National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand Thai National Observatory (TNO) is NARIT's main facility, atop Thailand's highest mountain, Doi Inthanon in Doi Inthanon National Park, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai Province. The concept of a national astronomical research institute was discussed for the first time in the Assembly of the Deans of the Faculty of Science in Thai universities. On July 20, 2004, commemorating His Majesty King Bhumibol's 80th Birthday Anniversary in 2007 and marking the bicentenary of the life and work of King Mongkut the "Father of Thai Science" the government approved the establishment of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), under the
Inthawichayanon a grandson of "Prince Khamfan", the 3rd ruler of Chiangmai. He was concerned about the preservation of the mountain forests in the Thai highlands. Before he died he ordered that his remains be kept at Doi Luang, the highest mountain of the Thanon Thong Chai Range, which was renamed Doi Inthanon after his death. In 1883, a rumour that Queen Victoria of Great Britain intended to adopt his daughter, Dara Rasmi, spread from Burma to Chiangmai and Bangkok, alarmed Siamese government of British desire in Lanna. The Siamese King sent his brother, Prince Prince Bijitprijakara, to Chiangmai to forward the