Sridonchai Tai Lue Community

History and Background

Originally, the Tai Lue people settled in the city of U-Nor, in the Xishuangbanna region, southern China. However, their livelihoods became difficult due to overpopulation and invasions by the Han Chinese, leading to their migration. In 1886, under the leadership of “Phaya Kaew,” a group of people migrated from U-Nor and settled at Doi Lak Kham on the border between China and Laos. In the same year, they crossed the Mekong River and settled at Had Krai (along the Dukk River) in Chiang Khong District. Later, they moved to Ban Mai Thung Mot.

During this migration, there were three groups:

• The first group settled in Huai Miang, now known as Ban Huai Meng, Moo 6, Wiang Subdistrict, Chiang Khong District, Chiang Rai Province.
• The second group returned to Laos, led by Phaya Janta Phatdee, and settled in Ban Pong and Ban Sang (Tha Fa).
• The third group moved to Ban Tha Kham, Muang Yai Subdistrict, Wiang Kaen District.

In 1949, Phor Kamnan Sena Wongchai led a group of villagers to settle and establish homes in the current location of Ban Sridonchai. In 1953, more villagers arrived and settled along the road from Thaeng to Chiang Khong. At that time, the administration was still under the jurisdiction of Satharn Subdistrict. In 1957, the Ministry of Interior declared the establishment of Sridonchai Village.

The name “Ban Sridonchai” was given because the area is low-lying with hills and many Bodhi trees. In 1980, the administration was separated from Satharn Subdistrict to become Sridonchai Subdistrict, and the village officially became known as Ban Sridonchai, which it remains today.