The Royal Biography of Phaya Mangrai the Great

Commemorating the 760th Anniversary of Chiang Rai City (1262 – 2022 C.E. / 1805 – 2565 B.E.)
Complete 313-page academic monograph with ancient epigraphy, translation theories, and historical chronicles.

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Complete unabridged edition (313 pages, high-resolution PDF 22.7 MB) published for academic research, public education, and cultural preservation of Lanna heritage.

"Phaya Mangrai Luang" (พระญามังรายหลวง) is the royal name explicitly recorded on the historic Wat Phra Yuen Stone Inscription in Lamphun Province (1370 C.E. / 1913 B.E.). Inscribed during the reign of Phaya Kue Na, the 6th monarch of the Mangrai Dynasty, this epigraph is the earliest extant stone inscription recording the royal title of the dynasty's founding monarch, carved a mere 59 years following King Mangrai's ascension. The postfixed honorific "Luang" (หลวง) signifies supreme majesty and sovereign greatness, equivalent to the contemporary appellation "The Great" (มหาราช).

King Mangrai the Great is a towering historical figure whose achievements are extensively documented in regional epigraphy and chronicles. His most defining statecraft includes the strategic unification of dispersed northern Tai principalities, the conquest of Hariphunchai (an affluent Mon Buddhist cultural and economic powerhouse), the alliance with King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Mueang of Phayao, and the founding of Chiang Rai (1262 C.E.), Wiang Kum Kam, and Chiang Mai (1296 C.E.). These actions consolidated the geopolitical foundation that evolved into the flourishing Lanna Kingdom.

This monograph was compiled to commemorate royal grace and celebrate the 760th Anniversary of Chiang Rai City (1805–2565 B.E. / 1262–2022 C.E.), serving as a permanent memorial accompanying the construction of the Phaya Mangrai Luang Monument by the Sai Khao Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Phan District, Chiang Rai Province.

The translator extends profound gratitude to all academic mentors, peer reviewers, and collaborators who facilitated the English translation and publication of this historical work:

• Ajarn Aphichit Sirichai (Author / อภิชิต ศิริชัย): For granting exclusive permission to translate and adapt "The Royal Biography of Phaya Mangrai Luang" into English for global scholarly accessibility.
• Dr. Jean-Christophe Pasquin & Mr. Soe Win: For comprehensive English proofreading, stylistic precision, and scholarly linguistic counsel.
• Distinguished Peer Review Committee:
  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sihakul Karatanasathian (รศ.ดร.สีหคุณ คารตนสถิตย์)
  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nawamin Prachanant (รศ.ดร.นวมินทร์ ประชานันท์)
  • Asst. Prof. Dr. Nattaporn Owatnupat (ผศ.ดร.ณัฐภรณ์ โอวัฒนพัต)
• Ms. Thanyanachon Jaiboontan (คุณธัญญณชนม์ ใจบุญตัน - ปุ้ย): For book interior layout, typographic styling, and publication typesetting.
• Mr. Narongdet Nanthachai (คุณณรงค์เดช นันทะชัย - อาร์ม): For executive graphic design of the front and back covers.
• Ms. Natthika Dondaphai (คุณณัฐธิกา ดอนดาไพ - พลอย): For research assistance and bibliographical compilation.

📚 Book Structure & Table of Contents (313 Pages)