Tung and Lamp Park, a royal commemorative garden located in Chiang Rai, is situated on Thanalai Road, opposite the Hill-Tribe Museum in Wiang Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Rai District. This 11-rai plot of land lies in the heart of Chiang Rai’s bustling commerce area. Historically, it was the site of the Chiang Rai Central Prison, which had been in operation for over 100 years, sheltering more than 4,000 inmates, both male and female, who cycled in and out of incarceration due to various cases. Many lives were lost within those walls, and the overcrowding created a grim reality. The presence of the prison was a blight on the city’s image, obstructing the view and stifling the growth of Chiang Rai. Consequently, numerous government and private sectors collaborated to advocate for the prison’s relocation. Their efforts paid off when the Department of Corrections finally gave the green light for the move, allowing the Chiang Rai municipality at that time to take swift action in restoring a more vibrant image to the area. Today, the park, named "Tung and Lamp Park in Honor of His Majesty the King’s 75th Birthday," serves as a new green lung in central Chiang Rai. It breathes new life into the space, converting the former prison site into an open area adorned with beautiful flowers and plants. The old prison walls have been partially demolished, leaving only remnants that blend aesthetically with the modern era while preserving the magnificent architectural beauty of the former administration building, which now houses a technology information center complete with an online computer system. Moreover, the former women’s prison, constructed from aged wood, has been transformed into an exhibition building featuring the traditional outfits of 30 different hill tribes. This area boasts lifelike wax figures showcasing the cultural attire of the indigenous Lao people, inviting visitors to explore the rich heritage. The surrounding atmosphere, including a sports field, playground, lotus pond, foot massage area, and beautifully landscaped gardens, has been artfully organized. It harmoniously blends the essence of Lanna culture with Western influences, making Tung and Lamp Park a new public oasis in the heart of the city. Today, it attracts merchants, locals, students, and tourists alike, all seeking relaxation, exercise, and a chance to connect with the tales of the prison’s storied past that spanned over a century.
Photo Credit: Facebook page: เชียงรายดอกไม้งาม เทศบาลนครเชียงราย
Suan Tung and lanterns in honor of His Majesty the King's 75th birthday
Province: Chiang Rai
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095 697 8849