Tracking back in the past, before establishment of Lannathai Kingdom in northern Thailand by King Mengrai in the 13^th century, northern Thailand seemed to have been divided into several independent city states. Three of these were those of Tais: they were Ngern Yang Chiangsaen in the north, Poo Kam Yao or Phayao in the middle, and Sukhothai in the south. Between Sukhothai and Phayao was the small but prosperous kingdom of the Mon, Haripoonchai, which had close relations with Mon’s Kingdom of Dvaravati in the south. King Mengrai of Ngern Yang conquered Haripoonchai in 1282 and later established Lannathai Kingdom with Chiang Mai as its capital in 1296.

Lannathai Kingdom prospered for 262 years before it was conquered by the Burmese troops led by King Burrennong in 1556, except for a total period of on-and-off independence regained by upspring, Lannathai Kingdom was under the Mon-Burmese rule for about 200 years. It was finally liberated by a northern Thai hero name Kavila with help of the central Thai troops of King Taksin of Thon Buri in 1774. Since then, the Lannathai Kingdom became a vassal state of Bangkok.

The central Thai government, however, did not exercise direct rule over Lannathai; the vassal kings of Lannathai were only require to send to Bangkok a couple of trees of gold and silver one in every three years as token of submission. The vassal stateship of Lannathai ended in 1900 when King Rama V reformed the administration of the country. The Lannathai kings became just nominal headed of state; real power was in the hands of the governors dispatched from Bangkok. Even the nominal headship of the northern princes was terminated in 1933 when Chiang Mai was changed from the status of a capital city into a changwad or a province like any other provinces in the country. The present region of northern Thailand or a former Lannathai Kingdom comprises of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Nan, Phrae, Mae Hong Son, and Phayao.

We usually agree that the Lannathai Dynasty began at the time of King Mengrai, starting when he was first crowned until the time he occupied Lumphun and established Chiang Mai in 1296. Chiang Mai has become the centre of Lannathai since then. Lannathai is the area in the north which has Chiang Mai as its centre, is divided into three periods:

1. The reign of Mengrai Dynasty. From the period of King Mengrai to the Princess Visuddhirajadevi, Mengrai’s descendant (1296-1578)
2. The period when Chiang Mai was under Burmese rule. King Burrennong invaded Chiang Mai and overpowered the region. Later King Taksin of Thonburi freed Chiang Mai from Burma (1579-1774)
3. The period during which Chiang Mai was organised as a part of central Thai. This period began the time of Chao Kawila to present time (1774-)

Phayao is a former independent city state and was part of Lannathai during King Mengrai. The city centre is located about 691 kms from Bangkok and the province occupies an area of 6,335 square kilometers. There are national parks and reserves area with a rich and important botanical significance and several are also of outstanding scenic beauty. Ancient dinosaurs has been discovered in Phu Nang National Park. There are several archaeological sites located in an area of agricultural land and forest which still lack attention. Temple architecture, sculpture and style of a Buddha images all are related to the history of the province. The landscape is very beautiful, some area with beautiful rice paddy and some area in places with mountainous green hills rise to surprisingly rugged and dramatic peaks. Many very beautiful Thai Lue style temples and Burmese style temples with mural paintings can be seen in Chiang Kham, Chiang Muan districts, built by people migrating into Thailand several decades ago. Their beautiful and sophisticated handwoven silk and cotton fabrics, which are sold in their villages, are attractive items for tourist.

Under the leadership of Khun Euayporn, The Siam Society is arranging a study trip exploring temples and  ancient archaeological sites, visit national park and waterfalls, temple’s museum and the ancient Dinosaur museum, and sites of interest in Phayao province. The group will depart from Bangkok Don Mueang Airport on Friday, 10 June at 07:00 and return to Bangkok Don Mueang Airport on Sunday, 12 June 2022 at 20:00.