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Founded by King Meng Rai as the capital of the Lanna kingdom ovr 700 years ago, Chiang Mai means "The New City". It was founded during the same period as the founding of the Sukothai kingdom. Developing as the cultural centere of the Lanna Kingdom, it also became the bastion of Buddhism in northern Thailand as King Meng Rai was a very devout Buddhist. Many Buddhist temples founded by him stil stand today and merit visit by tourists.
The Lanna Kingdom managed to extended its territory far into Burma and Laos, and southwards to Kamphaeng Phet a province above Sukhothai, but fell to the Burmese in 1556. Burma occipied Chiang Mai for 200 years, leaving its mark on the architecture of many temples.
It was in the late 18th century that King Taksin drove the Burmese out with the help of King Kawila of Lampang. Governed by a succession of Princes as a Siamese Protectorate under the Chakri Dynasty, Chiang Mai was finally brought uinder direct control of the Central Government in 1939.
Whereas Chiang Mai was only accessible by river and elephants in the past, it became more easily accessible when the railway line was completed in the late 1920's. Today, it is the economic and cultural centre of northern Thailand with very good infrastructure. and road network. roads, and reliable communications infrastructure.
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