Ngam Mueang

Ngammueang (; ), also known as Lao Ngammuang , is the 12th king of the Phayao Kingdom. He is known to be the first historically attested ruler of Phayao, though much of the detail known about his life comes from various Northern Thai chronicles and the legends contained within it.

Biography

Early childhood Ngammueang was born in 1238 (exact date varies depending on chronicle traditions) to Mingmueang, the 11th king of the Phayao kingdom. When he was 14 years old, he studied with a rishi named Thepruesi at the foothills of Dui Duan Mountain for 2 years. When he was 16, he studied in the school of Sukhatantaruesi in Lavo along with the Sukhothai prince, who would later be crowned as Ramkhamhaeng, and since then they have become friends. The same chronicle has Ramaraja of Sukhothai and Ngam Mueang declare themselves fictive brothers. Historian Somrit Loechai suggested that Phra Ruang in this legend is likely not Ramkhamhaeng but an artifact of influence from Si Satchanalai, where folktales of "Phra Ruang of Si Satchanalai" are found within the Northern Chronicle associated with legends of supernatural powers and adultery. Professor Sarasawadi Oongsakul suggests that the three kings' alliance may instead have been formed to resist against the expanding Mongol Empire.

The three kings helped found Chiang mai

After the conquest of Haripuñjaya, Mangrai established the Lanna kingdom and founded his new capital at Wiang Kumkam but, after a flood, decided to relocate and found a different capital at Chiang Mai. He invited Ngammueang and Ramkhamhaeng to help survey the area and attend the founding ceremony of Chiang Mai in 1296.

Retirement to Mueang Ngao According to the Phayao Chronicle, It was first constructed in 1981 and finished in 1984. The statue portrays Ngammueang at half-life size, standing in royal attire and wearing a crown (Makuṭa), his hand holding the sword of state. The statue faces Phayao Lake and sits atop a high pedestal.

The second statue is located on the bank of the Ngao river near Wat Tha Nak, Ngao district, Lampang province, believed to be the location of his death.

Veneration of Ngammueang The veneration festival of Ngammueang had been held every year on 5 May, believed to be his birthday. While mainly focused on Phaya Ngammueang, the festival also serves to venerate the spirit of past kings and lords of Phayao, the city's spirit, and the city's Lak Mueang. The festival involves demarking and decorating the veneration space and giving offerings such as Bai Sri, candles, incense, various foods, drinks, and flowers. The Brahmin will offer prayers to various spirits, wishing protection for the citizens involved. Then, a Thai dance show would be organized, while the offerings are paraded across Phayao Lake. The detail of this event was first recorded in 1997 on the 900th aniversary of the Phayao Kingdom and 20th aniversary of Phayao province.