Mae Chai

Mae Chai (Thai:แม่ใจ) is a small town and subdistrict (tambon) in Mae Chai District, in Phayao Province, Thailand. It is the principal town in the district; the town is also split with the tambon of Si Thoi. As of 2005, it has a total population of 5,094 people. It is located in the north-western part of the province not far from the border with Lampang Province. It lies along the National Road 1 (Phahon Yothin Road), and is connected by road to Phayao in the south. To the north along the highway are Pa Faek and then Mae Yen across into Chiang Rai Province. The tambon has 10 villages under its jurisdiction. It lies partly within Mae Puem National Park. Mae Chai River is also a river running in the area.