Nakhon Pathom

Province

Nakhon Pathom (originally Nakhon Chaisi in Thai: นครปฐม ) is a large city ( thesaban Nakhon - เทศบาล นคร นครปฐม ) in the central Thai province of Nakhon Pathom. It is the capital of the province and the capital of the district ( Amphoe ) Mueang Nakhon Pathom.

Geography

Nakhon Pathom is located about 50 kilometers west of the capital Bangkok midst of a vast plain which is traversed by watercourses, such as the Tha Chin River. Since the late 18th century sugar cane is grown here, earlier for the extraction of sugar, now also for the production of eco- fuel. Describe old travel reports that near Nakhon Pathom on the Tha Chin every four to five kilometers sugar factories were, which were surrounded by about ten to fifteen houses and firmly in Chinese hands.

History

Nakhon Pathom was 2000 years ago in the Gulf of Thailand, but steadily withdraws as a result of sedimentation to the south. Nakhon Pathom is considered together with Ratchaburi and Singburi as one of the oldest cities in Thailand, whose foundation is dated to about 40 BC. It has long been one of the most important capitals of a respected Kingdom of the Mon ( Lopburi until well into Malaysia ). The Indian king Ashoka sent at that time monks to Siam, which should make known to the Theravada Buddhism. They came to Nakhon Pathom and traveled from there the land. This results in the self-image of the city derives to have Buddhism spread throughout Siam.

In April 1842 there were problems between three groups of Chinese who had formed secret societies and each about 1,000 men included. The leaders of these groups were called Khim, Ia and Phiao ( Piaw ). The Thai government sent under the command Phra Sombat Wanit soldiers to arrest the leaders. In fact, at first could Khim and Phiao be thrown into prison, but managed to escape Ia. He then robbed together with his people from the houses of the area around Samut Sakhon Nakhon Pathom and. You could be overwhelmed after a major police operation.

In the thirties of the 19th century Nakhon Pathom was a run-down nest with 300 houses and about 12 Buddhist temples. There was next to the famous retreat of the monks at Bang Thammasala.

Attractions

• Phra Pathom Chedi ( พระ ปฐม เจดีย, Holy chedi of the beginning ) - is regarded as the highest Buddhist building worldwide and is about 127 feet high, of King Mongkut (Rama IV ) during his time as a monk in the jungle rediscovered ( restored in 1853 ) and on instigation of his son Chulalongkorn ( Rama V ) coated with fine Chinese bricks. Phra Ruang Rochanarit - about eight feet high, standing Buddha in the northern chapel.
• New Museum at the southern entrance of the temple complex, which mainly shows objects from the Dvaravati period that were found during construction of the chedi and surrounding excavations, as well as Buddha statues in Mon style

Local festivals

• The Phra Pathom Chedi Festival - in November then recalls the Loi Krathong festival for more than seven days a colorful life of prayers of the monks of the importance of the chedi ( and the city) for Buddhism in Thailand.