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.
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Nakhon
Pathom Food and Fruits Fair is annually held during
the Chinese New Year, around January-February, within
the grounds of Phra Pathom Chedi to promote agricultural
products and industrial products of the province. It aims
to also promote the fruits that are grown in Nakhon Pathom
such as pomelo, sweet coconuts, guavas, and bananas. Other
food products like Chinese pork sausage, crispy sweet
pork and shredded pork, are also sold at the fair. It
also features Chinese buffet arrangement contests and
fruit contests.