Chiang Mai

Churches in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai at a Glance

Chiang Mai is located between latitude 17° N and 21° N with Myanmar (Burma) as its northern neighbour. It is bordered by the provinces of Lamphun and Tak on the south, Chiang Rai, Lampang and Lamphun on the east and Mae Hong Son on the west. Situated at about 1000 feet above sea level, it is about 450 miles North of Bangkok by road and about one hour by air.

Total area is 20,107 sq.km., which makes Chiang Mai the second largest province in Thailand.

Chiang Mai has three distinct seasons a year -- the rainy season from June to October, the hot season from March to May, and the cool season from November to February. The coolest months are December and January. The temperature throughout the year varies between 14° - 30° C, with an extreme of 35 ° - 40 °C during April.

About 70% of Chiang Mai consists of mountains covered with forests. These mountains form the sources of several rivers and streams which provide the water necessary for Chiang Mai's agriculture. The largest and most important river is the Ping, flowing along for about 325 miles from north to south to flow into the Choa Phraya. The highest mountain peak in Thailand is in Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon, at over 8000’.

The provinces population is 1,650,009 (2005). About 10% of the population are hilltribe people living in hundreds of villages in the mountainous districts of Chiang Mai. Six major tribal groups are Karen, Lahu, Lisu, Akha, Yao, Hmong, and Meo.

Central Thai is used as the official language, but the northern dialect is more widely spoken among many of the local people along with the local hill tribe dialects.

A Brief History of Chiang Mai

The history of Chiang Mai can be traced to the reign of King Mengrai (1259-1317) who established the Kingdom of Lanna in the northern region. In 1296 the King cooperated with King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao to choose an appropriate site for founding the capital of Lanna. The present location of Chiang Mai was selected. It took about 4 months to complete the building task. In 1558, Chiang Mai town was captured by Burengnong, a very competent King of Burma. Thirty-eight years later, King Naresuan of Ayutthaya seized Chiang Mai back from the Burmese.

Later the town fell to the hands of the Burmese again before King Narai of Ayutthaya succeeded in its recovery. Ayutthaya took control of the town for 20 years. Chiang Mai continued to be alternately ruled by the Burmese and eventually became independent.

In 1774, King Taksin of Thon Buri, who reestablished Thai sovereignty after Ayutthaya had been defeated in the war with Burma in 1767, realized the vital strategic importance of Chiang Mai, made an attack on the town and took it as a vassal town. In the reign of King Rama V (1868-1910), Chiang Mai's status was elevated from a vassal town to be part of a monthon (an administrative unit used at that time). When the Thai government abolished this unit, Chiang Mai became a province in 1933.

Ministry Opportunities in Chiang Mai

There are many opportunities to serve in Chiang Mai, both short and long term to include:

• Church planters (especially amongst the urban Thai speakers)
• English teachers
• Sports Ministry (especially Soccer and Volleyball)