Tak (Thai ตาก) is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani and Kanchanaburi. In the East the district has a long boundary with Myanmar.

Geography

The Yannee Dam (however usually called Bhumibol Dam after king Bhumibol Adulyadej) stops the river Ping, one of the two sources of the Chao Phraya river. The artificial lake created covers an area of 300 km² and is the largest of Thailand. The Taksin Maharat and the Lan Sang National parks are located in the province. Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary shared a half with Kanchanaburi and Huai Kha Kheang Wildlife Sanctuary at border with Uthai Thani are declared as a World Heritage site.

History

The historic name of Tak was Mueang Rahang, and it was built even before the Sukhothai period and formed the main fortress on the western front.

King Taksin was vice-governor of Tak before the Ayutthaya kingdom fell during the war with Burma. As his name was Sin, he became called Tak-Sin during his duty in Tak.

Symbols

The seal of the province show King Naresuan on the royal elephant. Sometimes below the elephant a garuda is depicted, as the garuda is the state symbol of Thailand. King Naresuan is shown pouring consecrated water on the ground, a symbolic act to declare independence. This refers to the war of 1584 with Burma, when Tak was the first border town to be liberated from Burmese control. The provincial tree is the Asian Jatoba (Xylia kerrii ), the provincial flower the Orchid tree (Bauhinia sp.).

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided in 8 districts (Amphoe) and one minor district (King Amphoe). These are further subdivided into 63 communes (tambon) and 493 villages (mubaan).

External links

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