Phitsanulok Province
Encyclopedia
Phitsanulok is a provinces
(changwat) of Thailand
, located in the north. Neighboring provinces are (from east clockwise) Loei
, Phetchabun
, Phichit, Kamphaeng Phet
, Sukhothai
, Uttaradit
. In the north-east it also has a short border with Xaignabouli of Laos
.
, a Hindu god (see, e.g. Witsanu, Thai: วิษณุ). Lack of a v sound in the Thai language accounts for the two forms. The second element lok (Thai: โลก) means globe or world. A loose translation of the entire name would be Vishnu's Heaven.
and urban development along the river banks, combined with the extensive amount of rainfall in the region, have led to some climate change
issues, primarily manifested in recent severe flooding within the province and elsewhere downstream of the Nan River
.
, vulnerable species
and near threatened
species. Indigenous animal species include a variety of mammals (including endangered tigers and the vulnerable asiatic black bear
), crabs, reptiles, amphibians, fish
, insects, and over 190 species of birds. Indigenous plant life include numerous species of flowering plants including the endangered phayom
, Hopea ferrea
and Dalbergia oliveri
, the vulnerable Hopea odorata
and Sumatran Pine
, and a variety of conifers and clubmosses
. Near threatened birds include the Siamese fireback
and Oriental darter
. The Siamese fireback has been nominated to be the national bird of Thailand. Wildlife conservation is just beginning to be realized in the province. Plans for sustainable development
are being implemented, and over the last 30 years, more and more land has been set aside as protected areas. The protected areas in Phitsanulok include the province's four national parks.
within the Phitsanulok Province include the Phetchabun Mountains
, the Nan River
and several of its tributaries, waterfalls, rapids, swamps, forests, grasslands, caves, a reservoir and an extensive network of canals. Populated areas of the province are largely cleared of natural vegetation and adapted for farming. The land within the province is situated in the Greater Nan Basin, which is part of the Chao Phraya Watershed. The province includes land within both of the Greater Nan Basin's sub-basins, i.e. the Nan Basin and Yom Basin. The provincial capital of Phitsanulok is sometimes called Song Kwae, the city of two rivers, an ancient name dating to a time centuries ago when the Nan
and Khwae Noi
rivers met near the city. These two rivers of the Phitsanulok Province are still of major significance to the residents of the region.
known as the Phitsanulok Basin. The basin is bounded to the west by the boundary fault, to the east by the Phetchabun fault, to the north by the Uttaradit fault and to the south by the Mae Ping fault. Its total land area is approximately 6,000 square kilometers. The basin is composed of gravel, claystone, sandstone and siltstone. The Lan Krabu, Chum Saeng, Yom and Ping Formations are hydrocarbon reservoirs in the basin containing coal. Thai-Shell and PTT-EP have carried out exploration of this basin for purposes of locating oil reserves. The Phitsanulok Basin is a basin of the Indo-Chinese Plate, which is a geological division of the Eurasian Plate
.
The lands situated in the present-day Phitsanulok Province were inhabited since the stone age
, although the neolithic
inhabitants of the region are not likely to have been the ancestors of the modern Thai people
who reside there today. The earliest historical records relating to what is now Phitsanulok Province indicates that at a time prior to or during the 11th century, the present-day city of Phitsanulok was but a small strategic Khmer outpost known as Song Khwae. During the next century, in 1188, Nakhon Thai
, located near the center of the present Phitsanulok Province, was established as the capital city of the Singhanavati Kingdom
, an early city-state of Thailand. Later, during Thailand's Sukhothai Period
, the city of Phitsanulok emerged as a major city in the east of the Sukhothai Kingdom, and the great temples of Wat Chula Manee
, Wat Aranyik
and Wat Chedi Yod Thong
were constructed. In 1357, the renowned Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat
was erected, and the Ayutthaya Period
witnessed the construction of several of the province's other chief temples. Phitsanulok served for 25 years as the capital city of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. In 1555, King Naresuan
the Great was born in the city of Phitsanulok. Naresuan played a significant role in the history of Thailand, as he expanded the kingdom (then called Siam) to its greatest territorial extent, by conquering sizable portions of modern day Burma and Cambodia
. In recent times, Phitsanulok Province has become an important agricultural center, part of the Bread Basket of Thailand, providing rice and other crops to consumers in Thailand and throughout the world. Extensive agricultural development over the last hundred years or so has spawned a modern infrastructure in the urban areas of the province, bringing with it an array of modern roads, universities, hospitals and other conveniences. Over the years, the Nan River
and its tributaries have played a substantial role in the history and development of the region by providing a route for transportation, fertile soil
for agriculture, and water for irrigation
. The river waters have also served as a route for enemy invaders, and have been the source of periodic widespread flooding throughout the province.
The province is subdivided in 9 districts (amphoe
). These are further subdivided into 93 communes (tambon
) and 993 muban
, which are administrative divisions at the village level. (There are a greater number of muban than actual villages in the province, because larger villages often occupy more than one muban.)
shows the Buddha Chinnarat, which is considered one of the most beautiful Buddha figures in Thailand. It is located in Wat Mahathat temple in the city Phitsanulok.
The provincial flower is the Yellow Flamboyant (Peltophorum pterocarpum
), and the provincial tree is the Millingtonia hortensis.
The provincial motto roughly translates to English as follows: "The marvelous Buddha Chinnarat, the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great , houseboats on the two banks of the Nan, delicious dried bananas, enchanting caves and waterfalls"
, Chinese
,
Lao Song
, and other minority ethnicities. The contributions of these diverse ethnic groups have influenced the culture in the region.
. Minority populations speak Sino-Tibetan
and Lao
. Some residents speak English
as a second language.
Buddhists (as are 95% of the Thai population as a whole), although some minority religions are practiced.
(abbreviated as Mor Nor for Mahawithayalai Naresuan) is an educational center of the Lower Northern region of Thailand. Located in Tambon Tha Pho
, near the city of Phitsanulok, the university is named after King Naresuan
the Great, and the campus contains a large statue of him. Other universities and colleges include Phitsanulok College (a private college), Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Rajabhat Pibulsongkram University and the Phitsanulok campus of the Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna
. There are also a number of kindergartens, elementary schools, high schools and vocational schools in the province.
, Interwetchakan Hospital, Phutachinnarat Hospital, etc.
in the city of Phitsanulok. Other popular modes of transportation include motorcycle
, bicycle
and tuk tuk. In modern times, boats are primarily used for recreation, rather than transportation throughout the province, although much of the Nan River is navigable. Major roads through the province include:
King Naresuan the Great’s Shrine (ศาลสมเด็จพระนเรศวรมหาราช) The ancient-style three-portico pavilion designed by the Fine Arts Department houses a life-size statue of the king in a sitting posture, declaring independence from Burma.
Town Wall and Moat (กำแพงเมืองคูเมือง) It was built during the reign of King Borommatrailokkanat of Ayutthaya to prevent the attack of Lanna troops. Today's, remains of the old wall can be seen at Wat Phothiyan, Wat Noi, the Police Station, and the moat along the Phra Ruang Road.
ThaiBird Garden (สวนนกไทยศึกษา) It is a bird conservation centre that displays endangered as well as extinct birds of Thailand, and birds mentioned in Thai literature; namely, oriole, barbet, common koel, green magpie, blue magpie, etc.
Textile Museum and Life Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์ผ้า และพิพิธภัณฑ์ชีวิต) displays textiles and garments from different sources domestically and internationally. Nearby is a Life Museum that displays the Thai way of cotton weaving, from cotton growing to high-class techniques in weaving.
Wat Ratchakhiri Hiranyaram (วัดราชคีรีหิรัญยาราม) The hilltop temple houses two Buddha’s footprints, one is a replica and the other is on the face of a western cliff. The temple also houses a thousand-handed Guan Yin statue, three tons in weight, from Hangzhou, China, which was carved out of white jade and sent here in 1992.
Namtok Wang Nok Aen or Sakunothayan Arboretum (น้ำตกวังนกแอ่น หรือ สวนรุกขชาติสกุโณทยาน) Situated in the arboretum at Kilometre 33 of Highway 12 (Phitsanulok – Lom Sak Road), the small fall is surrounded with different kinds of plants.
Namtok Kaeng Sopha (น้ำตกแก่งโสภา) The large waterfall, 40 metres high, is situated in the embrace of shady vegetation. A stream runs over large rock terraces, through the three-tiered fall which always turns fierce during the rainy season.
Tham Duean Tham Dao (ถ้ำเดือน-ถ้ำดาว) Situated in the western territory of Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, the cave has a subterranean river running through it.
Tham Pha Tha Phon Non-hunting Area (เขตห้ามล่าสัตว์ป่าถ้ำผาท่าพล) The sanctuary features rugged and towering crescent-shape limestone mountains which comprise fossils of shells and corals from the Carboniferous Period of the Palaeocene Era some 360 – 286 million years ago. There are many caves; namely,
Tham Naresuan (ถ้ำนเรศวร) A stalactite that looks like a hat of King Naresuan the Great has earned the name of this cave.
Tham Ruea (ถ้ำเรือ) Many floods have eroded the cave walls, leaving the ceiling in the shape of an upside-down boat.
Tham Pha Daeng (ถ้ำผาแดง) The cave is named after the red cliff (Pha Daeng) over its entrance. Nowadays, the cave is home to insect-eating bats; namely, wrinkled-lipped bat and black-bearded tomb bat.
Tham Lot (ถ้ำลอด) The tunnel with a subterranean river running through it allows to access a Buddhist temple on the other side. There are various attractions situated in the area such as fossils of marine life from 360 million years ago such as coral, brachiopod including lamp shells, sea lilies, and seaweed.
Khao Noi - Khao Pradu Non-hunting Area (เขตห้ามล่าสัตว์ป่าเขาน้อย – เขาประดู่) It contains various ecosystems such as dry evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest, deciduous dipterocarp forest and savanna. The forest is home to a species of endemic crab called “Pu Paeng or Pu Song Khwae” which is often found during the rainy season.
Phu Soi Dao National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติภูสอยดาว) Bordering Thailand and Lao PDR with rugged mountains, the park has Phu Soi Dao as the highest peak towering at 2,102 metres. Its attractions include coniferous forest, a flower field, viewpoint cliff, Namtok Sai Thip and Namtok Phu Soi Dao.
Four national parks are located in the province:
Historic Temples
Other Attractions
Supatra Preserved Pork (แหนมและหมูยอสุพัตรา) The hygienic pork is a famous product by a local family business.
Mi Sua (หมี่ซั่ว) The white noodle from Phitsanulok is famed for its softness.
Bang Rakam Fish Sauce (น้ำปลาบางระกำ) Amphoe Bang Rakam has long been famous for its fish sauce made from mud carp from the Yom River. Although it is not as tasty as fish sauce from sea fish, it is quite hygienic.
Na Chan Broom (ไม้กวาดนาจาน) People from the poor region in Amphoe Chat Trakan earn extra income from broom making.
Bang Kaeo Dog (สุนัขพันธุ์บางแก้ว) The unique breed has originated from Ban Bang Kaeo, Amphoe Bang Rakam. It is said that the abbot of Wat Bang Kaeo kept a number of dogs, which mated with a wolf. This breed is famous for its calmness, high royalty but quite fierce.
Naresuan Fighting Cock (ไก่ชนพระนเรศวร หรือ ไก่เจ้าเลี้ยง) The white-tailed fighting cock is famous for its endurance in fighting. It is believed that King Naresuan the Great used a white-tailed cock in a cock fighting game with King Ubaraja of Burma.
Buddhist traditions of its residents and their agricultural, riparian lifestyle. Residents celebrate their culture and heritage in various festivals throughout the year.
Buddhist religion. Buddhism is practiced at the many temples or wat located throughout the province, and Buddhist monks attend weddings, funerals and other life events. It is customary for young men to become monks for a period of time as a religious rite of passage. The ceremony of ordination into monkshood is analogous to confirmation in Christianity or Bar Mitzvah in Judaism. Ancestor respect is a major component to the religious practices in the province. Many homes have shrines to deceased ancestors, at which food and drink are regularly left as offerings. Celebrations and commemorations of death anniversaries for family members are common practice.
The predominant literary language of the region (as well as the predominant spoken language) is the Central Thai dialect of the Thai language
, which is written in the Thai alphabet
.
sun-dried bananas, and papaya salad (som tam
,) prepared with local soft-shell crabs which are found in large numbers in the seasonally flooded rice farms. Some meals are prepared with the local Bang Rakam
fish sauce
.
racing has historically been an important element of the local culture. In recent times, soccer has become increasingly popular. In 2005, Phitsanulok won the 2nd Northern Youth Football Championship (football referring to soccer) in the U12 and U15 age groups.
Traditional Thai boxing is also a major sport in the province, and there are several boxing camps within the province.
Traditional Long Boat Races (ประเพณีการแข่งเรือยาวชิงถ้วยพระราชทาน) Since ancient times, boat races have been a symbol of Phitsanulok. They are held every September along with various religious rites such as robe-offering ceremony, changing the robe of the famous Buddha image Phra Phutthachinnarat, boat decoration contest, and traditional boat races. The exciting festival is held on the Nan River, in front of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan.
Nakhon Thai Flag Flying Festival (ประเพณีปักธงนครไทย) The local festival of Amphoe Nakhon Thai is held on the 14th day of the waxing moon of the 12th lunar month. The locals will place the flag on top of Khao Chang Luang to mark the victory of Phokhun Bangklanghao over the Khmer in the Sukhothai Period. Besides the religious ceremony, there is a beautiful flag parade, flag placing race, as well as beauty contest.
Villagers of Ban Krang still practice the traditional game of cock fighting on festive occasions.
has influenced the regional culture, introducing western style dress (although traditional dress is still worn at certain ceremonies and festivals), and western sports such as soccer. As methods of communication with the western world continue to improve, especially with growing community access to internet technology and mobile phones, the trend is likely to continue.
, rain-drop shaped chedi, houses on piles, house boats, modern multi-story apartment complexes, hotels and office buildings, and European style single-family homes. The most sophisticated and renowned architectural sites are Phitsanulok's historic temples.
, health care
, access to clean running water, environmental degradation
, flood
ing, education
,
prostitution
, HIV
,
and substance abuse
. The degree to which these issues affect the region vary greatly by district within the province. Measures have been taken to address many of these concerns including the establishment of national parks, heightened enforcement of crimes involving women trafficking and the implementation of the Strategy for Sustainable Development in Phitsanulok (SSDP)
and Solid Waste Management Program for Phitsanulok
and poverty rates in the rural parts of the province are expected to be higher.
's 30 baht health care program.
Critics of Thaksin's health care program, however, suggest that prior to the coup, the program was diminishing the quality of health care in rural provinces such as Phitsanulok by bankrupting hospitals and causing doctors to resign from the public sector and relocate to Bangkok.
and urban development along the river banks in the region, combined with seasonal downpours in the Phetchabun Mountains
have led to severe flooding in recent years within the province. The 2007 Phitsanulok Flooding was described by the Bangkok post as the worst floods in 40 years.
Provinces of Thailand
Thailand is divided into 76 provinces , which are geographically grouped into 6 regions. The capital Bangkok is not a province but a special administrative area and is included as the 77th province since it is administered at the same level as the other 76 provinces. The name of the provinces are...
(changwat) of Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
, located in the north. Neighboring provinces are (from east clockwise) Loei
Loei Province
Loei is one of the most sparsely populated provinces of Thailand, located in the North-East. Neighboring provinces are Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Nongbua Lamphu, Khon Kaen, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok...
, Phetchabun
Phetchabun Province
Phetchabun is one of the northern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Loei, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Lopburi, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit and Phitsanulok.- Geography :...
, Phichit, Kamphaeng Phet
Kamphaeng Phet Province
Kamphaeng Phet is one of the provinces of Thailand, located in the north of the country. Neighboring provinces are Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Nakhon Sawan and Tak.- Etymology :...
, Sukhothai
Sukhothai Province
Sukhothai is one of the northern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Phrae, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, and Lampang...
, Uttaradit
Uttaradit Province
Uttaradit is one of the northern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Phrae and Nan...
. In the north-east it also has a short border with Xaignabouli of Laos
Laos
Laos Lao: ສາທາລະນະລັດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນລາວ Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Burma and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south and Thailand to the west...
.
Etymology
The first element Phitsanu (Thai: พิษณุ) is a cognate of VishnuVishnu
Vishnu is the Supreme god in the Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism. Smarta followers of Adi Shankara, among others, venerate Vishnu as one of the five primary forms of God....
, a Hindu god (see, e.g. Witsanu, Thai: วิษณุ). Lack of a v sound in the Thai language accounts for the two forms. The second element lok (Thai: โลก) means globe or world. A loose translation of the entire name would be Vishnu's Heaven.
Climate
Most of Phitsanulok has a hot tropical climate with considerable annual rainfall (annual rainfall is approximately 1.8 meters). In the higher altitude regions of the province, however, the climate is cool, with temperatures peaking at around 25° Celsius, sometimes dropping below the freezing point. With regard to rainfall, there is a dry season and a rainy season. The rainy season begins in the spring and ends around November. DeforestationDeforestation
Deforestation is the removal of a forest or stand of trees where the land is thereafter converted to a nonforest use. Examples of deforestation include conversion of forestland to farms, ranches, or urban use....
and urban development along the river banks, combined with the extensive amount of rainfall in the region, have led to some climate change
Climate change
Climate change is a significant and lasting change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. It may be a change in average weather conditions or the distribution of events around that average...
issues, primarily manifested in recent severe flooding within the province and elsewhere downstream of the Nan River
Nan River
The Nan River is a river in Thailand. It is one of the most important tributaries of the Chao Phraya River.-Geography:The Nan River originates in Nan Province. The provinces along the river after Nan Province are Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phichit. The Yom River joins the Nan River at Chum Saeng...
.
Wildlife
Phitsanulok is home to a plethora of animal and plant species, including a number of endangered speciesEndangered species
An endangered species is a population of organisms which is at risk of becoming extinct because it is either few in numbers, or threatened by changing environmental or predation parameters...
, vulnerable species
Vulnerable species
On 30 January 2010, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species identified 9694 Vulnerable species, subspecies and varieties, stocks and sub-populations.-References:...
and near threatened
Near Threatened
Near Threatened is a conservation status assigned to species or lower taxa that may be considered threatened with extinction in the near future, although it does not currently qualify for the threatened status...
species. Indigenous animal species include a variety of mammals (including endangered tigers and the vulnerable asiatic black bear
Asiatic Black Bear
The Asian black bear , also known as the moon bear or white-chested bear is a medium-sized species of bear, largely adapted for arboreal life, which occurs through much of southern Asia, Korea, northeastern China, the Russian far east and Honshū and Shikoku islands of Japan...
), crabs, reptiles, amphibians, fish
Fish
Fish are a paraphyletic group of organisms that consist of all gill-bearing aquatic vertebrate animals that lack limbs with digits. Included in this definition are the living hagfish, lampreys, and cartilaginous and bony fish, as well as various extinct related groups...
, insects, and over 190 species of birds. Indigenous plant life include numerous species of flowering plants including the endangered phayom
Shorea roxburghii
Shorea roxburghii is a species of plant in the Dipterocarpaceae family. It is a tree found in Cambodia, India, Laos, Malaysia, Burma, Thailand, and Vietnam.-References in Place Names:...
, Hopea ferrea
Hopea ferrea
Hopea ferrea is a species of plant in the Dipterocarpaceae family. It is found in Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.It is the provincial tree of Amnat Charoen Province.-Source:* Ashton, P. 1998. . Downloaded on 21 August 2007....
and Dalbergia oliveri
Dalbergia oliveri
Dalbergia oliveri is a species of legume in the Fabaceae family which grows in tree form to 15 - 30 meters in height. The fruit is a green pod containing one to two seed which turns brown to black when ripe. It is found in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam...
, the vulnerable Hopea odorata
Hopea odorata
Hopea odorata, or takian, is a species of plant in the Dipterocarpaceae family. It is found in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. In Thailand it is believed to be inhabited by a spirit, Lady Takian....
and Sumatran Pine
Sumatran Pine
Pinus merkusii, the Sumatran Pine, is a pine native to the Malesia region of southeast Asia, mainly in Indonesia in the mountains of northern Sumatra, and with two outlying populations in central Sumatra on Mount Kerinci and Mount Talang, and in the Philippines on Mindoro and in the Zambales...
, and a variety of conifers and clubmosses
Lycopodiopsida
Lycopodiopsida is a class of plants often loosely grouped as the fern allies. Traditionally the group included not only the clubmosses and firmosses, but also the spikemosses and the quillworts...
. Near threatened birds include the Siamese fireback
Siamese Fireback
The Siamese Fireback, Lophura diardi also known as Diard's Fireback is a medium-sized, approximately 80 cm long, pheasant. The male has a grey plumage with an extensive red facial skin, crimson legs and feet, ornamental black crest feathers, reddish brown iris and long curved blackish tail...
and Oriental darter
Oriental Darter
The Oriental Darter or Indian Darter , sometimes called Snakebird, is a water bird of tropical South Asia and Southeast Asia.-Taxonomy:...
. The Siamese fireback has been nominated to be the national bird of Thailand. Wildlife conservation is just beginning to be realized in the province. Plans for sustainable development
Sustainable development
Sustainable development is a pattern of resource use, that aims to meet human needs while preserving the environment so that these needs can be met not only in the present, but also for generations to come...
are being implemented, and over the last 30 years, more and more land has been set aside as protected areas. The protected areas in Phitsanulok include the province's four national parks.
Topography
Topographical featuresTopography
Topography is the study of Earth's surface shape and features or those ofplanets, moons, and asteroids...
within the Phitsanulok Province include the Phetchabun Mountains
Phetchabun Mountains
The Phetchabun mountains are a mountain range in Thailand.-Geography:It extends in a roughly north-south direction, and separates the broad Chao Phraya river valley of central Thailand from the Khorat Plateau of northeast Thailand...
, the Nan River
Nan River
The Nan River is a river in Thailand. It is one of the most important tributaries of the Chao Phraya River.-Geography:The Nan River originates in Nan Province. The provinces along the river after Nan Province are Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phichit. The Yom River joins the Nan River at Chum Saeng...
and several of its tributaries, waterfalls, rapids, swamps, forests, grasslands, caves, a reservoir and an extensive network of canals. Populated areas of the province are largely cleared of natural vegetation and adapted for farming. The land within the province is situated in the Greater Nan Basin, which is part of the Chao Phraya Watershed. The province includes land within both of the Greater Nan Basin's sub-basins, i.e. the Nan Basin and Yom Basin. The provincial capital of Phitsanulok is sometimes called Song Kwae, the city of two rivers, an ancient name dating to a time centuries ago when the Nan
Nan River
The Nan River is a river in Thailand. It is one of the most important tributaries of the Chao Phraya River.-Geography:The Nan River originates in Nan Province. The provinces along the river after Nan Province are Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phichit. The Yom River joins the Nan River at Chum Saeng...
and Khwae Noi
Khwae Noi River, Phitsanulok
The Khwae Noi River is a river in northern Thailand. It shares the same name as another river in Thailand, the popular tourist attraction also known as "The River Kwai." These are two distinct bodies of water.-Etymology:...
rivers met near the city. These two rivers of the Phitsanulok Province are still of major significance to the residents of the region.
Geology
Much of the province is supported by a sedimentary basinSedimentary basin
The term sedimentary basin is used to refer to any geographical feature exhibiting subsidence and consequent infilling by sedimentation. As the sediments are buried, they are subjected to increasing pressure and begin the process of lithification...
known as the Phitsanulok Basin. The basin is bounded to the west by the boundary fault, to the east by the Phetchabun fault, to the north by the Uttaradit fault and to the south by the Mae Ping fault. Its total land area is approximately 6,000 square kilometers. The basin is composed of gravel, claystone, sandstone and siltstone. The Lan Krabu, Chum Saeng, Yom and Ping Formations are hydrocarbon reservoirs in the basin containing coal. Thai-Shell and PTT-EP have carried out exploration of this basin for purposes of locating oil reserves. The Phitsanulok Basin is a basin of the Indo-Chinese Plate, which is a geological division of the Eurasian Plate
Eurasian Plate
The Eurasian Plate is a tectonic plate which includes most of the continent of Eurasia , with the notable exceptions of the Indian subcontinent, the Arabian subcontinent, and the area east of the Chersky Range in East Siberia...
.
History
The lands situated in the present-day Phitsanulok Province were inhabited since the stone age
Stone Age
The Stone Age is a broad prehistoric period, lasting about 2.5 million years , during which humans and their predecessor species in the genus Homo, as well as the earlier partly contemporary genera Australopithecus and Paranthropus, widely used exclusively stone as their hard material in the...
, although the neolithic
Neolithic
The Neolithic Age, Era, or Period, or New Stone Age, was a period in the development of human technology, beginning about 9500 BC in some parts of the Middle East, and later in other parts of the world. It is traditionally considered as the last part of the Stone Age...
inhabitants of the region are not likely to have been the ancestors of the modern Thai people
Thai people
The Thai people, or Siamese, are the main ethnic group of Thailand and are part of the larger Tai ethnolinguistic peoples found in Thailand and adjacent countries in Southeast Asia as well as southern China. Their language is the Thai language, which is classified as part of the Kradai family of...
who reside there today. The earliest historical records relating to what is now Phitsanulok Province indicates that at a time prior to or during the 11th century, the present-day city of Phitsanulok was but a small strategic Khmer outpost known as Song Khwae. During the next century, in 1188, Nakhon Thai
Nakhon Thai
Nakhon Thai is a subdistrict in the Nakhon Thai District of Phitsanulok Province, Thailand.-Geography:Nakhon Thai lies within the Nan Basin, which is part of the Chao Phraya Watershed.-History:...
, located near the center of the present Phitsanulok Province, was established as the capital city of the Singhanavati Kingdom
Singhanavati
The ancient Lanna society of the northern Thailand is considered more progressive than societies in other regions of the same period in that the Lanna people recorded their history and social development. Records concerning cities in the Chiangmai and Chiangrai Basin have proved well-grounded. A...
, an early city-state of Thailand. Later, during Thailand's Sukhothai Period
Sukhothai kingdom
The Sukhothai Kingdom ) was an early kingdom in the area around the city Sukhothai, in north central Thailand. The Kingdom existed from 1238 till 1438...
, the city of Phitsanulok emerged as a major city in the east of the Sukhothai Kingdom, and the great temples of Wat Chula Manee
Wat Chula Manee
Wat Chula Manee is a Buddhist temple in Ban Wat Chula Manee, Tha Thong Subdistrict, Mueang Phitsanulok District, Phitsanulok Province, Thailand-History:Wat Chula Manee is the oldest standing temple in Phitsanulok Province. It was built in the Sukhothai era....
, Wat Aranyik
Wat Aranyik
-History:Wat Aranyik was constructed during the Sukhothai Period.-Features:On the temple grounds, there is a modern temple with a monastery and modern temple buildings. There is also a large area of ruins where the old temple of the Sukhothai period once stood. Still standing from the original...
and Wat Chedi Yod Thong
Wat Chedi Yod Thong
-History:Wat Chedi Yod Thong was constructed during the Sukhothai era.-Features:The temple is famous for its Sukhothai-style bud shaped chedi. This chedi is the only remaining one of this style in Phitsanulok Province. On the campus, there is a complex of monk houses, facing a small lake, and...
were constructed. In 1357, the renowned Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat
Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat Woramahawihan
Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat Woramahawihan is a Buddhist temple in Phitsanulok, Thailand, where it is located on the bank of the Nan River near the Naresuan Bridge.- History :...
was erected, and the Ayutthaya Period
Ayutthaya kingdom
Ayutthaya was a Siamese kingdom that existed from 1350 to 1767. Ayutthaya was friendly towards foreign traders, including the Chinese, Vietnamese , Indians, Japanese and Persians, and later the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and French, permitting them to set up villages outside the walls of the...
witnessed the construction of several of the province's other chief temples. Phitsanulok served for 25 years as the capital city of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. In 1555, King Naresuan
Naresuan
Somdet Phra Naresuan Maharat or Somdet Phra Sanphet II was the King of the Ayutthaya kingdom from 1590 until his death in 1605. Naresuan was one of Siam's most revered monarchs as he was known for his campaigns to free Siam from Burmese rule...
the Great was born in the city of Phitsanulok. Naresuan played a significant role in the history of Thailand, as he expanded the kingdom (then called Siam) to its greatest territorial extent, by conquering sizable portions of modern day Burma and Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
. In recent times, Phitsanulok Province has become an important agricultural center, part of the Bread Basket of Thailand, providing rice and other crops to consumers in Thailand and throughout the world. Extensive agricultural development over the last hundred years or so has spawned a modern infrastructure in the urban areas of the province, bringing with it an array of modern roads, universities, hospitals and other conveniences. Over the years, the Nan River
Nan River
The Nan River is a river in Thailand. It is one of the most important tributaries of the Chao Phraya River.-Geography:The Nan River originates in Nan Province. The provinces along the river after Nan Province are Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phichit. The Yom River joins the Nan River at Chum Saeng...
and its tributaries have played a substantial role in the history and development of the region by providing a route for transportation, fertile soil
Soil
Soil is a natural body consisting of layers of mineral constituents of variable thicknesses, which differ from the parent materials in their morphological, physical, chemical, and mineralogical characteristics...
for agriculture, and water for irrigation
Irrigation
Irrigation may be defined as the science of artificial application of water to the land or soil. It is used to assist in the growing of agricultural crops, maintenance of landscapes, and revegetation of disturbed soils in dry areas and during periods of inadequate rainfall...
. The river waters have also served as a route for enemy invaders, and have been the source of periodic widespread flooding throughout the province.
Government
The chief executive office of the province is the governor. Sombun Siphatthanawat has held the position since October, 2007. Recent Phitsanulok governors prior to Mr. Siphatthanawat include Phiphat Wongsarot (Thai: พิพัฒน์ วงศาโรจน์, 2003–2007) and Wichan Chaiyanan before him.Administrative divisions
Amphoe
An amphoe is the second level administrative subdivision of Thailand. Usually translated as district, amphoe make up the provinces, and are analogous to a county seat...
). These are further subdivided into 93 communes (tambon
Tambon
Tambon is a local government unit in Thailand. Below district and province , they form the third administrative subdivision level. As of the 2009 there are 7255 tambon, not including the 169 khwaeng of Bangkok, which are set at the same administrative level, thus every district contains 8-10 tambon...
) and 993 muban
Muban
Muban is the lowest administrative subdivision of Thailand. Usually translated as village, they are the subdivision of tambon. As of 2008, there are 74944 administrative villages in Thailand. As of the 1990 census, the average village consisted of 144 households or 746 persons.A muban does not...
, which are administrative divisions at the village level. (There are a greater number of muban than actual villages in the province, because larger villages often occupy more than one muban.)
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Official Provincial Symbols
The provincial sealSeals of The Provinces of Thailand
-Present-day provinces of Thailand:This list includes all the seals of the Provinces of Thailand. It also includes the special administrative area of the capital, Bangkok.-Former Provinces:-External links:*...
shows the Buddha Chinnarat, which is considered one of the most beautiful Buddha figures in Thailand. It is located in Wat Mahathat temple in the city Phitsanulok.
The provincial flower is the Yellow Flamboyant (Peltophorum pterocarpum
Peltophorum pterocarpum
Peltophorum pterocarpum is a species of Peltophorum, native to tropical southeastern Asia and a popularly ornamental tree grown around the world.-Description:It is a deciduous tree...
), and the provincial tree is the Millingtonia hortensis.
The provincial motto roughly translates to English as follows: "The marvelous Buddha Chinnarat, the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great , houseboats on the two banks of the Nan, delicious dried bananas, enchanting caves and waterfalls"
Channels of Public Communication
The main channels for public communication within the province are television and radio. Internet use is emerging in Phitsanulok, but most rural areas do not have access, other than via post office kiosks. The following public television and radio stations are received throughout the province:- Radio Thailand Phitsanulok (AM 1026/FM 94.25)
- ARMY-5Channel 5 (Thailand)Royal Thai Army Radio and Television Channel 5 is a military-run and controlledThai television station.This station is special from other Thai stations is it has feeds every year, so testcards can be watched yearly...
(television channel 5, owned and operated by the Royal Thai Army) - PRD-11National Broadcasting Services of ThailandNational Broadcasting Services of Thailand was formed by Radio Thailand and Television of Thailand' and is a national public broadcasting state media government mass media conglomerate of radio and television services in the Kingdom of Thailand. It is owned and operated by Government's Public...
(television channel 11, owned and operated by the Government Public Relations Department)
Ethnic Diversity
In addition to the vast majority Thai ethnicity, Phitsanulok has small populations of residents who are of MonMon people
The Mon are an ethnic group from Burma , living mostly in Mon State, Bago Division, the Irrawaddy Delta, and along the southern Thai–Burmese border. One of the earliest peoples to reside in Southeast Asia, the Mon were responsible for the spread of Theravada Buddhism in Burma and Thailand...
, Chinese
Chinese people
The term Chinese people may refer to any of the following:*People with Han Chinese ethnicity ....
,
Lao Song
Lao Song
The Lao Song are an ethnic group of Thailand. The Lao Song are also known as the Tai Song , Lao Song Dam or simply as the Song or Song Dam.-History:...
, and other minority ethnicities. The contributions of these diverse ethnic groups have influenced the culture in the region.
Language
The vast majority of residents of Phitsanulok Province speak Central ThaiThai language
Thai , also known as Central Thai and Siamese, is the national and official language of Thailand and the native language of the Thai people, Thailand's dominant ethnic group. Thai is a member of the Tai group of the Tai–Kadai language family. Historical linguists have been unable to definitively...
. Minority populations speak Sino-Tibetan
Sino-Tibetan languages
The Sino-Tibetan languages are a language family comprising, at least, the Chinese and the Tibeto-Burman languages, including some 250 languages of East Asia, Southeast Asia and parts of South Asia. They are second only to the Indo-European languages in terms of the number of native speakers...
and Lao
Lao language
Lao or Laotian is a tonal language of the Tai–Kadai language family. It is the official language of Laos, and also spoken in the northeast of Thailand, where it is usually referred to as the Isan language. Being the primary language of the Lao people, Lao is also an important second language for...
. Some residents speak English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
as a second language.
Religion
The people of Phitsanulok are predominantly TheravadaTheravada
Theravada ; literally, "the Teaching of the Elders" or "the Ancient Teaching", is the oldest surviving Buddhist school. It was founded in India...
Buddhists (as are 95% of the Thai population as a whole), although some minority religions are practiced.
Economy
The economy of Phitsanulok Province is driven by agriculture, commercial fishery, mineral resources, industry and tourism. Rice production is the central component of the agricultural sector. The province's rich black soil, intricate canal systems and abundant rainfall provide an ideal environment for growing rice.Educational Institutions
Naresuan UniversityNaresuan University
Naresuan University is a government sponsored university in Phitsanulok, northern Thailand. It was established as a separate university on July 29, 1990, which was the 400th anniversary of the start of the reign of Phitsanulok-born King Naresuan the Great. A courtyard with a statue of King...
(abbreviated as Mor Nor for Mahawithayalai Naresuan) is an educational center of the Lower Northern region of Thailand. Located in Tambon Tha Pho
Tha Pho
Tha Pho is a subdistrict in the Mueang Phitsanulok District of Phitsanulok Province, Thailand.-Geography:The topology of Tha Pho is flat lowlands. The subdistrict is bordered to the north by Tha Thong, to the east by Bueng Phra, to the south by Wat Phrik and to the west by Amphoe Bang Rakam. Tha...
, near the city of Phitsanulok, the university is named after King Naresuan
Naresuan
Somdet Phra Naresuan Maharat or Somdet Phra Sanphet II was the King of the Ayutthaya kingdom from 1590 until his death in 1605. Naresuan was one of Siam's most revered monarchs as he was known for his campaigns to free Siam from Burmese rule...
the Great, and the campus contains a large statue of him. Other universities and colleges include Phitsanulok College (a private college), Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Rajabhat Pibulsongkram University and the Phitsanulok campus of the Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna
Rajamangala University of Technology
Rajamangala University of Technology , RMUT, is a system of nine universities in Thailand providing undergraduate and graduate level of education. It was elevated to university level in 2005...
. There are also a number of kindergartens, elementary schools, high schools and vocational schools in the province.
Hospitals
There are at least seven hospitals in the province, including Naresuan University HospitalNaresuan University Hospital
Naresuan University Hospital is a primary teaching hospital of the Faculty of Medicine Naresuan University, located on the campus of Naresuan University in Phitsanulok, Thailand...
, Interwetchakan Hospital, Phutachinnarat Hospital, etc.
Settlements
The largest urban area in the province is the city of Phitsanulok, situated on the Nan River. There are also approximately four hundred villages in the province.Transportation
Buses and trains provide public transportation within the province and connect the province with the rest of Thailand. There is also Phitsanulok AirportPhitsanulok Airport
Phitsanulok Airport is an airport serving Phitsanulok, a city in the Phitsanulok Province of Thailand. The airport is located south of the city's downtown area.-Airlines and destinations:- Miscellaneous :...
in the city of Phitsanulok. Other popular modes of transportation include motorcycle
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...
, bicycle
Bicycle
A bicycle, also known as a bike, pushbike or cycle, is a human-powered, pedal-driven, single-track vehicle, having two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. A person who rides a bicycle is called a cyclist, or bicyclist....
and tuk tuk. In modern times, boats are primarily used for recreation, rather than transportation throughout the province, although much of the Nan River is navigable. Major roads through the province include:
- Highway No. 11 (Ta Khli - Phitsanulok - Lampang - Chiang Mai)
- Highway No. 12 (Mae Sot - Tak - Phitsanulok - Khon Kaen - Mukdahan)
- Highway No. 117 (Phitsanulok - Nakhon Sawan).
- Highway No. 126 (Phitsanulok By-pass)
Sights
City Pillar Shrine (เสาหลักเมืองพิษณุโลก) Designed by the Fine Arts Department, the Prang-shaped building houses the city pillar, which is made of different kinds of sacred wood in its various parts and has gone through a religious ceremony at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok.King Naresuan the Great’s Shrine (ศาลสมเด็จพระนเรศวรมหาราช) The ancient-style three-portico pavilion designed by the Fine Arts Department houses a life-size statue of the king in a sitting posture, declaring independence from Burma.
Town Wall and Moat (กำแพงเมืองคูเมือง) It was built during the reign of King Borommatrailokkanat of Ayutthaya to prevent the attack of Lanna troops. Today's, remains of the old wall can be seen at Wat Phothiyan, Wat Noi, the Police Station, and the moat along the Phra Ruang Road.
ThaiBird Garden (สวนนกไทยศึกษา) It is a bird conservation centre that displays endangered as well as extinct birds of Thailand, and birds mentioned in Thai literature; namely, oriole, barbet, common koel, green magpie, blue magpie, etc.
Textile Museum and Life Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์ผ้า และพิพิธภัณฑ์ชีวิต) displays textiles and garments from different sources domestically and internationally. Nearby is a Life Museum that displays the Thai way of cotton weaving, from cotton growing to high-class techniques in weaving.
Wat Ratchakhiri Hiranyaram (วัดราชคีรีหิรัญยาราม) The hilltop temple houses two Buddha’s footprints, one is a replica and the other is on the face of a western cliff. The temple also houses a thousand-handed Guan Yin statue, three tons in weight, from Hangzhou, China, which was carved out of white jade and sent here in 1992.
Namtok Wang Nok Aen or Sakunothayan Arboretum (น้ำตกวังนกแอ่น หรือ สวนรุกขชาติสกุโณทยาน) Situated in the arboretum at Kilometre 33 of Highway 12 (Phitsanulok – Lom Sak Road), the small fall is surrounded with different kinds of plants.
Namtok Kaeng Sopha (น้ำตกแก่งโสภา) The large waterfall, 40 metres high, is situated in the embrace of shady vegetation. A stream runs over large rock terraces, through the three-tiered fall which always turns fierce during the rainy season.
Tham Duean Tham Dao (ถ้ำเดือน-ถ้ำดาว) Situated in the western territory of Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, the cave has a subterranean river running through it.
Tham Pha Tha Phon Non-hunting Area (เขตห้ามล่าสัตว์ป่าถ้ำผาท่าพล) The sanctuary features rugged and towering crescent-shape limestone mountains which comprise fossils of shells and corals from the Carboniferous Period of the Palaeocene Era some 360 – 286 million years ago. There are many caves; namely,
Tham Naresuan (ถ้ำนเรศวร) A stalactite that looks like a hat of King Naresuan the Great has earned the name of this cave.
Tham Ruea (ถ้ำเรือ) Many floods have eroded the cave walls, leaving the ceiling in the shape of an upside-down boat.
Tham Pha Daeng (ถ้ำผาแดง) The cave is named after the red cliff (Pha Daeng) over its entrance. Nowadays, the cave is home to insect-eating bats; namely, wrinkled-lipped bat and black-bearded tomb bat.
Tham Lot (ถ้ำลอด) The tunnel with a subterranean river running through it allows to access a Buddhist temple on the other side. There are various attractions situated in the area such as fossils of marine life from 360 million years ago such as coral, brachiopod including lamp shells, sea lilies, and seaweed.
Khao Noi - Khao Pradu Non-hunting Area (เขตห้ามล่าสัตว์ป่าเขาน้อย – เขาประดู่) It contains various ecosystems such as dry evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest, deciduous dipterocarp forest and savanna. The forest is home to a species of endemic crab called “Pu Paeng or Pu Song Khwae” which is often found during the rainy season.
Phu Soi Dao National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติภูสอยดาว) Bordering Thailand and Lao PDR with rugged mountains, the park has Phu Soi Dao as the highest peak towering at 2,102 metres. Its attractions include coniferous forest, a flower field, viewpoint cliff, Namtok Sai Thip and Namtok Phu Soi Dao.
Other Major Attractions
National ParksFour national parks are located in the province:
- Thung Salaeng Luang National ParkThung Salaeng Luang National ParkThung Salaeng Luang National Park is a national park located in the Phitsanulok and Phetchabun Provinces of Thailand. It encompasses substantial portions of Amphoe Wang Thong and Amphoe Lom Sak.-Topography:...
is one of Thailand's major large forest areas and spreads across portions of Phitsanulok and PhetchabunPhetchabun ProvincePhetchabun is one of the northern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Loei, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Lopburi, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit and Phitsanulok.- Geography :...
Provinces. It is also the location of Kaeng Sopha WaterfallNamtok Kaeng SophaNamtok Kaeng Sopha is a waterfall and tourist attraction in Wang Thong district of Phitsanulok Province in Thailand. Situated in Thung Salaeng Luang National Park on the Wang Thong River off of Lomsak Road , between kilometers 71 and 72, it is the largest waterfall in Phitsanulok...
. - Phu Hin Rong Kla National ParkPhu Hin Rong Kla National ParkPhu Hin Rong Kla National Park is a national park located in the Loei, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun Provinces of Thailand.-Topography:The park landscape is generally steep mountains. The northern part of the park in stretches to the border with Laos. The Southern part of the park extends into the...
encompasses portions of Phitsanulok, PhetchabunPhetchabun ProvincePhetchabun is one of the northern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Loei, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Lopburi, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit and Phitsanulok.- Geography :...
and LoeiLoei ProvinceLoei is one of the most sparsely populated provinces of Thailand, located in the North-East. Neighboring provinces are Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Nongbua Lamphu, Khon Kaen, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok...
. It was formerly a battleground between Thai government forces and communist insurgents. The park contains Lan Hin Taek, natural rock formations covered with orchids, fernFernA fern is any one of a group of about 12,000 species of plants belonging to the botanical group known as Pteridophyta. Unlike mosses, they have xylem and phloem . They have stems, leaves, and roots like other vascular plants...
s, mossMossMosses are small, soft plants that are typically 1–10 cm tall, though some species are much larger. They commonly grow close together in clumps or mats in damp or shady locations. They do not have flowers or seeds, and their simple leaves cover the thin wiry stems...
, lichens and seasonal flowers. - Namtok Chat Trakan National ParkNamtok Chat Trakan National ParkNamtok Chat Trakan National Park is a national park located in the Phitsanulok Province of Thailand. It encompasses a substantial portion of Amphoe Chat Trakan.-Topography:Most of the park is mountains covered with evergreen forest...
is the site of a seven levelled waterfall commonly referred to as Namtok Chat Trakan. The source of the Kwae NoiKhwae Noi River, PhitsanulokThe Khwae Noi River is a river in northern Thailand. It shares the same name as another river in Thailand, the popular tourist attraction also known as "The River Kwai." These are two distinct bodies of water.-Etymology:...
river is within the park. - Kaeng Chet Khwae National ParkKaeng Chet Khwae National ParkKaeng Chet Khwae National Park is a national park located in the Phitsanulok Province of Thailand.-Forest:Types of forest within the park include mixed deciduous, deciduous, hill evergreen and dry evergreen...
is a recent conglamoration of four adjoining forest parks and contains the province's most virgin forests.
Historic Temples
- Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat WoramahawihanWat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat WoramahawihanWat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat Woramahawihan is a Buddhist temple in Phitsanulok, Thailand, where it is located on the bank of the Nan River near the Naresuan Bridge.- History :...
is the main temple of Phitsanulok, as it contains the Phra Buddha Chinnarat. - Wat RatchaburanaWat Ratchaburana, PhitsanulokWat Ratchaburana is a Buddhist temple in Phitsanulok, Thailand.-Geography:Wat Ratchaburana lies in the center of Phitsanulok, on the west bank of the Nan River, and to the south of the main temple of the province, Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat Woramahawihan...
- Wat AranyikWat Aranyik-History:Wat Aranyik was constructed during the Sukhothai Period.-Features:On the temple grounds, there is a modern temple with a monastery and modern temple buildings. There is also a large area of ruins where the old temple of the Sukhothai period once stood. Still standing from the original...
is a Sukhothai eraSukhothai kingdomThe Sukhothai Kingdom ) was an early kingdom in the area around the city Sukhothai, in north central Thailand. The Kingdom existed from 1238 till 1438...
temple, surrounded by moats. - Wat Nang PhayaWat Nang Phaya-Geography:Wat Nang Phaya is located on the eastern bank of the Nan River. Wat Nang Phaya links to the campus of Wat Ratchaburana.-History:Wat Nang Phaya is said to have been built when Phitsanulok was ruled by King Trailokanat .-Features:...
- Wat Chedi Yod ThongWat Chedi Yod Thong-History:Wat Chedi Yod Thong was constructed during the Sukhothai era.-Features:The temple is famous for its Sukhothai-style bud shaped chedi. This chedi is the only remaining one of this style in Phitsanulok Province. On the campus, there is a complex of monk houses, facing a small lake, and...
- Wat Chula ManeeWat Chula ManeeWat Chula Manee is a Buddhist temple in Ban Wat Chula Manee, Tha Thong Subdistrict, Mueang Phitsanulok District, Phitsanulok Province, Thailand-History:Wat Chula Manee is the oldest standing temple in Phitsanulok Province. It was built in the Sukhothai era....
is famous for its corncob-shaped tower or prang and its unique, ornate and elaborate plaster designs. - Wat Grung See Jayrin
- Ruins of a historic chedi located 15 km east of the city of Phitsanulok on Lom Sak Road
Other Attractions
- Additional waterfalls outside of the province's national parks
- Kaeng Song WaterfallNamtok Kaeng SongNamtok Kaeng Song is a waterfall and tourist attraction in the Wang Thong district of Phitsanulok Province in Thailand. This waterfall is situated on the Wang Thong River off Lomsak Road at kilometer 45. The falls have small pavilions to accommodate tourists, and concessions are sold on the...
- Poi Waterfall
- Sri Dit WaterfallNamtok Sri DitNamtok Sri Dit is a waterfall and tourist attraction in Thailand. This waterfall is situated on the Wang Thong River and it runs throughout the year. At the falls, there is a rice mortar using power generated from the waterfall, built by the Communist Party of Thailand....
- Kaeng Song Waterfall
- Phitsanulok city attractions
- Sergeant-Major Dr. Thawee Buranakhet Folklore Museum
- Nan River Houseboats
- Phitsanulok City Walls
- Buranathai Buddha Casting Foundry
- Phitsanulok City Night Market
- Chandra Palace
- Naresuan University Art and Culture Gallery.
- Lakes and swamps
- Huay Nam Kem Reservoir
- Bueng Thakreng Swamp
- Bueng Laman Swamp
- Bueng Kee Raeng Swamp
- Bueng Rachanok Swamp
- Miscellaneous
- Sakunothayan ArboretumSakunothayan ArboretumSakunothayan Arboretum is an arboretum in Wang Thong district, Phitsanulok Province, northern Thailand. The park, located at kilometer 33 of Phitsanulok-Lomsak Road, has 164 species of plants.-Wang Nok Aen Waterfall:...
- Caves of Phitsanulok Province
- Khek River Rapids
- Giant Tamarind Tree of Ban Kok
- Bang Kaew Dog Farm specializing in the breeding of Bang Kaew DogsThai Bangkaew DogThe Thai Bangkaew Dog is an Asian dog breed. It is a medium-sized Spitz-type dog.-Appearance:The Thai Bangkaew Dog is compactly built and square in profile. It is well proportioned, with a smooth gait. The double coat consists of a short undercoat, with longer guard hairs growing through it...
- White jade image of Chao Mae Guan Im
- Peacock zoo at Wanathara Health Resort and Spa
- Sakunothayan Arboretum
Local Products
Bang Krathum Sun-dried Banana (กล้วยตากบางกระทุ่ม) The soft and sweet sun-dried banana is famed for its delicious taste.Supatra Preserved Pork (แหนมและหมูยอสุพัตรา) The hygienic pork is a famous product by a local family business.
Mi Sua (หมี่ซั่ว) The white noodle from Phitsanulok is famed for its softness.
Bang Rakam Fish Sauce (น้ำปลาบางระกำ) Amphoe Bang Rakam has long been famous for its fish sauce made from mud carp from the Yom River. Although it is not as tasty as fish sauce from sea fish, it is quite hygienic.
Na Chan Broom (ไม้กวาดนาจาน) People from the poor region in Amphoe Chat Trakan earn extra income from broom making.
Bang Kaeo Dog (สุนัขพันธุ์บางแก้ว) The unique breed has originated from Ban Bang Kaeo, Amphoe Bang Rakam. It is said that the abbot of Wat Bang Kaeo kept a number of dogs, which mated with a wolf. This breed is famous for its calmness, high royalty but quite fierce.
Naresuan Fighting Cock (ไก่ชนพระนเรศวร หรือ ไก่เจ้าเลี้ยง) The white-tailed fighting cock is famous for its endurance in fighting. It is believed that King Naresuan the Great used a white-tailed cock in a cock fighting game with King Ubaraja of Burma.
Culture
Much of the culture in the region centers around the TheravadaTheravada
Theravada ; literally, "the Teaching of the Elders" or "the Ancient Teaching", is the oldest surviving Buddhist school. It was founded in India...
Buddhist traditions of its residents and their agricultural, riparian lifestyle. Residents celebrate their culture and heritage in various festivals throughout the year.
Theravada Buddhism
Most residents are active followers of the TheravadaTheravada
Theravada ; literally, "the Teaching of the Elders" or "the Ancient Teaching", is the oldest surviving Buddhist school. It was founded in India...
Buddhist religion. Buddhism is practiced at the many temples or wat located throughout the province, and Buddhist monks attend weddings, funerals and other life events. It is customary for young men to become monks for a period of time as a religious rite of passage. The ceremony of ordination into monkshood is analogous to confirmation in Christianity or Bar Mitzvah in Judaism. Ancestor respect is a major component to the religious practices in the province. Many homes have shrines to deceased ancestors, at which food and drink are regularly left as offerings. Celebrations and commemorations of death anniversaries for family members are common practice.
Art
Phitsanulok is home to a number of historic sculptures of the Buddha and other religious artwork including the Buddha Chinnarat, the Buddha Chin Sri, the Phra Sri Satsada and Rat Nom Ha Tat Maha Wihan.Literature
Examples of important literary works of Phitsanulok include:- ลิลิตยวนพ่าย
- ลิลิตพระลอ
- โคลงทวาทศมาส
- กำศรวลศรีปราชญ์
The predominant literary language of the region (as well as the predominant spoken language) is the Central Thai dialect of the Thai language
Thai language
Thai , also known as Central Thai and Siamese, is the national and official language of Thailand and the native language of the Thai people, Thailand's dominant ethnic group. Thai is a member of the Tai group of the Tai–Kadai language family. Historical linguists have been unable to definitively...
, which is written in the Thai alphabet
Thai alphabet
Thai script , is used to write the Thai language and other, minority, languages in Thailand. It has forty-four consonants , fifteen vowel symbols that combine into at least twenty-eight vowel forms, and four tone marks ....
.
Dance
Traditional dance has been passed down from generation to generation in Phitsanulok, and remains an important part of modern Thai culture and the identity of the Thai people as a nation. Thai dance falls under two major categories, classical dance and folk dance. Thai classical dance tells a stories through its motions, along with musical narration. Local folk dance includes theatrical dance forms as well as regional and ritual elements.Cuisine
Traditional Thai cuisine and local specialties are the standard in both homes and restaurants throughout the province. Much of the local cuisine has developed from the regional rice farming industry and the fish found in the rivers and canals. Some local dishes include recipes involving various insects. Popular local specialties include Bang KrathumBang Krathum
Bang Krathum is a subdistrict in the Bang Krathum district of Phitsanulok Province, Thailand.-Etymology:The first element bang means village or settlement. The second element krathum means bur-flower tree .-Geography:Bang Krathum's topography consists of flat, fertile lowlands...
sun-dried bananas, and papaya salad (som tam
Som tam
Som tam or som tum also known as tam bak hung is a spicy salad, the standard form of which is made from shredded unripened papaya. Som tam is similar to the Laotian dish tam mak hung and the Cambodian dish bok l'hong...
,) prepared with local soft-shell crabs which are found in large numbers in the seasonally flooded rice farms. Some meals are prepared with the local Bang Rakam
Amphoe Bang Rakam
Bang Rakam is a district in the western part of Phitsanulok Province, northern Thailand.-History:The district was established on December 10, 1905, then named Chum Saeng district. Khun Phadet Prachadun was the first district head officer...
fish sauce
Fish sauce
Fish sauce is a condiment that is derived from fish that have been allowed to ferment. It is an essential ingredient in many curries and sauces. Fish sauce is a staple ingredient in numerous cultures in Southeast Asia and the coastal regions of East Asia, and features heavily in Thai and Vietnamese...
.
Sports
Dragon boatDragon boat
A dragon boat is a human-powered watercraft traditionally made, in the Pearl River delta region of southern China - Guangdong Province, of teak wood to various designs and sizes. In other parts of China different woods are used to build these traditional watercraft...
racing has historically been an important element of the local culture. In recent times, soccer has become increasingly popular. In 2005, Phitsanulok won the 2nd Northern Youth Football Championship (football referring to soccer) in the U12 and U15 age groups.
Traditional Thai boxing is also a major sport in the province, and there are several boxing camps within the province.
Festivals and Annual Events
Phitsanulok Food and Souvenir Festival (งานมหกรรมอาหารและสินค้าของที่ระลึกจังหวัดพิษณุโลก) Held in every April and December by Phitsanulok Municipality and TAT at the park by the Nan River, the festivity features food and famous products from the province.Traditional Long Boat Races (ประเพณีการแข่งเรือยาวชิงถ้วยพระราชทาน) Since ancient times, boat races have been a symbol of Phitsanulok. They are held every September along with various religious rites such as robe-offering ceremony, changing the robe of the famous Buddha image Phra Phutthachinnarat, boat decoration contest, and traditional boat races. The exciting festival is held on the Nan River, in front of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan.
Nakhon Thai Flag Flying Festival (ประเพณีปักธงนครไทย) The local festival of Amphoe Nakhon Thai is held on the 14th day of the waxing moon of the 12th lunar month. The locals will place the flag on top of Khao Chang Luang to mark the victory of Phokhun Bangklanghao over the Khmer in the Sukhothai Period. Besides the religious ceremony, there is a beautiful flag parade, flag placing race, as well as beauty contest.
- Kaeng Song Coffee Tasting Festival and Khek River Rafting Festival
- Ban Dongphayom Boat Race
- Brotherly Villages Boat Race
- Phitsanulok Dragon Boat Races
- Phra Buddha Chinnarat Fair
- Suan Chom Nan Park Festival
Cock Fighting
An interesting aspect of the regional culture is traditional cock fighting. The Bangkok Post describes the royal fighting cock breed as the pride of the northern province of Phitsanulok.Villagers of Ban Krang still practice the traditional game of cock fighting on festive occasions.
Western Influence
Recently, western cultureWestern culture
Western culture, sometimes equated with Western civilization or European civilization, refers to cultures of European origin and is used very broadly to refer to a heritage of social norms, ethical values, traditional customs, religious beliefs, political systems, and specific artifacts and...
has influenced the regional culture, introducing western style dress (although traditional dress is still worn at certain ceremonies and festivals), and western sports such as soccer. As methods of communication with the western world continue to improve, especially with growing community access to internet technology and mobile phones, the trend is likely to continue.
Architecture
The architecture throughout the province is diverse. Structures include elaborate and ornate red-roofed temple viharaVihara
Vihara is the Sanskrit and Pali term for a Buddhist monastery. It originally meant "a secluded place in which to walk", and referred to "dwellings" or "refuges" used by wandering monks during the rainy season....
, rain-drop shaped chedi, houses on piles, house boats, modern multi-story apartment complexes, hotels and office buildings, and European style single-family homes. The most sophisticated and renowned architectural sites are Phitsanulok's historic temples.
Issues of Public Concern
Primary issues of public concern within the province are povertyPoverty
Poverty is the lack of a certain amount of material possessions or money. Absolute poverty or destitution is inability to afford basic human needs, which commonly includes clean and fresh water, nutrition, health care, education, clothing and shelter. About 1.7 billion people are estimated to live...
, health care
Health care
Health care is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, illness, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in humans. Health care is delivered by practitioners in medicine, chiropractic, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, allied health, and other care providers...
, access to clean running water, environmental degradation
Environmental degradation
Environmental degradation is the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources such as air, water and soil; the destruction of ecosystems and the extinction of wildlife...
, flood
Flood
A flood is an overflow of an expanse of water that submerges land. The EU Floods directive defines a flood as a temporary covering by water of land not normally covered by water...
ing, education
Education
Education in its broadest, general sense is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people lives on from one generation to the next. Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts...
,
prostitution
Prostitution
Prostitution is the act or practice of providing sexual services to another person in return for payment. The person who receives payment for sexual services is called a prostitute and the person who receives such services is known by a multitude of terms, including a "john". Prostitution is one of...
, HIV
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus is a lentivirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome , a condition in humans in which progressive failure of the immune system allows life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers to thrive...
,
and substance abuse
Substance abuse
A substance-related disorder is an umbrella term used to describe several different conditions associated with several different substances .A substance related disorder is a condition in which an individual uses or abuses a...
. The degree to which these issues affect the region vary greatly by district within the province. Measures have been taken to address many of these concerns including the establishment of national parks, heightened enforcement of crimes involving women trafficking and the implementation of the Strategy for Sustainable Development in Phitsanulok (SSDP)
and Solid Waste Management Program for Phitsanulok
Poverty
It is estimated that around 10% of the population in the city of Phitsanulok live below the poverty line,and poverty rates in the rural parts of the province are expected to be higher.
Health Care
Access to health care has declined recently in Phitsanulok, since the recent 2006 coup in Bangkok, after which the new administration repealed ThaksinThaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra is a Thai businessman and politician, who was Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006, when he was overthrown in a military coup....
's 30 baht health care program.
Critics of Thaksin's health care program, however, suggest that prior to the coup, the program was diminishing the quality of health care in rural provinces such as Phitsanulok by bankrupting hospitals and causing doctors to resign from the public sector and relocate to Bangkok.
Flooding
DeforestationDeforestation
Deforestation is the removal of a forest or stand of trees where the land is thereafter converted to a nonforest use. Examples of deforestation include conversion of forestland to farms, ranches, or urban use....
and urban development along the river banks in the region, combined with seasonal downpours in the Phetchabun Mountains
Phetchabun Mountains
The Phetchabun mountains are a mountain range in Thailand.-Geography:It extends in a roughly north-south direction, and separates the broad Chao Phraya river valley of central Thailand from the Khorat Plateau of northeast Thailand...
have led to severe flooding in recent years within the province. The 2007 Phitsanulok Flooding was described by the Bangkok post as the worst floods in 40 years.