Thailand: Devotees at the Khru Ba Srivichai (1878 - 1938) memorial at the foot of Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai, northern Thailand

Khru Ba Srivichai (Khru Ba Sriwichai) was born on June 11th, 1878, at the small village of Ban Pang, about 100km south of Chiang Mai. He became the most revered Lanna Buddhist monk of the 20th century, responsible for the restoration of over 100 temples during his lifetime. He is perhaps most famous for the construction of the road leading up to Chiang Mai's iconic Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, a Budhist temple overlooking the city.

Chiang Mai, sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand, and is the capital of Chiang Mai Province. It is located 700 km (435 mi) north of Bangkok, among the highest mountains in the country. The city is on the Ping river, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya river.

King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city') in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. The ruler was known as the Chao. The city was surrounded by a moat and a defensive wall, since nearby Burma was a constant threat.

Chiang Mai formally became part of Siam in 1774 by an agreement with Chao Kavila, after the Thai King Taksin helped drive out the Burmese. Chiang Mai then slowly grew in cultural, trading and economic importance to its current status as the unofficial capital of northern Thailand, second in importance only to Bangkok.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia