Phetchaburi (often short Phet'buri, Thai เพชรบุรี) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram and Prachuap Khiri Khan. In the west it borders Myanmar.

Geography

Phetchaburi is located at the northern end of the Malay Peninsula, with the Gulf of Thailand to the East and the Tanaosi mountain range forming the boundary to Myanmar. Except these border mountains most of the province is a flat plain area. With an area of about 3000 km² the Kaeng Krachan national park is Thailands largest national park, covering nearly half of the province. It protects mostly rainforsts in the mountains along the boundary to Myanmar, but also the Kaeng Krachan reservoir is part of the park.

Several caves are found in the province, most notable the Khao Luang caves near the capital city. Illuminated by a hole in the roof several Buddha statues are placed in the cave.

History

Phetchaburi is an old royal city, dating back to the Mon of the 8th century. Later Khmer settled in the city, as can be seen by the prangs of Wat Kamphaeng Laeng.

Im 1860 King Mongkut built a palace near the city of Phetchaburi, commonly known as Khao Wang, but its official name is Phra Nakhon Khiri. Next to the palace the king built a tower for his astronomical observations. On the adjoining hill the royal temple Wat Phra Kaeo.

Symbols

The provincial seal shows the Khao Wang palace in the background. In front are rice fields bordered by two palm tree, symbolizing the major crops in the province. Provincial tree is Eugenia cumini .

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided into 8 districts (Amphoe), which are further subdivided into 93 communes (tambon) and 681 villages.

External links

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