NAKHONPATHOM

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	Nakhon Pathom is located in an alluvial plain in the central region, about 58 kms by road from Bangkok. Generally, it is an area of alluvia plain which is drained by the Tha Chin River, covering an area of 2,168,327 sq kms or about 1,355,204 sq Rai. It is an old city which has an interesting history dating back thousands of years. It was well known as a center of cultural development and prosperity. From the evidence revealed by extensive excavation in the past, we have learned a lot of things which have historical and archaeological value, such as Phra Pathom Chedi and Dhammacakra (Symbol of the completeness of the Dhamma) etc. Borders □ North: Suphan Buri and Ayutthaya □ South: Ratcha Buri and Samut Sakhon □ East: Nontha Buri and Bangkok □ West: Kanchanaburi Distance from Nakhon Pathom city of nearby Provinces □ Ayutthaya 142 kms. □ Bangkok 56 kms. □ Kanchanaburi 65 kms. □ Ratchaburi 65 kms. □ Samut Sakhon 63 kms.

Nakhon Pathom is a small province located just 56 Kms. from Bangkok. The province features an ancient religious structure called “Phra Pathom Chedi”, the first religious landmark that signified the influx of Buddhism into Thailand. Nakhon Pathom is also renowned for its abundant fruits varieties and famous dishes.

Formerly situated by the sea, the city prospered during the Dvaravati civilisation. According to archaeological findings, Nakhon Pathom was the first city to possess influences of Buddhism and Indian civilisations. From the Phra Pathom Chedi and other remains discovered in the city area, it is believed that the city was a centre of civilisation in that era. People of different races settled in Nakhon Pathom. However, a change in the course of the river caused a draught that forced the people to migrate and settle on the banks of river, and these communities developed into towns. The new town was called “Nakhon Chaisi” or “Sirichai”, leaving Nakhon Pathom deserted for hundreds of years until the reign of King Rama IV. While His Majesty was in monk hood, he travelled to Nakhon Pathom and found the Phra Pathom Chedi that he regarded to be the largest pagoda of all.

When King Rama IV ascended to the throne, he commanded that a bell shaped Chedi be built to cover the former Chedi. The surrounding area was also renovated and improved. He also commanded that a water canal be dug to facilitate commuting, which was called Chedi Bucha canal. During the reign of King Rama V, the construction of railways to the south began, at that time Nakhon Pathom was still a heavily forested area. King Rama V also commanded that the town be relocated from Tambon Thana, Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi, to the Phra Pathom Chedi area as it used to be. Nakhon Pathom has been there ever since.

During the reign of King Rama VI, a palace was built at Tambon Sanam Chan as a temporary residence on his travels and many roads were constructed. A large bridge was also built over the Chedi Bucha canal, which His Majesty named “Saphan Charoensattha”. Later, he commanded that the name of Nakhon Chaisi be changed to Nakhon Pathom, but the name of the prefecture was still called “Nakhon Chaisi” until the reign of King Rama VII when the calling of the prefecture was ended. Nakhon Chaisi is now one of the districts in Nakhon Pathom.

Nakhon Pathom covers an area of 2,168 square kilometres or 542,081.6 acres. It is divided into 7 administrative districts or Amphoe, they are: Amphoe Muang Nakhon Pathom, Amphoe Buddhamonthon, Amphoe Sam Phran, Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi, Amphoe Bang Len, Amphoe Kamphaeng Saen, and Amphoe Don Toom. Most of the areas are plains with no mountainous land, plateau are found in the west east of Amphoe Muang and Amphoe Kamphaeng Saen. The plains along the Tha Cheen River (Nakhon Chaisi River) are the location of Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi, Amphoe Sam Phran, and Amphoe Bang Len. These fertile lands provide agricultural area for people, thus most of the residents earn their living from agriculture; plantations, farming, growing food crops, and fruit orchards. Moreover, Nakhon Pathom is well known for pomelo, some call the Nakhon Pathom the sweet pomelo town.

Distances from Amphoe Muang to neighbouring Amphoe (districts) :

Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi 14 Kms.
Amphoe Buddhamonthon 20 Kms.
Amphoe Sam Phran 21 Kms.
Amphoe Kamphaengsaen 26 Kms.
Amphoe Don Toom 31 Kms.
Amphoe Bang Len 46 Kms.