Phetchabun (Thai เพชรบูรณ์) is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Loei, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Lopburi, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit and Phitsanulok. The name of the province means 'plenty of diamonds' - the old name was Phuechapura, which means 'plenty of crops'.

Geography

The province is located in the broad fertile river valley of the Pa Sak river, with mountains of the Phetchabun mountain range to the east and west.

History

The Si Thep historical park is an ancient city dating back to the Khmer times of the 11th century.

In the beginning of the 20th century the province Lom Sak was merged into Phetchabun. As both provinces formed the monthon Phetchabun, after the merger the monthon became the only monthon consisting of only one province. Consequently it was also the first monthon to be dissolved in 1915, after being temporarily administrated from Phitsanulok between 1903 and 1907.

Symbols

The provincial seal show a diamond on a mountain, as diamonds are found in the province. In the front are tobacco plants as one of the crops grown in the province. The provincial tree is the Tamarind (Tamarindus indica).

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided in 11 districts (Amphoe). These are further subdivided into 117 communes (tambon) and 1261 villages (mubaan).

External links

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