Tourism could help a new district

CHIANG MAI, 31 May 2012: Thailand’s newest district, Galyani Vadhana, could become a strong  domestic tourism destination for Chiang Mai, according to Chiang Mai Tourism Business Association vice president, Udom Chidnayee.

Galyani Vadhana district is the 25th in district in Chiang Mai province. It was named after Princess Galyani Vadhana,  HM the King’s late sister.

It was founded 26 December 2009, by a Royal Decree making Amphoe Galyani Vadhana, the 878th and newest district in Thailand.

Its significance for tourism will be seen in the domestic market first according to the business association vice president, who compared it with Pai in Mae Hong Son, which is now a popular chic destination for young Thai travellers.

“Although there are other economic streams that can be developed to build prosperity, tourism is probably the fastest route to take as long as it can be sustained alongside agriculture and environmental considerations,” he said.

Mr Udom made the comments to TTR Weekly during a post tour at the close of the Miracle Tourism Forum 2012 28 to 29 May.

He added: “We can promote tourism on the back of the district being the newest in the country.

“It has a great deal to offer visitors and residents, especially those who want to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of nature.”

He cited Karen hill tribes, or the Pa Kao Yo way of life, culture and traditions, Wat Chan as well as the Ban Wat Chan Royal Foundation Project.

The project to create a new district in the area dates back to 1993, but it was put on ice since the Asian financial crisis in 1997.

Around 2005 the project was reviewed and studies were done by Chiang Mai province and the Department of Provincial Administration leading up to Cabinet approval, 2 December 2008, to create the new district in honor of the late Princess Galyani Vadhana.

On 7 July 2009 HM the King officially bestowed the name Galyani Vadhana on the new district, which was previously referred to as Wat Chan.

The area is best known for its royal project, established to improve the livelihood of village communities, hill tribes.

The “Royal Decree Establishing Amphoe Galyani Vadhana, Changwat Chiang Mai, BE 2552 (2009)” was published in the Government Gazette volume 126/part 97 A/page 7/dated 25 December 2009 and came into force on the following day.

Galyani Vadhana district is 164 km from Chiang Mai Muang district and 64 km from Mae Hong Son’s Pai.

Covering 647.58 sq km, the district is located within the mountains of the Doi Inthanon range, with the settlements mostly in the valleys.

The district is subdivided into three sub-districts — Ban Chan, Mae Daet and Chaem Luang, which are further sub-divided into 23 villages. Each of the sub-districts is administrated by a Tambon Administrative Organisation (TAO).

Sourced: ttrweekly