The statue of King Mengrai is situated in Chiang Rai. The memorial was built to honor the King Mengrai who ruled the Lanna Kingdom. King Mengrai was the first to be King of Chiang Mai. This renowned king was born on the 2nd of October 1238 in Ngoen Yang. This commemorative statue is made out of bronze and is an important landmark in the vicinity. King Mengrai’s father was a local leader named Lao Meng and he married princess from Tai Lue named Ua Ming Chommueang. During his reign, the state of Tai was under turmoil; he acted rapidly and sharply on behalf of the land and expended his realm by triumphing over Muang Lai, Chiang Khong and Chiang Kham.
Later the city of Chiang Rai was founded as his reigning capital in 1262. The king made peace among many kings around the kingdom like king Ngam Mueang of Phayao and King Ram Kham Haeng of Sukhothai. The agreement between the three kings was to secure their terrain from the growing Mongol Empire. He later wanted to conquer the Mon Kingdom after getting an earshot of the wealth the Kingdom possesses. Somehow using his skillful tactics he acquired the Kingdom of Mon and its wealth. King Mengrai is a ruler who is respected all over Thailand. He is still reminisced and celebrated by Thais. Each year massive gatherings visit the statue of King Mengrai to pay tribute to the king with flowers, garlands and incense.
The Kingdom built by King Mengrai was attacked by King Boek of Lampang who was Yi Ba’s son. Chiang Mai was raided with a huge army. King Mangrai and his son succeeded in retaining the land with much effort. The eldest son of King Mangrai tried to capture the throne but he was banished from Chiang Mai. The king passed away in 1317 struck by lightning during a thunderstorm in the market. Since that day the eminent king was treated with esteem and remembered at all times.
If one wants to visit sites similar to this in the area, stay at one of the Chiang Rai hotels. Anantara Golden Triangle Hotel one good pick to make for those who are in search of a hotel in Chiang Rai.
