Hiran Nakhon Ngoenyang (; ), also known as Chayaworanakhon Chiang Lao
In contrast to most contemporary Tai peoples states, Ngoenyang was mentioned in local chronicles, which provide some information about its history.
A significant transformation occurred when Mangrai ascended the throne as the 25th ruler of Ngoenyang Chiang Lao in 1262. He envisioned unifying the various small principalities in the region. Upon his enthronement, he founded the city of Chiang Rai, establishing it as the new capital. This marked the end of the Lao Dynasty of Ngoenyang Chiang Lao and the beginning of the Mangrai dynasty of the Lan Na Kingdom.
"At that time, the king, along with his ministers, constructed a moat 700 wa wide and 1,100 wa long along the river, building fortifications with silver platforms and betel nut trees. They called this city 'Hiran Ngoenyang Chiang Saen.' The silver platform built under the betel nut tree was transformed into a great stupa and monastery, named 'Sangka Kaew Don Than,' also known as 'Wat Sangka Kaew Ngoenyang.' The silver throne was dismantled and offered as a donation. On the 5th day of the waxing moon in the 6th month, at midday, the king entered the royal palace there, and was specially titled 'King Lao Chakkarat."However, the Chiang Saen Chronicle (translated into Thai as the "Chronicle of Ngoenyang Chiang Saen and the Legend of Singhanavati") is the sole document equating Ngoenyang with Chiang Saen. Other sources suggest different locations: The Nan Chronicle places the city near Tha Sai. The Chiang Mai Chronicle
The Phayao Chronicle adds that during Lao Khiang's reign, the city's moat was expanded near the Lawaa River, renaming the new city 'Yang Sai' and the river 'Mae Sai,' suggesting that Ngoenyang was located near the Sai River (Thailand) at the base of Doi Tung, rather than at present-day Chiang Saen.
"King Lao Khiang lamented that no city had a proper wall and moat, deeming it unworthy as a capital. He decided to establish a city where his elephant's tail fell. He ordered the area leveled, elevated the lowlands, and constructed a city with a central sanctuary. The area was named 'Yang Sai,' the cave 'Kiao Cave,' and the Lawaa River was renamed 'Mae Sai,' names that persist to this day."This aligns with archaeological research by Worasit Opap, who found that "Wiang Phang Kham", an ancient city in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai province, had two moated areas, with the inner moat constructed later to expand the city. Located near Doi Wao, Doi Kha, and Doi Pha Lao,วรสิทธิ์ โอภาพ. การสืบค้นประวัติศาสตร์โบราณสถาน "คันดิน-คูเมืองเวียงพางคำ" อำเภอแม่สาย จังหวัดเชียงราย : สำนักงานวัฒนธรรมจังหวัดเชียงราย, 2548. mountains aligned with Doi Tung, Wiang Pang Kham is likely the same as Ngoenyang, rather than Wiang Si Tuang or Wiang Phan Kham associated with Phrom as is commonly believed today.อภิชิต ศิริชัย. วิเคราะห์ตำนานจากเอกสารพื้นถิ่น ว่าด้วย โยนกนคร เวียงสี่ตวง เวียงพานคำ เมืองเงินยาง และ ประวัติวัดพระธาตุจอมกิตติ ตำบลเวียง อำเภอเชียงแสน จังหวัดเชียงราย. พิมพ์ครั้งที่ 1. เชียงราย:ล้อล้านนา, 2560.
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