Chiang Rai

city in Chiang Rai province, Thailand

Chiang Rai is a city in the northern part of Thailand. It is the capital city of Chiang Rai province. The city has a population of about 200,000 people.

Chiang Rai
เชียงราย
ᨩ᩠ᨿᨦᩁᩣ᩠ᨿ
Chiang Rai Municipality
Chiang Rai Clock Tower
Chiang Rai Clock Tower
Official seal of Chiang Rai
Map
Country Thailand
Province Chiang Rai Province
DistrictMueang Chiang Rai
City
municipality
13 February 2004[1]
Founded byKing Mangrai
Subdistricts
Government
 • TypeCity municipality
 • MayorWanchai Chongsutthamani
Area
 • Total60.85 km2 (23.49 sq mi)
Elevation
390 m (1,280 ft)
Population
 (2012)
 • Total69,888
 • Density1,100/km2 (3,000/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+7 (ICT)
Postal code
57000
Area code(+66) 53
Geocode5100
AirportChiang Rai International Airport
Old Chiang Rai Airport
Websitechiangraicity.go.th

History

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Chiang Rai was founded by King Mangrai in the year 1262 CE. It was the first capital city of King Mangrai's kingdom.[2] The name "Chiang Rai" means "The City of King Rai". For hundreds of years, it was controlled by Burma. It became a part of Thailand in 1786. It was officially declared a province of Thailand in 1933.

Geography

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It is located in the very north region of Thailand. It is situated in the basin of the Kok River, near the Khun Tan Range. It is famous for its beautiful mountain scenery. It covers an area of 60.85 square kilometers.

Climate

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It has a tropical climate. It has a rainy season from May to October and a dry season from November to February.

References

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  1. [1],"ประกาศกระทรวงมหาดไทย เรื่อง เปลี่ยนแปลงฐานะเทศบาลเมืองเป็นเทศบาลนคร"
  2. Coedès, George (1968). Walter F. Vella (ed.). The Indianized States of south-east Asia. trans.Susan Brown Cowing. University of Hawaii Press. ISBN 978-0-8248-0368-1.