Nong Chok

Infobox_Amphoe
name=Nong Chok
province=Bangkok
thai=หนองจอก
capital=Krathum Rai
coordinates=coord|13|51|20|N|100|51|45|E|region:TH_type:adm2nd
population=117,385
population_as_of=2004
area=236.261
density=497
postal_code=10530
geocode=1003

Nong Chok ( _th. หนองจอก) is one of the 50 districts ("Khet") of Bangkok, Thailand. It is bounded by other districts (from north clockwise): Amphoe Lam Luk Ka of Pathum Thani Province, Amphoe Bang Nam Priao and Amphoe Mueang Chachoengsao of Chachoengsao Province, Lat Krabang, Min Buri and Khlong Sam Wa of Bangkok. It is the biggest and the least populated district of Bangkok.

History

The district was established as an amphoe in 1897 during King Chulalongkorn period. The original settlers were muslims relocated from cities in southern Thailand. In 1902, it became an amphoe of the newly setup Min Buri Province. Due to economic hardship during 1930-31, Min Buri Province was disbanded in 1931 and Nong Chok was transferred to Chachoengsao Province. However the administration was moved under Bangkok the next year due to inconveniece of travel between Nong Chok and Chachoengsao. Today about 75 percent of the population remains muslims while 22 percent are buddhists. The name "Nong Chok" means water lettuce ("Pistia stratiotes") swamp.

Economy

Agriculture was and remains the most important part of Nong Chok economy. Rice, vegetables, fruits, and livestocks are main products. It is famous for its gamecocks and birdcages. Lots of canals were dug for irrigation and transportation.

Places

*Mahanakorn University of Technology

Administration

The district is sub-divided into eight sub-districts ("Kwaeng").

External links

* [http://www.bma.go.th/bmaeng/nongchok/ BMA website with the touristical landmarks of Nong Chok]
* [http://203.155.220.239/subsite/index.php?strOrgID=001037 Nong Chok district office] (Thai only)