Chiang Mai province

{{Short description|Province of Thailand}}

{{Distinguish|Chiang Mai|Mueang Chiang Mai district|Chiang Rai province}}

{{About|the first-level administrative division in Thailand||Chiang Mai (disambiguation)}}

{{Infobox settlement

| name = Chiang Mai

| official_name = จังหวัดเชียงใหม่ · {{Script|Lana|ᨧᩢ᩠ᨦᩉ᩠ᩅᩢᨩ᩠ᨿᨦᩉᩲ᩠ᨾ᩵}}

| other_name = {{Script|Lana|ᨩ᩠ᨿᨦᩉᩲ᩠ᨾ᩵}}

| settlement_type = Province

| translit_lang1 = Other

| founder = Mangrai

| image_flag = Flag of Chiang Mai.svg

| flag_size =

| flag_alt =

| image_seal = Seal Chiang Mai.svg

| seal_size =

| seal_alt =

| image_skyline = {{multiple image

| border = infobox

| total_width = 250

| image_style = border:1;

| perrow = 2/2/2/2

| image1 = Phra That Doi Suthep 02.jpg

| image2 = At the Top.jpg

| image3 = Misty Morning at Doi Angkhang Mountain, Chiangmai, Thailand.jpg

| image4 = Obluang national park, Chiangmai province, Thailand.jpg

| image5 = พระธาตุวัดพระสิงห์ - Pagoda of Wat Phra Singh 1.jpg

| image6 = Hor Thum at CMU.JPG

| image7 = Mae sa2.jpg

| image8 = Chiangmai-zoo02.jpg

}}

| image_caption = From left to right, top to bottom : Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon, Doi Ang Khang, Op Luang National Park, Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai University, Mae Sa Waterfall, Chiang Mai Zoo

| motto = ดอยสุเทพเป็นศรี ประเพณีเป็นสง่า บุปผชาติล้วนงามตา นามล้ำค่านครพิงค์
("Famed Doi Suthep. Elegant traditions. Beautiful blossoms. Invaluable name of Nakhonphing.")

| coordinates = {{Coord|18|50|14|N|98|58|14|E|region:TH-50_type:adm1st_dim:200000_source:dewiki|display=inline,title}}

| coordinates_footnotes =

| anthem = นครเชียงใหม่
Nakhon Chaing Mai

(De facto)

| image_map = Thailand Chiang Mai locator map.svg

| mapsize =

| map_alt =

| map_caption = {{Legend inline|#B00000|outline=silver}} Chiang Mai in {{Legend inline|#FEFEE9|outline=silver}} Thailand

| seat_type = Capital

| seat = Chiang Mai

| government_footnotes =

| leader_title = Governor

| leader_name = Nirat Pongsitthaworn
(since 2022){{cite journal |date=2 December 2022|title=รายนามผู้ว่าราชการจังหวัด|trans-title=List of Governors of Provinces of Thailand|url=http://www.personnel.moi.go.th/name_mahadthai/5.%20%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%9C%E0%B8%B9%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%A7%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%94.pdf |access-date=8 January 2023|journal=Ministry of Interior (Thailand)}}

| area_footnotes = [http://www.chiangmai.go.th/managing/public/D4/4D12Dec2023134018.pdf As of 2023 total area of Chiang Mai province is 22,311 sq.km]

| area_total_km2 = 22,311

| area_rank = 1st

| elevation_footnotes =

| elevation_m =

| population_footnotes = {{cite web |url=https://stat.bora.dopa.go.th/stat/statnew/statMenu/newStat/home.php |publisher=Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) |title=Official statistics registration systems |access-date=10 February 2025 |postscript= , year 2024 >provincial level >Excel File >no.50}}

| population_total = {{decrease}}1,799,019

| population_as_of = 2024

| population_rank = 4th

| population_density_km2 = 80

| population_density_rank = 61st

| population_demonym =

| population_note =

| demographics_type2 = GDP

| demographics2_footnotes = {{cite journal|title=Gross Regional and Provincial Product, 2019 Edition|journal=<> |date=July 2019|url=https://www.nesdc.go.th/ewt_dl_link.php?nid=5628&filename=gross_regional|access-date=22 January 2020|publisher=Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC)|language=en|issn=1686-0799}}

| demographics2_title1 = Total

| demographics2_info1 = baht 232 billion
(US$8.0 billion) (2019)

| demographics_type1 = Human Achievement Index

| demographics1_footnotes = {{cite web |url=https://www.nesdc.go.th/main.php?filename=Social_HAI |department=Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC)|title=ข้อมูลสถิติดัชนีความก้าวหน้าของคน ปี 2565 (PDF) |language=thai |trans-title=Human Achievement Index Databook year 2022 (PDF) |access-date=12 March 2024 |postscript= , page 27}}

| demographics1_title1 = HAI (2022)

| translit_lang1_info2 = 清邁 / 清迈
cêng1 mai6 {{font|size=70%|(Teochew Peng'im)}}
Qīngmài {{font|size=70%|(Mandarin Pinyin)}}

| translit_lang1_type2 = Chinese

| demographics1_info1 = 0.6179 "low"
Ranked 68th

| timezone1 = ICT

| utc_offset1 = +7

| postal_code_type = Postal code

| postal_code = 50xxx

| area_code_type = Calling code

| area_code = 052 & 053

| iso_code = TH-50

| registration_plate = เชียงใหม่

| blank_name_sec2 = Accession into Siam (Thailand)

| blank_info_sec2 = 1910

| website = {{URL|chiangmai.go.th}}

| footnotes =

| translit_lang1_info1 = {{Script|Lana|ᨩ᩠ᨿᨦᩉᩲ᩠ᨾ᩵}}

| translit_lang1_type1 = Northern Thai

| native_name = เชียงใหม่

| nickname = Nakhon Phing (Thai: นครพิงค์)

}}

{{Infobox settlement

| name = Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization

| native_name = องค์การบริหารส่วนจังหวัดเชียงใหม่

| native_name_lang = th

| settlement_type = Provincial Administrative Organization

| image_seal = Seal of Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization.png

| government_type = Local administrative divisions

| governing_body = Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization

| leader_title = President

| leader_name = Pichai Lertpongadisorn

| website = {{URL|chiangmaipao.go.th}}

}}

{{Infobox Chinese

| pic = Lanna- Thai Chiang Mai.svg

| piccap = "Chiang Mai" in Thai language (top) and
Northern Thai with Tai Tham script (bottom)

| picsize = 160px

| tha = เชียงใหม่

| rtgs = Chiang Mai

| lang1 = Northern Thai

| lang1_content = {{Script|Lana|ᨩ᩠ᨿᨦᩉᩲ᩠ᨾ᩵}}
{{IPA|[tɕīaŋ màj]}}

}}

{{Contains special characters|Lanna}}

Chiang Mai{{efn|{{langx|th|เชียงใหม่}}, {{IPA|th|tɕʰīaŋ màj|pron|Th-Chiang Mai.ogg}}; {{langx|nod|{{Script|Lana|ᨩ᩠ᨿᨦᩉᩲ᩠ᨾ᩵}}}}, {{IPA|nod|tɕīaŋ màj|pron|nod-chiangmai.ogg}}}} is the largest province (changwat) of Thailand by area.[https://ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/documents/17135043.pdf ประกาศกระทรวงมหาดไทย เรื่อง การกำหนดเขตตำบลในท้องที่อำเภอสามเงา จังหวัดตาก (ฉบับที่ ๒) พ.ศ. ๒๕๖๓][https://ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/documents/20667.pdf ประกาศกระทรวงมหาดไทย เรื่อง การกำหนดเขตตำบลในท้องที่อำเภอดอยเต่า จังหวัดเชียงใหม่ (ฉบับที่ ๒) พ.ศ. ๒๕๖๗] It lies in upper northern Thailand and has a population of 1.78 million people. It is bordered by Chiang Rai to the northeast, Lampang and Lamphun to the south, Tak to the southwest, Mae Hong Son to the west, and Shan State of Burma to the north. The capital, Chiang Mai, is {{convert|685|km}} north of Bangkok.

Geography

Chiang Mai province is about {{convert|685|km|abbr=on}} from Bangkok in the Mae Ping River basin and is on average at {{convert|300|m|-2|abbr=on}} elevation. Surrounded by the mountain ranges of the Thai highlands, it covers an area of approximately {{convert|22,311|km2|-3|abbr=on}}. The mountains of the Daen Lao Range ({{lang|th|ทิวเขาแดนลาว}}) at the north end of the province, the Thanon Thong Chai Range ({{lang|th|เทือกเขาถนนธงชัย}}) with the highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon at {{convert|2,565|m}}, stretching in a north–south direction, and the Khun Tan Range in the east of the province are covered by rain forest. The Mae Ping, one of the major tributaries of the Chao Phraya River, originates in the Daen Lao mountains. Several national parks are in the province: Doi Inthanon,{{cite web|title=Doi Inthanon National Park|url=http://www.tourismthailand.org/See-and-Do/Sights-and-Attractions-Detail/Doi-Inthanon-National-Park--153|website=Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT)|access-date=21 Mar 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150501001027/http://www.tourismthailand.org/See-and-Do/Sights-and-Attractions-Detail/Doi-Inthanon-National-Park--153|archive-date=1 May 2015|url-status=dead}} Doi Suthep-Pui,{{cite web|title=Doi Suthep-Pui National Park|url=http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style2/default.asp?npid=53&lg=2|website=Department of National Parks (DNP) Thailand|access-date=24 May 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524154620/http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style2/default.asp?npid=53&lg=2|archive-date=24 May 2015}} Ob Luang,{{cite web|title=Ob Luang National Park|url=http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp?npid=145&lg=2|website=Department of National Parks (DNP) Thailand|access-date=24 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109183339/http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp?npid=145&lg=2|archive-date=9 November 2013|url-status=dead}} Sri Lanna,{{cite web|title=Si Lanna National Park|url=http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp?npid=142&lg=2|website=Department of National Parks (DNP) Thailand|access-date=24 May 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524173814/http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp?npid=142&lg=2|archive-date=24 May 2015}} Huai Nam Dang,{{cite web|title=Huai Nam Dang National Park|url=http://www.tourismthailand.org/See-and-Do/Sights-and-Attractions-Detail/Huai-Nam-Dang-National-Park--174|website=Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)|access-date=21 Mar 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402221108/http://www.tourismthailand.org/See-and-Do/Sights-and-Attractions-Detail/Huai-Nam-Dang-National-Park--174|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=dead}} Mae Wang,{{cite web|title=Mae Wang National Park |url=http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp?npid=232&lg=2 |website=Department of National Parks (DNP) Thailand |access-date=24 May 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212165502/http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp?npid=232&lg=2 |archive-date=12 February 2015 }} and Pha Daeng.{{cite web|title=Pha Daeng National Park|url=http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style2/default.asp?npid=167&lg=2|website=Department of National Parks (DNP) Thailand|access-date=24 May 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524154512/http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style2/default.asp?npid=167&lg=2|archive-date=24 May 2015}} The total forest area is {{convert|15,404|km²|abbr=on}} or 69.6 percent of provincial area.{{cite web |url=https://www.forest.go.th |title=Table 2 Forest area Separate province year 2019 |publisher=Royal Forest Department |access-date=6 April 2021}}

=National parks=

There are fifteen national parks, making up region 16 of Thailand's protected areas.

  • Si Lanna National Park, {{convert|1405|km2|abbr=on}}{{cite web |url=https://catalog.dnp.go.th/dataset/areaofnp/resource/3b372140-f2bf-4811-8819-bb8a8b1a100a |title=ข้อมูลพื้นที่อุทยานแห่งชาติ ที่ประกาศในราชกิจจานุบกษา 133 แห่ง |date=December 2020 |department=Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation |language=Thai |trans-title=National Park Area Information published in the 133 Government Gazettes |access-date=1 November 2022 |archive-date=3 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103123527/https://catalog.dnp.go.th/dataset/areaofnp/resource/3b372140-f2bf-4811-8819-bb8a8b1a100a |url-status=dead }}{{rp|60}}
  • Huai Nam Dang National Park, {{convert|1252|km2|abbr=on}}{{rp|81}}
  • Pha Daeng National Park, {{convert|1123|km2|abbr=on}}{{rp|99}}
  • Mae Ping National Park, {{convert|1004|km2|abbr=on}}{{rp|31}}
  • Op Luang National Park, {{convert|553|km2|abbr=on}}{{rp|68}}
  • Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, {{convert|524|km2|abbr=on}}{{rp|97}}
  • Doi Inthanon National Park, {{convert|482|km2|abbr=on}}{{rp|6}}
  • Mae Tho National Park, {{convert|433|km2|abbr=on}}{{cite web |url=https://catalog.dnp.go.th/dataset/areaofnp/resource/4e6d4cb8-1ed1-4e1b-b5fe-8c992c728a40 |title=ข้อมูลพื้นที่อุทยานแห่งชาติ (เตรียมการ) 22 แห่ง |date=December 2020 |department=Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation |language=Thai |trans-title=Information of 22 National Parks Areas (Preparation) |access-date=1 November 2022 |archive-date=3 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103125113/https://catalog.dnp.go.th/dataset/areaofnp/resource/4e6d4cb8-1ed1-4e1b-b5fe-8c992c728a40 |url-status=dead }}{{rp|3}}
  • Mae Takrai National Park, {{convert|354|km2|abbr=on}}{{rp|131}}
  • Doi Wiang Pha National Park, {{convert|303|km2|abbr=on}}{{rp|13}}
  • Doi Suthep–Pui National Park, {{convert|257|km2|abbr=on}}{{rp|24}}
  • Op Khan National Park, {{convert|227|km2|abbr=on}}{{rp|15}}
  • Khun Khan National Park, {{convert|208|km2|abbr=on}}{{rp|126}}
  • Mae Wang National Park, {{convert|119|km2|abbr=on}}{{rp|112}}
  • Namtok Bua Tong–Namphu Chet Si National Park, {{convert|86|km2|abbr=on}}{{rp|9}}

=Wildlife sanctuaries=

There are four wildlife sanctuaries, make up region 16 of Thailand's protected areas.

  • Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary, {{convert|1224|km2|abbr=on}}{{cite web |url=http://it2.dnp.go.th/wp-content/uploads/ตาราง-5-พื้นที่เขตรักษาพันธุ์สัตว์ป่า-ปี-2562.pdf |title=ตาราง 5 พื้นที่เขตรักษาพันธุ์สัตว์ป่า พ.ศ. 2562 |year=2019 |department=Department of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Plant Conservation |language=Thai |trans-title=Table 5 Wildlife Sanctuary Areas in 2019 |access-date=1 November 2022}}{{rp|4}}
  • Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, {{convert|521|km2|abbr=on}}{{rp|2}}
  • Mae Lao–Mae Sae Wildlife Sanctuary, {{convert|514|km2|abbr=on}}{{rp|5}}
  • Samoeng Wildlife Sanctuary, {{convert|194|km2|abbr=on}}{{rp|3}}

Climate

Chiang Mai has a tropical wet and dry 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 are much lower than daytime highs. The maximum temperature ever recorded is {{convert|42.4|°C}} in May 2005.{{cite web |url=http://www.geodata.us/weather/show.php?usaf=483270&uban=99999&m=5&c=Thailand&y=2005 |title=Daily Climate Weather Data Statistics |publisher=Geodata.us |access-date=2012-04-29}}

History

{{Main|Kingdom of Chiang Mai|Lan Na Kingdom}}

The city of Chiang Mai, the capital of Chiang Mai province, was also capital of the Lanna Kingdom after its founding in 1296, during the same period of time as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom.{{cite web|title=Chiang Mai|url=http://www.tourismthailand.org/Where-to-Go/Chiang-Mai|website=Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)|access-date=21 Mar 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150330210757/http://www.tourismthailand.org/Where-to-Go/Chiang-Mai|archive-date=30 March 2015|url-status=dead}} From then, Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, but also the centre of Buddhism in northern Thailand. King Meng Rai built many temples in the region.

In 1558, Chiang Mai became a colony of the First Toungoo Empire. Chiang Mai remained its colony for more than 200 years, until the Burmese–Siamese War (1775–1776). In 1774 the Burmese colonial regime were finally driven out of Chiang Mai by a coalition of Lanna and Siamese forces and it then became a tributary state of Siam, which later installed a Lanna chieftain ally, Kawila, to independently rule over Lampang and Chiang Mai region as a monarch.

In the reign of King Rama V of Siam, under his administrative centralization policy and due to the ineptitude of Chiang Mai's ruling family, Chiang Mai eventually lost its independence, was annexed and became a second level subdivision of Siam.{{cite web|url=https://www.dmr.go.th/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/article_20140227115635.pdf|title=A Brief History of Chiang Mai|website=Department of Mineral Resources, Thailand|access-date=2025-05-17|format=PDF}}

From 1933 on, Chiang Mai received its status as a "province" of Siam and has remained so until the present day.{{cite web|url=https://www.slcm.online/about-chiangmai#:~:text=In%201933%2C%20Chiang%20Mai%20officially,%2C%20umbrellas%2C%20silverwork%20and%20woodcarving|title=About Chiang Mai|website=Saint Lanna College of Management|access-date=2025-05-17}}

Demographics

Of the population, 13.4 percent in the province are members of hill tribes

  • Northern Thai people or Tai Yuan native to nine provinces in Northern Thailand, principally in the area of the former kingdom of Lan Na.
  • Tai Lue live in dwellings of usually only a single room wooden house built on high poles. They are skilled in weaving.
  • Tai Yai, Burmese in origin, harvest rice, farm, raise cattle and trade. Their craftsmanship lies in weaving, pottery, wood carving and bronze ware.
  • Akha the largest population of any hill tribe in the region. Originating from Tibet and Southern China, they dwell on high ground around {{convert|1,200.|m}} above sea-level. Within their villages they build a spirit gateway to protect them from evil spirits.
  • Hmong from southern China. Prefer higher elevations. They raise livestock and grow rice, corn, tobacco, and cabbage. Known for their embroidery and silver.
  • Karen occupy valleys and riverbanks.
  • Lahu from southern China and live in high areas. They are known as hunters and planters.
  • Lisu from southern China and Tibet are renowned for their colorful dress and also build their dwellings on high poles. They harvest rice and corn and their men are skilled in hunting.
  • Yao reside on mountainsides and grow corn and other crops. They are skilled blacksmiths, silversmiths and embroiders.
  • Mon native to Haripuñjaya Where the capital was at Lamphun

Religion

{{Expand section|date=July 2022}}

{{Pie chart

|thumb = right

|caption = Religion in Chiang Mai

|label1 = Buddhism

|value1 = 83.26

|color1 = Yellow

|label3 = Islam

|value3 = 0.580

|color3 = DarkGreen

|label2 = Christianity

|value2 = 15.8

|color2 = DodgerBlue

|label4 = Hinduism

|value4 = 1.58

|color4 = Orange

|label5 = Confucianism

|value5 = 0.02

|color5 = Red

|label6 = Sikhism

|value6 = 0.1

|color6 = White

|label7 = Not Religious

|value7 = 0.14

|color7 = Black

|label8 = Unknown

|value8 = 0.01

|color8 = Pink

|label9 = Other

|value9 = 0.03

|color9 = Cream

}}

{{clear}}

Symbols

The seal of the province shows a white elephant in a glass pavilion. The white elephant is a royal symbol in Thailand, and it is depicted to remember the offering of a white elephant by Thammalangka, a ruler of Chiang Mai, to his overlord, King Rama II of Bangkok. The pavilion symbolizes that Buddhism prospered in Chiang Mai, especially when in 1477 the teachings of Buddha, the Tripitaka, were reviewed.{{cite web|title=Office of the Royal Society|work=สำนักงานราชบัณฑิตยสภา |at=Section เชียงใหม่|language=th|url=http://legacy.orst.go.th/?knowledges=%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%94}}

The provincial flower and tree is the "flame of the forest" (Butea monosperma). The edible cyprinid fish "black sharkminnow" (Labeo chrysophekadion) is the provincial aquatic life.

The provincial slogan is In the shadow of Mount Doi Suthep, blessed with rice customs and traditions, beautiful wild flowers, magnificent Nakhon Phing.

Administrative divisions and postal codes

File:Districts_Chiang_Mai.svg

Chiang Mai is subdivided into 25 districts (amphoe). The districts are further divided into 204 subdistricts (tambon) and 2,066 villages (muban).

{{Div col|colwidth=15em}}

  1. Mueang Chiang Mai: 50000
  2. Chom Thong: 50160
  3. Mae Chaem: 50270
  4. Chiang Dao: 50170
  5. Doi Saket: 50220
  6. Mae Taeng: 50150
  7. Mae Rim: 50180
  8. Samoeng: 50250
  9. Fang: 50110
  10. Mae Ai: 50280
  11. Phrao: 50190
  12. San Pa Tong: 50120
  13. San Kamphaeng: 50130
  14. San Sai: 50210
  15. Hang Dong: 50230
  16. Hot: 50240
  17. Doi Tao: 50260
  18. Omkoi: 50310
  19. Saraphi: 50140
  20. Wiang Haeng: 50350
  21. Chai Prakan: 50320
  22. Mae Wang: 50360
  23. Mae On: 50130
  24. Doi Lo: 50160
  25. Galyani Vadhana: 50270The code 25 was assigned to a planned district named Wiang Kham, which however wasn't created.

{{Div col end}}

=Local government=

As of 26 November 2019 there are:{{cite web |url=http://www.dla.go.th/work/abt/province.jsp |title=Number of local government organizations by province |date=26 November 2019 |website=dla.go.th |publisher=Department of Local Administration (DLA) |access-date=10 December 2019 | quote=13 Chiang Mai: 1 PAO, 1 City mun., 4 Town mun., 116 Subdistrict mun., 89 SAO.}} one Chiang Mai Provincial Administration Organisation ({{lang|th-Latn|ongkan borihan suan changwat}}) and 121 municipal (thesaban) areas in the province. Chiang Mai has city (thesaban nakhon) status. Mae Jo, Mae Hia, Mueang Kaen Phatthana and Ton Pao have town (thesaban mueang) status. Further 116 subdistrict municipalities (thesaban tambon). The non-municipal areas are administered by 89 Subdistrict Administrative Organisations - SAO (ongkan borihan suan tambon).

{{clear}}

Human achievement index 2022

class="wikitable floatright" style="width:400px;"
style="text-align:center; width:100px; background:black; color:white;"| Health

| style="text-align:center; width:100px; background:black; color:white;"| Education

| style="text-align:center; width:100px; background:black; color:white;"| Employment

| style="text-align:center; width:100px; background:black; color:white;"| Income

95px

| 100px

| 100px

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style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| 65

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colspan="4"; style="background:black; color:white;"| Province Chiang Mai, with an HAI 2022 value of 0.6179 is "low", occupies place 68in the ranking.

Since 2003, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand has tracked progress on human development at sub-national level using the Human achievement index (HAI), a composite index covering all the eight key areas of human development. The National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) took over this task in 2017.

class="wikitable" ---valign=topRankClassification
|  1–13"High"
|14–29"Somewhat high"
|30–45"Average"
|46–61"Somewhat low"
|62–77"Low"

role= "presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"

|Map with provinces and HAI 2022 rankings

950px

{{clear}}

Transportation

File:RTN Embraer ERJ 135LR beneath Wat Doi Suthep.jpg showing Doi Suthep temple in the upper left corner]]

  • Road: Chiang Mai is on Highway 11, the only 2-digit road number in the province. Other roads connect the city of Chiang Mai with the north and south of the province, as well as with the east towards Chiang Rai province.
  • Train: Chiang Mai railway station is the northern terminus of the Northern Line, operated by the State Railway of Thailand.
  • Air: Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is one of the seven Thai international airports under the aegis of the Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT).{{cite web|title=Chiang Mai International Airport|url=http://chiangmaiairportthai.com/en|website=Airports of Thailand Public Co., Ltd|access-date=24 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204062655/http://chiangmaiairportthai.com/en|archive-date=4 December 2016|url-status=dead}} As Chiang Mai International Airport is the major gateway to northern Thailand, it plays an important role in promoting travel and tourism throughout the northern region. Today, 14 airlines serve the airport and more than 3,000,000 passengers, 15,000 flights, and 16,000 tons of cargo are handled annually.{{Citation needed|date=May 2015}}
  • Songthaew

Tourism

{{Travel guide|date=February 2020}}

Chiang Mai province is the tourist hub of the north and one of Thailand's most important tourist destinations.{{Citation needed|date=September 2010}} It is considered one of the most scenic provinces in the country due to its mountain ranges, valleys, flora, and fauna. For example, the Hang Dong Canyon is coveted as a great tourist attraction. Furthermore, unlike most of Thailand, in some months, the climate in the north and Chiang Mai is cool, fresh, and misty.

Health

Each amphoe of Chiang Mai has its own hospital, but among the largest are located in Mueang Chiang Mai District and include Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital and Nakornping Hospital.

Local products

Chiang Mai is a handicrafts centre, with a variety of antiques, silver jewellery, and embroidery, Thai silks and cottons, basketry, celadon, silverware, furniture, lacquerware, woodcarvings, and parasols.{{cite web|title=Shopping Chiang Mai|url=http://www.tourismthailand.org/Where-to-Go/Shopping/Search?view=101|website=Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)|access-date=24 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524154859/http://www.tourismthailand.org/Where-to-Go/Shopping/Search?view=101|archive-date=24 May 2015|url-status=dead}}

Local culture

The north of Thailand's culture is Lanna in origin and the people are proud of their northern roots. The region is home to distinctive foods, music, arts, way of life, and even language. Chiang Mai is home to various hill tribes and their own distinctive cultures.

= Local food =

File:Drumstick khao soy.JPG{{See also|Thai cuisine}}

  • Nam phrik ong is a type of Nam phrik chili paste which is made of minced pork and tomatoes. It is usually eaten with soft-boiled vegetables, pork crackling, or deep-fried crunchy rice cakes.
  • Nam phrik num meaning "chili paste young man", is another kind of paste which can be eaten with pork crackling.
  • Sai ua is a local sausage that is very aromatic and spicy and is usually eaten with sticky rice.
  • Kaeng meaning "curry", is not made with coconut milk in the north.
  • Kaeng hang-le is northern-style pork curry
  • Kaeng om is a spicy curry consisting of intestines
  • Kaeng khae is a spicy curry consisting mainly of vegetables.
  • Khanom chin nam ngiao is a traditional northern noodle dish with chicken or pork.
  • Khao soi is a noodle dish which can be made from chicken, pork, or beef made with coconut milk and garnished with chopped fresh shallots, pickled cabbage, chilli paste to taste, and a slice of fresh lime.

Sports

There are two main sport stadia in Chiang Mai and its environs: 700th Anniversary Stadium and Province Stadium. 700th Anniversary Stadium is on Klongchonpratan Road, {{convert|7|km|abbr=on}} from Chiang Mai University. There are swimming pools, diving pool, basketball arena, and 11 tennis courts.

File:Chiang Mai, Yi Peng Festival 1.jpg|Chiang Mai, Yi Peng Festival

File:Loi Krathong 2010 John Shedrick.jpg|People floating krathong rafts during the Loi Krathong festival in Chiang Mai

Sister cities

The province is twinned with eight provinces/states.{{Cite web |url=http://www.chiangmai.go.th/meet_file/sarupCM2556.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2016-06-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923202631/http://www.chiangmai.go.th/meet_file/sarupCM2556.pdf |archive-date=2015-09-23 |url-status=dead }}

  • {{Flagicon|PRC}} Shanghai, China (2000)
  • {{Flagicon|Indonesia}} Yogyakarta, Indonesia (2007)
  • {{Flagicon|PRC}} Qingdao, China (2008)
  • {{Flagicon|PRC}} Chongqing, China (2008)
  • {{Flagicon|Japan}} Hokkaido, Japan (2013){{cite web|url=http://www.northernsistercity.org/file/event/5bbed4b49f7eb_LOI_EnglishVersion.pdf |access-date=2018-12-29 |title=MOU of the Establishment of Friendship between Province of Chiang Mai and Prefecture of Hokkaido}}
  • {{Flagicon|Turkey}} Bursa, Turkey (2013)
  • {{Flagicon|Myanmar}} Chiang Tung, Myanmar (2014){{Cite web|url=http://prachatai.com/journal/2014/10/55916|title=ประยุทธ์เยือนพม่า-ขอสื่ออย่าระบุสัญชาติผู้ต้องหาเกาะเต่า}}
  • {{Flagicon|PRC}} Chengdu, China (2015)

Notable inhabitants

Image:Vladimir Putin in Thailand 21-22 October 2003-1.jpg with Vladimir Putin at APEC Thailand 2003, Thaksin was born in San Kamphaeng District]]

  • Thaksin Shinawatra (Thai: ทักษิณ ชินวัตร) (born 1949), politician and businessman
  • Yingluck Shinawatra (Thai: ยิ่งลักษณ์ ชินวัตร) (born 1967), politician

Gallery

File:จุดชมวิว กม.41 อุทยานแห่งชาติดอยอินทนนท์.jpg|The viewpoint at the 41st km of the Highway 1009, Doi Inthanon

File:Wild Himalaya Cherry's blooming at Doi suthep-pui national park.jpg|Prunus cerasoides blooming at Doi Suthep–Pui National Park

File:Pong Dueat Hot Spring.jpg|Pong Dueat Hot Springs, Huai Nam Dang National Park

File:Ob Khan National Park.jpg|Ob Khan National Park

File:1112อุทยานแห่งชาติแม่วาง6.jpg|Mae Wang National park

File:Chiang Dao National Park Chiang Mai.jpg|Doi Chiang Dao mountain

File:ดอยหลวงเชียงดาว.jpg|Pha Daeng National Park in Chiang Dao District

File:เทือกเขาหลวงเชียงดาว ในตอนเช้า.jpg|The mountains of Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary in Chiang Dao District

File:Cyornis whitei, Doi Chiang Dao NP, Thailand.jpg|A photo of a hill blue flycatcher in the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary

File:Mae ta mann-09.JPG|Bathing elephants in the Taeng River

File:Chiang Mai province road 1099 Omkoi.jpg|Mae Thun Noi, Omkoi

File:2019 01 Fang River Chai Prakan District.jpg|The Fang River, part of the Mekong watershed, in Chai Prakan District

File:Mae Ngat Somboon Chon.jpg|The lake of Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Dam, Si Lanna National Park

File:Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep 08.jpg|Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

File:Chiang Mai - East gate of the city wall - 0001.jpg|East gate (Tha Phae Gate) of the city wall

File:CF-sunset.jpg|Shopping Mall in Chiang Mai

File:Thaton countryside, Thailand.jpg|Thaton countryside

File:ThaiGirls.jpg|alt=|Hmong girls

File:Butea monosperma bij Tha Phae Gate, Chiang Mai P1040493a.jpg|alt=|The "flame of the forest"

Notes

{{notelist}}

References

{{reflist}}