Kamphaeng Phet (Thai กำแพงเพชร) is one of the provinces (changwat) of Thailand, located in the north of the country. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Nakhon Sawan and Tak.

Geography

The main river of the province is the Ping, one of the sources of the Chao Phraya river. River flats make up much of the east of the province, while the west is mostly mountains covered with forests.

One of the most well-known products of the province is banana. Banana festivals take place in the province every year, to thank the gods for the harvest.

History

Kamphaeng Phet already was a royal city in the Sukhothai kingdom in the 14th century, then known under its old name Chakangrao. It formed an important part of the defence system of the kingdom, as well as later of the Ayutthaya kingdom.

Symbols

The provincial seal shows the city walls, as the city name means diamond wall. Provincial tree is Acasia catechu , provincial flower the Bullet Wood (Mimusops elengi ).

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided in 9 districts (Amphoe) and two minor districts (King Amphoe). These are further subdivided into 78 communes (tambon) and 823 villages (mubaan).

External links

• Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand
• Golden Jubilee Network province guide