The Tai-Yuan People of Don Rae Subdistrict

 

The Tai-Yuan People of Don Rae Sub district

The Tai-Yuan of Don Rae Sub district trace their ancestral roots back to the Lanna Kingdom in Northern Thailand. During the reign of King Rama I (King Phutthayotfa Chulalok), a royal command was issued for the armies of Krom Luang Thepborirak, Vientiane, and Lanna to march north and reclaim Chiang Saen in 1804 (B.E. 2347). At that time, Chiang Saen was under Burmese occupation.

Key Terminology Explained

• Tai Yuan (ไทยวน): This is the specific ethnonym. The "Yuan" part is believed by some historians to be a corruption of "Yonaka," an ancient Sanskrit name for the region.

• Khon Mueng (คนเมือง): This literally translates to "People of the City" or "People of the Land." They began using this term in the 19th century to distinguish themselves from the "Khon Pa" (forest/hill people) and the "Khon Tai" (Central Thais) who were increasing their influence in the north at the time.

• The "Greater Tai" Group: They are linguistically and culturally related to other Tai groups across Southeast Asia and Southern China, such as:

  • Tai Yai (Shan) in Myanmar.

  • Tai Lue in Xishuangbanna, China.

  • Tai Lao in Laos.

  • Thai Siam (Central Thais).

Historical Significance

The Tai Yuan were the primary demographic and political power behind the Lanna Kingdom (the "Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields"). Founded by King Mangrai in the 13th century, Lanna was a sophisticated sovereign state with its own unique script (Tham script), architecture, and laws for centuries before being fully integrated into modern-day Thailand.

Source: https://amillionricefields.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/slide05.jpg

Once the city was captured and the Burmese forces were driven out, the Bangkok army dismantled the city walls and burned the settlement to prevent further occupation. Approximately 23,000 residents were relocated southward. These households were divided into five groups: one remained in Vientiane, and the final group was brought down to Bangkok. King Rama I then ordered them to settle in areas such as Saraburi and Ratchaburi.

Settlement in Ratchaburi

The group assigned to Ratchaburi originally settled on the right bank of the Mae Klong River, about 2 kilometers east of present-day Ratchaburi. This area was known as Ban Rai Nathi. Over time, families expanded into various areas, including Khu Bua and Ang Thong Subdistricts. They eventually moved further out to claim agricultural land and established villages, naming them according to the unique geographic characteristics of each site.

The Origin of "Don Rae"

According to local elders, the name Don Rae stems from the area's history of being extremely arid and desolate. The soil was filled with gravel, which in the local dialect is called "Rae." Combined with the fact that the land is an upland or plateau ("Don"), the area became known as Don Rae.

Don Rae Today

Don Rae Sub district is located approximately 12 kilometers southwest of Ratchaburi city. Highlights of the community include:

 * Demographics: Over 96% of the population are of Tai-Yuan descent, originally hailing from Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai.

 * Heritage: Despite their historical displacement during the early Rattanakosin period, the people of Don Rae have preserved their original spoken language, culture, traditions, and way of life.

 * Livelihood: Most residents are farmers, primarily engaged in crop and rice cultivation.

 * Infrastructure: The subdistrict has a population of about 4,400 people spread across 10 villages, supported by a local temple and two schools.

References

A Million Rice Fields. (n.d.). Who are the Tai Yuan? https://amillionricefields.wordpress.com/who-are-the-tai-yuan/

Don Rae Subdistrict Administrative Organization. (n.d.). Prawat khwam pen ma [History]. http://www.donrae.go.th/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&Itemid=76