Phetchabun Province

Phetchabun
เพชรบูรณ์
Province

Seal

Map of Thailand highlighting Phetchabun Province
Country  Thailand
Capital Mueang Phetchabun
Government
 • Governor Thawatchai Thoetphaothai (since October 2009)
Area
 • Total 12,668.4 km2 (4,891.3 sq mi)
Area rank Ranked 9th
Population (2014)
 • Total 995,807
 • Rank Ranked 19th
 • Density 79/km2 (200/sq mi)
 • Density rank Ranked 55th
Time zone Thailand Standard Time (UTC+7)
ISO 3166 code TH-67

Phetchabun (Thai: เพชรบูรณ์) is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Loei, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Lopburi, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit and Phitsanulok.

Geography

Phetchabun is located in the lower northern region of Thailand, in the area between the northern and the central region.

The province lies in the broad fertile river valley of the Pa Sak River, with mountains of the Phetchabun mountain range to the east and west. It is surrounded by places of interest, many well-known national parks, beautiful waterfalls and great lakes.

Climate

Climate data for Phetchabun (1981–2010)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 32.3
(90.1)		 34.7
(94.5)		 36.6
(97.9)		 37.3
(99.1)		 35.0
(95)		 33.5
(92.3)		 32.7
(90.9)		 32.1
(89.8)		 32.3
(90.1)		 32.2
(90)		 31.9
(89.4)		 31.0
(87.8)		 33.47
(92.24)
Average low °C (°F) 17.6
(63.7)		 19.9
(67.8)		 22.5
(72.5)		 24.6
(76.3)		 24.8
(76.6)		 24.7
(76.5)		 24.3
(75.7)		 24.2
(75.6)		 24.0
(75.2)		 23.1
(73.6)		 20.4
(68.7)		 17.3
(63.1)		 22.28
(72.11)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 5.6
(0.22)		 16.1
(0.634)		 47.9
(1.886)		 76.0
(2.992)		 162.8
(6.409)		 161.7
(6.366)		 148.8
(5.858)		 199.0
(7.835)		 205.7
(8.098)		 90.4
(3.559)		 11.6
(0.457)		 7.8
(0.307)		 1,133.4
(44.621)
Avg. rainy days (≥ 1 mm) 1 2 4 7 15 17 18 21 18 11 3 1 118
Average relative humidity (%) 66 63 63 67 77 80 82 85 85 80 73 68 74.1
Source: Thai Meteorological Department (Normal 1981-2010), (Avg. rainy days 1961-1990)

Local products

Sweet Tamarind (มะขามหวาน) is a crop which earns good income for the local growers. A fair to publicise this fruit is held annually during January - February.

Khanom chin (ขนมจีน) is a popular food of Lom Kao district, is a noodle-like dish made from flour. It is served with gravy and side dish of various fresh local vegetables.

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided in 11 districts (amphoe). These are further subdivided into 117 subdistricts (tambon) and 1261 villages (muban).

  1. Mueang Phetchabun
  2. Chon Daen
  3. Lom Sak
  4. Lom Kao
  5. Wichian Buri
  6. Si Thep
  1. Nong Phai
  2. Bueng Sam Phan
  3. Nam Nao
  4. Wang Pong
  5. Khao Kho

Transport

Phetchabun may be reach by Road No.21 (Kochasenee Road) from Saraburi and 370 kilometers from Bangkok.

There is no railway system to Phetchabun.

Etymology

The word Phetcha originates from the Sanskrit word vajra meaning "diamond" (or weapon of Indra), and the word bun from Sanskrit purna meaning "full", "perfect" or "whole". Hence the name of the province literally means "Perfect Diamond".

Initially, the province was called "Phe-cha-buth" as "Phuenchapura", which means the city that is plenty of crops.[1] The reason for being given such name is because the province is very fertile and full of natural resources. Because of the fertility of the land, Phetchabun has always been agriculturally productive area.

History

From historical evidence, it is believed that Phetchabun was established by two kingdoms: the Sukhothai Kingdom, and the Ayutthaya Period of the great King Narai. Initially the province was called "Phe-cha-buth" as "Phuenchapura", which means the city that has plenty of crops. The reason for being given its name is because the province is very fertile and full of natural resources.

In the Thesaphiban administrative reforms at the beginning of the 20th century the province together with the province of Lom Sak to the north formed the monthon Phetchabun. As it was the smallest monthon, it was also the first monthon to be dissolved in 1915, after being temporarily administrated from Monthon Phitsanulok between 1903 and 1907. The province Lom Sak was abolished and included into Phetchabun in 1932.

Phetchabun province is situated between the northern and the central region.

During the period between 1968-1982 communist insurgents established their base in the mountains in this province. From hidden locations they fought occasional skirmishes against the Thai Army.[2]

Today, Phetchabun is a province with rich tourism potential such as fascinating nature, prosperous history for more than 1,400 years and indigenous traditional ceremonies.[3]

Symbols

The provincial seal shows a diamond on a mountain, as diamonds are found in the province. In the front are tobacco plants as one of the crops grown in the province.

The provincial tree is the Tamarind.

Parks

Khao Kho

The most engaging national park of the province is Khao Kho National Park. It was designated to be " Little Switzerland" from many visitors, because of beautiful scenery and cool weather like Switzerland.[4] It was once a battle field against communist insurgents conducted their struggles against the authorities. Its charming scenery and great weather allure tourists to see the mountain – top, army base turned into a museum, a Chedi containing a holy relic and enjoy trekking in the open zoo and non – hunting areas.[5]

Khao Kho is home to Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, a spectacular Buddhist temple adorned with over 5 million colorful mosaic tiles [6] and pottery items and is set in a breathtaking mountain location.

Nam Nao National Park

Nam Nao National Park is an immense tract of forest still in its original state.[7]

Phu Hin Rong Kla

North along the border between Phitsanulok Province and Phetchabun Province, Phu Hin Rong Kla is a national park with scenic attractions and historical significance. In the past, it was the stage of armed conflicts due to political differences between the Thai people. Phu Hin Rong Kla's climate is similar to Phu Kra Dung and Phu Luang. Because of its high altitude, the park is cool all year round. In the cool season, when temperature can occasionally drop to freezing point, mist can cool and pleasant. The deciduous trees and cold flowers attract many tourists.[7]

Than Thip Waterfall

Waterfalls are everywhere and easily found. The Tip waterfall Forest Park is located in Baan Than Tip, Bung Num Tao District, Amphoe Lom Sak. It is a forest park of 8,750 rais in Khao Plok Lon Forest Reserve. In general, the area consists of steep and high mountain ranges. The mixed deciduous forest in the area is fairly rich.[7] In the rainy season, the water is swift with strong currents. For tourists who love excitement, this is a great opportunity for them. Visitors can go downstream along the rapids called "Long Kang." It is an exciting activity around Than Thip waterfall that is perfect for acrobatic visitors.[3]

Si Thep Historical Park

Some 130 kilometres south of Phetchabun, on Highway Number 21, is the Si Thep Historical Park. Si Thep is an ancient town where many architectural structures still remain to indicate its past prosperity during the 11th – 18th Buddhist century. It was once the centre of contact between the Dvarravati Kingdom in the central plain basin and the Khmer Kingdom in the Northeast. A twin- city, there were over one hundred ancient sites all built with bricks and laterite, most of them have since crumbled.[5] There are also remains of several ponds spread out all over the area.[3] Most of the ancient relics recovered are parts of architectural nature such as elaborate lintels, plastered designs and sema stone and human skeletons still are adorned with ornamental pieces.[8] In 2000, it got a Thailand Tourism Award for guaranteeing welfare of culture and ancient buildings.[9]

Tourism

Sites

Wat Mahathat (วัดมหาธาตุ) on Nikon Bamrung Road in town houses a number of ancient chedis of Sukhothai style.

The Phetchabun City Pillar Shrine (ศาลหลักเมืองเพชรบูรณ์) has been brought over from the ancient town of Si Thep and is considered the oldest such structure in Thailand.

Wat Trai Phum (วัดไตรภูมิ) on Phetcharat Road features a Buddha statue called Phra Buddha Mahadhamaracha cast in the ornamental Lop Buri style. The ritual bathing of the Buddha image or the traditional Um Phra Dam Nam ceremony is held during September each year.

The Huai Pa Dang Reservoir (อ่างเก็บน้ำห้วยป่าแดง) was created by the dam constructed to block the waterway to the west of town for irrigation purposes. It is a pleasant place for recreation and picnic with scenic natural views in the background, particularly in the morning and late afternoon.

Tat Mok National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติตาดหมอก) has a huge waterfall fed by streams flowing down cracks and crevices of the mountains creating a beautiful 12-level fall. On both sides of the trails leading up to it are large, shady trees providing a pleasant surroundยing.

The Pho Khun Pha Mueang Memorial (อนุสาวรีย์พ่อขุนผาเมือง) at Lom Sak district in the north of Phetchabun commemorates this former ruler or the area, which was a contemporary of Sukhothai.

Phu Hin Rong Kla (ภูหินร่องกล้า) is a popular destination located along the Phitsanulok and Phetchabun borders and offers exotic scenery. It was once the base of communist’s resurgent fighting against the government some twenty years ago.

Si Thep Historical Park (อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์ศรีเทพ) is an ancient town where many architectural structures still remain indicative of its past prosperity during the 11th-18th Buddhist Centuries. A twin-city, there were over one hundred ancient sites all built with bricks and laterite, most of which have crumbled.

Khao Kho (เขาค้อ) is made up of mountain ranges to northwest of town about 1,174 metres above sea level covered in the main by deciduous plants. Very cold during November–February, it once was the base room which communist insurgents conducted their struggles against the authorities during 1968-1982.

Rai B.N. (ไร่บีเอ็น), is a private agriculture plantation growing cold-climate crops, including various flowers which alternately bloom throughout the year.

The Nam Nao National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติน้ำหนาว) is an immense tract of forest still in perfect condition. With pineries, grasslands and virgin jungles, it is habitat to large number of animals and more than 100 species of birds. Attractions include:

Culture

Festivals

Um Pra Dam Nam festival

The villagers in the province relate to the river very much. Such closeness is clearly reflected in the widely known festival ceremonies that call " Um Pha Dam Nam" or Dive the Buddha Image into the Water Festival . Phra Buddha Maha Thammaracha is highly revered ancient Buddha image of Phetchabun Province. This event is annually held on the fifteenth day of the waning moon in the 10th lunar month of during Sat Thai Period at Trai Pum Temple. The ceremony starts at 1 P.M. The image is carried around the town, so Buddhists can pay respect to it and stick gold leaf on its body. The next morning, people make merit as it is Sat Thai Day. Food, including Krayasat, and other necessities are given to monks. The Buddha image is then taken to be immersed in the Pah Sak River by governor of Phetchabun. After the ceremony, the water in the river is regarded as sacred. As a result, people swim in it or take the water to drink before the boat racing begins.[1]

Seng Klong – Long Com Fai

Seng Klong – Long Com Fai is the ancient tradition of Phetchabun villagers for a long time. They believe this tradition is the way to request the god and the angle come to make merit with them. It is held annually during the end of Buddhist Lent around Por Kun Pah Maung Monument to promote the honor of Por Kun Pah Maung and conserve this tradition remain stay with villagers eternally. In this celebration, there are many activities to enjoy for instance the drum contest, the beautiful girl contest, an array of color fills its streets and float lanterns that can only be seen in Phetchabun.[5]

Sweet Tamarind Fair

Sweet tamarind is grown mostly in Phetchabun due to the cool weather and suitable environment. Farmers gain a lot of income from tamarind, also it is the symbol of Phetchabun without arguing.[8] Sweet Tamarind Fair is thus organized in Phetchabun to celebrate the harvest of this fruit during January 17–25. This day is also called "Phetchabun’s Agriculture Day." During the festival, farmers bring their sweet tamarinds to sell at reasonable price at Phetchabun’s provincial athletic field where contests of sweet tamarinds and other crops are held. Besides this, there are other agricultural exhibitions and entertainments organized during the event.[5]

Khaeng Rue boat race, Lom Khao

Every October, there is a boat race on the canals through the village of Lom Khao, about 10km north of Lom Sak. The boats are about 40m long, colorfully painted, canoe like boats with about 12 person crew. The event last for 5 days.

Notable people

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Thanarutleasakon, k. (2002). Pra – wat – tai – sart – Thai – ched– sib – hoke – jung -wat [Thai history of 76 provinces]. Bangkok : One World Publishing.
  2. ↑ Khao Ko
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Pibunying, P. (2006). Petchabun [Phetchabun province]. Bangkok: Bangkok Publishing.
  4. ↑ Phetchabun Rajabhat University.(n.d.).The exotic place you can meet. Retrieved January 26, 2007, from http://www.clickphetchabun.com
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Thai Tour Info Co.,Ltd. (n.d.). Tourist attraction. Retrieved January 26, 2007, from http://www.thai-tour.com/thai-tour/North/Petchbun/main.htm
  6. ↑ http://www.watphasornkaew.org/
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Maxober.(n.d.). Petchabun Town. Retrieved January 26, 2007, from http://www.tourismmart.com/attraction/attraction_result.asp
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Samuttiya,B. (2001). Pare – Naer [Northern of Thailand]. Bangkok : Thaiwattanapanish Publishing.
  9. ↑ Tourism Authority of Thailand. (2005). The tourist information of Phetchabun. Retrieved January 26, 2007, from http://www.tat.or.th/province.asp?prov_id=67

External links

 Phitsanulok Province Loei Province Khon Kaen Province
Phichit Province Chaiyaphum Province
   Phetchabun Province  
Nakhon Sawan Province Lopburi Province

Coordinates: 16°26′05.16″N 101°09′21.35″E / 16.4347667°N 101.1559306°E