Why is this place called Ban San Sai? The name tells a story. Ban San Sai means dune and sand in Thai. This area was named Ban San Sai on October 20 1897.
During the rainy season the Ping and Khao River shape the area. The rivers carry sediment. It accumulates where the rivers meet. This forms large dunes. The San Sai District office stands here today.
San Sai is more than just its sandy origins. It is a district in Chiang Mai province. San Sai has a unique rural feel. Yet it is close to Chiang Mai. It provides a refreshing change from the city.
Let’s talk about location. San Sai is bordered by several districts. Mae Taeng lies to the north. Doi Saket is to the east. San Kamphaeng is also to the east. Mueang Chiang Mai is to the south. Mae Rim is to the west.
Administratively, San Sai is divided into sub-districts called tambons. There are 12 of them. These tambons are further split into 116 villages called mubans. San Sai Luang and Mae Cho are townships. The Thai name for township is thesaban tambons. There are also 10 tambon administrative organizations. They are known as TAO.
Ban Rom Sai is located in San Sai. It was founded in 1999. It serves as an orphanage. The orphanage provides a home for children affected by AIDS. Giorgio Armani Japan provided a generous grant. Today Ban Rom Sai houses 30 children.
Ban Rom Sai strives to be a big family. The staff want to create a healthy and balanced lifestyle. They faced a difficult start. They lost ten children to AIDS. Antiviral drugs were not available then. But thanks to support and new therapies the children are healthy now. Since 2002 no child has died at Ban Rom Sai.
Medical technology has improved. Mother-to-child transmission of HIV can be prevented now. The number of AIDS orphans has decreased. Children come to Ban Rom Sai for various reasons. Some children are refugees. Some have parents in prison. Some parents cannot afford to raise them.
Ban Rom Sai offers a safe haven. Ban Rom Sai means a house under the Banyan Tree. The children participate in activities. They can try painting, dancing or computer programming. Ban Rom Sai also educates the community about HIV and AIDS. A library and computer room were built. Village children can use these facilities.
Living in San Sai offers a chance to connect with locals. You can easily assimilate into the culture. Organic Coffee Bus is a popular restaurant. It offers Thai and Western dishes. They grow their own produce. Scooters are a must for getting around.
San Sai offers a blend of rural charm and community spirit. It is a place where history, compassion and culture meet.