Phitsanulok

:otheruses1|the city of PhitsanulokInfobox Settlement
official_name = Phitsanulok
other_name = _en. Vishnu's Heaven
native_name = พิษณุโลก
nickname = Song Khwae (The two rivers)
settlement_type = City
motto =


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image_caption = Floating houses on the Nan River in Phitsanulok


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subdivision_type = Amphoe
subdivision_name = Mueang Phitsanulok
subdivision_type2 = Province
subdivision_name2 = Phitsanulok
subdivision_type3 = Country
subdivision_name3 = Thailand
government_footnotes =
government_type = City municipality
leader_title = Mayor
leader_name = Premrudee Champunot
established_title =
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area_footnotes =
area_total_km2 = 10.815
area_water_km2 =
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area_urban_km2 =
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population_as_of =
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population_total = 84,311
population_density_km2 = 7795.7
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timezone = Thailand
utc_offset = +7
latd=16 |latm=48 |lats=57 |latNS=N
longd=100 |longm=15 |longs=49 |longEW=E
elevation_footnotes =
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postal_code_type = Postal code
postal_code = 65000
area_code =
blank_name = Geocode
blank_info = 650101
blank1_name = Chief roadway
blank1_info = Route 12
blank2_name = Chief watercourse
blank2_info = Nan River
blank3_name = Chief airport
blank3_info = Phitsanulok Airport
website = [http://www.phsmun.go.th]
footnotes =

Phitsanulok is an important and historic city in lower northern Thailand and is the capital of Phitsanulok Province, which stretches all the way to the Laotian border. Phitsanulok is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, founded over 600 years ago. It is probably best known as the birthplace of King Naresuan, who freed the country from Burmese domination in the late 16th Century, and his brother and successor King Ekathosarot (Sanpet III). As the cross-road between the northern and central regions of the country, it has long been important both for political and strategic reasons, and was fought over many times in centuries past. Phitsanulok was the capital of Thailand for 25 years during the reign of King Boromma Trailokanat of Ayutthaya. Located on the banks of the Nan River, the city was originally a small Khmer outpost known as Song Kwae, before the Khwae Noi River changed its course in the 11th Century A.D. Phitsanulok was also a provincial center of the Angkorian Empire during the Angkorian period.Thailand, A Short Story, David K. Wyatt, ISBN 0300030541] Phitsanulok is home to Naresuan University and Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University, as well as to a major Royal Thai Army base.

Etymology

*Song Khwae-The first element song means the number two. The second element khwae means tributary. A loose translation of the entire name would be "Two Rivers".
*Phitsanulok-The first element Phitsanu (Thai: พิษณุ) is a cognate of Vishnu, a Hindu god (see, e.g. Witnu, Thai: วิษณุ). Lack of a v sound in the Thai language accounts for the two forms. The second element lok (Thai: โลก) means globe or world. A loose translation of the entire name would be "Vishnu's Heaven."

Geography

Phitsanulok is located approximately 377 km north of Bangkok. [http://www.thaitambon.com/tambon/ttambon.asp?ID=650101 ThaiTambon.com] ]

Climate

Phitsanulok has a hot tropical climate with considerable annual rainfall. There is a dry season and a rainy season. The rainy season begins in the spring and ends in a hot, dry summer. It starts again in September and runs to November. The months of December and January tend to be pleasantly cool.

Topography

Phitsanulok is primarily flat lands with some hills. [http://www.thaitambon.com/tambon/ttambon.asp?ID=650101 ThaiTambon.com] ] The eastern portion of the city has some wooded area. [http://www.thaitambon.com/tambon/ttambon.asp?ID=650101 ThaiTambon.com] ] The city is situated in the Nan Basin, which is part of the Chao Phraya Watershed. [http://www.pwa.co.th/english/l_basins.htm Basins in Thailand] ] Phitsanulok is sometimes called "Song Kwae", the city of two rivers, an ancient name dating to a time centuries ago when the Nan and Khwae Noi Rivers met near the city. Today, only the Nan River flows through Phitsanulok.

History

Khmer Empire

During the 11th century, the city of Phitsanulok was but a small Khmer outpost called "Song Khwae", meaning "two rivers". [http://www.thaitambon.com/tambon/ttambon.asp?ID=650101 ThaiTambon.com] ] At that time, the Nan and Khwae Noi Rivers both flowed through the city, making it a strategic gateway to northern Thailand.

ukhothai Period

*Phitsanulok was the major city in the east of the Sukhothai Kingdom.
*Construction of Wat Aranyik and Wat Chedi Yod Thong

Ayutthaya Period

*Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat was constructed in 1357.
*King Borommatrailokanat moved the capital of the Ayutthaya kingdom to Phitsanulok in 1463 to strengthen the northern boundary of the kingdom.
*Construction of Wat Ratchaburana and Wat Nang Phaya during reign of King Borommatrailokanat
*King Borommatrailokanat's successor Boromma Ratchathirat III returned the capital of the Ayutthaya kingdom to Ayutthaya.
*In 1555, King Naresuan the Great was born in the city. [http://www.tourismthailand.org/destinationguide/list.aspx?provinceid=52 Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand] ]
*Phitsanulok was a major place of recruitment during Ayutthaya's war with Burma. [http://www.tourismthailand.org/destinationguide/list.aspx?provinceid=52 Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand] ]
*Mother-of-pearl inlaid doors were built for the entrance to Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathatin 1756 by order of King Boromakot.
*Following the fall of Ayutthaya to the Burmese in 1767, a mad monk seized control of the city from its royal governor. King Taksin the Great was himself wounded during an unsuccessful attempt to capture the city from the monk.

19th Century

King Mongkut ordered the restoration of Wat Ratchaburana.

20th Century

*The Phitsanulok fire of 1955 destroyed much of the older portion of the city of Phitsanulok.
*On Nov 28, 1961, the King Naresuan Shrine was completed at Chandra Palace.
*On January 25, 1967, the Phitsanulok campus of what is now Naresuan University was established as the northern branch of the College of Education.
*Naresuan Dam was constructed throughout the span of 1976 to 1985 on the Nan River as part of the Phitsanulok Irrigation Project. [http://kromchol.rid.go.th/ffd/EN/dams/IBRD_phitsanulok.html Phitsanulok Irrigation Project] ] The dam was designed to help prevent flooding of the city.

Recent Events

*In June, 2001, Phitsanulok hosted the Asia-Pacific Summit of Women Mayors and Councillors. [http://www.unescap.org/huset/women/summit/index.htm Asia-Pacific Summit of Women Mayors and Councillors] ]

Government

The chief executive of the city is the mayor. During election campaigns, candidates use signs, vehicles with loud speakers, and political parades to obtain voters.

Royal Thai Army

Phitsanulok is home to the Third Army Region of the Royal Thai Army, responsible for the northern and northwestern parts of the kingdom..

Channels of Public Communication

The main channels for communication in the city are television and radio, although internet use is emerging in Phitsanulok. The following public television and radio stations [http://www.asiawaves.net/thailand/phitsanulok-radio.htm Radio Stations in Phitsanulok Province, Thailand] ] are broadcast from Phitsanulok:

*Sathaanii Witthayu Krajaisiang Thahaan Aakaat (Air Force Radio Station), 954 AM and 95.75, in the City of Phitsanulok
*Witthayu Kong Phon Thahaan Raap Thii Sii (4th Infantry Division), 1377 AM, at Fort Somdet Phra Naresuan Maharat
*Sathaanii Witthayu Phitaksantiraat (Communications Division, Royal Thai Police), 1422 AM, in Phitsanulok City
*ARMY-5 (television channel 5, owned and operated by the Royal Thai Army) [http://www.asiawaves.net/thailand/thai-tv.htm Thai TV: Television Stations in Thailand on VHF and UHF] ]
*PRD-11 (television channel 11, owned and operated by the Government Public Relations Department) [http://www.asiawaves.net/thailand/thai-tv.htm Thai TV: Television Stations in Thailand on VHF and UHF] ]

Demographics

Ethnic Diversity

The majority ethnicity in the city is Thai. Others in the city consider themselves of Mon decent.

Language

The vast majority of residents of Phitsanulok speak Central Thai. Some residents speak English as well.

Religion

The people of Phitsanulok are predominantly Theravada Buddhists (as are 95% of the Thai population as a whole), although some minority religions are practiced.

Infrastructure

Educational Institutions

Naresuan University (abbreviated as Mor Nor for Mahawithayalai Naresuan) is an educational center of the Lower Northern region of Thailand. Located in Tambon Tha Pho, near the city of Phitsanulok, the university is named after King Naresuan the Great, and the campus contains a large statue of him. Other universities and colleges in or around the city include Phitsanulok College (a private college), Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Rajabhat Pibulsongkram University and the Phitsanulok campus of the Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna. There are also a number of kindergartens, elementary schools, high schools and vocational schools in the province.

Hospitals

There are several hospitals in the city, both public and private. The province's and the city's primary public hospital is Buddhachinaraj Phitsanulok Hospital and the regional super tertiary care hospital is Naresuan University Hospital which located inside Naresuan University, Tambon Tha Pho, 10 kilometers south of the city center.

Temples

The city is home to the following 12 active temples where Theravada Buddhism is practiced by city residents:
*Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat
*Wat Ratchaburana
*Wat Aranyik
*Wat Nang Phaya
*Wat Chedi Yod Thong
*Wat Tamajak ( _th. วัดธรรมจักร)
*Wat Mai Opayaram ( _th. วัดใหม่อภัยาราม)
*Wat Kuha Sawan ( _th. วัดคูหาสวรรค์)
*Wat Nong Bua ( _th. วัดหนองบัว)
*Wat Sri Wisut Tharam ( _th. วัดศรีวิสุทธาราม)
*Wat Sra Gaew Pratum Thong ( _th. วัดสระแก้วปทุมทอง)
*Wat Tha Maprang ( _th. วัดท่ามะปราง)

Transportation

Phitsanulok is a good starting point for a visit to the World Heritage site at nearby Sukhothai. The city can be reached by both rail and air (Phitsanulok Airport), and is on the intersection of several major highways linked between Northern, Northeastern and Central region of Thailand: Highway No.11 (Ta Khli - Phitsanulok - Lampang - Chiang Mai), Highway No. 12 (Tak - Phitsanulok - Lom Sak - Khon Kaen) and Highway No. 117 (Phitsanulok - Nakhon Sawan).

Culture

Much of the culture in the city centers around the Theravada Buddhist traditions of its residents.

Theravada Buddhism

Most residents are active followers of the Theravada Buddhist religion. Buddhism is practiced at the many temples or "wat" located throughout the city.

Art

Phitsanulok is home to a number of historic sculptures of the Buddha and other religious artwork including the Buddha Chinnarat, the Buddha Chin Sri, the Phra Sri Satsada and Rat Nom Ha Tat Maha Wihan.

Literature

Examples of important literary works of Phitsanulok include:
*ลิลิตยวนพ่าย
*ลิลิตพระลอ
*โคลงทวาทศมาส
*กำศรวลศรีปราชญ์The predominant literary language (as well as the predominant spoken language) is the Central Thai dialect of the Thai language, which is written in the Thai alphabet.

ports

Dragon boat racing has historically been an important element of Phitsanulok's culture. In recent times, soccer has become increasingly popular. In 2005, Phitsanulok won the 2nd Northern Youth Football Championship (football referring to soccer) in the U12 and U15 age groups. [http://www.chiangmai-mail.com/120/sports.shtml#hd4 Phitsanulok wins the 2nd Northern Youth Football Championship] ] Traditional Thai boxing is also a major sport in the city.

Western Influence

Recently, western culture has influenced the regional culture, introducing western style dress (although traditional dress is still worn at certain ceremonies and festivals), and western sports such as soccer. As methods of communication with the western world continue to improve, especially with growing community acces to internet technology and mobile phones, the trend is likely to continue.

Temples

Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat

Phitsanulok's main tourist attraction is Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat, known locally simply as Wat Yai (the big temple). This famous temple, built in 1357, is home to the Phra Buddha Chinnarat, which is one of the most revered Buddha figures in Thailand, and the official symbol of the entire Phitsanulok Province. (An exact replica exists in the Marble Temple in Bangkok, and another in Wat Saranat Thammaram in Rayong.) The beautiful mother-of-pearl inlaid doors were built in 1756 by order of King Boromakot of Ayutthaya. The Buddha Chinnarat National Museum, located on the temple grounds, houses a sizeable collection of Sukhothai period art. A large provincial fair is held at the temple every January.

Other Historic Temples

*Wat Ratchaburana
*Wat Aranyik is a Sukhothai era temple, surrounded by moats.
*Wat Nang Phaya
*Wat Chedi Yod Thong
Wat Chula Manee is also located several kilometers outside the city in Tha Thong.

Other Attractions

ergeant-Major Dr. Thawee Buranakhet Folklore Museum

The Sergeant-Major Dr. Thawee Buranakhet Folklore Museum hosts a collection of folk arts, crafts, basketry, pottery and ancient kitchen utensils. [http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:P_ppKmESjeEJ:www.thailandguidebook.com/phitsanulok/+%22Giant+Tamarind%22+Tree+ban+kok&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us Thailand Guidebook-Phitsanulok Province] ] The museum also houses a collection of antiaue traps for catching snakes, birds, tigers and porcupines.

City Walls

Unfortunately, most of the older portions of Phitsanulok were destroyed in a disastrous fire which occurred in 1955. Thus little else remains of the old town besides the famous temple, an ancient chedi across the road from it and a small section of the city wall. The intact portions of the ancient city wall is accessible to visitors. [http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:P_ppKmESjeEJ:www.thailandguidebook.com/phitsanulok/+%22Giant+Tamarind%22+Tree+ban+kok&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us Thailand Guidebook-Phitsanulok Province] ]

Buranathai Buddha Foundry

The Buranathai Buddha Foundry specializes in casting bronze Buddha images. [http://www.ezytrip.com/eng/north/Phitsanulok/AmphurMuang/Buranathai%20Buddha%20Casting%20Foundry.htm Buranathai Buddha Casting Foundry] ] It is the only establishment of this kind in the province. [http://www.ezytrip.com/eng/north/Phitsanulok/AmphurMuang/Buranathai%20Buddha%20Casting%20Foundry.htm Buranathai Buddha Casting Foundry] ] Craftspersons specialize in the reproduction of the Phra Buddha Chinnarat Buddha image. [http://www.ezytrip.com/eng/north/Phitsanulok/AmphurMuang/Buranathai%20Buddha%20Casting%20Foundry.htm Buranathai Buddha Casting Foundry] ] Visitors are permitted to walk along the production line. [http://www.ezytrip.com/eng/north/Phitsanulok/AmphurMuang/Buranathai%20Buddha%20Casting%20Foundry.htm Buranathai Buddha Casting Foundry] ]

Nan River Houseboats

Phitsanulok is known throughout Thailand for the houseboats which still line the Nan River near Wat Phra Sri Rattana Maharat, though regretably in recent years these are becoming fewer. [http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:P_ppKmESjeEJ:www.thailandguidebook.com/phitsanulok/+%22Giant+Tamarind%22+Tree+ban+kok&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us Thailand Guidebook-Phitsanulok Province] ] A houseboat museum is also open for visitors.

Night Market

Each night, vendors in Phitsanulok gather to form Phitsanulok's night market. Items sold include clothing and food.

Chandra Palace

The Chandra Palace was the birth place of King Naresuan the Great, and contains a King Naresuan the Great Shrine.

Naresuan University Art and Culture Gallery

The Naresuan University Art and Culture Gallery holds over 100 artistic artworks of culturally significant Thai artists.

Festivals and Annual Events

Phra Buddha Chinnarat Fair

The Phra Buddha Chinnarat Fair is held each January at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat Woramahawihan.

uan Chom Nan Park Festival

The Suan Chom Nan Park festival is held twice a year along the Nan River. Food and local products are sold to attendees.

Dragon Boat Races

On the first weekend of each October, the Dragon Boat Races are held outside Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat Woramahawihan in the Nan River. Each dragon boat has a crew of approximately 30 oarsmen.

Issues of Public Concern

Primary issues of public concern within the province are poverty, health care, pollution, education, [http://www.unescap.org/esid/psis/population/database/thailanddata/north/phitsanulok.htm Phitsanulok on unescap.org] ]
prostitution and [http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/reg.burma/archives/199508/msg00033.html Article on Women Trafficking on ibiblio.org] ] , HIV, [http://www.unescap.org/esid/psis/population/database/thailanddata/north/phitsanulok.htm Phitsanulok on unescap.org] ] Measures have been taken to address many of these concerns including heightened enforcement of crimes involving women trafficking and implementation of a Solid Waste Management Program for Phitsanulok [http://wwww.unescap.org/drpad/vc/conference/bg_th_4_swm.htm Solid Waste Management Program for Phitsanulok] ]

Poverty

It is estimated that around 10% of the population in the city of live below the poverty line. [http://www.hum.au.dk/hsre/ps_thailand.html Health System Reform and Ethics] ]

Health Care

Access to health care has declined recently in Phitsanulok, since the recent 2006 coup in Bangkok, after which the new administration repealed Thaksin's 30 baht health care program. [http://www.thaiwebsites.com/medical-tourism-thailand.asp Medical Tourism in Thailand] ] Critics of Thaksin's health care program, however, suggest that prior to the coup, the program was diminishing the quality of health care in rural provinces such as Phitsanulok by bankrupting hospitals and causing doctors to resign from the public sector and relocate to Bangkok. [http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2006-05/2006-05-03-voa33.cfm Thailand's Health Care Plan Creates Challenges for Hospitals] ]

References