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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