Muang Nong Bua Lamphu : The Study of Important Ancient Town’s Names in The Mekong River Basin

Abstract

This article aims to study the name of the ancient community “Muang Nong Bua Lamphu” which has had several names throughout its history. This ancient city, Muang Nong Bua Lamphu, was an important city in the Mekong River Basin and was located beside Nong Bua in the area of Tambol Lamphu, Amphoe Muang Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Bua Lamphu province. It was found that Nong Bua Lamphu’s name depended on the context of politics and society at the time. (1) It is assumed that the name “Nong Bua”, the common name, had been used from the 14th century to the present. (2) There is some evidence that the name “Muang Nong Bua Lamphu”, has been used from at least the 19th century, and that the official name of Amphoe Nong Bua Lamphu and Nong Bua Lamphu province is still in use to the present day. (3) The name “Muang Nakhorn Khuenkhan Karbkaew Buabarn” was given by a group of Chao Phra Wora Pita, who founded the free state of Nong Bua Lamphu. This name was used between 1759-1779 A.D. (4) There is evidence that the name “Muang Nong Bua Lumphu” was the name used since the late 19th century although there are only a few primary documents showing this. (5) The name “Muang Kamutthasai” was given by King Rama V in 1863 A.D. after changing the status of Nong Bua Lamphu from a village to town after it was damaged and abandoned during the Jao Anuwong war (Siam-Laos war in 1826-1827 A.D.). This name was used until 1906 A.D.