Chiang Mai Explained

Chiang Mai
Official Name:Chiang Mai City Municipality
Native Name:เชียงใหม่
Native Name Lang:th
Settlement Type:City municipality
Seal Size:120
Pushpin Map:
  1. Thailand#Asia#Earth
Pushpin Label Position:right
Pushpin Map Caption:Location within Thailand##Location within Asia##Location within Earth
Pushpin Mapsize:270
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: Thailand
Subdivision Type1:Province
Subdivision Name1: Chiang Mai province
Subdivision Type2:Amphoe
Subdivision Name2:Mueang Chiang Mai
Government Type:City municipality
Leader Title:Mayor
Leader Name:Atsani Puranupakorn
Established Title:City
municipality
Established Date:29 March 1935[1]
Unit Pref:metric
Area Rank:11th
Area Total Km2:40.216
Area Total Sq Mi:15.5274844
Area Urban Km2:405
Area Urban Sq Mi:156.371
Population As Of:2019
Population Footnotes:[2]
Population Rank:8th
Population Total:127,240
(Municipal area)
Population Density Km2:3,164
Population Metro:(To be announced)
Population Urban:1,198,000 (Principal city area/เขตเมือง)
Population Density Urban Km2:2,958
Timezone:ICT
Utc Offset:+07:00
Coordinates:18.7953°N 98.9986°W
Elevation M:310
Postal Code Type:Postal code
Postal Code:50000
Area Code Type:Calling code
Area Code:053 & 054
Blank Name:Airport
Blank Info:Chiang Mai International Airport
Blank1 Name:Inter-city rail
Blank1 Info:Northern Line
Parts Type:Districts
P1:Nakornping District
P2:Kawila District
P3:Mengrai District
P4:Sriwichai District
Parts:4
Population Urban Footnotes: (2022)

Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand, the capital of Chiang Mai province and the second largest city in Thailand. It is 7000NaN0 north of Bangkok in a mountainous region called the Thai highlands and has a population of 1.2 million people as of 2022, which is more than 66 percent of the total population of Chiang Mai province (1.8 million).[3] [4] [5]

Pic:Lanna- Thai Chiang Mai.svg
Picsize:160px
Piccap:"Chiang Mai" in Thai language (top) and
Northern Thai with Tai Tham script (bottom)
Tha:เชียงใหม่
Rtgs:Chiang Mai
Lang1:Northern Thai
Lang1 Content:
[t͡ɕīəŋ.màj]

Chiang Mai (meaning "new city" in Thai) was founded in 1296 as the new capital of Lan Na, succeeding the former capital, Chiang Rai. The city's location on the Ping River (a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River) and its proximity to major trading routes contributed to its historic importance.[6] [7]

The city municipality of Chiang Mai (thesaban nakhon) officially only covers parts (40,2 km²) of the Mueang Chiang Mai district in the city centre and has a population of 127,000. This census area dates back to 1983 when Chiang Mai's municipal area was enlarged for the first and last time since becoming the first City Municipality in Thailand (then under Siam) in 1935. The city's sprawl has since extended into several neighboring districts, namely Hang Dong in the south, Mae Rim in the north, Suthep in the west and San Kamphaeng in the east, forming the Chiang Mai urban area with over a million residents.

The city municipality is subdivided into four khwaeng (electoral wards): Nakhon Ping, Sriwichai, Mengrai, and Kawila. The first three are on the west bank of the Ping River, and Kawila is on the east bank. Nakhon Ping District includes the northern part of the city. Sriwichai, Mengrai, and Kawila consist of the western, southern, and eastern parts, respectively. The city center—within the city walls—is mostly within Sriwichai ward.[8]

History

Mangrai founded Chiang Mai in 1294[9] or 1296[10] on a site that the Lawa people called Wiang Nopburi.[11] [12]

The city succeeded Chiang Rai as the capital of Lan Na. Pha Yu enlarged and fortified it and built Wat Phra Singh in honor of his father, Kham Fu.[10] With the decline of Lan Na, Chiang Mai lost importance and was occupied by the Taungoo in 1556.[13] It formally became part of the Thonburi Kingdom in 1774, by an agreement with Chao Kavila, after the Thonburi king Taksin helped drive out the Taungoo Bamar. Subsequent Taungoo counterattacks led to Chiang Mai's abandonment between 1776 and 1791;[14]

The modern municipality dates to a sanitary district (sukhaphiban) that was created in 1915; it was upgraded to a city municipality (thesaban nakhon) on 29 March 1935.[15] First covering just, the city was enlarged to on 5 April 1983.[16]

In May 2006 Chiang Mai was the site of the Chiang Mai Initiative, concluded between ASEAN and the "ASEAN+3" countries, (China, Japan, and South Korea). Chiang Mai was one of three Thai cities contending for Thailand's bid to host the World Expo 2020.[17] Ayutthaya was ultimately chosen by the Thai parliament to register for the international competition.[18]

Chiang Mai was one of two tourist destinations in Thailand on TripAdvisor's 2014 list of "25 Best Destinations in the World", where it stood at number 24.[19] Chiang Mai is also the place where the new idol group CGM48 was founded.[20]

Emblem

The city emblem shows the stupa at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in its center. Below it are clouds representing the moderate climate in the mountains of northern Thailand. There is a nāga, the mythical snake said to be the source of the Ping River, and rice stalks, which refer to the fertility of the land.[21]

Demography

Population

Following the municipal city area's enlargement to 40,2 km² in 1983, no changes or updates have been made to it, even with the population increasing substantially in the years after. In 1983, Chiang Mai's urban area, with a population of 127,000, already exceeded the municipal city limits, and has grown to over one million people in 2022.

Chiang Mai Municipality has now become a small part of the current city-scape, making up only most parts of the capital district Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai in the inner city. To reflect the city's growth beyond the municipal borders, official government documents by the Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization and the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning - published in the Royal Thai Government Gazette - regularly update and outline the current city boundaries. The first revision of such a updated urban area (Thai: เขตเมือง) was published in 1989, with the second one following in 1999. The third revision from 2012 expands the old municipal city border inside Muaeng Chiang Mai district to Mae Rim in the north, San Kamphaeng and Doi Saket in the east, Hang Dong and Saraphi in the south, and Suthep in the west.[22] [23] [24] This new extent, with a size of 405 km², serves as Chiang Mai's principal city border and urban area.

The urban area has a combined population of 1,198,000 residents, making Chiang Mai the second largest city in Thailand after Bangkok (10.7 million people) and twice as big as the third largest city Nakhon Ratchasima (Estimate: 500,000 people). As neither the Department of Local Administration (DLA) nor the National Statistics Office (NSO) count expatriates, non-permanent residents, migrant workers (except ASEAN migrants for the year 2017) and citizens from other Thai provinces living and renting in Chiang Mai in their official population figures, it is estimated that the real population figure for Chiang Mai could be as high as 1.5 million.

As of 2022, a fourth revision of Chiang Mai's urban area is under way and currently up for debate by the public. Proposals show the expansion of the current urban area into more adjacent subdistricts and large forest areas, especially around Doi Suthep.[25] [26]

Since Thailand's outdated census methods prevent the determination of official metropolitan areas outside of Bangkok, presently there are no official sources indicating how large the extended metropolitan area is.

Geography

Chiang Mai Municipality covers an area of 40.2 square kilometres (15.52 sq mi), while the urban city covers an area of 405 square kilometres (156.371 sq mi). The city's sprawl reaches into six neighboring districts: Mae Rim, Doi Saket, San Kamphaeng, Hang Dong, Saraphi and Suthep. Chiang Mai is the only city outside Bangkok to reach into other districts.

The city is situated in a valley on a river basin in the Thai highlands and is on average at 300 m (1,000 ft) elevation. Chiang Mai's city centre sits west of the Ping River, a tributary to the Chao Phraya River, while the city's sprawl extends north-west, south-west, north-east and east of the river. To the west side of Chiang Mai lies the Thanon Thong Chai Mountain Range, with one major peak, Doi Suthep mountain, prominently rising above the city with an elevation of 1,676 metres (5,499 ft).

Parks and green spaces

There are several parks and green spaces inside the city. Buak Hat Public Park, located in the south west corner of the old city is the most frequented public park in Chiang Mai. Directly opposite, to the south-west, is Kanchanaphisek Park, a park with remnants of the old extended city walls. Bigger parks include Lanna Rama 9 Park to the north in Chang Phueak district and Ang Keaw Reservoir, located near the northern entrance to Chiang Mai University. As of 2024, there are plans to reopen the Chiang Mai Railway Park opposite of the central train station.[27]

Climate

Chiang Mai has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen Aw), tempered by the low latitude and moderate elevation, with warm to hot weather year-round, though nighttime conditions during the dry season can be cool and much lower than daytime highs. The maximum temperature ever recorded was 42.5°C in May 2016. Cold and hot weather effects occur immediately but cold effects last longer than hot effects and contribute to higher cold related mortality risk among old people aged more than 85 years.[28]

Government

The Administration of Chiang Mai Municipality is responsible for an area that covers approximately 40.216 square kilometers and consists of 4 Municipal Districts, 14 sub-districts, 94 municipal communities, and 89,656 households.

According to Municipal Act B.E. 2496 (1953, reviewed in 2003), the duties of the Municipality cover a lot of areas which include clean water supply, waste and sewage disposal, communicable disease control, public training and education, public hospitals and electricity, etc.[29]

The mayor, or the highest executive, is directly elected by the eligible voters in the municipal area. The mayor serves a four-year term and is assisted by no more than four deputy mayors appointed directly by the mayor. The mayor will thus be permitted to appoint deputies, secretaries and advisors including the mayor himself or herself totally no more than 10. The current Mayor is Tussanai Burabupakorn, as of June 2018.

The Municipal Council is the legislative body of the municipality. It has the power to issue ordinances by laws that do not contradict with the laws of the country. The municipal council applies to all people living in the municipal area. The Chiang Mai City Municipal Council is composed of 24 elected members from 4 municipal districts who each serves a 4-year term.

Economy

Development initiatives

In February 2017, the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) (under Thailand's Digital Economy and Society Ministry) announced that 36.5 million baht would be invested into developing Chiang Mai into an innovation-driven "smart city". Chiang Mai was the second city in Thailand, after Phuket and along with Khon Kaen,[30] to be developed using the "smart city" model. The model aims to capture and populate multiple levels of information (including building, social, environmental, governmental, and economic data) from sources like sensors, real-time traffic information, and social forums for access by managers, governments, and citizens using mobile apps, tablets, and dashboards.[31] The "Smart City" outlook (integrating Information and Communications Technology (ICT) with the Internet of Things (IOT)), is viewed to be critical both for secondary cities with burgeoning urban population like Chiang Mai,[32] as well as part of Thailand's move to be digital hub of ASEAN.[33] The role of private sector investment, together with public sector partnership, is key to promote digital entrepreneurship. Prosoft Comtech, a Thai software company, has spent 300 million baht to build its own "Oon IT Valley"[34] on a 90 rai plot of land as a community for tech start-ups, Internet of Things technology, software programmers and business process outsourcing services. It is aimed to both increase the size of Chiang Mai's digital workforce, as well as attract foreign digital talent to Chiang Mai.

Smart transportation

In January 2018, it was announced that Chiang Mai would be launching "Mobike In", a bike-sharing app that would see the introduction of some 500 smart bikes on the streets. The smart bikes would be available for use for both locals and tourists. It is reported that as a start, the bikes would be placed at convenient locations including the Three Kings monument, Tha Pae Gate and Suan Buak Haad Park, as well as in the old town. The "Mobike In" project is sponsored by Advanced Info Service (Thailand's largest mobile phone operator), in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (Chiang Mai Office), together with local universities, public and private sectors. The project aims to promote non-motorised transportation and support eco-tourism. Speaking at the launch at the Lanna Folklife Museum, Deputy Governor Puttipong Sirimart stated that the introduction of such "smart transportation" was a positive move in Chiang Mai's transformation into a "Smart City" (part of the "Thailand 4.0" vision).[35]

Smart agriculture

DEPA has also provided funding to Chiang Mai's Maejo University, to develop wireless sensor systems for better farmland irrigation techniques, to reduce use of water sprinklers and increase productivity. The university is also developing agricultural drones that can spray fertilizers and pesticides on crops which, if successful, will result in lower costs. The drones may also detect and monitor fires and smoke pollution.

Under the 2011 IBM "Smarter Cities Challenge", IBM experts recommended smarter food initiatives focused on creating agricultural data for farmers, including price modelling, farmer-focused weather forecasting tools, an e-portal to help farmers align crop production with demand, as well as branding of Chiang Mai produce. Longer-term recommendations included implementing traceability, enabling the tracking of produce from farm to consumer, smarter irrigation as well as flood control and early warning systems.[36]

Smart healthcare

As part of the smart city project supported by IBM, Chiang Mai is also looking to use technology to boost its presence as a medical tourism hub. In 2011, IBM launched its Smarter Cities Challenge, a three-year, 100 city, 1.6 billion baht (US$50 million) program where teams of experts study and make detailed recommendations to address local important urban issues. Chiang Mai won a grant of about US$400,000 in 2011. The IBM team focused on smarter healthcare initiatives, aimed at making Chiang Mai and the University Medical Clinic a medical hub,[37] as well as improving efficiency of hospitals for improved service delivery. For example, healthcare providers could use real-time location tracking of patients and hospital assets to increase efficiency and build an internationally recognised service identity. Electronic medical record technology can also be adopted to standardise information exchanges to link all medical service providers, even including traditional medicine and spas. Similar ideas include linking patient databases and healthcare asset information.[38] In partnership with the Faculty of Medicine at Chiang Mai University, the team of experts aim to enhance the quality of medical care available to the community, both urban and rural, as well as develop Chiang Mai into a centre for medical tourism with the infrastructure for supporting international visitors seeking long-term medical care.[39]

As the largest city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai already receives some long stay healthcare visitors, largely Japanese. Its main advantage over Bangkok is lower costs of living. Quality services at low prices are a major selling point in mainstream healthcare, dental and ophthalmologic care as well as Thai traditional medicine. Its local university is also developing specializations in robotic surgery and geriatric medicine to accommodate a future aging population.[40]

Smart tourism

DEPA also reported that it has developed a mobile app that uses augmented reality technology to showcase various historical attractions in Chiang Mai, in line with the government's policy to promote Chiang Mai as a world heritage city.[41]

Tourism

According to Thailand's Tourist Authority, in 2013 Chiang Mai had 14.1 million visitors: 4.6 million foreigners and 9.5 million Thais.[42] In 2016, tourist arrivals were expected to grow by approximately 10 percent to 9.1 million, with Chinese tourists increasing by seven percent to 750,000 and international arrivals by 10 percent to 2.6 million. Tourism in Chiang Mai has been growing annually by 15 percent per year since 2011, mostly due to Chinese tourists who account for 30 percent of international arrivals.[43] In 2015, 7.4 million tourists visited Chiang Mai. Out of these, 35 percent were foreign tourists. The number of tourists has increased with an average rate of 13.6 percent annually between 2009 and 2015. The major reasons that have made Chiang Mai a tourist attraction are its topography, climate, and cultural history.[44] Chiang Mai is estimated to have 32,000–40,000 hotel rooms and Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is Thailand's fourth largest airport, after Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Don Mueang (DMK), and Phuket (HKT).[45]

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) aims to market Chiang Mai as a global MICE city as part of a five-year plan. The TCEB forecasts revenue from MICE to rise by 10 percent to 4.24 billion baht in 2013 and the number of MICE travellers to rise by five percent to 72,424.[46]

Buddhist sights

Chiang Mai has 117 Buddhist temples ("wat" in Thai) in the Mueang (capital) district.[47] These include:

In addition to the currently active temples there are several temple ruins scattered around the present-day city area. Typically only the main stupa remains as it is a brick and cement structure, with other temple buildings no longer there. There are 44 of such structures in the city area, ranging from very prominent landmarks to small remnants that have almost completely disappeared or are overgrown with vegetation.[54]

Museums

Chiang Mai has several museums regarding Art and Lanna culture within its city limits:

Other religious sights

Effects of tourism

The influx of tourists has put a strain on the city's natural resources. Faced with rampant unplanned development, air and water pollution, waste management problems, and traffic congestion, the city has launched a non-motorised transport (NMT) system. The initiative, developed by a partnership of experts and with support from the Climate & Development Knowledge Network, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create employment opportunities for the urban poor. The climate compatible development strategy has gained support from policy-makers and citizens alike.[64]

Tourism has also brought benefits for the local community of Chiang Mai. It has played a role in promoting the arts and crafts market in Chiang Mai. Tourists have increased demand for traditional crafts and art forms that has resulted in the incentives for local artists to enhance their work thus adding to the sector.[65] There are also opportunities for agritourism in Chiang Mai. The factor analysis illustrates three types of agri needs, activities and shopping, facilities, services and location and the last one attractions and environment. Agritoursim is a type of business that a farmer conducts for additional farm income. Farmers, through the promotions of agricultural products, provide enjoyment and educate the public about farming and agriculture.[66]

Since 2022, due to the increasingly harsh political environment in China, Chiang Mai attracts many Chinese to settle and live in the city due to its liberal climate and low cost of living.[67]

Culture

Festivals

Buddhism

Buddhist celebrations include the Vesak at Doi Suthep mountain where thousands of Buddhists make the journey on foot after sunset, from the bottom of the mountain to the temple at the top Wat Doi Suthep.[68] Makha Bucha Day is celebrated at large temples (Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and Wat Sri Soda) with thousands of attendees.[69]

Language

While most inhabitants speak Thai, there are many older inhabitants that also speak the former Lan Na Kingdom's unique language known as Northern Thai, Lanna or Kham Mueang. The script used to write this language, called the Tai Tham alphabet, is studied only by scholars, and the language is commonly written with the standard Thai alphabet.[70]

Dining

Khan tok is a century-old Lan Na Thai tradition.[71]

Health and Education

Education

Chiang Mai has several universities, including Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Payap University, Far Eastern University, and Maejo University, as well as numerous technical and teacher colleges.

The city is also home to 16 international schools, the second highest amount in the country after Bangkok.[72]

Chiang Mai University, the city's main and most important institution, was the first government university established outside of Bangkok in the year 1964. As of 2024, Chiang Mai University holds the rank of the third best university in Thailand behind Chulalongkorn and Mahidol University.[73]

Healthcare

The largest hospital in Chiang Mai City is Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, run by the Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University. The Ministry of Public Health does not operate any hospitals in Chiang Mai Municipality, with the closest one being Nakornping Hospital, a regional hospital in Mae Rim District and the MOPH's largest hospital in the province.

Air pollution

A continuing environmental issue in Chiang Mai is the incidence of air pollution that primarily occurs every year between December and April. In 1996, speaking at the Fourth International Network for Environmental Compliance and Enforcement conference—held in Chiang Mai that year—the Governor Virachai Naewboonien invited guest speaker Dr. Jakapan Wongburanawatt, Dean of the Social Science Faculty of Chiang Mai University, to discuss air pollution efforts in the region. Dr. Wongburanawatt stated that, in 1994, an increasing number of city residents attended hospitals suffering from respiratory problems associated with the city's air pollution.[74]

During the December–April period, air quality in Chiang Mai often remains below recommended standards, with fine-particle dust levels reaching twice the standard limits.[75] It has been said that smoke pollution has made March "the worst month to visit Chiang Mai".[76]

The northern centre of the Meteorological Department has reported that low-pressure areas from China trap forest fire smoke in the mountains along the Thai-Myanmar border.[77] Research conducted between 2005 and 2009 showed that average PM10 rates in Chiang Mai during February and March were considerably above the country's safety level of 120 μg/m³, peaking at 383 μg/m³ on 14 March 2007. PM2.5 rates (fine particles 75% smaller than PM10) reached 183 μg/m³ in Chiang Mai in 2018.[78] According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the acceptable level of PM10 is 50 μg/m³ and PM2.5 is 25 μg/m³.[79]

To address the increasing amount of greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector in Chiang Mai, the city government has advocated the use of non-motorised transport (NMT). In addition to its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the NMT initiative addresses other issues such as traffic congestion, air quality, income generation for the poor, and the long-term viability of the tourism industry.[64]

National Parks

National Parks include Doi Inthanon National Park, which includes Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand, and one of the most popular national parks in the country. It is famous for its waterfalls, few trails, remote villages, viewpoints, sunrise/sunset watching, bird watching, and the all year round cold weather on higher elevations.

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

Doi Suthep–Pui National Park begins on the western edge of the city. Wat Doi Suthep Buddhist temple, located near the summit of Doi Suthep, can be seen from much of the city and its environs. In 2015, a development plan around the temple for a new housing project threatened to destroy some of the forest, but was halted, resulting in reforestation of the park.[80]

Pha Daeng National Park

Pha Daeng National Park, also known as Chiang Dao National Park, includes Doi Chiang Dao and Pha Deang mountain near the border with Myanmar. Many tour companies offer organized treks among the local hills and forests on foot and on elephant back. Most also involve visits to various local hill tribes, including the Akha, Hmong, Karen, and Lisu.[81]

Recreation

Shopping

There are three shopping malls operating in Chiang Mai, offering most big brands: Central Chiang Mai Airport, Central Chiang Mai and Maya Shopping Mall.[82] [83] [84]

Shopping destinations geared towards tourists in Chiang Mai include the large and famous Night Bazaar for local arts and handicrafts. The night markets extend across several city blocks along footpaths, inside buildings and temple grounds, and in open squares.

The most famous handicraft and food market, called Tha Phae Walking Street or Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market, opens every Sunday at 5 PM until 10:30 PM for 1 kilometer on Rachadamnoen Road, the main street in the historical centre of the old city, which is then closed to motorised traffic.[85] Every Saturday evening a handicraft market is held along Wua Lai Road, Chiang Mai's silver street on the south side of the city beyond Chiang Mai Gate, which is then also closed to motorised traffic.[86] [87]

Attractions

Both sides of the canal has been decorated with beautiful and neatly arranged concrete blocks, resembling the Otaru canal in Japan and Cheonggyecheon in South Korea.

Transport

Roads

As population density continues to grow, greater pressure is placed upon the city's transportation system. During peak hours, the road traffic is often badly congested. The city officials as well as researchers and experts have been trying to find feasible solutions to tackle the city's traffic problems. Most of them agree that factors such as lack of public transport, increasing number of motor vehicles, inefficient land use plan and urban sprawl, have led to these problems.[88] The locally preferred form of transport is personal motorbike and, increasingly, private car. Local public transport is via tuk-tuk, songthaew, bus, or rickshaw.[89] New electric tuk-tuks were introduced into the city in June 2017.[90]

Buses

A number of bus stations link the city to central, southeast, and northern Thailand. The central Chang Puak Terminal (north of Chiang Puak Gate) provides local services within Chiang Mai Province. The Chiang Mai Arcade bus terminal northeast of the city centre (which can be reached with a songthaew or tuk-tuk ride) provides services to over 20 other destinations in Thailand including Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Phuket. There are several services a day from Chiang Mai Arcade terminal to Mo Chit Station in Bangkok (a 10- to 12-hour journey).

Since December 2023, Chiang Mai offers a city wide bus system under the name RTC Chiang Mai City Bus, with three established lines starting and terminating at Chiang Mai Airport.[91]

Rail systems

The state railway operates 10 trains a day to Chiang Mai railway station from Bangkok. Most journeys run overnight and take approximately 12–15 hours. Most trains offer first-class (private cabins) and second-class (seats fold out to make sleeping berths) service. Chiang Mai is the northern terminus of the Thai railway system.

The latest development is that Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has approved a draft decree on the light railway transit system project in Chiang Mai. The construction was set to begin in 2020 and be completed by 2027.[92] It is believed that such a system would mitigate Chiang Mai's traffic problems to a large degree.[93]

Airports

Chiang Mai International Airport is the fourth busiest airport in Thailand and receives an average of 50 flights a day from Bangkok (25 from Suvarnabhumi and also 25 from Don Mueang, flight time about 1 hour 10 minutes) and also serves as a local hub for services to other northern cities such as Chiang Rai, Phrae, and Mae Hong Son.[94] International services also connect Chiang Mai with other regional centers, including cities in other Asian countries. Planning is underway to renovate and expand the existing airport, and for a second airport with a capacity to serve 10 million annual passengers.[95] [96]

Notable persons

International relations

Sister cities

Chiang Mai has agreements with the following sister cities:[99]

Friendship cities

Chiang Mai has agreements with the following friendship cities:[101]

See also

Notes and References

  1. https://web.archive.org/web/20111110164958/http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2478/A/2136.PDF
  2. Web site: สถิติทางการทะเบียน . Registration statistics . December 2019 . bora.dopa.go.th . Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) . 22 September 2020 . Download จำนวนประชากร ปี พ.ศ.2562 - Download population year 2019.
  3. Web site: National Statistical Office Thailand – Population Data 2022 . 2023-07-28 . statbbi.nso.go.th.
  4. Web site: Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA), Population data for the year 2022 .
  5. Web site: Chiang Mai, Thailand Metro Area Population 1950-2022, Data provided by the United Nations' Department of Economic and Social Affairs - Population Division . 2022-03-16 . www.macrotrends.net.
  6. Web site: Chiang Mai Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand . Lonely Planet . 2011-10-24 . 2012-07-05 . 2012-08-06 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120806194714/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/chiang-mai-province/shopping/other/chiang-mai-night . dead .
  7. Web site: มหาวิทยาลัยนอร์ท-เชียงใหม่ [North – Chiang Mai University] |publisher=Northcm.ac.th |access-date=2012-07-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424043041/http://www.northcm.ac.th/web/eng/ex/history.php |archive-date=April 24, 2012 ].
  8. Web site: Chiang Mai Municipality . 2008 . Chiang Mai City . th . 2008-10-04 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080915212133/http://www.cmcity.go.th/aboutus/map.php . September 15, 2008 .
  9. Book: Colquhoun . Archibald Ross . Amongst the Shans . 1885 . Scribner & Welford . 121.
  10. Book: Cœdès, George . Walter F. Vella . The Indianized States of south-east Asia . 1968 . University of Hawaii Press . 9780824803681.
  11. Web site: Lawa (Lua) : A Study from Palm-Leaf Manuscripts and Stone Inscriptions. https://archive.today/20120707091812/http://coe.cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp/research/sea/social/hayashi/Hayashi_Unnan_9Aroonrut.htm. dead. 7 July 2012. COE Center of Excellence. Rajabhat Institute of Chiangmai. 15 Aug 2012. Aroonrut Wichienkeeo. 2001–2012.
  12. See also the chronicle of Chiang Mai, Zinme Yazawin, in Forbes, Andrew, and Henley, David, Ancient Chiang Mai Volume 4. Chiang Mai, Cognoscenti Books, 2012. ASIN: B006J541LE
  13. Web site: History of Chiang Mai – Lonely Planet Travel Information . Lonelyplanet.com . 2006-09-19 . 2012-07-05.
  14. Web site: Thailand's World: General Kavila . Thailandsworld.com . 2012-05-06 . 2012-07-05 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120615063939/http://www.thailandsworld.com/en/thai-people/general-kavila/index.cfm . 2012-06-15 . dead .
  15. 29 March 1935 . พระราชบัญญัติ จัดตั้งเทศบาลนครเชียงใหม่ พุทธศักราช ๒๔๗๘ . Royal Decree Establishing Chiang Mai city municipality, Buddhist Era 2478 (1935) . https://web.archive.org/web/20111110164958/http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2478/A/2136.PDF . dead . November 10, 2011 . 10 March 2020 . Royal Thai Government Gazette . 52 . 2136–2141 .
  16. 5 April 1983 . พระราชกฤษฎีกา เปลี่ยนแปลงเขตเทศบาลนครเชียงใหม่ จังหวัดเชียงใหม่ พ.ศ. ๒๕๒๖ . Royal Decree Enlargement of Chiang Mai city municipality, Chiang Mai province, B.E.2526 (1983) . https://web.archive.org/web/20210703064011/http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2526/A/053/4.pdf . dead . July 3, 2021 . 10 March 2020 . Royal Thai Government Gazette . 100 . 53 . 4–10 .
  17. News: TCEB keen on World Expo 2020 . 13 Jan 2013 . Exhibition Now . October–November 2010 . S.T. Leng . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110704000115/http://www.tceb.or.th/exhibition-now/issue5/issue5_1_4.php . July 4, 2011 .
  18. News: Ayutthaya Chosen Thailand's Bid City for World Expo 2020 . 12 Dec 2012 . Suchat Sritama . The Nation Asia News Network . 2011-04-05 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110809104029/http://my.news.yahoo.com/ayutthaya-chosen-thailands-bid-city-world-expo-2020-20110405-024002-642.html . 2011-08-09 . dead.
  19. Web site: Best Destinations in the World; Travelers' Choice Awards 2014 . TripAdvisor . 2014-12-12.
  20. Web site: Fakta CGM48 Member Audisi . 2019-06-02 . 2019-06-03 . Shukan Bunshun.
  21. Web site: Chiang Mai Municipality Emblem. 2008. Chiang Mai City. 2008-10-04 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080630001047/http://www.cmcity.go.th/english/emblem.php . June 30, 2008.
  22. Web site: Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization . Royal Gazette . May 21, 2013 . Ministerial Regulations that shall be incorporated into the Chiang Mai unified city plan, Page 32 (in Thai) .
  23. Web site: Ministerial Regulations to enforce the City plan, Chiang Mai Province (No. 2) B.E. 2559 - Regarding the official city plans by the Chiang Mai Provincial Administration . Royal Gazette.
  24. Web site: Chapter 3 - Current environmental resources, Khon Kaen University, Feasibility study on Condominiums in the Chiang Mai Urban Area, Page 16+18 .
  25. Web site: Gathering opinions to create a 4th Revision of the Chiang Mai City Plan . Chiangmai News (In Thai). 21 January 2022 .
  26. Web site: Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning - City Plan, Chiang Mai (4th Revision) .
  27. Web site: Ward . Ricky . Chiang Mai Railway Park Bulldozed - OurChiangMai.com . 2024-06-27 . en-US.
  28. Effects of temperature on mortality in Chiang Mai city, Thailand: A time series study. Yuming Guo, Kornwipa Punnasiri and Shilu Tongly. Environmental Health. 11. 36. 9 July 2012. 1 . 10.1186/1476-069X-11-36. 22613086. 3391976 . free . 2012EnvHe..11...36G .
  29. Web site: Chiang Mai Municipality.
  30. News: DE Ministry pushing for nationwide. The Nation. Jirapan. Boonnoon. 2017-01-27. 2018-03-01.
  31. News: Prayut gets long-distance look at 'smart' 3D Chiang Mai. The Nation. 22 September 2017. 2018-03-01.
  32. News: Da Hsuan. Feng. Hai Ming. Liang. Thailand can be smart-city flagship for Belt and Road. The Nation. 28 September 2017. 2018-03-01. Editorial.
  33. News: Plan to make Phuket and Chiang Mai 'smart cities'. Asina Pornwasin. The Nation. 15 September 2015. 2018-03-01.
  34. Web site: Oon IT Valley ออนไอทีวัลเลย์ เมืองไอที วิถีล้านนา. Oon IT Valley ออนไอทีวัลเลย์ เมืองไอที วิถีล้านนา. th. 2018-03-01. 2018-03-01. https://web.archive.org/web/20180301231609/https://www.oonitvalley.com/. dead.
  35. Web site: Chiang Mai To Get 500 Smart Bikes, Known as MOBIKE IN. Citylife Chiang Mai. 2018-01-19. 2018-03-01.
  36. Web site: Chiang Mai Summary Report. IBM Smarter Cities Challenge. 2011. 2018-03-01.
  37. News: Sambandaraksa. Don. IBM focuses on Chiang Mai. Bangkok Post. 22 September 2010. 2018-03-01.
  38. News: Leesa-Nguansuk. Suchit. A tale of smart cities. Bangkok Post. 1 August 2016. 2018-03-01.
  39. News: Boonnoon. Jirapan. Thai arm of IBM spreads wings in Laos. The Nation. 19 July 2012. 2018-03-01.
  40. Web site: Smarter technology: medical tourism in Thailand. International Medical Travel Journal (IMTJ). 2 June 2011. 2018-03-01.
  41. News: Chiang Mai to become smart city. Leesa-Nguansuk. Suchit. Bangkok Post. 11 February 2017. 2018-03-01.
  42. Web site: Internal Tourism in Chiang Mai. Thailand Department of Tourism. Department of Tourism. 2014-08-20. 2014-10-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20141029183047/http://newdot2.samartmultimedia.com/farms/uploaded/Traveller%20Stat/2556/North/_2.pdf. 2014-10-29. dead.
  43. News: Chinmaneevong. Chadamas. Chiang Mai hoteliers face price war woe. 22 May 2016. Bangkok Post. 2016-05-21.
  44. News: Haze Pollution in Chiang Mai, Thailand: A Road to Resilience. https://web.archive.org/web/20210703070135/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877705818300213. dead. July 3, 2021. 22 Feb 2018. Pardthaisong, Liwa. Procedia Engineering Volume 212, 2018, Pages 85-92. 29 December 2017.
  45. Web site: 2013 (Statistic Report 2013). About AOT: Air Transport Statistic. Airports of Thailand PLC. 2014-12-09. https://web.archive.org/web/20141207204925/http://airportthai.co.th/main/en/1115-air-transport-statistic. 2014-12-07. dead.
  46. News: Amnatcharoenrit. Bamrung. Chiang Mai sees boost in MICE sector. 2014-12-09. 2013–09–27. The Nation.
  47. "Lan Na Rebirth: Recently Re-established Temples", in Forbes, Andrew, and Henley, David, Ancient Chiang Mai, Volume 3. Chiang Mai, Cognoscenti Books 2012 ASIN: B006IN1RNW
  48. Web site: Chiang Mai Thailand. Encyclopedia Britannica. 2019-08-17.
  49. "Wat Phra Singh Woramahaviharn", in Forbes, Andrew, and Henley, David, Ancient Chiang Mai, Volume 4. Chiang Mai, Cognoscenti Books, 2012. ASIN: B006J541LE
  50. "Wat Chedi Luang: Temple of the Great Stupa", in Forbes, Andrew, and Henley, David, Ancient Chiang Mai, Volume 4. Chiang Mai, Cognoscenti Books, 2012. ASIN: B006J541LE
  51. "Wat Ku Tao: Chang Phuak's Watermelon Temple", in Forbes, Andrew, and Henley, David, Ancient Chiang Mai, Volume 1. Chiang Mai, Cognoscenti Books 2012
  52. "Wat Rampoeng Tapotharam" in Forbes, Andrew, and Henley, David, Ancient Chiang Mai, Volume 3. Chiang Mai, Cognoscenti Books 2012
  53. "Wat Suan Dok, the Flower Garden temple", in Forbes, Andrew, and Henley, David, Ancient Chiang Mai, Volume 3. Chiang Mai, Cognoscenti Books, 2012. ASIN: B006IN1RNW
  54. "Archaeological Site Database of the Sirindhorn Anthropology Center", https://www.sac.or.th/databases/archaeology/archaeology?field_a_province_tid=14&title=&page=1
  55. Museums of Thailand website https://www.museumthailand.com/en/museum/Chiangmai-Philatelic-Museum-2
  56. Web site: Thai Coins History . 19 Sep 2011 . 28 Mar 2010 . Royal Thai Mint . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120402155914/http://www.royalthaimint.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=160%3Athai-coins-history&catid=44%3A2010-03-27-17-09-13&Itemid=117&lang=en . April 2, 2012 .
  57. Museums of Thailand website https://www.museumthailand.com/en/museum/Northern-Telecoms-of-Thailand-Museum
  58. http://www.maiiam.com/ MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum
  59. https://artreview.com/features/ara_winter_16_feature_chiang_mai/ Chiang Mai: Adeline Chia checks out the city's grassroots art scene
  60. Web site: Churches . Chiang Mai Info . 2010-04-15 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110511113124/http://www.chiangmaiinfo.com/directory/categories/churches . 2011-05-11 . dead .
  61. "The Muslim Community Past and Present", in Forbes, Andrew, and Henley, David, Ancient Chiang Mai, Volume 3. Chiang Mai, Cognoscenti Books, 2012. ASIN: B006IN1RNW
  62. Web site: Muslim Chiangmai . September 21, 2011 . September 21, 2011 . bi-lingual Thai-English . Muslim Chiangmai . th .
  63. Web site: Chiang Mai — A Complete Guide To Chiangmai . Chiangmai-thai.com . 2008-07-06 . 2010-04-15 . 2010-12-25 . https://web.archive.org/web/20101225021949/http://www.chiangmai-thai.com/introduction.htm . dead .
  64. Web site: Catalysing sustainable tourism: The case of Chiang Mai, Thailand . Kusakabe. Kyoko. Shrestha. Pujan. Kumar. S. Suwanprik. Trinnawat. Climate & Development Climate Network (CDKN). 21 June 2018. May 2014.
  65. Book: Managing Intermediate Size Cities: Sustainable Development in a Growth Region of Thailand . Michael Romanos & Christopher Auffrey . Springer Science. 127–151. 2002.
  66. News: Agritourist Needs and Motivations: The Chiang Mai Case. Natthawut Srikatanyoo &Kom Campiranon . Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 27:2, 166-178, DOI: 10.1080/10548400903579795. 11 March 2010.
  67. https://archive.today/20240209110139/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/02/09/china-thailand-chiang-mai-political-freedom/ Thai haven draws Chinese tech bros, moms and stoners seeking freedom
  68. Web site: CityNews. Visakha Bucha Day this Friday - Chiang Mai CityNews. 2021-05-03. Chiang Mai Citylife. 19 May 2016 .
  69. Web site: CityNews. Thousands Celebrate Makha Bhucha Day in Chiang Mai - Chiang Mai CityNews. 2021-05-03. Chiang Mai Citylife. 23 February 2016 .
  70. See: Forbes, Andrew, "The Peoples of Chiang Mai", in Hans Penth and Andrew Forbes A Brief History of Lan Na Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre 2004 pp 221-256
  71. Web site: Khan Tok Dinner. Chiang Mai University Library. 2014-10-29. 2020-07-20. https://web.archive.org/web/20200720083055/http://library.cmu.ac.th/ntic/en_lannafood/culture_lanna3.php. dead.
  72. Web site: List of International Schools in Thailand - 164 schools . 2024-06-27 . www.international-schools-database.com . en.
  73. Web site: 2017-02-16 . Study in Thailand THE World University Rankings . 2024-06-27 . Times Higher Education (THE) . en.
  74. "Chiang Mai's Environmental Challenges", Fourth International Conference of Environmental Compliance and Enforcement
  75. Web site: Air Pollution in Chiang Mai: Current Air Quality & PM-10 Levels . Earthoria . 2008-02-27 . 2010-04-15.
  76. Web site: Smoke Pollution Makes March the Worst Month to Visit Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand - Siam and Beyond . 2015-03-20 . 2015-03-14 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150314005202/http://siamandbeyond.com/smoke-pollution-makes-march-the-worst-month-to-visit-chiang-mai-northern-thailand/ . dead .
  77. Web site: Chiang Mai's air pollution still high . Nationmultimedia.com . 2007-03-11 . 2010-04-15 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110501060645/http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/11/national/national_30029004.php . 2011-05-01 . dead .
  78. Web site: Chiang Mai CityNews - Chiang Mai Records Highest PM2.5 Readings in the World, March 6, 2018. www.chiangmaicitylife.com. 7 March 2018 . 2018-04-16.
  79. Web site: WHO Air quality guidelines for particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, Global Update 2005 . WHO . 2006 . 2012-03-21.
  80. Web site: Housing project in Doi Suthep mountains, Thailand . 2022-04-24 . Environmental Justice Atlas.
  81. "Chiang Mai's Hill Peoples", in Forbes, Andrew, and Henley, David, Ancient Chiang Mai, Volume 3. Chiang Mai, Cognoscenti Books 2012
  82. Web site: Central Chiang Mai Central Pattana .
  83. Web site: Central Chiang Mai Airport Central Pattana .
  84. Web site: MAYA Shopping Mall .
  85. Web site: 2023-12-06 . Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market: BEST Tips & Guide (2023) . 2023-12-07 . backpackerswanderlust.com .
  86. "Shan Silversmiths of Wua Lai", in Forbes, Andrew, and Henley, David, Ancient Chiang Mai, Volume 4. Chiang Mai, Cognoscenti Books, 2012. ASIN: B006J541LE
  87. Web site: Shopping in Chiang Mai. 15 August 2012. Lonely Planet. 2012.
  88. Peraphan. Jittrapirom. Hermann. Knoflacher. Markus. Mailer. 2017-01-01. Understanding decision makers' perceptions of Chiang Mai city's transport problems an application of Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) methodology. Transportation Research Procedia. World Conference on Transport Research - WCTR 2016 Shanghai. 10–15 July 2016. 25. Supplement C. 4438–4453. 10.1016/j.trpro.2017.05.350. free. 2066/230529. free.
  89. News: เชียงใหม่เปิดตัวและแสดงข้อมูลระบบขนส่งสาธารณะ จับทุกภาคส่วนลงนามร่วมพัฒนาต่อเนื่อง. Manager Online. 2018-03-03. th.
  90. Web site: Chiang Mai CityNews - 450 Electric Tuk Tuks for Chiang mai Approved by DLT. www.chiangmaicitylife.com. 6 June 2017 . 2018-07-04.
  91. Web site: RTC – Chiang Mai City Bus . 2024-06-27 . rtc-citybus.com.
  92. Web site: Chiang Mai to Have Light Rail Transit by 2027. Chiang Mai Citylife. 27 November 2018.
  93. Web site: Chiang Mai for Digital Nomads. Moving Nomads. 2018-02-06. 2018-02-06. https://web.archive.org/web/20180206131700/http://movingnomads.com/web/city/Chiang%20Mai.html. dead.
  94. Web site: CHIANG MAI AIRPORT GUIDE. www.chiangmaiairportonline.com. 2023-03-07.
  95. Web site: » Second airports slated for Phuket and Chiang Mai. thaiembdc.org. 2018-12-12.
  96. Web site: 2023-08-24 . AOT launches Chiang Mai airport expansion to serve 20m passengers in a decade . 2024-06-27 . nationthailand . en-US.
  97. News: Chaisa-at . Wanchok . เพจพลิกชีวิต! "Lowcost cosplay" เมื่อความบ้าพารวย "อนุชา แสงชาติ" . 4 March 2023 . Post Today . 2 August 2016 . th.
  98. News: Ashayagachat . Achara . Chiang Mai activist wins US 'courage award' . 21 June 2018 . Bangkok Post . 30 March 2016.
  99. Web site: Chiang Mai Municipality Information Slideshow. Chiang Mai Municipality. Section of Foreign Affairs Chiang Mai Municipality. 2013-12-31. 2012-05-08. https://web.archive.org/web/20120508044019/http://www.cmcity.go.th/english/eng-slide.php. (page 21)
  100. Book: Corfield, Justin. Historical Dictionary of Pyongyang. https://books.google.com/books?id=a46gFDWr3aMC&pg=PA196. 2013. Anthem Press. London. 978-0-85728-234-7. 196. Sister Cities.
  101. Web site: Austin-Chiang Mai Launch Sister Cities Initiative . 2024-06-27 . Austin Chamber of Commerce . en-us.