Suphanburi (Thai สุพรรณบุรี) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Uthai Thani, Chainat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Pathom and Kanchanaburi.

Geography

The terrain of the province is mostly low river plains, with small mountain ranges in the north and the west of the province. The southeastern part with the very low plain of the Tha Chen river is paddy rice farming area.

History

Suphanburi might be the site of the legendary Suvannabhumi, which is mentioned in very old Buddhist writings. However the first confirmed historical settlement was in the Dvaravati period, when the city was known as Mueang Thawarawadi Si Suphannaphumi. Its founding did take place 877-882. Later it was called U Thong, and was the home city of Prince U Thong, the founder of the Ayutthaya kingdom. King Khun Luang Pha Ngua finally gave it the current name. Suphanburi was an important border city, and also the location of several battles with the neighboring Burmese.

Symbols

The provincial seal shows the elephant battle between King Naresuan the Great and the crown prince of Burma in 1592, which took place in Suphanburi. Provincial tree is the Ebony Tree (Diospyros mollis).

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided into 10 districts (Amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 110 communes (tambon) and 977 villages (mubaan).

External links

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