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Before the rise add of the Lanna Empire on the bank of the Ping River in 1700 B.E. (1157 A.D.), Chiang Saen, now a district of Chiang Rai, served as a settlement of indigenous people who spoke Mon and Khmer. Prominent among these settlers were the et hnic Lua people, who coined the phrase "Saang kaw fah, Laa kaw muang" (The sky the spirit created, the city the Lua made).

According to the legend of Suwanna Komekham (1057 - 1157 A.D.), before the Khom people expanded their empire to the Mekong Basin around the ancient city of Bodhisarn Luang, Phraya Bataleebut's son Kuruwongsa, a hand some prince of awesome physical stre ngth, ordered his people to build a wall around the city. When the ruler heard about this, he issued a warrant for Kuruwongsa's arrest.

A battle ensued, from which Price Kuruwongsa emerged the winner. He then succeeded as the new ruler, and had the name of the city changed to Kururat and its people known as Klawm or Khom.

Next to the formidable kururat was the state of Indapathan, which was ruled by a princess served by warriors known as forest guardians. When Prince Kuruwongsa married the princess, their two states merged and became known as kururat - lttapat Mahanakho n.

A new town was born but an old town was soon to perish.

Two incidents combined to ensure the end of the prosperous kingdom. One was the appointment of Bahira - Brahm as King Indrapathom's counsellor and the other was Queen Urasa's giving birth to her seventh child.

The sky was screaming and the earth shaking when the child was delivered through the mouth, from where it dropped onto a golden tray. This was accompanied by miraculous traits: the new - born child, named Suwannamukha Tawarn, immediately walked and tal ked, and his supernatural ability became the talk of the kingdom and beyond.

Suwannamukha - Tawarn's miraculous power accelerated as he was seven months old the Court's counsellor told the king that the baby was an evil spirit. He warned that the city would be doomed if the child was allowed to grow, and suggested that he be ban isted from the Kingdom.

The gullible king followed his counsellor's advice. By sacrificing his youngest son and wife to an unknown destination on a raft along the Mekong River, the king believed that he had secured the safety of his kingdom.

Aiyakumarn, who later became known as Aiya - Upparat, made a trip to visit his daughter and his new - born grandson, and was devastated when he learned what happened to his own flesh and blood. He ordered that poles be planted and golden lanterns hung a t every pier. He also pleaded with the great Naga, the guardian of water. to protect Queen Urasa and the little Suwannamukha Tawarn.

for seven days and seven nights, the city was in a festive mood as the people expressed their gratitude to the Naga and the guardian angels and celebrated the safe return of the queen and the young prince. Suwanna Komekham was adopted as the name of the new town.

Meanwhile, after the banishment of Queen Urasa and Suwannamukha Tawarn, Bodhisarn Luang underwent a series of calamities including droughts, famines and the plague. Many people left the city and moved elsewhere, with some migrating to Suwanna Komekham.

By divine intervention, a horse named Assadorn arrived at Bodhisarn Luang. King Indrapathom's son Prince Devindrabovorn was destined to be the only person who could overcome the horse, and accordingly, Assadorn took the prince to Suwanna Komekham, where he was reunited with his mother and younger brother.

Upon learning that his wife and youngest son were safe, King Indrapathom made a journey to plead for his wife's return. His plea rejected, he returned to Bodhisarn Luang broken - hearted.

On the bank of the great Mekong, mid - way between Suwanna Komekham and Bodhisarn Luang lived a lone lad who toiled the land. One day, the three daughters of the great Naga sneaked into the farm and stole some food from the farmer. Their mischief enrag ed their father, who punished them by sentencing them to spend their lives serving the young farmer.

One day, the three daughters advised the farmer to sell his produce in Suwanna Komekham. The young farmer followed the recommendation and traded in Suwanna Komekham on several occasions, but each time he lost his merchandise because of tricks by the cro oked ruler of Suwanna Komekham.

Finally, the three girls accompanied him on his trip to Suwanna Komekham. In a win - all, lose - all gamble, the city was lost to the farmer, who was aided by the magical support of the Naga's three daughters. However, the ruler of Suwanna Komekham ref used to concede his kingdom and forced the farmer leave the city Enraged, the three daughters reported the incident to their father.

In the dark of the night, the great Naga and his supporters launched an offensive on Suwanna Komekham, resulting in the city and the palace being inundated and going under the Mekong River. The residents of the city fled and settled in different places.