Chiang Rai (Thai เชียงราย) is the most northern province (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from east clockwise) Phayao, Lampang and Chiang Mai. In the north it borders Laos and Myanmar.

Geography

The average elevation of the province is 580 m. The north of the province belongs to the so-called Golden Triangle, at which the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar converge - an area which was very unsafe because of the drug smuggling across the borders. The Mekong river forms the boundary with Laos.

History

Chiang Rai became a province in 1910, after being part of the kingdom of Lannathai for centuries. After Lannathai was incorporated into Thailand, it stayed an autonomous region and thus the Chiang Rai area was administered from Chiang Mai.

Demographics

12.5% of the population belong to the hill tribes, a minority in the North of Thailand.

Symbols

The seal of the province shows a white elephant, the royal symbol. It remembers that Chaing Rai was founded by King Mengrai, according to the legend because his elephant liked the place. The provincial tree is the Tree Jasmine (Radermachera ignea ), and the provincial flower is the Orange Trumpet (Pyrostegia venusta ).

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided in 16 districts (Amphoe) and two minor districts (King Amphoe). These are further subdivided into 124 communes (tambon) and 1510 villages (mubaan).

External links

• Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand
• Golden Jubilee Network province guide