Pathum Thani Province

Infobox Thai Province
name = Pathum Thani
thai = ปทุมธานี
capital = Pathum Thani town
area = 1,525.9
arearank = 69th
population = 853,649
population_as_of = 2006
populationrank = 25th
density = 527
densityrank = 7th
isocode = TH-13
governor = Mekhin Methawikun
governor_since= November 2006
map

Pathum Thani ( _th. ปทุมธานี) is one of the central provinces ("changwat") of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Nakhon Nayok, Chachoengsao, Bangkok and Nonthaburi.

"Hindu Lotus Area, Ear of Rice Town, Descendants of the Mons, Dharma City, Palace of Solidarity, the Clear Chao Phraya River, Industrial Progress."

The province is located directly north of Bangkok and is part of the Bangkok metropolis. In many parts the boundary between the two provinces is not noticeable anymore, since both sides of the boundary are being equally urbanized.

Geography

The province is located in the low alluvial flats of the Chao Phraya river, which also flows through the capital city. Many canals ("khlongs") cross the province and feed the rice paddies.

History

The city dates back to a settlement founded by Mon migrating from Mottama ( _th. เมาะตะมะ) in Myanmar around 1650. The original name was "Sam Khok". In 1815 King Rama II visited the city and the citizens offered him many Lotus flowers, which made the king rename the city to Pathum Thani meaning "The City of Lotus".

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Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided into 7 districts ("Amphoe"). The districts are further subdivided into 60 communes ("tambon") and 529 villages ("muban").

Education and technology

Pathum Thani has a very high concentration of higher education institutions, especially ones in the field of science and technology. From this fact, together with a number of industrial parks and many research agencies (including those in Thailand Science Park) in the province, the province is considered as an "Education and Technology Hub" of its area.

; Academic institutes: National Science Museum, Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok University, Eastern Asia University, Pathumthani University, Rajamangala University of Technology, Rangsit University, Shinawatra University, Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, and Thammasat University (Rangsit Center)

; Research bodies: Thailand Science Park, National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), Thai Microelectronics Center (TMEC), Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR)

; Industrial parks: Software Park Thailand (in Nonthaburi, southwest of Pathum Thani), Nava Nakorn Industrial Promotion Zone (1376 acres / 5.6 km²), Bangkadi Industrial Park (470 acres / 1.9 km²), Techno Thani (a "Technology City" administrated by Ministry of Science and Technology), and a number of industrial parks in neighboring Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi provinces

General Information

Pathum Thani is one of the fascinating places that attracts the tourists to visit. It is a small province that is about 46 kilometers from Bangkok Thai Tour Info Co., Ltd., n.d.] . It is located on the west side of the Chaophaya River between Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi town Committee of Pathum Thani, 1957] . It is an old province with long historical background. In Ayutthaya period, a lot of Mon people immigrated to live there because of the war in Burma. They established to live by the Chaophaya River.

In 1815, the King Rama II came to visit this area. “"The inhabitants offered him the lotus flowers which is the origin of the present name, so the King Rama II named Pathum Thani, that means the town of lotus flowers"” Department of Information and Communication of Pathum Thani, n.d., para1] [http://www.pathumthani.go.th/index%20k.htm] . Pathum Thani is an interesting province with various places such as modern site, historical and cultural areas and exciting place and magnificent traditional ceremonies to visit.

Tourism

Interesting Places

Museums

, 2005] .

In Kukot sub-district, there is the Thai History Museum that presents the historical background of Thai soldiers and the wars . It shows the ability of Thai soldiers who fought to protect the country and the history of wars that Thai soldiers had participated such as the war of Vietnam and the war of Korea. Moreover, it shows the development of rank decorations of Thai soldiers and the long painting that presents the events in Sukhothai period until the present time. It also shows the equipment of armies that had been used in the wars outside the museum.

Besides the museums, there is a public library in Bang Prok village . It is called “"Hongsamut Rur"” because it was made of the old boat and it is set under the shade of a banyan tree that is more than a hundred years. It is the center for teenagers to get the knowledge. There are the staffs to teach the computer using, Thai instruments playing and Thai performance practicing. Furthermore, there are Mon performance and Mon food that show Mon culture to the visitors.

Temples

Other than the museums and the cultural place, there are many interesting temples in Pathum Thani to visit. Most of them are historical areas. In Klongluang district, there is a Buddhist Center of Wat Phra Tummaguy. It is a calm place among the nature with plants and trees that offer the shade all the area. Many Buddhists come to practice meditation and make merit [“The Buddhist Center of Wat Phra Tummaguy,” n.d.] .

In Bor-ngern sub-district, there is Wat Chedi Hoi, an interesting temple with pagoda. “"There is a very strange pagoda which a tremendous amount of giant oyster shells had piled into a form of a pagoda since eight million years ago. Each shell weighs at least one kilogram"” Somnuk, 2005, p.49] . Additionally, there is a small museum which the ancient Buddha image, old jars, cups and ancient calculator are kept inside. Beside the museum, there are a lot of fish and turtles that the travellers can feed them some bread .

On the east side of the Chaophaya River in Ban-ngiw sub-district, there is a temple in a plentiful nature. It is Wat Pailom . In the temple, there is a mass of trees that is the birds’ habitat. Many travellers come to see the open-bill ibises which immigrate from India, Sri Langka, Burma, Cambodia and Vietnam to breed in the area of the temple. There is a watchtower for travellers to see how the birds live and build their nests. It is the best area for studying ecology.

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Other Places to Visit

There are the other interesting areas to travel along the Chaophaya River. Klong Sam floating market is a place that many tourists visit . It is the place of the legend of Mon history that re flected the relationship between the villagers and the Chaophaya River; in addition, it is an area of many origins of Thai historical background. The government supports this area as a tourist attraction. It is full of the sellers rowing their boats to sell the goods such as agricultural goods, fresh food and handiwork. There are a lot of souvenirs for the tourists. Furthermore, the tourists can travel along the Chaophaya River by boat to see the beautiful views of nature, old houses and ancient sites. They can stop to taste the delicious food at the restaurants along the river.

Besides the cultural and natural places, there is the most famous and biggest amusement park in Pathum Thani. It is Dream World, that is located in Bungyeetoe sub-district ["Dream World," 2004] [http://www.dreamworld-th.com/english/index.php] . It is the center of all entertainment that the area is divided into three parts: Dream World Plaza, which is filled with strange architectures, Dream Garden, which is the beautiful garden beside artificial lake for relaxing and Cable Car, which is the world of fantasies. There are many exciting points for adventure such as the bread house, the giant house, the space adventure by speedy train, the snowy town, etc . It is the famous place that attracts a large amount of tourists to visit all year.

Traditional Ceremonies

More than travelling in the interesting places in Pathum Thani, Mon traditional ceremonies are also interesting to visit. Mon Rum is an old ceremony since Ayutthaya period. The performers who wear the particular suits of Mon will sing a song and play the Mon instruments. It is a tradition that is used for auspicious ceremony. In addition, the Mon tradition that is set in the end of Buddhist Lent is Rumpakaosarn. Mon people who participate in this ceremony will row their boats to gather some rice, money and necessary things to make merits at the temples. Moreover, the other ceremony that is also set in the end of Buddhist Lent is Tukbard Phraroi. Mon people will prepare many kinds of food and desserts, set them in the boats and wait the monks for making merits [“Traditions,” n.d.] .

More Sights

"City Pillar Shrine (ศาลหลักเมือง)": It is a pavilion with four porches and a Prang top where the city pillar resides. The pillar is similar to the Hindu Lotus’ stalk made of Chaiyaphruek – cassia - wood.

"The Old Building of Pathum Thani City Hall (ศาลากลางจังหวัดปทุมธานี (หลังเก่า))" It is a building with a hip roof and a masonry facade constructed in the European style of architecture with a beautiful decoration. The Fine Arts Department has registered it as a national ancient monument.

"Wat Bot (วัดโบสถ์)" People usually come to pay respect to the statues of three Buddha images in the ubosot and the cast statue of Luangpu Thian (Phrakhru Bowonthammakit), a senior monk who possessed high knowledge and tried to promote education among the Pathum Thani people.

"Wat Hong Pathummawat (Wat Mon) (วัดหงษ์ปทุมาวาส (วัดมอญ))" The important ancient heritage of the temple are the replica of Phra Phuttha Chinnarat Buddha image, a duplicate of a Mon style chedi, a duplicate of a wihan – an image hall, as well as, the new Ubosot – a Buddhist ordination hall.

"Boat Library and Bang Prok Community (ห้องสมุดเรือและชุมชนบางปรอก)": It is a strong Mon community in the preservation and the revival of the Mon culture. The people in the community have together built a boat library made of an old boat under the shade of a banyan tree, aged more than 100 years.

"Wat Chang (วัดฉาง)" Important objects in the temple are an ancient wihan where there is a painting at its gable and a Buddha image in the meditation posture made from old coins. Besides, there is a pavilion at the waterside which was elaborately engraved along its eaves.

"Wat Khok (วัดโคก)" There is a grand Buddha image in a meditation posture, a white chedi in Mon style, an ancient pulpit made of Makluea – ebony - wood inlaid with mother-of-pearl aged more than 100 years, and a preaching hall of over 100-years old.

"Wat Bang Luang (วัดบางหลวง)" Important structures at the temple are an ubosot in ancient Thai style where lies the grand Buddha image in subduing Mara posture and mural paintings depicting the story of the Lord Buddha’s biography.

"Wat Nam Won (วัดน้ำวน)" Inside the temple lies a chedi in the Mon (Rangoon) style, an ubosot with a swan on its gable, as well as, a sanctuary of various kinds of fish in front of the temple.

"Wat Pa Klang Thung (วัดป่ากลางทุ่ง)" Inside the ubosot and on the wall behind the principal Buddha image is a painting of the past Buddha on a Chukkachi base under the splendid Ruean Kaeo shelter. The background is painted red with a pattern of falling flowers. It is considered as a valuable ancient piece of work of Pathum Thani.

"Wat Chetawong (วัดเจตวงศ์)" Inside the ubosot resides the principal Buddha image on a Chukkachi base in the subduing Mara posture, two other Buddha images on both sides of the principal Buddha image, and an ancient mural painting which is elaborate and worth studying.

"Wat Sing (วัดสิงห์)" It is an ancient temple where there is old chedi, ubosot and wihan, worth studying the archaeology. The important Buddha image of the temple is Luangpho To, a Buddha image in subduing Mara posture with black lacquer applied, as well as, covered with gold leaves, cast in the Ayutthaya period and a reclining Buddha image (Luangpho Phet).

"Wat Sakae (วัดสะแก)" Inside the temple is located monks’ cells; a Thai-Mon style building, in form of a chedi with a recessed-corner base and those in other styles, as well as, an ancient ubosot, and a bell tower constructed in the Ayutthaya period.

"Wat Tamnak (วัดตำหนัก)" The base of this temple’s ubosot is in the shape of the bottom of a junk. The principal Buddha image was carved from laterite and the chedi has a recessed-corner base.

"Wat Thai Ko (วัดท้ายเกาะ)" Inside the temple lies the biggest Mon chedi, beautifully engraved wooden monk’s cells, two connected pavilions where King Rama V took a rest when he visited the temple on 29 July, 1906 and witnessed a stuffed crocodile.

"Wat Metarang (วัดเมตารางค์)" Inside the temple is an octagonal chedi in the Shwedagon style. There is a multi-tiered umbrella made of brass with the angels in adoration design at the top of the chedi, aged 150 years.

"Wat Phlap Suthawat (วัดพลับสุธาวาส)" The significant objects in the temple are a silver Buddha image in the subduing Mara posture, a pulpit made of teakwood with fretwork painted in red and golden patterns, as well as, a Mon square chedi aged more than 100 years with the so-called Sing or lion base and a spire comprising 9 tiers of lotus flowers.

"Wat Sala Daeng Nuea (วัดศาลาแดงเหนือ)" Interesting things at this temple is an engraved wooden pulpit, a preaching hall, a group of monks ‘cells and scripture hall, as well as, a rare ancient water filter. Additionally, there is praying in Mon language every day at approximately 3.00 p.m.

"Wat Chankapho (วัดจันทร์กะพ้อ)" Inside the temple is a cultural hall collecting Mon objets d’art. Besides, the temple is an important ceremonial venue of the Pathum Thani locals such as “Ok Hoi Pachu”, Takhap Flag competition, a ceremony offering food to 100 monks, etc.

"Wat Chedi Thong (วัดเจดีย์ทอง)" Inside the temple lies a Mon style chedi, constructed during the early Rattanakosin era by the Mons. Its architecture was duplicated from the Burmese “Chittakong” chedi. Besides, there is a Buddha image in the subduing Mara posture, made of white jade and revered by the Thai-Mon people.

"Wat Bang Na (วัดบางนา)" Over and under terra-cotta roof tiles for the ubosot aged more than 100 years were discovered. People usually come to this temple to pay respect to Luangpu Seng who is deceased but his corpse has not rotten away. Also, people usually come to lift a sacred stone as a way to tell their fortune.

"Wat Phai Lom (วัดไผ่ล้อม)" It is a place to view the Asian openbills, which is an interesting spot for a large number of both Thai and international tourists. It is announced as a non-hunting area, covering the compound of Wat Phai Lom and Wat Amphu Wararam, being a total area of 74 rai. "Wat Sala Daeng Nuea (วัดศาลาแดงเหนือ)" Inside the temple lies a preaching hall constructed in 1874 and was originally used as a royal Khon – a traditional Thai mask dance - theatre in Bangkok. There is a Buddha image cabinet adjusted from an engraved wooden pulpit and praying in the Mon language everyday at 4.00 p.m.

"Wat Song Phi Nong (วัดสองพี่น้อง)" There are two sacred Buddha images residing on the bank of the river which are Luangpho Phet, a laterite Buddha image in the subduing Mara posture reflecting the U Thong art and Luangpho Phloi, a carved stone one, also presenting U Thong art. Amphoe Lam Luk Ka

"The National Memorial (อนุสรณ์สถานแห่งชาติ)" There are rooms displaying the evolution of uniforms and ranking insignias of the militants in every period and soil from major battlefields. Another very interesting part of this memorial is the building exhibiting the magnificent visual arts on the 90-metre arch wall.

"Wat Phuet Udom (วัดพืชอุดม)" This temple contains many sculptures presenting the belief in sins and goodness in Buddhism. Inside the ubosot resides a replica of the Luangpho Sothon Buddha image with small stairs up to the artificial 6 realms of heaven and down to hell under the ubosot.

"Wat Bua Khwan (วัดบัวขวัญ)" This temple has a bronze Buddha image in the posture of practicing asceticism, built in the reign of King Rama V. In addition, there is a replica of the Buddha’s footprint, and a pavilion for the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in the reign of King Rama VI.

"Wat Lam Mahamek (วัดลำมหาเมฆ)" Interesting things of this temple are various kinds of birds such as white herons, storks, cormorants, and others, naturally nesting and hatching in the area of Nam Lai Swamp.

"Wat Mun Chindaram (วัดมูลจินดาราม)" is located at Khlong Ha on Khlong Rangsit Prayurasak. In the canal in front of the temple is a large number of striped catfish, weighing 3-5 kilograms, which tourists usually drop by to feed.

"Wat Khian Khet (วัดเขียนเขต)" Interesting objects in the temple are an ancient bell tower, an old marble ubosot and mural paintings, presenting the Thai traditions and lifestyles of the locals in Pathum Thani.

"Rangsit Science Education Centre (ศุนย์วิทยาศาสตร์เพื่อการศึกษารังสิต)" It is an educational learning source on science for children, youth and the public. It comprises exhibitions on science, technology, natural science, astronomy, and space.

"His Majesty the King’s Golden Jubilee National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ กาญจนาภิเษก)" Although this museum is not yet completed, it can provide knowledge to students or interested people through a mobile exhibition to schools and community centres, as well as the learning media such as artistic objects, replicas of artefacts, slides, etc. with specialised lecturers.

"The Supreme Artist Hall (หออัครศิลปิน)" It displays the valuable arts and cultural pieces of work of His Majesty. Furthermore, it exhibits the biography and pieces of work of all national artists through a photo exhibition and multimedia presenting their masterpieces and intellect. "The National Archives in Commemoration of H.M. the King’s Golden Jubilee (หอจดหมายเหตุแห่งชาติเฉลิมพระเกียรติ พระบาทสมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัว)" The Fine Arts Department wants these 4 buildings of the National Archives to be the most perfect place to collect the documents important to the nation on H.M. the King’s biography and activities, including the document of the operation in his royal projects.

"The Golden Jubilee Museum of Agriculture (พิพิธภัณฑ์การเกษตรเฉลิมพระเกียรติฯ)" It displays the story on agriculture through modern technology and models, covering every aspect of the agricultural process. Moreover, it is a training centre, an academic seminar venue on agriculture, and a source for education on the royal projects.

"Thai Royal Mint (โรงกษาปณ์ รังสิต)" The office has obligations and is responsible for the production of coins to be adequately circulated for the need in Thailand’s economic system. Moreover, it produces commemorative coins for various important historical occasions.

"The Sports Centre, Thammasat University (ศูนย์บริการการกีฬามหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์)" has originated from a construction of a stadium to serve the 13th Asian Games at Thammasat University, Rangsit campus. Nowadays, they have been renovated and utilised in accordance with the university’s objectives.

"Rama IX Reservoir Project (โครงการสระเก็บน้ำพระราม 9)" It is a gigantic reservoir whose total area is 2,580 rai, divided into 2. The benefits of this project are to assist in the agriculture during the dry season and to effectively relieve the flood problem in the lower area from the project.

"Khlong Sam Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำคลองสาม)" Khlong Sam Floating Market is one of the latest tourist attractions through the cooperation of both the public and private sectors to support the establishment of this floating market community, which tells not only the story on the beautiful way of living in the ancient time, it is also a true preservation of nice culture and festivals amidst the modern life.

"Si Pathum Longstay Resort (ศรีปทุมลองสเตย์รีสอร์ท)" It is situated on Pathum Thani – Sena Road, Amphoe Sam Khok, providing boy scout camping activities.

""'Thai Boxing Course Muay Thai Institute (โรงเรียนมวยไทย)""' is a centre of traditional Thai martial arts, providing the basic Thai boxing course to the professional one, a course for the Thai boxing trainers and that for judges.

""'Dog TrainingKhlong Luang Dog Training Centre (โรงเรียนฝึกสุนัขคลองหลวง)""' is a private dog training centre for real usage, providing various courses such as the course on basic discipline and obedience, a skills improvement course, and a course for guard dogs.

"University Town"Pathum Thani is a province where there are well-known universities, both public and private ones. It is a centre of education, research and development in agriculture, industry and technology, which integrate with one another and will further increase the strong leading role in education.

Local Products

Pathum Thani is a province located on the alluvial plain of the Chao Phraya River. Therefore, there are many rice fields. It is also a planting location of vegetables supplied for fresh markets in town and the two gigantic central markets of the country; namely, Si Mum Mueang Market and Talad Thai. It is a centre of various kinds of fruits such as tangerines, mangoes, bananas, durians, lychees, longans, and mangosteens, as well as, other products of natural plants such as palmyra fruit and lotus calyx. In addition to the agricultural produce, the municipality market and that by the river at Wat San Chao offer various kinds of delicious dishes of Pathum Thani. The famous ones are noodles; Khanom Kuichai stuffed with vegetable, taro, and bamboo shoots, fried shredded pork and beef, and various kinds of Thai desserts which can be purchased as souvenirs. The most well-known food of Pathum Thani that should be tasted is boat noodle which is sold everywhere, especially along the Rangsit – Nakhon Nayok route, while the city usually offers their famous dishes such as Kung Ten – jumping prawn - and grilled fish.

Conclusion

Pathum Thani is an old province filled with multiple places and Mon culture. A lot of the modern knowledge, culture and history are presented in the museums and temples. The most famous amusement park in Thailand, Dream World, is also set there. In addition, it is a source of Mon culture and traditions by the Chaophaya River that shows the special characteristic of their culture. It is a perfect place for travelling in various styles near Bangkok.

Footnotes

References

* Committee of Pathum Thani. (1957). "Pathum Thani". Pathum Thani: Author.
* Department of Information and Communication of Pathum Thani. (n.d.). "Pathum Thani". Retrieved January 26, 2007, from http://www.pathumthani.go.th/index%20k.htm
* Dream World. (2004). Retrieved February 17, 2007, from http://www.dreamworld-th.com/english/index.php
* Parangkio, S. (2005). "Ha-sib-sa-tan-tee-tong-tiaw-tua-Thai [Fifty interesting places in Thailand] ". Nontaburi: J.B. Publishing.
* "Pathum Thani". (n.d.). Retrieved January 27, 2007, * Somnuk, P. (2005). "Karn-tong-tiaw-tua-Thai-songpasa [Explore through amazing Thailand in bi-lingual] ". Nontaburi: J.B. Publishing.
* Thai Tour Info Co., Ltd. (n.d.). "Tourist attraction". Retrieved January 27, 2007, from http://www.thai-tour.com/thai-tour/Central/Prathumthani/main.htm
* Tourism Authority of Thailand. (2005). "The tourist information of Pathum Thani". Retrieved January 27, 2007, from http://www.tat.or.th/province.asp?prov_id=13

External links

* [http://www.pathumthani.go.th/ Pathum Thani Administration Office]
* [http://www.tourismthailand.org/destinationguide/list.aspx?provinceid=4 Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand]
* [http://www.thaistudents.com/guidebook/provinces/pathum_thani.html Thailand Guidebook: Pathum Thani Province]
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* [http://www.thailex.info/THAILEX/THAILEXENG/LEXICON/Copy%20of%20Pathum%20Thani.htm Pathumthani provincial map, coat of arms and postal stamp]