A day at the Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburit, Thailand. That was amazing to see. It took us three hours from HuaHin to go up North West in the country. It was more up in the jungle we came too. The taxi driver had never been here before so we had to stop every now and then. The weather condition at the moment is rainy and heavy storms. So we came in to that kind of weather during our way up. It is hot and humidity outside and in the taxi we hade AC on. It was really cold. Funny but it is true. It felt cold when the thermometer showed +26 degrees in the cab. On our way up we stopped twice for toilet and we bought some snacks as well. At the entrance to the park a lady high lighted that I could not enter with a pink shirt. It was due to the danger to the tigers. It might annoy them. Then I had to buy a black tiger shirt. Maybe it was a sales trick but I did not dare to ask her. I believed the story she told me. After all I am in a foreigner country and prefer to stick to the rules.
We were in a group that walked up to the tigers cave. Arrangements were done for us. We walked in lines, had to stay quiet and were only allowed to approach the tigers from behind or side ways. One by one with a guide that took pictures with our cameras. A magic moment and I am feeling humbled to the experience. It was a huge park with other animals too. I think they were to be food for the tigers. I saw deer's, boars, goats and different birds. The monks could really handle the cats with love and respect. The young ones were playing and lying in their laps. Purring when they have got petted. They are very much a like our cats at home. Just little bit bigger. The only thing I did not like was that one big tiger were a photo shot model and he seemed to be little drugged. Maybe they have to do that to make him lay in the audiences laps. The money was to the park for taking care of the animals and I think that is fair. I also gave donations to them. It always feels good.
Once we greeted the animals and the monks by saying thank you and good bye it was time to go back. In to the air-conditioned car and three hours in front of us. It is easy to get in to deep thoughts about the park. In one hand is it right to keep the animals there and what are the options? Well first of all if they are orphan's or injured what do we do? Heal them and send them to a National Park in another country? The other alternative is to keep them here and give them as much care and pamper as possible. Yes they become a tourist attraction either way but at least here they are as free as they can get without the cages. The monks treat them well. Otherwise the animals were going amok and honestly they looked good and felt pretty happy too.
by MarieLouiseFalk
วันจันทร์ที่ 17 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2550
A day at the Tiger Temple.
วันจันทร์ที่ 5 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2550
Chiang Mai travel
- This article is about the city Chiang Mai. For other uses, see Chiang Mai (disambiguation).
Chiang Mai (in Thai เชียงใหม่ ), also sometimes written as "Chiengmai", is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand, and is the capital of Chiang Mai Province. It is located at 
In recent years, Chiang Mai has become an increasingly modern city, although it lacks the cosmopolitan gloss of Bangkok. It has many attractions for the thousands of foreign visitors who come each year. Chiang Mai's historic importance is derived from its important strategic location on an ancient trade route. Long before the modern influx of foreign visitors, the city served as an important centre for handcrafted goods, umbrellas, jewelry (particularly silver) and woodcarving.
While officially the city (thesaban nakhon) of Chiang Mai only covers most parts of the Mueang Chiang Mai district with a population of 150,000, the urban sprawl of the city now extends into several neighboring districts. This Chiang Mai Metropolitan Area has a population of almost 700,000 people, nearly half the total of Chiang Mai Province. The city itself is subdivided into 4 wards: Nakhon Ping, Srivijaya, Mengrai, and Kavila. The first three wards are on the west bank, while Kavila is located on the east back of Ping River. Nakhon Ping ward covers the north side of the city. Srivijaya, Mengrai, and Kavila cover the west, south, and east side respectively. The central part(old town) is covered mostly by Srivijaya ward and partly by Nakhon Ping and Mengrai wards. See the map of Chiangmai City wards
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From Wikipedia
Travel Lanta Island - Krabi Thailand so nice.
http://www.tourthaithai.blogspot.com/2007/06/lanta-island-krabi-thailand-so-nice.html
Ko Lanta lied on the west coast of Andaman Sea in between Krabi and Phi Phi Island . Large Size Island with 6 km wide and over 30 kms long, 9 beaches lie from north to south along the sunset coast. Stunning scenery, fantastic white sandy beaches, coastlines have more than 70 small islands and plenty with forest, coral reefs and under water life. Exposed to the Tsunami hit southern Thailand , Koh Lanta got very little physical affected. She has been quietly recovering with most hotels operating normally. Koh Lanta was very fortunate in that no damage occurred to the natural scenic beauty. All the beaches remain as beautiful as ever. All dive sites did not suffer in the disaster, rather the water is cleaner and clearer than ever.
How to get Ko Lanta
Ko Lanta is easy and inexpensive to reach from Phuket, Bangkok or Malaysia . The island is serviced by passenger ferries from both Krabi & Phi Phi and car ferries from the mainland.
Krabi is the most convenient gateway to Ko Lanta if coming from Bangkok, and if arriving from Phuket passage is via either Phi Phi or Krabi. Trang also serves as a regional transit point for those coming in from the south. Please bear in mind that if your arrival time is late in the day, the local minibus or public passenger ferries scheduled for Ko Lanta may not always be available.
Location of Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta yai ( big ) & Koh Lanta noi ( small ) are located in the
Andaman Sea of South-West-Thailand ( Malayan Peninsula ), about 45 km south of Krabi-town in the Krabi province.
~ 7' 28" north latitude, ~ 99' 4" east longitude.
The islands are only one km away from the mainland and accessible by ferry / car-ferry all year round.
The Koh Lanta district contains 53 islands which mainly are part of the Koh Lanta marine national park.
moutain of ko lanta island
Tourism in Koh Lanta
As mentioned in chapter Development, the develoment of tourism is ongoing for the last 20 years. The real ignition spark came about 6 years ago, when basic infrastructures arrived on the island. Every year since then, tens of new resorts, restaurants, shop etc. start their services along the west coast, right on the beach as well as at nearby mainstreets and hill sites.
Typical tourism "high season" is from November until May, with "paek season" from of December 20th until January 10th. Many businesses are opened all year round with very low prices during "low season", June until October. This time of the year is wonderful, too.
Tourist services of any style & for any budget are offered to the distinguished guest from around the world.
Well, so much information to display about Koh Lanta's tourism - too much for this web-site. Please refer to our Links to Ko Lanta for more details about accommodation, activities, transportation etc.
Here we would like to give you a brief overview of the "Tourist destination Ko Lanta".
The tourist center of Ko Lanta is " Ban Saladan " at the northern tip of Koh Lanta yai. Many shops, supermarkets, travel agents, dive-shops, restaurants and other facilities make it worth to spend some good time there. For most tourist guests on the island, this cosy village is the first and the last place to see, whilst being on the island.
Ferries to/from Krabi, Pee Pee and Phuket are departing and arriving at Ban Saladan pier, only.
All beaches on the west coast, in order from north to south : ( mentioned prices are estimated, average "high/low season" prices )
The first beach, "Klong Dow Beach", next to Ban Saladan, which is known to be the most beautiful beach, about 2 kilometer long, flat and white sanded. There are about 20 resorts on this beach. Prices from 400 - 4500 THB per night.
The second beach, " Phra Ae Beach or Long Beach ", about 5 kilometers long, nice and sandy. There are about 17 resorts on this beach. Prices from 250 - 4500 THB per night.
The third beach, " Klong Khong Beach ", 3 km long with sand and rocks. Great sunsets. There are about 22 resorts on this beach. Prices from 200 - 900 THB per night.
The forth beach, " Klong Tob Beach ", a short strip with sand and rocks. A very quiet beach with only a few bungalows around. Prices from 250 - 1000 THB per night.
The fifth beach, " Klong Nin Beach ", a beautiful 1,5 km long beach with about 10 bungalow resort. The famous "Otto Bar" just moved to there, formerly located at Klong Dow Beach. Prices from 250 - 4800 THB per night.
The sixth beach, " Klong Hin Beach ", with sandy and rocky parts - good for snorkeling. Klong Hin Beach is about 1 km long and has 3 resorts so far. Prices from 250 - 2600 THB per night.
The seventh beach, " Kan Thiang Beach or Bay ", a beautiful, curved sandy beach, 800 meter long. The only 4+ star Resort and Spa "Pimalai" and 3 other resorts are located there. Prices from 250 - 21000 (!) THB per night.
The eighth beach, " Klong Jark Beach, a small and quiet beach, surrounded by tropical jungle. There are 3 resorts on this beach. Prices from 300 - 900 THB per night.
The ninth beach, " Aow Mai Bai or Bamboo Bay " is the last beach outside the national marine park which is next to it. A quiet and private beach with only 2 bungalow resorts. Prices from 250 - 800 THB per night.
And last but not least the tenth and most southern beach, " Ta Noad Beach ", next to the old light-house, the landmark of Ko Lanta. The Lanta marine national park head-quarter is located right at this beach. No resorts or other commercial facilities there.
Ko Lanta is a diver's paradise for beginners and the experienced. There are very few places on the planet where divers can enjoy an underwater world so rich and diverse. And imagine learning to dive in water that's the same temperature as your bath water at home.
Nature in Koh Lanta Ko Lanta island offers tropical nature at it's best..
The tropical paradise off the south-west coast of Thailand has 25 km of beautiful beaches backed by verdant jungle & rain forest.
Here you still find real big trees, many animal species, including rare birds, mammals and reptiles. More then 80% of the island are covered with tropical rain forest, which is mostly protected national-park area.
The mangrove coast in south Thailand, covers sinking limestone ranges, millions of years old. On Koh lanta there are many mangroves, which you can admire while going on a canoe-trip. Mangroves and intertidal mudflats are of great conservation value in Thailand, helping sustain valuable inshore fisheries and protecting the coast from erosion.
If you arrive by car ferry, than watch out for monkeys, which are living here in the mangroves. They are crab-eating macaques and one of the numerous mammal species living in this environment.
Nature for a living, rubber tree and palm tree plantations: On Lanta are hundreds of rubber tree plantations, which are tapped every day before sunrise. The rubber then has to be dried, cleaned, and pressed, before being sold as 1,2 kg mats. Coconut palms and oil palms are common on Koh Lanta as in the whole south of Thailand and they provide a modest income for the local farmers.
Ko Lanta's rich waters offer sandy coves, coral reefs, limestone rock outcrops, rock reefs, seamounts and pinnacles, undersea caverns and tunnels and sunken ships. Water temperature ranges from 27 to 31 degrees - ideal for scuba-diving, corals and tropical fishes. More than 200 hard corals and 108 reef fish species have been catalogues in a study under way, but thousands more organisms around, too. The twin peaks of Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are rated in the worlds top 10 list of dive sites.
While tourism has grown quickly in the last few years, Ko Lanta has retained its traditional charm and great natural beauty.
References
Koh Lanta Investments. 2003. About Koh Lanta(ออนไลน์)สืบค้นจากhttp://www.lanta-thailand.com/ เมื่อ 20 มิ.ย.2550 Koh Lanta Island. 2006. Ko Lanta (Island), Krabi, Thailand. - Index Page of Koh Lanta.(ออนไลน์)สืบค้นจาก http://www.lantainfo.com/ เมื่อ 20 มิ.ย.2550
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by darksingha
Chiang Rai resort&travel
- Chiang Rai is both a city and a province in Thailand. For the province, see Chiang Rai Province.
- Pratu Nang Ing (ประตูนางอิง)
- Pratu Chiang Mai (ประตูเชียงใหม่)
- Pratu Wai (ประตูหวาย)
- Pratu Pa Daeng (ประตูป่าแดง)
- Pratu Pi (ประตูผี)
- Pratu Kha Tam (ประตูขะต๊ำ)
- Pratu Tha Nak (ประตูท่านาค)
- Pratu Tha Sai (ประตูท่าทราย)
- Pratu Tho (ประตูท่อ)
- Pratu Yang Soeng (ประตูยางเสิ้ง)
- Pratu Jao Chai (ประตูเจ้าชาย)
- Pratu Sri (ประตูสรี)
Mueang Chiang Rai (Thai: เชียงราย; locally (Kham Muang) Ciang Hai; (Lao) also Xieng Hai) is a city in Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai Province in northern Thailand.
Contents[hide] |
[edit] Geography
Geographical location
The Mae Kok River runs along its north side, flowing from west to east and eventually merging with the Mekong River.
[edit] Demographics
Population 62,000.
12.5% of the population belong to the hill tribes, a collective term for the minority ethnic groups in the North of Thailand such as the Karen, Akha, Lisu, Meo and Muser. Many Chinese, particularly from Yunnan Province, have migrated to the area and assimilated with the Thai population to such extent that well over half of the large businesses in northern Thailand are owned by people of Chinese heritage.[citation needed]
[edit] Government
Chiang Rai is the capital of Chiang Rai Province.
The Salaklang Changwat
The Municipal Offices are in the Thesaban
[edit] History
The city was founded by King Mengrai in 1262 and became the first capital of the Lannathai kingdom. However, it lost this status soon after to a new city built by Mengrai at Chiang Mai. Subsequently, Chiang Rai was conquered by Burma and remained under Burmese rule for several hundred years. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became Thai territory. It was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.
In 1432 the Phra Kaeo, or Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most revered Buddha figure, was discovered in Chiang Rai when an earthquake split the Chedi at Wat Phra Kaeo. The beautiful jade figure was then seen concealed within.
In 1992 (B.E. 2535) the City Pillar was moved from Wat Klang Wiang to Doi Chom Thong, where it is known as Sadu Meuang (TH: สะดือเมือง), the Navel or Omphalos of the City.
[edit] Buddhist temples
- Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong,
- Wat Phra Kaew, Chiang Rai,
- Wat Phra Sing, Chiang Rai,
- Wat Doi Khao Khwai,
- Wat Rong Khun,
[edit] Tourist attractions
- Princess Mother Hall and Doi Mae Salong Located about 70 km northwest of Chiang Rai accessed by a scenic, and sometimes quite steep, road from Mae Chan. In Mae Salong there is a museum of the Kuo Min Tang and their plight after exiled from China by Mao Tse Tung, and subsequently forced to leave Burma from where they entered Thailand, helping at times to fight the Communists.
- Doi Tung Royal Villa is the final residence of the mother of the King of Thailand, known as the Princess Mother. It is located at kilometre 12 on highway 1149, to the west of highway 1. This magnificent villa was built on the mountain overlooking the surrounding hills and valleys in a unique mix of Swiss and Lanna architectural styles. Adjacent to the villa is a large flower-filled garden, and a memorial hall commemorating the Princess Mother.
- Doi Tung Zoo
- Phucheefah
- The Gate of Siam is a location on the border with Laos where one can stand high up on a mountain with Laos directly in front and the mighty Mekong River flowing beneath.
[edit] Education
[edit] Colleges and universities
- Mae Fah Luang University
- Chiang Rai Rajabhat University
- Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Chiang Rai Campus
[edit] High Schools
[edit] Primary Schools
- Bansonkong School
- Piti Suksa Montessori School
- [ http://www.amecschool.net ]
[edit] Hospitals
- Overbrook Hospital (Semi-Private)
- Sriburin Hospital (Private, and comparatively better quality)[citation needed]
- Chiang Rai Prachanukhro Hospital (Public)
[edit] Transportation
Route 1 runs from Bangkok through Chiang Rai to Mae Sai on the Myanmar border. Chiang Rai is 839 kilometers from Bangkok, about 14 hours by car or by bus. According to official bus schedules, the bus ride to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai takes approximately an hour and 30 minutes, however the 175 km trip most often takes at least two and a half hours.
Several flights are available to and from Bangkok daily. Chiang Rai International Airport flight time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
There is scheduled boat service between Chiang Rai and Thaton in Chiang Mai province daily.
There are currently no rail services to Chiang Rai as the railway line from Bangkok ends at Chiang Mai. There have been talks of extending the rail line to Chiang Rai in the near future,[citation needed] but this is unlikely to happen as the population is well below 1 million and there isn't as many international tourists visiting Chiang Rai as Chiang Mai.[citation needed]
[edit] Sister Cities
- Union City, California, United States.
[edit] External links
Coordinates:
Categories: All articles with unsourced statements | Articles with unsourced statements since February 2007 | 1262 establishments | Chiang Rai Province | Cities in Thailand
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From Wikipedia
Mae Hong Son travel
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Capital: | Mae Hong Son |
| Area: | 12,681.3 km² Ranked 8th |
| Inhabitants: | 210,537 (2000) Ranked 74th |
| Pop. density: | 17 inh./km² Ranked 76th |
| ISO 3166-2: | TH-58 |
| Governor: | Thongchai Wongrianthong (since October 2007) |
| Map | |
 | |
Mae Hong Son (Thai แม่ฮ่องสอน) (also Maehongson, Mae Hong Sorn or Maehongsorn) is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand, and at the same time the westernmost. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Shan State of Myanmar, Chiang Mai and Tak. To the west it borders Kayin State and Kayah State of Myanmar again. It was formerly called Mae Rong Son (also Maerongson, Mae Rong Sorn or Maerongsorn).[1]
Contents[hide] |
[edit] Location and boundaries
Mae Hong Son Province is situated in northern and northwestern Thailand at 17° 38′ - 19° 48′ N and 97° 20′ - 98° 39′ E and furthest from Bangkok in the north at a distance of approximately 924 km. It boasts an area of approximately 12,681.259 km² or around 7,925,812.5 rai, which is third largest in Northern Thailand and seventh largest in the country. It is approximately 250 km from north to south and approximately 95 km from east to west.
To the north and west it connects to a total of three states in the Union of Burma, namely the southern portion of Shan State; Kayah State and Kawthoolei State via the West Thanon Thongchai Mountains and the rivers Salween and Moei which serve as natural boundaries between the countries. To the south it connects to the district of Tha Song Yang, Tak via the rivers Yuam and Ngao which serve as a provincial boundary. To the east it connects to the districts of Wiang Haeng, Chiang Dao, Mae Taeng, Mae Chaem, Hot and Omkoi in Chieng Mai Province via the Central and East Thanon Thongchai mountain ranges that serve as a boundary line between the two provinces.
Every district in Mae Hong Son Province shares a common border with the Union of Burma approximately 483 kilometres in total length. Of this, approximately 326 kilometres is land and 157 kilometres are rivers (not counting the Salween, 127 km, and Moei, 30 km).[2]
[edit] Geography
Most of the areas of Mae Hong Son Province are complex mountain ranges and likely still pristine virgin forest. Of the approximately 6,976,650 rai of national forest reserves, 88.02% is thought to be pristine virgin forest. Mountain ranges run unbroken from north to south with important mountain ranges being the Lao-territory mountains located on the northernmost portion of the province that serve as a boundary between Thailand and the Union of Burma and the Thanon Thongchai Mountains which are in fact three adjoining ranges, the East, West and Central Thanon Thongchai mountain ranges respectively; the West Thanon Thongchai Mountains serve as a boundary between Thailand and the Union of Burma. The mountains in the east of the province serves as the boundary between the provinces of Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai. The tallest point is Mae Ya Peak (ยอดเขาแม่ยะ) of the East Thanon Thongchai Mountains in the Pai District in the province's northeast, at 2005 metres above sea level.[3]
[edit] History
It is believed that the lands of Mae Hong Son had already been settled before the arrival of Lord Kaeo of Ma (เจ้าแก้วเมืองมา; Chao Kaeo Mueang Ma) and his consequent resettlement in the area. However, there is no evidence as to what time or period they arrived, nor of their migrations thereafter. These former inhabitants have left evidence of their activity in the area and are believed to have been Lua, or Lawa, tribespeoples. Evidence to date includes gravesites and discarded housing structures such as those found in the vicinity of the Mae Hong Son Municipal Hall (หอประชุมเทศบาลเมืองแม่ฮ่องสอน), nowadays the Morning Markets (ตลาดโต้รุ่ง) and Dharma School (โรงเรียนปริยัติธรรม), by the Chong Klang (จองกลาง) and Chong Kham (จองคำ) monasterial compound. These first settlers were likely depopulated by either malaria or war, with survivors then dispersing out to safer areas.
The old, pre-Rattanakosin lands of Mae Hong Son was merely a collective of forest settlements without a central government, with Shan peoples who had crossed into the area from beyond the frontier with the Union of Burma in search of a means to find food, working in agroforestry and joint plantations as the seasons permitted. During this period the area was significant only as a passage for Burman troops marching on the capital at Ayutthaya or to the various Siamese capitals of Northern Thailand.
Mae Hong Son historical records state that in the year 1831, which corresponds to the reign of King Nangklao (Rama III) of the Rattanakosin Period, in the mueang of Phing Nakhon (เมืองพิงค์นคร) known today as Chiang Mai, in the lands of the Kingdom of Lannathai, was Phraya Chiang Mai Mahawong (พระยาเชียงใหม่มหาวงศ์), who was later to ascend to the rank of Phra Chao Mahottraprathet Racha Thibodi (พระเจ้ามโหตรประเทศราชาธิบดี), who knew that to the west of Chiang Mai, which meant the lands of today’s Mae Hong Son, was a geography of tall mountains and dense forests inhabited by a myriad of forest creatures of which wild elephants in particular were in great abundance, and thus ordered Lord Kaeo, who was a relative of his and a local military chief and governor, to herd these elephants out into the custody of mahouts, to survey the feasibility of this task on such western frontierlands and to be of further service in the capturing of the elephants so that they might be trained for labour thereafter.
Lord Kaeo assembled his troops, lure-elephants and mahouts and set out from Chiang Mai, bound for a shortcut which entered northeast along a brook leading them to complex mountain ranges. After a short trip they arrived in the hamlet of Wiang Pai (เวียงปาย), or Amphoe Pai as it is known today. Here, Kaeo and his commission stopped awhile before resuming their expedition. They then headed south to find a shortcut along the Pai River, so that they might ascend into the mountains once more.
After travelling for a longer period this time, they then headed back towards the Pai River. On arrival, they found a tiny community living in the area, either Shan or otherwise Tai, with hamlets along the Pai River amid vast areas of thick, virgin forest. Lord Kaeo deemed this location most suitable to build a village, with ample land to extend the scope of the village in the future and abundant saltlicks nearby the houses for boars; all one required in maintaining a successful village.
Lord Kaeo then rehabilitated the various scattered settlements into a single village and had them elect a leader referred to as a heng (เหง); Phakamong (พะก่าหม่อง), a Shan, was thus elected as the village heng. (The village elder, or kamnan, ruled over the village, and it was then named Ban Pong Mu, or Village of the Boar Saltlick (บ้านโป่งหมู). It later became Ban Pang Mu (บ้านปางหมู ), Tambon Pang Mu, Amphoe Pang Mu, Changwat Mae Hong Son. Lord Kaeo, together with Phakamong, then travelled further south with a number of their elephants in tow into the realm of what is today’s Mae Hong Son. Finding it a suitable location with a stream flowing by from east to west into the Pai River and a second brook running further north, he decided it would be most fitting to establish his elephant training camp there along with a residential base for personnel. Subsequently, he constructed an elephant pen on the banks of the stream and the area became another village for the Shan settlers, although with a smaller population than that of Ban Pong Mu. After Lord Kaeo had captured the satisfactory quota of elephants and had trained them as instructed, he decided to head back, and so elected the son-in-law of Phakamong, Saenkom (แสนโกม), as the kang (ก้าง) or village chief to oversee the village and it was then that the village was named Ban Mae Rong Son, or Village of the Elephant Training Camp Bayou (บ้านแม่ร่องสอน); later, the name Mae Rong Son was corrupted to Mae Hong Son, as pronounced in the brogue of the Lannanese (initial r’s are often pronounced as h’s), and the aforementioned second brook that ran north was named Lamnam Pu (ลำน้ำปุ๊) on finding water there splashing up from the earth (lamnam refers to any body of flowing water; pu is the sound produced when throwing a stone or brick into the mud or against a soft substance).
The village of Mae Rong Son flourished and prospered and Shan began migrating there in increased numbers. Aside from this wave, in around the year 1856 there arose much political unrest on the western banks of the Salween River which furthered the influx of peace-loving Shan, and again in 1876 when war broke out between the blood-princes of the principalities of Nai (เมืองนาย) and Mok Mai (เมืองหมอกใหม่) respectively. Prince Kolan (เจ้าฟ้าโกหล่าน) of Mok Mai, unable to sustain the battle, moved his family to live with Saenkom in Mae Rong Son along with his wife Nang Khiao (นางเขียว), their son Khun Long (ขุนโหลง), their grandson Khun Ae (ขุนแอ) and their granddaughters, Chao Nang Nu (เจ้านางนุ) and Chao Nang Mia (เจ้านางเมี๊ยะ).
By 1874, with the village of Mae Rong Son having become a huge community with a constant influx of migrants and so it was agreed that it should change its status to that of a fully fledged mueang. Lord Inthawichayanon, Lord of Chiengmai, thus elected a Shan named Chankale (ชานกะเล) to be its first partasakti (บรรดาศักดิ์; bandasak; somewhere between a count, in non-prerogative terms, and a governor) and bestowed on him the title of Phaya Singhanat Racha, or Sacred Voice of the King of the Singh (พญาสิงหนาทราชา), who would govern the mueang of Mae Hong Son from 1874, corresponding to the Rattanakosin Period of Rama V.
Later, in 1884, after caring for the mueang of Mae Hong Son for a decade, Phaya Singhanat Racha died. The next ruler was Chao Nang Mia, who ruled for seven years, bringing the realm to further great prosperity before passing away in 1891.
The next Lord of Mae Hong Son was Tho (โท้ะ), referred to as Pu Khun Tho or Old Man Tho the Mandarin (ปู่ขุนโท้ะ), who was made partasakti with the title Phaya Phithak Sayam Khet, or Lord Protector of the Fertile Soils of Siam (พญาพิทักษ์สยามเขต). He governed the mueang of Mae Hong Son between 1891 to 1905 before his own passing that year.
The next figure to rule as Lord of Mae Hong Son was Khun Lu (ขุนหลู่), the son of Pu Khun Tho, who reigned in his place as partasakti with the title Phaya Phisan Hong Son Buri, or Lord of the Metropolis of Hong Son Most Vast (พญาพิศาลฮ่องสอนบุรี). He governed over Mae Hong Son between the years 1905 to 1941. To follow was a period of change in government administration and there would be no more such ranks and titles.
In 1890, during the reign of Rama V of Bangkok, Phraya Si Sahathep (พระยาศรีสหเทพ), Plat Thun Chalong (ปลัดทูลฉลอง) of the Ministry of the Interior, completed an inspection tour of the cities in the Northwestern Mandala (see also Mandala (Southeast Asian history) and Mandala for perspective) and consulted with High Commmisioner Phraya Ritsaratchakit (พระยาริศราชกิจ ข้าหลวงใหญ่), who oversaw the Northwestern Mandala, to organise a new order of governance, namely, he would incorporate the partially independent city-states of Mae Hong Son, Khun Yuam (เมืองขุนยวม), Yuam (เมืองยวม) (Mae Sariang) and Pai into a single unit of government to be called the Boriwen Chiang Mai Tawantok, or Shire of Western Chiang Mai (บริเวณเชียงใหม่ตะวันตก), and placed the government of the shire (which was now comparable to that of a single mueang) at Khun Yuem by appointing Nai Mot (นายโหมด) as shire reeve (as stated by the Minister for the Interior on July 11, 1901).
In 1903, the seat of government was moved from Khun Yuam to Yuam and the administrative division was renamed from Western Chiang Mai (บริเวณเชียงใหม่ตะวันตก) to Northern Phayap (บริเวณพายัพเหนือ). In 1910, a royal decree saw the merging of Mae Hong Son, Yuam and Pai into a fourfold realm alongside the Mandala of Phayap, and moved the administrative capital to Mae Hong Son with Phraya Sonsurarat (Plueng) (พระยาศรสุรราช (เปลื้อง)) as the first Governor of Mae Hong Son Province. In 1933, governance as a territory was ceased and then reinstated as a constitutional administrative government as per the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand as remains in place today.[4]
[edit] Demographics
63% of the population in the province are members of the hill tribes, among them the Hmong, Yao, Lahu, Lisu, Akha and Karen. Another big ethnic group are the Shan. The province has the lowest population density of all the provinces of Thailand.
[edit] Symbols
The provincial seal, Rup chang nai thong nam (รูปช้างในท้องน้ำ), is a reference to the training of wild elephants to be able to take orders in battle and for various types of animal labour.
The decision behind the selection of Rup chang nai thong nam, meaning Image of an Elephant in a Body of Water, as the provincial seal was because this was the origin of Mae Hong Son's founding, which first began with Lord Kaeo of Ma being sent to capture elephants for the Lord of Chiang Mai (1825-1846). Once in Mae Hong Son, he gathered the scattered Shan settlements to establish two main villages to be ruled over by their elected leaders, the villages of Ban Pang Mu and Ban Mae Hong Son. Indeed, the reason for the name Mae Hong Son or Village of the Elephant Training Camp Bayou was simply because the elephant training camp established there was in an area with a nearby brook.
The provincial tree is Millettia brandisiana, and the provincial flower is the tree marigold.
The official province slogan as promoted by the Thai government is:
- Thai: หมอกสามฤดู กองมูเสียดฟ้า ป่าเขียวขจี ผู้คนดี ประเพณีงาม ลือนามถิ่นบัวตอง
- RTGS: mok sam ruedu, Kong Mu siat fa, pa khiao khachi, phu khon di, prapheni ngam, lue nam thin bua tong
- Mists thoughout the three seasons, the Kong Mu (Monastery) that scrapes the sky, verdant forests, gentle people, beautiful customs; renowned land of sunflowers
[edit] Administrative divisions
The province is subdivided in 7 districts (Amphoe). These are further subdivided into 45 communes (tambon) and 402 villages (muban).
[edit] Further reading
- Goodden, Christian. Hinterlands: Sixteen New Do-It-Yourself Jungle Treks in Thailand's Nan & Mae Hong Son Provinces. Halesworth, England: Jungle Books, 2001. ISBN 0952738333
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand
- Website of province (Thai only)
- Mae Hong Son provincial map, coat of arms and postal stamp
http://www.flixya.com/user/watcharap007
Pattaya resort&travel
RTGS: Phatthaya) is a city in Thailand, located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand (
Meaning the 'south-west monsoon wind" and correctly pronounced "Patti-yah" not "Patt-eye-yah" this lively destination located roughly 150 kilometres from Bangkok ranks as one of the most successful beach resorts in the world, with some 5.4 million visitors arriving in 2005. Although frequently criticised for its spicy nightlife, it satisfies the needs of leisure travellers in a way that few other destinations can match, anywhere.
Unlike Bangkok, Pattaya has no magical mystery hidden in aesthetic corners, and it makes no pretence of being anything more than what it is: - an unbeatable combination of essential, thoroughly satisfying holiday ingredients.
From Wikipedia
To illustrate this, some years ago a leading travel trade magazine conducted a poll of several hundred clients of different nationalities staying at a first class hotel, where the guests were predominantly couples or families. The results showed just how extraordinarily successful Pattaya is. Over 97% of respondents said they were "very satisfied", would return again, and would recommend Pattaya to friends.
Looking closer, it is not hard to see why. Pattaya is comfortably accessible from Bangkok in just over 2 hours on an excellent highway, thus avoiding the added expense of air connections. Even so, it has its own airport at Utapao, formerly built to handle B52's during the Vietnam War, can accept wide-bodied long haul charter aircraft such as 747's with ease. It enjoys year-round sunshine, and suffers few of the extreme weather conditions that can ruin holidays elsewhere. The cost of comparable accommodation in Pattaya is generally reasonable, which makes it excellent value for money. Furthermore, it features almost every water and land-based sporting activity you can think of, boasts excellent restaurants, good entertainment, and countless leisure pursuits. The bottom line is that nobody can possibly be bored in Pattaya.
Pattaya receives a large number of repeat visitors - professional people, families, and retired couples - many of whom have made it their preferred choice after spending holidays in various other resorts around the globe. If you ask them why Pattaya wins over other more exotic or fashionable places, they point to its long list of assets: climate, accessibility, location, affordability, top class accommodation, fine restaurants, plus the huge choice of sporting, leisure and entertainment choices - arguably far and away the best in any Asian beach destination.
The city of Pattaya is a self governing special municipal area which covers the whole tambon Nong Prue and Na Kluea and parts of Huai Yai and Nong Pla Lai. It is located in the heavily industrial Eastern Seaboard zone, along with Si Racha, Laem Chabang, and Chon Buri. However, it remains mostly a tourist city, with very light industry.
Many tourists that visit Pattaya are male, in groups or on their own, due to the town's world-famous sex industry, in which ladies and men are available as companions.. The town also offers many luxury hotels, beautiful (though somewhat polluted) beaches, friendly people, excellent shopping, reasonable prices and a wide variety of nearby tourist attractions.
However, Pattaya is second only to Bangkok in high rise buildings, as many condos for foreign residents are built, and has a modest skyline. The city's economy benefits from its relative proximity to Bangkok, as opposed to other tourist destinations.
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