Political Prisoners in Thailand has a neat little story about a new district in Chiang Mai province that will be named in honour of Princess Galyani Vadhana. The ever-reliable Tambon has more details, as does this Thai-language report.
I am fascinated by this administrative change, and not least because I know the area (in the far west of Chiang Mai province) pretty well. That entire northern portion of Mae Chaem district was isolated from the Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son mainstream until quite recently. It is a predominately Karen part of the province and has long been described, in short-hand, as “Wat Chan”. I guess it will take some time before they start consistently using the new administrative designation.
It may also be worth noting that back in the 1990s there were various anti-logging protests at Wat Chan. They caused something of a stir. I can’t imagine there will be much local opposition to this new name (and the administrative promotion it represents) but you just never know.
2 responses so far ↓
1 Andy // Oct 14, 2009 at 7:25 pm
In fact, the new district was originally referred to as “Amphoe Wat Chan” (อำเภอวัดจันทร์), there are still lots of Google hits on that term, including the geocode list by the Department of Provincial Administration. It was that list from where I stumbled on this case some time before it came into the main news now.
2 Nicholas Farrelly // Oct 15, 2009 at 8:02 am
Thanks Andy,
I appreciate the clarification!
Best wishes to all,
Nich
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