 Phetchaburi,
locally known by Thais as Muang Phetch, is located 160 kilometers south
of Bangkok. One of Thailands central region provinces, Phetchaburi is
situated on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand with an overall
area of approximately 6,225 square kilometers. Its terrains throughout
the western border, where Tanaosri Range lies as a natural border
between Thailand and Myanmar, are mountainous dense jungles. In the
east, there is an 80-kilometer long coastline towards the Gulf of
Thailand.
A very old city which used to be an important royal fort town,
Phetchaburi had been given several names such as, Phripphri, Phripphli
or Phetchaphli. Some historians have gone as far as to say that
Phetchaburi could have been named in Indian style, as the Indian
influence in those days day was strong. Others put forward the idea
that the name Phetchaburi might have originated from Maenam Phetch the
most important river of the town.
 Whatever
the assumptions are, the fact that Phetchaburi is an ancient city with
a very long history is undeniable. This has been proven by many
archaeological findings which could be dated back to the Dvaravati
Period.
During Sukhothai and Ayutthaya Kingdoms, Phetchaburi was a strategic
royal fort in the west. Only a lineage of Kings had the rights to rule
this historical city. That is why Phetchaburi has been called by some
scholars as the "Living Ayutthaya" as the town shares many similar
things to the City of Ayutthaya. The prosperity of the Ayutthaya
Kingdom can be seen and appreciated in Phetchaburi is wealth of fine old
temples.
 In
the Rattanakosin Era, Phetchaburi has changed its character to a town
of charming beauty, with peaceful seaside resorts and superb natural
reserves. The three Kings of the Rattanakosin Period, King Rama IV, V,
and VI established their retreats here. They built the three palaces
namely Phranakhonkhiri, Phraramrajanivet, Phrarajnivesmarugadayawan in
Phetchaburi thus, Phetchaburi is also known as Muang Sam Wang (the city
of the three Palaces). The province is also well known for its splendid
historical park, ancient temples, wonderful beaches and caves, as well
as a great variety of local and fresh seafood. Phetchaburi also has a
popular resort town, Cha-am which is the premier beach resort in the
province.
The majority of the local residents are engaged in agricultural
activities including rice farming, upland crop farming, fruit farming,
palm sugar production, animal husbandry and sea and fresh water
fisheries.
There are three important Maenam in Phetchaburi including "Maenam
Phetchaburi with an overall length of 227 kilometers, "Maenam Bang
Kloy", with an overall length of 44 kilometers, and "Maenam Bang
Tabun", with an overall length of 18 kilometers. |
