Wiang is a Tai word for "fortified settlement" or "walled town, city" of Austroasiatic origin, from Proto-Austroasiatic *wa(a)ŋ.[1] This toponymic element forms part of the names of certain ancient inhabited places located in an area stretching across Northern Thailand and Laos:
- Wiang Chan, Vientiane (Lao: ວຽງຈັນ, Viang chan), the capital of Laos
- Wiang, Fang, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
- Wiang Kaen, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand
- Wiang, Phrao, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
- Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand
- Wiang, Chiang Khong, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand
- Wiang, Thoeng, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand
- Wiang, Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand
- Wiang Pa Pao District, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand
- Wiang, Phayao, Phayao Province, Thailand
- Wiang Nuea, Mueang Lampang
- Wiang Nuea, Pai
- Wiang Nuea, Mae Hong Son
- Wiang Chai District, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand
- Wiang Kao District, Khon Kaen Province
- Wiang Sa District, Nan
- Wiang Haeng District, Chiang Mai Province
- Wiang Chiang Rung District
- Wiang Yong, Mueang Lamphun District
- Wiang Tai, Pai District, Mae Hong Son Province
- Wiang Hao, Phan District, in Chiang Rai Province
- Wiang Nong Long District, Lamphun Province
- Wiang Phang Kham, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province
- Phu Wiang District, Khon Kaen Province
- Rop Wiang, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand
- Wiang Kum Kam, Saraphi District, Chiang Mai Province. Recently restored settlement along the Ping River, which was built by King Mangrai as his capital before he moved it to Chiang Mai
- Wiang Fa Ya, name of the old settlement of Muang Sing, Laos
- Wiang Suan Dok, name of a walled settlement of the Lawa people older than Chiang Mai
- Wiang Nophaburi, name of the place where king Mangrai founded his new city of Chiang Mai
Meaning
editThe term "เวียง" (Wiang) in Thai has historical and cultural significance. It originates from the Lanna Kingdom and the northern regions of Thailand. The word "เวียง" traditionally refers to a walled or fortified city. These cities were typically enclosed by walls and moats for protection against invasions and natural disasters.
A "เวียง" served multiple functions
edit1. Administrative Center: It was often the seat of local government and administration. The ruling authority or monarchy would reside within these walls, managing the surrounding region.
2. Cultural Hub: These cities were centers for cultural and religious activities. Temples, markets, and public spaces were integral parts of a "เวียง," making it a focal point for the community's cultural life.
3. Economic Center: Due to their strategic locations, "เวียง" cities were important for trade and commerce. Merchants and traders would gather here, contributing to the economic vitality of the region.
4. Defensive Stronghold: The walls and moats provided defense against invasions. These fortifications were essential in safeguarding the inhabitants and their resources.
An example of a "เวียง" is "เวียงกุมกาม" (Wiang Kum Kam), an ancient city near Chiang Mai, which showcases the typical characteristics of a "เวียง." It had extensive fortifications, served as a significant cultural and religious site, and was a vital economic center in its time.
Thus, "เวียง" encompasses the essence of historical urban development in northern Thailand, reflecting its importance in administrative, cultural, economic, and defensive aspects.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Shorto, H. A Mon-Khmer Comparative Dictionary, Ed. Paul Sidwell, 2006. Entry 767. p. 233
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