Nakhon Pathom is a
small province located just 56 Kms. from
Bangkok. The province features an ancient
religious structure called “Phra Pathom
Chedi”, the first religious landmark
that signified the influx of Buddhism into
Thailand. Nakhon Pathom is also renowned
for its abundant fruits varieties and famous
dishes.
Formerly situated by the sea, the city prospered
during the Dvaravati civilisation. According
to archaeological findings, Nakhon Pathom was
the first city to possess influences of Buddhism
and Indian civilisations. From the Phra Pathom
Chedi and other remains discovered in the city
area, it is believed that the city was a centre
of civilisation in that era. People of different
races settled in Nakhon Pathom. However, a change
in the course of the river caused a draught
that forced the people to migrate and settle
on the banks of river, and these communities
developed into towns. The new town was called
“Nakhon Chaisi” or “Sirichai”,
leaving Nakhon Pathom deserted for hundreds
of years until the reign of King Rama IV. While
His Majesty was in monk hood, he travelled to
Nakhon Pathom and found the Phra Pathom Chedi
that he regarded to be the largest pagoda of
all.
When King Rama IV ascended to the throne, he
commanded that a bell shaped Chedi be built
to cover the former Chedi. The surrounding area
was also renovated and improved. He also commanded
that a water canal be dug to facilitate commuting,
which was called Chedi Bucha canal. During the
reign of King Rama V, the construction of railways
to the south began, at that time Nakhon Pathom
was still a heavily forested area. King Rama
V also commanded that the town be relocated
from Tambon Thana, Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi, to
the Phra Pathom Chedi area as it used to be.
Nakhon Pathom has been there ever since.
During the reign of King Rama VI, a palace
was built at Tambon Sanam Chan as a temporary
residence on his travels and many roads were
constructed. A large bridge was also built over
the Chedi Bucha canal, which His Majesty named
“Saphan Charoensattha”. Later, he
commanded that the name of Nakhon Chaisi be
changed to Nakhon Pathom, but the name of the
prefecture was still called “Nakhon Chaisi”
until the reign of King Rama VII when the calling
of the prefecture was ended. Nakhon Chaisi is
now one of the districts in Nakhon Pathom.
Nakhon Pathom covers an area of 2,168 square
kilometres or 542,081.6 acres. It is divided
into 7 administrative districts or Amphoe, they
are: Amphoe Muang Nakhon Pathom, Amphoe Buddhamonthon,
Amphoe Sam Phran, Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi, Amphoe
Bang Len, Amphoe Kamphaeng Saen, and Amphoe
Don Toom. Most of the areas are plains with
no mountainous land, plateau are found in the
west east of Amphoe Muang and Amphoe Kamphaeng
Saen. The plains along the Tha Cheen River (Nakhon
Chaisi River) are the location of Amphoe Nakhon
Chaisi, Amphoe Sam Phran, and Amphoe Bang Len.
These fertile lands provide agricultural area
for people, thus most of the residents earn
their living from agriculture; plantations,
farming, growing food crops, and fruit orchards.
Especially so of pomelo. Nakhon Pathom is well
known for pomelo, some call the Nakhon Pathom
the sweet pomelo town.
Distances from Amphoe Muang to neighbouring
Amphoe (districts) :
Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi 14 Kms.
Amphoe Buddhamonthon 20 Kms.
Amphoe Sam Phran 21 Kms.
Amphoe Kamphaengsaen 26 Kms.
Amphoe Don Toom 31 Kms.
Amphoe Bang Len 46 Kms.
Distances from Nakhon Pathom to neighbouring
provinces :
