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. Moreover,
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.
