Wiang Pa Pao district

Wiang Pa Pao is the southwesternmost district of Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand.

Geography

Neighboring districts are : Mae Suai and Phan of Chiang Rai Province; Wang Nuea and Mueang Pan of Lampang province; Doi Saket and Phrao of Chiang Mai province.
The Khun Tan Range runs along the west side of the district and its highest point, 2,031 m high Doi Mae Tho, is at its southwest end.

History

Wiang Pa Pao was one of the mueang in northern Thailand. In 1905 the District Wiang Pa Pao was merged with Mueang Phong and renamed Mae Suai, while the central area of the old mueang kept the name as the minor district Wiang Pa Pao. In 1907 it was upgraded to a full district.

Administration

The district is divided into seven sub-districts, which are further subdivided into 92 villages. There are two sub-district municipalities. Wiang Pa Pao covers parts of tambon Wiang, and Mae Khachan covers parts of tambon Mae Chai. There are a further seven tambon administrative organizations.