Lan Na Thai

region, Thailand

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July 19, 2026

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Lan Na was one of the first major Tai (Siamese) kingdoms in Thai history, founded by Mangrai around 1259 in the northern region of present-day Thailand. Its capital was Chiang Mai. Lan Na was a significant center for the spread of Theravada Buddhism and was known for its Buddhist scholarship and literature, particularly under Tilokaracha (r. 1441–87). The region is still referred to as Lan Na Thai and its people speak the Kammüang dialect. Lan Na maintained its independence until the 16th century when it was conquered by Myanmar (Burma), with Siamese control only reasserted in the 19th century.123

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…often referred to collectively as Lan Na Thai, from the name for the loosely structured federation of principalities, with its capital at Chiang Mai, that existed in the area until the end of the 19th century. The people of Lan Na Thai speak the Kammüang (Northern Thai) dialect and follow…
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…often referred to collectively as Lan Na Thai, from the name for the loosely structured federation of principalities, with its capital at Chiang Mai, that existed in the area until the end of the 19th century. The people of Lan Na Thai speak the Kammüang (Northern Thai) dialect and follow…
Read More