Nan History, Thailand

The current city of Nan was once a separate kingdom which. This famous city of Thailand has a huge history behind it and could well be tagged as one of the oldest cities in this country. Although now the city of Nan has great evidence related to the pre historic settlements in this area, these weren’t available until the 14th century. It was in this 14th century when many meuang united on the banks of the River Nan to form one large Nanthaburi. This was the time when the importance of this city grew and the surrounding kingdoms started to take interest in this settlement..

Also, it was the creation of Lan Xang (also called as Million Elephants) and Luang Prabang kingdoms in Laos that also played a major role in increasing the importance of this city.

During its early years the people of today’s Nan descended from Lan Changa (also called by the name of Laotians). It was their forefather that had settled in the region which is today called Pua District of Nan. They did so due to the availability of rich soil in this region. This had occurred around 700 years back when the Sukothai Empire was slowly taking control of Thailand. These inhabitants also moved very close to the Nan River due to the availability of much fertile soil in this region.

Lately the history of Nan slowly got attached to the Sukothai kingdom and this was the time when this city played a major role in shaping the religious as well as the political future of Thailand. Actually it was the Meuang who took hold of the title Wara Nakhon under the Sukothai kingdom and then they were the ones who played the major role of building the country of Thailand.

Untill the 14th century Nan worked as one of the 9 major Lao Thai principalities and this city continued to flourish throughout the 15th century. During those days the city was called by the name of Chiang Klang (which means Middle City) due to its location. The famous city of Nan went under the control of Lanna and then under the control of Burma. Lastly it was Thailand which gained control over this city and it is still part of Thailand.