Deva is the Hindu term for deity; devatas (Thai: thewada) are a kind of smaller more focused devas; the equivalent of guardian spirits or guardian angels. There are male and female devata. In Hinduism; the devatas that guard the nine cardinal points are called Devata Lokapala (Guardians of the Directions) or in ancient Java called Dewata Nawa Sanga (Nine guardian gods). Each caste has its guardian deva; and every human activity has its devata; its spiritual counterpart or aspect.

The historic town of Chiang Saen; situated on the west bank of the Mekong River opposite Laos; dates from the 12th century. It was an important part of King Mangrai's Lanna Kingdom; originally being his first capital. Pictures From Asia David Henley