city, northern Thailand, located about 45 miles (72 km) southeast of Chiang Mai. It lies on the Wang River in the forested Khun Tan Range and is an administrative and commercial centre for the surrounding region. Once the seat of an independent principality, Lampang retains the old walled city as its nucleus. There is a large sugar plant nearby at Ko Kha. The city is on the Bangkok-Chiang Mai railway and at the junction of highways to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. There is an airport with scheduled flights to other Thai cities.

The surrounding area is rich in natural resources. The forests are a source of teak, and mineral products include lignite, antimony, lead, and tungsten. Tobacco, rice, beans, cotton, and sugarcane are grown. Pop. (2000 prelim.) 147,812.