Phayao is a province in the upper north of Thailand. Its current location is next to Kwan Phayao, or Phayao Lake. Historically, this location was settlement of Muang Phukamyaww or Muang Phayaww, which was established in the 16th century B.E. Its ruler was Phor Khun Ngam Muang, or King Ngam Muang, Later, the governing system was changed and Phayao was under the Lanna Kingdom. During the Rattanakosin Kingdom, Muang Phayao became one of the districts in Chiang Rai province. It was referred to as Phayao district. On 28th Auguat 1977, Phayao district was promoted to Phayao province, which was the 72nd province of Thailand