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.
