Ratchaburi Province
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| Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Capital: | Ratchaburi |
| Area: | 5,196.5 km² Ranked 43rd |
| Inhabitants: | 791.217 (2000) Ranked 28th |
| Pop. density: | 152 inh./km² Ranked 22nd |
| ISO 3166-2: | TH-70 |
| Governor: | Wongsak Sawatphanit (since 2005) |
| Map | |
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Ratchaburi (often short Rat'buri, Thai ราชบุรี) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram and Phetchaburi. In the west it borders Tanintharyi Division of Myanmar.
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[edit] Geography
The east part of the province contains the flat river plains of the Mae Klong river, crisscrossed by many khlongs. The most famous tourist spot in this area are the floating markets of Damnoen Saduak. The west of the province is more mountainous, and includes the Tanawsri mountain range. As the mountains are made mostly of limestone, there are several caves containing stalactites. Some caves are inhabited by large colonies of bats, and it is an impressive sight when they swarm out in the evening to feed. Other caves like the Khao Binn are accessible for visitors. The main river of the west part is the Phachi River.
At the left bank of the Phachi river the Chaloem Phrakiat Thai Prachan National Park has been established in 2003, protecting 384.39 km² of forests which had been battle ground with the Communist party of Thailand in the past.
Approximate centre:
[edit] History
The history of the city of Ratchaburi dates back to the Dvaravati period, when it was an important city of the Mon kingdom. Of the contemporary city Khu Bua nearby only ruins remains. According to legend it even dates back to the mythical Suvannabhumi kingdom predating Dvaravati.
[edit] Demographics
1.1% of the population are members of the hill tribes, mostly Karen living near the boundary to Myanmar. Also some Mon, Lawa, Lao and Khmer minorities live in the province.
[edit] Symbols
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The provincial seal shows the royal sword and the royal sandals, as the name Ratchaburi means City of the King. The name derives from the fact that King Rama I was born here. The provincial slogan is Beautiful women of Photharam, beautiful women of Baan Pong, the city of earthern jars, shadow plays at Wat Khanon, magnificent caves, floating market at Damnoen, bats, delicious Yii Sok fish.
The provincial flower is the Pink Shower Tree (Cassia bakeriana), and the provincial tree is Wrightia pubescens. |
[edit] Administrative divisions
The province is subdivided into 9 districts (Amphoe) and one minor district (King Amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 104 communes (tambon) and 935 villages (muban).
| Amphoe | King Amphoe | |
|---|---|---|
There are three towns (thesaban mueang) - Ratchaburi, Ban Pong and Photharam - and 11 township (thesaban tambon).
