The Nan Chronicle

Studies on Southeast Asia #16

by David K. Wyatt (Translator & Editor), Rātchasomphān Sāēnlūang

A new translation of the 1894 chronicle by a high-ranking official from the Nan kingdom, a once-powerful principality whose territory encompassed all of what is now northwestern Laos and neighboring portions of China, in addition to the present province of Nan in Thailand. It details the history of the principality, the legendary origins of the Nan River Valley, the rituals and customs of the Nan, the moral duties of the ruler, and royal genealogy. A fascinating portrait of Thai history and culture.

158 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

David K. Wyatt was an American historian and author who studied Thailand. He taught at Cornell University from 1969-2002, where he became the Chair of the Cornell University Department of History. His book Thailand: A Short History has become the chief authority on Thai history in the English language.

Reviews

[Leelas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Nan River valley is a remote region of northern Thailand, compromising the modern-day provinces of Nan and Uttaradit. Prior to the 20th century, it was home to a small but ancient principality, which stood between the cultural spheres of central Siam, Lan Na (Chiang Mai), and Lan Chang (Laos). This work dates to the late 19th century, after the partition of French and Siamese territory at the Mekong had significantly inhibited Nan's political power, and was written by a nobleman of Nan named Saenluang Ratchasomphan.

Ratchasomphan's work can truly be called a work of critical history. His narrative avoids excessive focus on mythological origins, instead concentrating on the successive periods of Nan history, from its long, early period of independence, and its successive periods under the influence of Lan Na, Burma, and Siam. Nan today is a small, sleepy town which feels like it's avoided the globalization and consumerism that plagues much of Thailand. Ratchasomphan's history is as much a testament to this little town's glorious past as the 19th century architecture that remains in Nan's city center.