TOPONYM OF VILLAGES IN KHRUNG SUBDISTRICT, CHIANG KHONG DISTRICT, CHIANG RAI

Abstract

Toponyms, or place names, serve as significant cultural instruments for communicating the identity and history of a community. This research investigates the toponymy of 11 villages in Krueng Sub-district, Chiang Khong District, Chiang Rai Province, all of which possess long-standing historical backgrounds or associations with key community figures, as well as political, economic, and religious influences that have shaped their nomenclature. The primary objective of this study is to examine the origins of village names in Krueng Sub-district. Primary data were collected through field-based interviews with three local experts per village who possessed extensive knowledge of their community’s history. The findings reveal five distinct origins of village names in Krueng Sub-district: 1) Local flora, 2) Ancestral settlements, 3) Temporary rest areas for ox-cart merchants, 4) Ancient monuments or temples, and 5) Auspicious terminology. These naming conventions reflect a harmonious relationship between humans and nature, while also mirroring local culture, history, and the migratory patterns of the residents. Furthermore, they highlight historical trade routes that have evolved into the area’s modern transportation networks, as well as the influence of auspicious beliefs on the morale of villagers and their aspirations for community development. This article provides essential data for promoting local toponymic studies to preserve indigenous knowledge. Moreover, these findings offer a foundation for further interdisciplinary research and the potential to transform village narratives into value-added "creative folklore."