and dropping to an average low of 20.1°C. Chiang Mai experiences three main seasons: rainy (May-October), cool (November-February), and hot (February-May).

4. Administrative Divisions

Chiang Mai comprises 25 districts, 204 subdistricts, and 2,066 villages. Key administrative offices include 166 central government branches, 34 regional agencies, and 211 local administrative organizations.

5. Population

As of August 2016, Chiang Mai had a population of 1,732,712, with the highest concentration in Mueang Chiang Mai District (235,329 residents), while the smallest population is in Kalayaniwattana District (12,032 residents).