History Files
 

Far East Kingdoms

South East Asia

 

Nan (Thais)
AD 1292 - 1931
Incorporating Muang Pat, Muang Pua, & Yang

Modern Thailand occupies much of the Indochinese peninsula in South-East Asia. It is bordered by Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Burma. From the twelfth century onwards Thais expanded outwards, predominantly southwards into the Malay-Thai peninsula. State-building swiftly followed in Early Thailand to create a patchwork of kingdoms and minor principalities.

The muang or nakhon (principality) of Nan was located in the extreme north-east of what is now Thailand. In the fourteenth century it was bordered by the states of Luang Prabang and Vientiane, and there is a great deal of evidence in this area for habitation which dates back into the prehistoric period.

A state was founded in AD 1292 around the city of Muang Pua (Varanagara). Conquest and dominance by the state of Phayao within a decade or so of foundation meant a transfer of governance to Muang Pat. The state of Yang is legendary, being used as a foundation myth for Muang Pua itself.

The conquered Muang Pua state was re-established and moved to Nan in the mid-fourteenth century when a group of small muang (principalities) united to form the state of Nan, or Nanthaburi, along the River Nan. This event was contemporary with the creation of the predominantly Laotian state of Lan Xang, and of Luang Prabang which became a splinter state in its own right.

Nan came under Lan Na's overlordship in 1450, and would remain a vassal of one or another of its more powerful neighbours until 1892. At that point it was incorporated into the kingdom of Siam along with several other minor states. The royal line was allowed to remain in place under various administrative realignments until it came to an end in 1931.

Information on the earliest rulers comes from the Nan Chronicle, one of many local chronicles which were produced by Thai muang. It forms an important source of information for this state while also providing a legendary formation story. Its ruling princes had the title of chao ('prince') although, when under Lan Na's dominance, the title thao was more commonly used.

When the principality was ended in 1931 it was fully integrated into modern Thailand (Siam) as the province of Nan. Due to its remoteness the province subsequently became a seat of power for bandits and the 'People's Liberation Army of Thailand' (abbreviated as PLAT), a rebel guerrilla group which flourished in the 1980s. Eventually the province was stabilised.

Buddhist temple of Chiang Mai in Thailand, by Chris Keeney Photography

Principal author(s): Page created: Page last updated:

(Information by John De Cleene and the John De Cleene Archive, from A History of Thailand, Chris Baker & Pasuk Phongpaichit (2005), from Southeast Asia: A Historical Encyclopaedia, from Angkor Wat to East Timor, Keat Gin Ooi (ABC-Clio, 2004), from Early Mainland Southeast Asia, C Higham (River Books Co, 2014), from Encyclopaedia of Ancient Asian Civilizations, Charles F W Higham (Facts on File, 2004), from Historical Atlas of the World, R R Palmer (Ed, Chicago, 1963), and from External Links: Ayutthaya Historical Research, and Forced Resettlement Campaigns in Northern Thailand During the Early Bangkok Period, Volker Grabowsky (Oriens Extremus, 1994, available via JSTOR), and History of Nan (GT Rider), and The Indianized States of Southeast Asia, George Coedès (Walter F Vella (Ed), Susan Brown Cowing (Trans), University of Hawaii Press, 1968, and available online via the Internet Archive), and The Nan Chronicle, David K Wyatt (Translator, SEAP Publications, 1994, available via documen.pub), and Thailand (World Statesmen).)

1292

A principality Is founded around the city of Muang Pua (Varanagara) and is ruled by the Phukha dynasty, which has connections with Vientiane in the Lan Xang kingdom.

According to a legend which introduces Muang Pha via the Nan Chronicle, Pana Pukha, ruler of Yang, raises two boys who have been hatched from eggs: Chao Khun Nun and Chao Khun Fōng.

When they ask to be rulers of their own lands they are sent to Pana Thera Taeng who grants Chao Khun Nun governance of Candanapuri (an ancient name for Vientiane). He gives Chao Khun Fōng governance of Varanagara (an ancient name for Muang Pua).

Mural in Nan, Thailand
The state of Muang Pua was re-established and moved to Nan in the mid-fourteenth century when a group of small muang united to form the state of Nan, or Nanthaburi

1292 - ?

Chao Khun Fōng

First prince of Muang Pua. Died.

fl 1290s

Chao Kao Kūan

Son. Became ruler of Yang.

1290s

Two court ladies of Yang invite Kao Kūan to become ruler of Yang. After some hesitation he accepts, and leaves his queen and the ladies in charge of Muang Pua pending the birth of his son.

?

Mae Thao Kham Ua Sim

Queen, and regent of Muang Pua.

?

Mae Thao Kham Pin

Lady, and regent of Muang Pua.

1290s

Ngam Mưlang, ruler of Phayao between 1258 and about 1298, attacks and conquers Muang Pua. The queen regent, Queen Mae Thao Kham Ua Sim, flees into exile where she gives birth to Kao Kūan's son. Ngam Mưlang appoints one of his wives to rule Pua along with her son.

Wat Tam Chetawan temple in Thailand
Wat Tham Chetawan in Thailand's Na Noi district, part of the former principality of Nan, arose from neglect to become a leading Buddhist sanctuary through the devotion of Kruba Noi, with architecture blending traditions from Lan Na and Burma

c.1290s - 1320

Ngam Mưlang

Ruler of Phayao and conqueror of Muang Pua.

1290s - 1300s?

Ua Sim

Wife. Regent of Muang Pua.

c.1310?

The son of the exiled queen is Chao Khun Sai (Chao Sai Yok). When he reaches the age of sixteen Ngam Mưlang grants him governance of Muang Pat, presumably after he has proven himself to be a loyal subject.

? - 1320/1321

Chao Am Pòm

Son. Ruler of Pua. Defended Pua but sidelined.

c.1320/1321?

Ua Sim, the queen regent, takes offence during a visit by her husband, Ngam Mưlang. She marries Chao Sai Yok, the rightful ruler of Muang Pua, so Ngam Mưlang responds with an invasion.

Chao Sai Yok and his now-stepson, Chao Am Pòm, team up to repel the attack, with the result that Pua's councillors install Chao Sai Yok as the new ruler of Muang Pua, under the reignal name of Chao Pha Nòng. The sidelined Chao Am Pòm soon becomes disenchanted with his lot so he returns to Phayao.

Wat Mahathat in Thailand
A good deal of information about the state of Sukhothai under the rule of Rama 'the Great' is contained on an inscribed stone stele which was discovered at the Wat Mahathat temple in Sukhothai Historical Park

c.1321 - 1350/51

Chao Pha Nòng / Chao Sai Yok

Son of Kao Kūan. Ruler of Pua for 30 years. Died.

c.1351 - 1354/55

Chao Sai

Son. Ruled Pua for three years. Died.

c.1354/55 - 1363

Chao Kan Muang

Brother. Ruled Pua for 6 yrs, Killed by poisoned cloth.

1363 - 1389

Chao Pha Kòng

Son. Ruler of Pua / Nan. Died.

1368

A group of small muang (principalities) unite in the middle of the fourteenth century to re-establish this state as the state of Nan or Nanthaburi, located along the River Nan. The capital is moved to Nan.

The main driving force is the fact that Muang Pua's capital at Wiang Pu Piang has suffered six years of drought. The site of Ban Huai Kai is found to be more favourable by Chao Pha Kòng, although it is renamed as the city of Nan.

1389 - 1396

Chao Kamtan

Son. Probably poisoned during his consecration.

1396

Either Sukhothai (most likely) or Ayutthaya sends an envoy to consecrate Chao Kamtan, ruler of Nan. The consecrated water is poured over his head and he dies during the night. The envoy flees, giving rise to the possibility that Chao Kamtan has been poisoned. He is succeeded by his son, Chao Si Kanta.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Ayutthaya took on influences from many external players, including Sukhothai and the Khmer, as well as China, Japan and - later - several European countries, with that influence being seen in Wat Chaiwatthanaram

1396 - 1397

Chao Si Kanta

Son. Defeated and executed.

1397

The rulers of Phrae conquer Nan and execute its ruler, Chao Si Kanta. His younger brother, Chao Hung, escapes to Sukhothai. The two Phrae rulers govern Nan in sequence until they are driven out by Chao Pana Hung.

1397

Pana Thera

Conqueror. Joint ruler of Phrae. Died from disease.

1397-1398

Chao Un Muang

Brother. Joint ruler of Phrae. Defeated and exiled.

1398 - 1406

Chao Pana Hung

Brother of Chao Si Kanta. Ruled 8 yrs. Died of an abscess.

1406 - 1416

Chao Pu Kheng

Son. Ruled eleven years. Died of diarrhoea.

1416 - 1425

Chao Pan

Son. Ruled ten years. Died.

1425 - 1433

Chao Ngua Pha Sum

Son. Ruled eight years. Died.

1433 - 1434

Chao Intaken / Phraya Kaen Than

Son. Deposed and fled. Ruled 15 months.

1434

Chao Intaken's two young brothers overthrow him and imprison him in a cage. He escapes by means of a ruse and flees first to Ban Thao Hai and then to Muang Lam. Muang Lam is still within the state boundaries of Nan.

Phrae's 'Emperor's Cave' (Tham Chakapat)
The 'Emperor's Cave' (Tham Chakapat) is a Siamese-era temple cave which is located on top of a sandstone mountain, tucked away in the rolling hills of Phrae

1434 - 1435

Chao Paeng

Brother. Ruled one year. Killed in battle by Chao Intaken.

1435

Chao Intaken raises an army of troops which have been provided by the ruler of Chaliang. Riding an elephant, he defeats his brother and kills him with his lance. Chao Intaken recovers control of Nan.

1435 -1448

Chao Intaken / Phraya Kaen Than

Restored ruler of Nan. Ruled 16 years. Driven out.

1443/1444 - 1448

Having deposed his own father to secure control, Tilokoraj of Lan Na wages war against Nan and drives out its ruler, Intaken, along with his wives and children. They take refuge with the ruler of Chaliang while Tilokaraj appoints as Nan's new ruler one Chao Pha Saeng, son of Chao Paeng, but only as a vassal.

1448 - 1461/1462

Chao Pha Saeng

Nephew. Tributary to Lan Na. Last of the Phukha dynasty.

1461/1462

Mūn Cae Lo

Acting ruler (three months).

1461/62 - 1465/66

Mūn Sòi of Chiang Khong

Ruled 4 years. Transferred to rule Fang.

1465/66 - 1468/69

Mūn Nòi Nai

Ruled 3 years. Executed for an infraction.

1468/69 - 1471/72

Mūn Khwa Thao Ba Lai

Ruled 3 or 4 years. Died.

1471/72 - 1474/75

Mūn Kham

Son. Ruled 3 years. Transferred to rule Fang.

1474/75 - 1479/80

Thao Kha Kan

Son. Transferred to Chiang Rai.

1479/1480

When Dai Viet invades Nan, Tao Kha Kan follows orders and, with an army of forty thousand, defeats the invaders. However, he exceeds his authority by pursuing the enemy after the defeat.

Ming dynasty troops
The Ming domination of Dai Viet - Annam to them - was brief, quickly succumbing to growing rebellions and a well-resourced armed movement which soon threw out their troops

He kills many and sends their heads to Tilokoraj of Lan Na along with many captured soldiers, their families, and their elephants and horses. The displeased Tilokoraj transfers Tao Kah Kan to Chiang Rai, believing that this sort of treatment for defeated enemies only encourages them to seek vengeance.

1479/80 - 1483/84

Thao Ai Yuam

Ruled four years. Died.

1483/84 - 1487/88

Thao Muang

Son. Ruled four years. Died.

1487/88

Mūn Mong of Chiang Lūa

Ruled six months. Died.

1487/88 - 1495/16

Thao Bun Faeng

Ruled eight years. Transferred to rule Chiang Saen.

1495/1496

Mūn Tin Chiang

Ruled only ten months. Transferred to rule Chiang Saen.

1495/96 - 1507/08

Thao Bun Faeng

Second time. Ruled twelve years. Died.

1507/08 - 1510/11

Mūn Sam Lan

Ruled for three years. Transferred to rule Fang.

1510/1511

Having been installed three years earlier by Lan Na as ruler of Nan, Mūn Sam Lan is now transferred to rule over Fang. Sòi is transferred from Phrae after Ayutthaya invades that small vassal state to replace him in Nan. Three years after this reshuffle, Sòi will be transferred to Lampang.

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is a magnificent temple in Thailand's Lampang, thought to have been built on a deliberately-created elevation, while inside is the priceless 'Emerald Buddha' which was carved from green jade

1510/11 - 1513/14

Sòi

Transferred from Phrae. Then transferred to rule Lampang.

1513/14 - 1515/16

Mūn Thao Bun Khwang

Son of Thao Bun Faeng. Transferred to rule Thoeng.

1515/1516

Mūn Sam Lan is the son of Thao Bun Faeng, a former ruler of Nan and Chiang Saen. Mahinda, now the ruler of Fang, is given Nan for the next ten months and then is transferred by Lan Na to rule Phayao. Ayutthaya now defeats the Laotians and captures Lampang, bringing back plenty of booty which includes a famous black-stone image of Buddha.

1515/1516

Mahinda

Former ruler of Fang. Transferred to rule Phayao.

1517

In a further stage of his governorship game of musical chairs, Muang Kaeo of Lan Na transfers Kham Yòt Fa, ruler of Phrae, to Nan for a span of three months, after which the king sends him to rule Phayao.

1517

Kham Yòt Fa

Former ruler of Phrae. Transferred to rule Phayao after 3 months.

1517 - 1519/1520

Chao Pana Nò Chiang Saen

Ruled three years. Transferred to rule Phayao.

1519/20 - 1538/39

Pana Kham Yòt Fa / Muang Nan

Second time. Recalled to Chiang Mai by the king of Lan Na.

1538/1539

Chao Saen Sonkham

Ruled only 1 mo. Transferred from & returned to rule Lampang.

1539 - 1539/1540

Chao Pana Saen Songkham

Formerly Pana Kham Yòt Fa. Ruled for a third time. Died.

1539/40 - 1571/72

Chao Pana Palatep Lū Cai

Ruled thirty-two years. Escaped to Luang Prabang.

1558 - 1560

The Burmese conquer the capital of Chiang Mai. Lan Na comes under the suzerainty of Toungoo and its successor state, Ava, almost without interruption until 1774. As a consequence its subordinate state of Phrae also falls under Burmese overlordship. Burmese in Pegu re-establish that in 1560 as a vassal state and it will remain so until 1783.

Mengrai, founder of the kingdom of Chiang Mai in 1259
Mengrai, in the centre, was the founder of the kingdom of Lan Na at Chiang Mai in 1259, a late medieval rival to Sukhothai in what is now Thailand

1560/61 - 1591

Kham Sathian Cai Songkham

Pegu's governor.

1591 - 1595/96

Chao Settabut / Jesthaputra

Son. Pegu's governor. Fled in defeat.

1595/1596

Nan rebels unsuccessfully against the Burmese for the first time (the second attempt takes place in 1625). Chao Settabut temporarily has to flee to Lan Xang.

1595/96 -1598/99

Pana Khaek / Pana Khaeng

Acting Burmese governor.

1598/99 - 1600

Chao Settabut returns in 1598 or 1599 (dating here and for a large chunk of recent Nan history can be interpreted in one of two ways), and is successful in recapturing Nan. The Burmese are not to be refused though. They retake the city in 1600 and Chao Settabut is executed. A named governor is not put in place until 1603.

1598/99 - 1600

Chao Settabut / Jesthaputra

Recaptured Nan. Defeated and executed.

1603 - 1616

Chao Pana Palasūk Sai

Brother. Burmese governor. Later king of Lan Na.

1613

The Lao of Lan Xang attack, capturing all of the state of Lan Na other than Phayao, Fang, and Chiang Mai. Chao Pana Palasūk Sai drives them out, with the help of the small state of Ava.

Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai, Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew is one of modern Thailand's most sacred temples, being located in Chiang Rai, the birthplace of the Lanna kingdom

1616

The elder councillors of Lan Na invite Pulasūk to be their ruler. When he leaves the city after a short time he appoints his younger brother, Chao Un Muang, as ruler of Nan.

1616 - 1625

Chao Un Muang

Brother. Burmese governor. Rebelled. Defeated.

1624 - 1626

Having rebelled against the Burmese in 1624, Chao Un Muang finds his revolt being suppressed in the same year. Anauk-hpet-lun, the Burmese ruler of Toungoo, seemingly remains in control.

Chao Un Muang has escaped to Phrae and, in the following year, is able to return to retake the city before facing a final defeat and fleeing to Lan Xang. The ruler of Lampang captures the city in 1626 and controls it until his death in 1647 or 1648.

1626 - 1638

Chao Pana Muang Lampang

Also ruler of Lampang. Died.

1638 - 1648

Chao Pana Chiang Rai

Died.

1649 - 1662

Chao Pana Lae Mum

Former ruler of Chiangkhong. Expelled.

1662 - 1665

Chao Pana Lae Mum (Pana Khong) is captured and expelled to the south, despite the fact that the attack on Nan actually fails. The ruler of Ava in 1665 or 1666 appoints Lae Mum's younger brother as the new governor.

The former capital of Ava in Burma
One of Burma's particularly rural former capitals is Ava, once a mighty city which ruled over half of today's Burma, plus a wider area which sometimes included great chunks of Thailand

1665/1666 - 1687

Chao Pana Yòt Cai

Brother. Former ruler of Chiangkhong. Died.

1689 - 1703

Phraya Phra Muang Racha

Nephew or son. Fled the Burmese with his family.

1703 -1708

Phra Na Sai / Noi In

Ruler of Nan for the first time.

1708 - 1714

Fah Mueang Kong

Ruler of Nan.

1714 - 1788

Toungoo establishes direct rule over Nan between 1714 and 1788 when Nan drives out its imposed Burmese rulers. This is done at the cost of having to accept Siamese suzerainty however.

1714 - 1716

Myoza

Burmese vassal ruler of Nan.

1716 - 1726

Phra Na Kwai / Noi In

Previously ruled as Phra Na Sai (1703-1708).

1726 - 1751

Luang Tin Mahawong

Burmese vassal ruler of Nan.

1754 - 1768

Luang Ariyawong

Burmese vassal ruler of Nan.

1768 - 1769

Luang Nai Ai

Burmese vassal ruler of Nan.

1769 - 1774

Luang Manoracha / Nan Mano

Burmese vassal ruler of Nan.

1774 - 1778

Luang Witoon / Phraya Witoon

Burmese vassal ruler of Nan.

1778 - 1783

The throne is vacant while the Burmese dominate the area. Burmese control has only recently shifted from their 'Second Empire' at Toungoo to their 'Third Empire' at Konbaung.

Chiangkhǫng in the Lanna kingdom of today's Thailand
Chiangkhǫng or Chiang Khong is bordered by the River Mekong, formerly a significant settlement and a crucial trading outpost within the Lanna state

1783 - 1786

Mongkhonworayot

Burmese vassal ruler of Nan.

1786 - 1788

The throne is again vacant while Burma continues to exercise control. The states around Lampang are prompted by Kawila of Lan Na to rebel in 1786-1787. After the rebellion fails the rulers of Nan and Phrae accept Siamese protection.

1788 - 1810

Atthawǫnpanyo

Ruled as a Siamese vassal.

early 1790s

After years of devastation and depopulation, Nan begins to be repopulated. Families from Yǫng and Chiang Khǫng avoid deportation to Burma by escaping to Nan, making it something of a bolthole for refugees.

1804

The combined armies of Lan Na, Lampang, Vientiane, Nan, and Siam capture Chiang Saen, demolish its fortifications, and burn the city. The captured population is divided up between the conquering armies.

Siam's royal barge
The Siamese royal barge is shown here on the River Chao Phraya at a time at which Siam's king worked hard to avoid being subsumed within French Indochina

1810 - 1825

Sumon Thewarat

Siamese vassal ruler of Nan.

1825 - 1835

Mahayat / Chao Luang Mahayat

Siamese vassal ruler of Nan.

1835 - 1837

Luang Achitwong

Viceroy (1835-1836) and then ruler.

1838 - 1851

Luang Mahawong

Siamese vassal ruler of Nan.

1852 - 1892

Anantaworitthidet

Viceroy (1852-1857) and then ruler.

1866 - 1883

The ruler of Chiang Khan sends some of his people to settle in the small principality of Sing, which is almost uninhabited. Sing had been depopulated after having been conquered by Nan which had resettled its own people there.

Nan objects to Sing's resettlement, claiming the principality for its own in 1866. It deports the new settlers to Nan while Chiang Khan fails to offer a strong protest. Chiang Khan makes a second attempt to intrude into Sing. In 1883 it sends a thousand settlers and this time the attempt is successful. The settlers remain in place.

Early Bangkok in 1900
This photo shows a floating dock on the River Chao Phraya in Thailand's Bangkok around 1900, over a century after the city's founding by King Rama I

1892 - 1893

The Nan state is incorporated into the kingdom of Siam. Following an incident between Thai and French forces, Siam in 1893 is forced to cede a large section of eastern Nan to French Indochina.

1880

An English observer notes the migration into Thailand's Nan province of Hmong from southern Yunan in China and from Laos (the country's first documented presence of Hmong), along with Khmu from Luangphrabang in Laos, and Yao people too.

1892 - 1918

Suriyapong Pharitdet

Viceroy (1892-1894). The sixty-third ruler of Nan.

1918 - 1931

Maha Phrom Suratada

Viceroy (1918-1919) and then ruler.

1931

The royal line ends and the principality is fully integrated into Thailand (Siam) as the province of Nan. Due to its remoteness the province subsequently becomes a seat of power for bandits in the 1980s and a home for the rebel guerrilla group, the 'People's Liberation Army of Thailand' (abbreviated to PLAT). Eventually the area is stabilised.

Hmong women in Vietnam
Hmong women in traditional dress thread their way through a market in modern Vietnam (External Link: Creative Commons Licence 2.0 Deed)

 
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