 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. Moreover, Nakhon Pathom is well known for
pomelo, some call the Nakhon Pathom the sweet pomelo
town.
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