Amphoe Amphawa

Infobox_Amphoe
name=Amphawa
thai=อัมพวา
province=Samut Songkhram
capital=Amphawa
coordinates=coord|13|25|29|N|99|57|26|E|type:adm2nd_region:TH
area=170.164
population=55,799
population_as_of=2005
density=365.2
postal_code=75110
geocode=7503

Amphawa ( _th. อัมพวา) is a district ("Amphoe") of Samut Songkhram Province, located slightly inland at the northwestern tip of the Bay of Bangkok.

Geography

Neighboring districts are (from the north clockwise) Bang Khonthi and Mueang Samut Songkhram, Ban Laem and Khao Yoi of Phetchaburi Province, Pak Tho and Wat Phleng of Ratchaburi Province.

The Mae Klong River flows through the northern part of the district.

History

In the Ayutthaya period, the area of Amphawa was known as "Khwaeng Bang Chang", a small agricultural and commercial community. During the reign of Prasat Thong the existence of a market is confirmed by sources.

In 1766, the later King Buddha Loetla Nabhalai (Rama II) was born in the area, as his father was serving as governor of Ratchaburi at that time. At his birthplace is now a Memorial Park with 4 buildings in traditional style of that area, displaying art as well as lifestyle of that time.

Administration

The district is subdivided into 12 subdistricts ("Tambon"), which are further subdivided into 96 villages ("muban"). Amphawa itself as well as Mueang Mai have townships status ("thesaban tambon"), there are also 11 tambon administrative organizations (TAO).