Lan Na

An ancient northern Thai principality, centered around present Chiang Mai. Founded in the late 13th century, it was also called Yonaratha or Yonakarattha or Bingarattha in the Pali chronicles. Recently the name has also been used to designate a Palaeolithic industry discovered in northern Thailand (the 'Lannathian'). Lan Na - with Chiang Mai as its capital - became not only powerful but also a center for the spread of Theravada Buddhism to Tai peoples in what are now northeastern Myanmar, southern China, and northern Laos. Under Tilokaracha (ruled 1441-87), Lan Na became famous for its Buddhist scholarship and literature.

An ancient northern Thai principality, centred around present Chiangmai. Founded in the late 13th century, it first bore the names of Yonarattha, or Yonakarattha (‘kingdom of the Yiion’) or of Bingarattha (‘kingdom of the Mae Ping’) in the Pali chronicles. Recently the name has also been used to designate a Palaeolithic industry discovered in northern Thailand (the ‘Lannathian’).