Lamphun is a small province and one of the oldest provinces in the northern region of Thailand whose former name is “Nakhon Hariphunchai”. It was ruled by many dynasties until the Krung Thon Buri Era, when King Kawisa was assisted by King Krung Thon Buri in successfully driving out the Burmese and became the king of Chiang Mai, while his younger brother ruled Lamphaun. Later, during the Rattanakosin Era, the city’s last ruler was Major-General Chao Chakkham Khajonsak. Since the change of government in 1932, Lamphun has been upgraded to a province overseen by governor.This small city filled with prosperity and with a suitable location serves as a convenient gateway to Chiang Mai and for southward travels to the central region and Bangkok. It is a significant economic center which produces and exports various attractive goods to other provinces and other countries alike, including handicrafts, agricultural and industrial products, etc. It also boats historical tours focusing on the Land of Lanna.
Industrial development
Industrial plants numbering 833 are spread widely in all districts involving a total investment of over 30,000 million baht and employment for 70,000 people. With diverse types of industries dispersed throughout this small province, industrial estates command a vital role in helping supervise and administer them equitably, systematically and up to standard.
Northern Industrial Estate (Lampghun)
This was initiated on developed land in 1983 in response to the government policy on industrial development and extending prosperity to provincial areas as stipulated in the National Economic and Social Development Plan No.4 (1977-1981). It is at the 69th kilometer maker on Highway No.11 (Superhighway), 689 km from Bangkok and 33 km from Chiang Mai, and occupies 1,788 715 Acre, divided into general industrial zones and free enterprise zones. The estate houses 84 entrepreneurs and 43,980 workers in various industries.I-EA-T realizes the importance of good environmental management under relevant laws and up to international standards, based on the good governance principle, transparency, accountability and social responsibility. We also focus on uplifting the quality of life of people in communities surrounding industrial estates, get close to opportunities for them to participate in environment-related supervision and inspections.
Industries bring prosperity to the economy, together with native arts and culture that have existed since ancient times. There are a great number of Buddhist temples in Lamphun, which are models for all temples in the land of Lanna as a whole, not to mention the styles of construction and the rich craftsmanship of Hariphunchai artisans that are displayed distinctively at historical sites and antiques of the land of Lanna, including Buddhist amulets, Buddha images, stupas and pagodas, all signifying the glory of this land.
A place of worship dating back over a thousand years, Phra That Hariphunchai Pagoda is the most aesthetic of its kind in Lanna and a model that has inspired several other Lanna-style round pagodas in later times. Inside are several architectural styles rarely seen elsewhere in the land of Lanna.
Wat Jamthewi
Called “Wat Chedi KuKud” bu local people, this was ordered built by two sons of Queen Jamthewi to house the remains of their mother. It is a square pagoda in the India Bodh Gaya style with gilded top and formerly named Suwan Jang Kote Pagoda. Later, the top broke and got misplaced, so local people renamed it “Kukud”
Khruba Sriwichai Monument
The holy man of Lanna Thai, Khruba Sriwichai was extremely strict in his religious practices and had only one meal per day mainly comprising boiled vegetables mixed with a little bit of salt and pepper. His biggest achievement in the form of permanent structure was the 11-km road leading up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, built in 1934 by his own bare hands in only five months and 22 days
Wat Mahawan
This wat houses one of the oldest Buddhist amulet stashes including one of five top Buddhist amulets regarded as the most sacred objects. Phra Rod Lamphun is believed to be extremely holy and great protection against dangers and disasters, as well as good luck charm of prosperity and wealth.
Agricultural ProductionLongan is one of this country’s top fruits, and every place in this province has the most appropriate soil and climate for growing longan, and produces some 300,000 per year. In some every good years, the production far exceeds market demand, into various forms of ready-to-eat snacks. The province also produces garlic, red onion and various other vegetables.
Native goods and food products
Lamphun produces various kinds of woven fabrics and cloths, woven utensils, wood carving, hill tribes clothes, silverwares, etc. At Pa Sang Market , the center of native goods, there are shops and stores on both sides of the road selling them. Meanwhile, well known native food products that never fail to be bought as present for friends and relatives definitely include Sai Ua, Cap Mu and Namphrik Num.Those of you who have the chance to travel to the northern region, do visit this small province with its long history, which now boasts perfectly developed economy. Come and enjoy the refined arts and culture, nationally renowned agricultural goods and industrial growth which co-exist harmoniously.
