The irrigation canal or Khlong Chonlaprathan was dug according to the first National Economic Development Plan that focused on basic infrastructures such as roads, bridges and seaports as well as irrigation projects for agriculture development.
Chiang Mai built many irrigation canals. One is at the east of Chiang Mai University. This one was dug to provide water for farmers in areas along the banks. Ten years ago, along the banks of the canal were green rice fields that turned to golden in harvest season, perfect scenery especially at sunset. Many traditions and rituals were carried out which were related to agriculture such as the worship of spirits of phi pu sae and ya sae.
Today, these scenes remain only in the memories of people who had witnessed the bygone days. The development of the city drew people from other parts to find work here. The settlements and population grew denser and the city expanded to the vicinities. The golden fields along the canals had changed to the various colors of roofs in villages. The construction of the Chiang Mai Night Safari and World Horticulture Exhibition had entirely eliminated the scenery of rice fields as if they had never existed. The sprit worship rite is still performed but as a show and a symbol that the agriculture communities of farmers use to be there.
References
Plaiao Chananon. (1986). The roles of merchant capitalism in the rise and expansion of capitalism in Northern Thailand, 1921-1980.
Masters thesis in Economics, Chulalongkorn University.
Chiang Mai University Library
Chiang Mai
ntic@lib.cmu.ac.th
Chiang Mai University. Information Technology Service Center
Chiang Mai
itsc@itsc.cmu.ac.th
Chiang Mai University, Funder
Usanee Thongchai, Advisor and project expert
1970
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