Chiang Rai and Golden Triangle
Chiang Rai became the first capital of the Lanna kingdom in 1262, under King Meng Rai. One of the most visited sites in Chiang Rai is Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. While other temples in Thailand are centuries old, the construction of Wat Rong Khun began in 1997 by Thai painter/architect, Chalermchai Kositpipat. The white glowing look of the temple is due to a combination of whitewash and clear-mirrored chips. Inside the temple are painted scenes representing samsara (the realm of rebirth and delusion).
"The Golden Triangle" is a termed created by the CIA. The region gained notoriety in the 1920s as one of the world's most abundant opium producers. Most of the world's heroin came from the Golden Triangle until the early 21st century when Afghanistan became the world's largest producer. In an effort to stop the drug trade, the Thai government made poppy-growing illegal in 1959.
"The Golden Triangle" is a termed created by the CIA. The region gained notoriety in the 1920s as one of the world's most abundant opium producers. Most of the world's heroin came from the Golden Triangle until the early 21st century when Afghanistan became the world's largest producer. In an effort to stop the drug trade, the Thai government made poppy-growing illegal in 1959.
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