The Development of Chiang Rai City under Modern City Planning

Abstract

The history of Chiang Rai can date back to more than 750 years. The city has been through both prosperous and difficulty times. Before the beginning of the Cold War, Chiang Rai development had mainly focused on national security purpose. After the end of the Cold War, the city has dramatically moved its focus to economy. Through years of Chiang Rai development, the city has always been expanded horizontally in all directions through major land transportation network in each era. The first Chiang Rai city plan was officially used in 1987, and later,the second and third city plans were implemented in 1996 and 2007. Respectively, the plans consisted of maps, land-use and transportation plans. The prohibition of land use has gradually been implemented more strictly. The study results show operational problems and obstacles for Chiang Rai municipality as follows: 1) government agents often broke the city plan’s regulations; 2) even though the city plan based on actual circumstances of Chiang Rai, city planning could not lead to the development of Chiang Rai; and 3) Chiang Rai local government has no real authority in decision making, budgeting and personnel management.