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Introduction
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.
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.
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