Amphoe Phichai

Infobox_Amphoe
name=Phichai
thai=พิชัย
province=Uttaradit
coordinates=coord|17|17|13|N|100|5|15|E|type:adm2nd_region:TH
area=736.7
population=77,536
population_as_of=2005
density=105.2
postal_code=53120
geocode=5307

Phichai ( _th. พิชัย) is the southernmost district ("Amphoe") of Uttaradit Province, northern Thailand.

Geography

Neighboring districts are (from the north clockwise) Tron, Thong Saen Khan of Uttaradit Province, Wat Bot, Phrom Phiram of Phitsanulok Province, Sawankhalok and Si Nakhon of Sukhothai Province

History

"Mueang" Phichai is believed to be built in the 15th century on order of King Trailokanat as a frontier town fortified with a wall and moat. However, almost no traces of this historic town survived, only the old chedi in Wat Nah Phrathat is dating back to this time.

Being one of the major town in the north for centuries, the town was moved to a new location further north in 1887, which was renamed to Uttaradit in 1915. The area around the old town Phichai was reduced to a district.

Administration

The district is subdivided into 11 subdistricts ("tambon"), which are further subdivided into 97 villages ("muban"). There are two townships ("thesaban tambon") - Tha Sak and Nai Mueang, both covering parts of the same-named "tambon". There are further 11 Tambon administrative organizations (TAO).

External links and sources

* [http://www.amphoe.com/menu.php?mid=1&am=797&pv=73 Phichai at amphoe.com] (Thai)
* [http://dnfe5.nfe.go.th/localdata/RNorth/uttaradit/phichai/inx_ph.html Phichai information of the Non-Formal Education Commission] (Thai)