Amphoe Chiang Saen

Infobox Amphoe
name=Chiang Saen
thai=เชียงแสน
province=Chiang Rai
coordinates=coord|20|16|30|N|100|5|18|E|type:adm2nd_region:TH
capital=Wiang
area=554.0
population=51,948
population_as_of=2005
density=99.2
postal_code=57150
geocode=5708

Chiang Saen ( _th. เชียงแสน) is a district ("Amphoe") in the northern part of Chiang Rai Province, northern Thailand.

History

Long an important city ("Mueang") in Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Saen was sacked by King Kawila during the reign of Rama I as the city has been the Burmese base of operation in the preceding years. The city was deserted, while its inhabitants resettled in other Bangkok-allied Lanna cities such as Lampang and Chiang Mai. Several ancient ruins are found in the old cities, for example, Wat Pa Sak hosts a well preserved Lanna style 'Prathat'.

The "Mueang" was converted into a district at the beginning of the 20th century, with an additional minor district ("King Amphoe") also named Chiang Saen covering the central area. The minor district was abolished in 1925. [cite journal|journal=Royal Gazette|volume=42|issue=0 ง|pages=2159|title=แจ้งความกระทรวงมหาดไทย เรื่อง ยุบกิ่งเชียงแสนเข้ารวมกับอำเภอเชียงแสนจังหวัดเชียงราย|url=http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2468/D/2159.PDF|date=October 4 1925|language=Thai] The minor district was recreated two years laters, then named Chiang Saen Luang (เชียงแสนหลวง). [cite journal|journal=Royal Gazette|volume=44|issue=0 ง|pages=1232|title=แจ้งความกระทรวงมหาดไทย เรื่อง ตั้งกิ่งอำเภอเชียงแสนหลวง|url=http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2470/D/1232.PDF|date=July 17 1927|language=Thai] In 1939 the minor district was renamed to Chiang Saen, while the former district Chiang Saen became Mae Chan. [cite journal|journal=Royal Gazette|volume=56|issue=0 ก|pages=354–364|title=พระราชกฤษฎีกาเปลี่ยนนามอำเภอ กิ่งอำเภอ และตำบลบางแห่ง พุทธศักราช ๒๔๘๒|url=http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2482/A/354.PDF|date=April 17 1939|language=Thai] The minor district was upgraded to a full district on April 6 1957. [cite journal|journal=Royal Gazette|volume=74|issue=36 ก|pages=565–567|title=พระราชกฤษฎีกาตั้งอำเภอเชียงแสน พ.ศ. ๒๕๐๐|url=http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2500/A/036/565.PDF|date=April 6 1957|language=Thai]

Geography

Neighbouring districts are (from the east clockwise) Chiang Khong, Doi Luang, Mae Chan, Mae Sai of Chiang Rai Province. To the north are Shan State of Myanmar and Bokeo provinces of Laos.

The area around the confluence of the Mekong with the Ruak River is called the Golden Triangle. This boundary region with Laos and Myanmar is now a popular touristical area, with several casinos on the Burmese side.

Administration

The district is subdivided into 6 subdistricts ("tambon"), which are further subdivided into 82 villages ("muban"). Wiang Chiang Saen is a township ("thesaban tambon") which covers parts of "tambon" Wiang. There are further 6 Tambon administrative organizations (TAO).

References

External links

* [http://intranet.m-culture.go.th/chiangrai/amphur-chiangsaen.htm Chiang Saen data] (Thai)
* [http://www.amphoe.com/menu.php?mid=1&am=137&pv=12 amphoe.com]
* [http://www.thaibirding.com/locations/north/chiangsaen.htm Birdwatching in Chiang Saen on thaibirding.com]
* [http://www.thaibirding.com/news/yonokwetlands.htm Yonok Wetlands near Chiang Saen]