Pathum Thani (Thai ปทุมธานี) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Nakhon Nayok, Chachoengsao, Bangkok and Nonthaburi.

The province is located directly north of Bangkok and is part of the Bangkok metropolis. In many parts the boundary between the two provinces is not noticeable anymore, both areas being equally urbanized.

Geography

The province is located in the low alluvial flats of the Chao Phraya river, which also flows through the capital city. Many canals (khlongs) cross the province and feed the rice paddies.

History

The city dates back to a settlement founded by Mon migrating from Mothama in Myanmar around 1650. The original name was Sam Khok. In 1815 King Rama II visited the city and the citizens offered him many Lotus flowers, which made the king rename the city to Pathum Thani meaning The City of Lotus.

Symbols

The provincial seal shows a pink lotus flower with two rice ears bending over it. Both symbols stand for the fertility of the province. Provincial tree is the Indian coral tree (Erythrina variegata), provincial flower the Lotus (Nymphaea lotus).

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided into 7 districts (Amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 60 communes (tambon) and 529 villages.

Education and technology

Pathum Thani hosts many higher education academic institutes, especially ones in the field of science and technology. From this fact, together with a number of industrial parks and many research agencies (including those in Thailand Science Park) in the province, Pathum Thani aims to be an "Education and Technology Hub" of its area.

Academic institutes

• National Science Museum
• Asian Institute of Technology
• Bangkok University
• Eastern Asia University
• Pathumthani College
• Rajamangala Institute of Technology
• Rangsit University
• Shinawatra University
• Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology
• Thammasat University, Rangsit Center

Research bodies

• Thailand Science Park
• National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA)
• National Research Centers
  • National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC)
  • National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC)
  • National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC)
  • National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC)
• Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR)

Industrial parks

• Software Park Thailand (in Nonthaburi, southwest of Pathum Thani)
• Nava Nakorn Industrial Promotion Zone 1376 acres (5.6 km²)
• Bangkadi Industrial Park 470 acres (1.9 km²)
• Techno Thani , a "Technology City" by Ministry of Science and Technology
• and a number of industrial parks in neighboring Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi provinces

External links

• Pathum Thani Administration Office
• Golden Jubilee Network province guide
• Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand