Lampang, one of Thailand's oldest provinces, dates back over 1,300 years and has been known by various names, including Kukutnakorn, Srinkhachai, and Nakorn Lampang. Historically, the province was established around 1223 AD by the sage Suprom Rishi, who named it Nakorn Khelang. Over time, the name changed to Nakorn Amphang and eventually Lampang. The province has fallen under various regional powers, including the Khmer, Burmese, and Chiang Mai. In 1779, under King Taksin, local hero Chao Tipchang expelled the Burmese and was appointed ruler. Lampang was officially designated a province in 1892 during the reign of King Rama V, later merging into Maharat in 1915 before being formally established as part of Siam in 1933.
Symbol of Lampang: The province's emblem features a white rooster in a pavilion, symbolizing the legendary “City of the Rooster.” This iconic rooster has appeared in official seals since the construction of the first town hall in 1909. The pavilion displayed on the seal is inspired by Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, an ancient temple revered for enshrining a hair relic of Buddha.
Location and Geography: Located in Northern Thailand, Lampang is approximately 602 kilometers from Bangkok by road and 625 kilometers by rail. Covering around 12,534 square kilometers, it ranks as the fifth largest province in Northern Thailand, bordered by seven other provinces. The landscape features highlands and plains, with mountainous terrain stretching from north to south and fertile lowland plains along the Wang River. The province is also known as the "Lampang Basin," being the largest basin area in Northern Thailand.
Climate: Lampang’s basin-like topography leads to hot, muggy summers and cold winters. Temperatures can peak at 42.7°C and drop to 10.5°C, with an annual rainfall of 1,468 millimeters. The climate has three main seasons: hot from March to May, rainy from May to October, and cool from November to February.
Population: As of the last data in 2008, Lampang has a population of 767,615, with the highest concentration in Mueang Lampang district (235,195 people), followed by Koh Kha, Mae Tha, and Thoen districts.