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Chiang Mai (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-10-13) |
 | | Chiang Mai, some 700km (438mi) north of Bangkok, is Thailand’s second largest city (though it does not even have 10% of Bangkok’s population), capital of one of the largest provinces of Thailand (roughly 20,000sqkm, 7,720sqmi) and in general the center of Northern Thailand. |
 | | Chiang Mai became an integral part of Siam only in 1774 when the city, in preceding decades under strong Burmese rule, was conquered (or liberated) by King Taksin. |
 | | Inhabitants of Chiang Mai, however, will argue that point, especially if they are natives of the city or belong to the educated class, as they identify strongly with their history reaching back to King Mengrai. |
| www.pacificislandtravel.com /asia/thailand/about_destin/chiangmai.html (2482 words) |
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