Fang is a small city of about 35,000 people in the northern Thailand. It is located in a valley and the surrounding hills and mountains are some of the highest in Thailand. Fang is famous for its hot springs.
The people of Fang are a mix of Thais, hill tribes such as the Shan, Lahu and Akha, southern Chinese people from Yunnan, and also immigrants from Myanmar (formerly called Burma). The people are mainly Buddhists but there are large groups of Christians and Muslims too.
The main economic activities in Fang are agriculture and trade with neighboring countries. The growing of oranges and pomelos as well as fruits such as mangoes and lychees is made easier because of Fang’s fertile soil and cooler weather on the hills. There are also increasing numbers of farms growing tea and coffee. In the lowlands, rice is a big crop as is corn. Many of these agricultural products are traded with Burma and Laos as well as China.
A fun fact is that Fang has the first oil or petroleum field in Thailand. Since its discovery in the 1950s, oil has been continuously pumped up from the ground all around Fang.
Children in Fang can attend either public or private schools from kindergarten until high school. Students who want to attend college must leave Fang for higher education. The closest universities are located in Chiang Rai (two hours by car) and Chiang Mai (three hours away).
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We asked the some students from Ban Nong Yao school to teach everyone a few Thai phrases.
- Hello -S̄a-wat dee krup / kha - สวัสดี
- Nice to meet you - Yindee tidai ru chak - ยินดีที่ได้รู้จัก
- I am sorry - Koh tod - ฉันขอโทษ
- Thank you - Korp khun krup / kha - ขอขอบคุณ
- How are you? - Sabai Dee Mai? - คุณเป็นอย่างไรบ้าง
Krup is used by male speakers - Khâ is used by female speakers)
Wai - is two hands placed together and indicates a level of respect.
Ban Ton Phueng School Students learn the Cha Cha Slide.
Photos of Ban Ton Phueng School and Students
Photos of Bang Nong Yao School and Students
School Exchange with St Paul, Minnesota elementary school
Photos from Fang, Thailand 1) agricultural field, 2) typical house, 3) irrigation over orange farm, and 4) sunset over Fang
