No. 07  10/2005
09 October 2005

Thai-Burma Relation/General

A Thai to remember

Police Col Nirandorn Chaiyanam (also spelled Jayanama), Governor of Chiangmai, was one of the Thais who would not be easily forgotten by the Shans.

In 1969, he had asked Gen Gawnzoeng, Commander of the Shan United Revolutionary Army, whether he could help obtain some remains from a stupa in Mongharng tract, Mongton Township, opposite Chiangmai, to be used as a foundation for the new monument to be built in Muang Ngai tract, Chiangdao district, Chiangmai province.

A platoon of Shan fighters were accordingly dispatched to the location, about 60 km from the Thai border. The Shans found several bricks in good condition despite the Burma Army's demolition in 1960. They were later delivered to the Chiangmai governor in a ceremony.

The fruit of the joint effort is the Naresuan monument that stands in Muang-Ngai in honor of the Thai king that had helped "liberate" the Shans from foreign domination for a brief period, 1600-1605.

Nirandorn Chaiyanam (1911-1985), a native of Ayuddhya, has also been one of the best loved governors of Chiangmai.

Reference: Khadi Yai (2003), Noppaburi Press, Chiangmai