16. Historical background of Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai has a very long history. It can be divided in to three periods which are Laos period, Lanna under Myanmar kingdom and Lanna under Thai kingdom.
1) In the Laos period
Chiang Rai was established in 13th century by King Mangrai (พระเจ้ามังราย) under Laos Kingdom. He also combined nearer city includiung เชียงไรcity, ปงcity, เวียงคำcity, เชียงเงินcity and เชียงของcity. About 20 years later, King Mangrai built a new city and known as Chiang Mai and founded Lanna kingdom. He sent his son to govern a Chiang Rai instead of him. Since then, Chiang Rai was completely under Chiang Mai. After King Mangrai passed away, there were lots of civil wars. Many rulers were fighting cause everyone wanted to lead the Lanna Kingdom.
2) In the Lanna under Myanmar Kingdom
In 15th century, Chiang Rai was defeated by King of Mynmar, บุเรงนอง and stayed under Myanmar kingdom for about two hundred years. Lanna area was not a peaceful place, it became a war area between Myanmar and Thailand. So, many people moved to other cities.
3) In the Lanna under Rathanakosin Kingdom
In 18th century, in Rathanakosin period, King Rama the first sent sodilers to Chiang Mai and fought with Mynmar. We won the war. King Rama the first, then, sent General กาวิละ to govern Chiang Mai. The general battle with Mynmar at Chiang San and Chiang Rai and took all local people back to Chiang Mai and left those two cities alone. Untill, King Rama the third ordered Chiang Mai ruler (เจ้าหลวงเชียงใหม่) to renovate Chiang Rai. And, the city turned to a province in the period of King Rama the sixth.