or MENAM, a river of Siam, rises in the Chinese province of Yun-nan, flows southwards through the centre of Siam, and after traversing for about 800 miles a rich and well-cultivated country, discharges itself into the Gulf of Siam. It is the most important river in Siam, and its name signifies, in the language of the country, "mother of waters." The Menam is navigable as far up as Chiangmai, in the Laos country, but its course is frequently interrupted by rapids and falls. At certain seasons it overflows its banks—a circumstance which contributes greatly to the fertility of the neighbouring land, and to the facility of communication between different parts. On the banks of the Menam stand the ruins of Ayuthia, the ancient capital, and the city of Bangkok, which is the chief town.