Uncle Trakan Tiyabhorn,
the 4th child of grandfather Thong – U

spoke of his favorite childhood experience, the Ping River: “The river was much vaster than it is now and even had a small island in the middle”. On the opposite side of the Ping River, directly across from this house, was the Palace of the Lord of Chiangmai. It was also the headquarters of the Palace gang. Uncle Trankan, also known as Ai Yak, during his teens was head of the local Wad Kat gang. The two gangs often yelled across the river exchanging challenging words with one another before swimming to the mid-way island utilizing it as their battle ground to settle the occasion dispute.

A close childhood friend of uncle Trakan, who was a frequent house guest during school holidays, was M.L. Thawisan Ladawan, the late Privy Councillor and His Majesty’s Principal Private Secretary.

Even though grandfather Thong – U carried on his business with the Chinese merchant community from his forefathers, he seemed to practice the Chinese traditions only for the convenience of his work.

The Chinese name “Yong Chiang”, on the original sign above the front door, is one of those few examples. Grandfather Thong - U was actually more a proud modern Chiangmai Thai. This is reflecting by the house. Pillars without sharp edges characterize traditional Chinese beliefs. Wooden partitions under the windows that slide open for more light and ventilation belong to the traditional Lanna architecture. Windows on the second floor were built very low, suitable for the old days’ habits when people usually sit and sleep on the floor. Where as all the downstairs windows were built very high, designed for people sitting on chairs. Being a two-story house was obviously of a very modern Western style at the time. The house was most likely one of the first of its kind in Chiangmai.

Our Ancestors

This multicultural practice is also shown in grandfather Thong – U’s dining habits. He always started the day with a Western breakfast. Butter was, in those days, canned and imported. Some empty cans were saved for other uses and still remain around the house today. Lunch was the only meal that he allowed traditional Lanna food. Chinese style rice porridge was usually served for dinner. Grandfather Thong – U’s father was, perhaps, a more traditional Chinese. This is seen in the great grandfather’s traditional official Chinese name, Chingee Geesengheng (Gee for short). This is engraved on his extravagant looking tomb at Wad Fayhin, one of the highest regarded temples at the time. He was a son of the great grandfather, TiyBuseng, who was a prominent figure amongst the Chinese merchant community. His daughter-in-law strongly evidenced his high regarded social status. Great grandmother Buojee, the wife of great grandfather Gee, was a daughter of the high official to the royal Chiangmai court, Phaya Saenpakdi and his wife, Chao Mon Simoy, a Lanna princess. King Chulalongkorn, Rama V of Siam, attempted to unite all kingdoms as part of his strategy to battle against the Western powers. A Lanna general, Phaya Paab, announced his absolute loyalty to the Chiangmai Ruler and organized an army to rebel against the King. Most citizens of Chiangmai fled in fear of this rebellious army but not the great grandfather Buseng. He was confident that the army loyal to the Chiangmai court would not harm him. This event confirms the special status which great grandfather Buseng held.