Nakhon Pathom (Thai นครปฐม) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Suphanburi, Ayutthaya, Nonthaburi, Bangkok, Samut Sakhon, Ratchaburi and Kanchanaburi.

Geography

Nakhon Pathom is located in the alluvial plain of central Thailand. It is drained by the Tha Chin river, a distributary of the Chao Phraya river. The urban area of Bangkok has already grown until the provincial borders to Nakhon Pathom.

History

The name Nakhon Pathom derives from the Pali Nagara Pathama, meaning First city, and is thus often referred as the oldest city of Thailand. It was already an important center during the Dvaravati kingdom from the 6th century until the 11th century, however it might even be older. Some historians speculate it dates back to the 3rd century BC, when Buddhist missionaries from India visited there.

Originally Nakhon Pathom was a coastal city, however due to the sedimentation of the Chao Phraya river the coast line moved away from the city. When the Tha Chi river changed its course, the city was removed from water and was deserted, the population moved to the new city of Nakhon Chaisi (or Sirichai). King Mongkut (Rama IV) moved the population back to the old city in 1870, after the restoration of Phra Pathom Chedi was finished.

Symbols

The provincial seal shows the pagoda Phra Pathom Chedi , with 127m the highest pagoda of the world. It is located in the center of the city Nakhon Pathom, and has been an important buddhist center since the 6th century. The current building was created by king Mongkut in 1860. On the pagoda a royal crown is depicted, the symbol for King Mongkuts work on reconstructing the pagoda. Provincial tree is Diospyros decandra . The provincial slogan ส้มโอหวาน ข้าวสารอร่อย ลูกสาวสวย translates to sweet pomelos, delicious rice, beautiful young ladies.

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided into 7 districts (Amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 105 communes (tambon) and 919 villages.

External links

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