Pixabay user iTenz · CC0
13th–14th century · 1238–1311
King Mangrai
พญามังราย Mangrai · Thailand
Founding king of the Lanna kingdom and founder of Chiang Mai
Born in Ngoenyang on the Mekong, his mother was the daughter of the Tai Lue ruler of Jinghong in Xishuangbanna. He was first the 25th king of Ngoenyang, then from 1292 the first king of Lanna, and in 1296 founded the new city of Chiang Mai as his capital. In 1287 he also mediated a dispute between King Ngam Muang of Phayao and King Ram Khamhaeng of Sukhothai, and the three kings became allies.
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History · Chiang Mai
King Mangrai's new city
Chiang Mai means 'new city' in Thai. At the end of the 13th century Mangrai, founder of the Lanna kingdom, founded Chiang Mai at a place the Lawa called 'Wiang Nopburi' as a new capital to replace Chiang Rai; the founding year is generally given as 1296. Mangrai's mother was a daughter of the Tai Lue ruler of Chiang Hung in Sipsongpanna; he also mediated a dispute between the king of Phayao and Ram Khamhaeng of Sukhothai, and the three kings formed an alliance — commemorated today by the 'Three Kings Monument' in the centre of Chiang Mai's old city.
