subject: Mae Hong Son, Thailand [print this page] Mae Hong Son (Thai ) is one of the northern provinces of Thailand, and at the same time the westernmost. It boasts an area of approximately 12,681.259 km or around 7,925,812.5 rai, which is third largest in Northern Thailand and seventh largest in the country. Neighboring provinces are Shan State of Myanmar, Chiang Mai and Tak. To the west it borders Kayin State and Kayah State of Myanmar again. It was formerly called Mae Rong Son
Mae Hong Son (The City of Three Mists) is nestled in a deep valley hemmed in by high mountain ranges, Mae Hong Son has long been isolated from the outside world. It is the most mountainous province in Thailand and composed of a total of 13, 814 square kilometers. It is virtually covered with mist throughout the year, the name refers to the fact that this terrain is highly suitable for the training of elephants.
Mae Hong Son historical records state that in the year 1831, which corresponds to the reign of King Nangklao (Rama III) of the Rattanakosin Period, in the mueang of Phing Nakhon known today as Chiang Mai. It is in the lands of the Kingdom of Lannathai, and Phraya Chiang Mai Mahawong, who was later to ascend to the rank of Phra Chao Mahottraprathet Racha Thibodi.
The old, pre-Rattanakosin lands of Mae Hong Son was merely a collective of forest settlements without a central government, with Shan peoples who had crossed into the area from beyond the frontier with the Union of Burma in search of a means to find food, working in agroforestry and joint plantations as the seasons permitted. During this period the area was significant only as a passage for Burman troops marching on the capital at Ayutthaya or to the various Siamese capitals of Northern Thailand.
It is believed that the lands of Mae Hong Son had already been settled before the arrival of Lord Kaeo of Ma (Chao Kaeo Mueang Ma) and his consequent resettlement in the area. These first settlers were likely depopulated by either malaria or war, with survivors then dispersing out to safer areas.
