Lopburi Province

Lopburi
ลพบุรี
Province

Lopburi City Gate, from old to new city

Seal

Map of Thailand highlighting Lop Buri Province
Country  Thailand
Capital Lop Buri
Government
  Governor Chatchai Phromloet (since October 2009)
Area
  Total 6,199.8 km2 (2,393.8 sq mi)
Area rank Ranked 37th
Population (2014)
  Total 758,406
  Rank Ranked 30th
  Density 120/km2 (320/sq mi)
  Density rank Ranked 38th
HDI
  HDI (2009) 0.742 (medium) (35th)
Time zone ICT (UTC+7)
Area code(s) 036
ISO 3166 code TH-16
Vehicle registration ลพบุรี

Lopburi (Thai: ลพบุรี) is a province in the central region of Thailand. The province is subdivided into 11 administrative districts, and Mueang Lopburi District is the capital. With over 750,000 people, the province is Thailand's 37th largest area and 38th most populous. There are six neighboring provinces, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Singburi, and Nakhon Sawan.

Lopburi is a significant province historically, where many historical structures, artifacts, and prehistoric settlements have been discovered. In the past, Lopburi was called by the name ‘Lavo, that is, the kingdom had been ruled by an absolute monarch.

History

Known as Lavo during much of its history, Lopburi probably dates to prehistoric times.[1] The name Lavo originated in the Dvaravati period (6th–11th century CE). The conquering Khmer would build many impressive temples in the city during its rule. Lopburi may even have liberated itself for a time, as it sent independent embassies to China in 1115 and 1155. In 1289 it sent another embassy to China, but soon became part of the Thai kingdom of Sukhothai and later Ayutthaya.

During the Ayutthaya period, King Ramathibodi I sent Phra Ramesuan (later King Ramesuan) as the Uparaja to reign in Lopburi. In 1665 King Narai the Great ordered a new palace built on the east bank of the Lopburi River and made Lopburi the second capital of the country, as Ayutthaya was threatened by the Dutch. After King Narai died, the city was almost abandoned and fell into ruin.

In 1856 King Mongkut of the Chakri dynasty ordered King Narai's palace to be renovated. The city finally regained its importance in 1938, when Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram chose Lopburi to be the largest military base in Thailand.

Geography

Lopburi is on the east side of the Chao Phraya River valley, between the Lopburi River and Pa Sak Rivers. Thirty percent of the area of the province, including most of Tha Wung district, the southwestern parts of Mueang Lopburi and Ban Mi districts are a very low alluvial plain. The other 70 percent is mixed plains and hills, with the Phetchabun Mountains forming the eastern boundary of the province towards the Khorat Plateau.

Climate

Climate data for Lop Buri (1981–2010)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 32.9
(91.2)
34.6
(94.3)
36.0
(96.8)
36.8
(98.2)
35.3
(95.5)
34.3
(93.7)
33.7
(92.7)
33.3
(91.9)
32.8
(91)
32.5
(90.5)
32.2
(90)
31.7
(89.1)
33.84
(92.91)
Average low °C (°F) 21.1
(70)
23.2
(73.8)
24.8
(76.6)
25.8
(78.4)
25.6
(78.1)
25.2
(77.4)
24.9
(76.8)
24.9
(76.8)
24.7
(76.5)
24.3
(75.7)
22.8
(73)
20.6
(69.1)
23.99
(75.18)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 5.7
(0.224)
6.9
(0.272)
32.1
(1.264)
81.5
(3.209)
147.1
(5.791)
124.0
(4.882)
120.1
(4.728)
150.9
(5.941)
265.5
(10.453)
153.7
(6.051)
33.1
(1.303)
4.5
(0.177)
1,125.1
(44.295)
Average rainy days (≥ 1 mm) 1 2 2 6 13 14 16 17 19 13 4 1 108
Average relative humidity (%) 63 65 66 69 75 76 77 78 81 77 66 60 71.1
Source: Thai Meteorological Department (Normal 1981-2010), (Rainfall mm, Avg. rainy days 1961-1990)

Symbols

The provincial seal shows Vishnu in front of the Khmer temple Phra Prang Sam Yod.[2]

The escutcheon of Lopburi shows Phra Narai and in the background Phra Prang Sam Yod, the "Sanctuary with the Three Towers". It refers to King Narai who in 1664 fortified the city to be used as an alternative capital when Ayutthaya was threatened by a Dutch naval blockade.[3]

The provincial tree as well as the provincial flower is the bullet wood.[4]

The slogan of the province is National treasures of King Narai's palace and Phra Kan Shrine, famous Prang Sam Yot, city of Din So Phong Marl, well-known Pa Sak Cholasit Dam and golden land of King Narai the Great.

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided into 11 districts (amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 124 sub-districts (tambon) and 1,110 villages (muban).

  1. Mueang Lopburi
  2. Phatthana Nikhom
  3. Khok Samrong
  4. Chai Badan
  5. Tha Wung
  6. Ban Mi
  1. Tha Luang
  2. Sa Bot
  3. Khok Charoen
  4. Lam Sonthi
  5. Nong Muang

Education

Tourism

Prang Sam Yot, a symbol of Lopburi
The famous monkeys of Lopburi
Lopburi sunflower field

Sights

Structures built during the reign of King Rama IV include: Phiman Mongkut Pavilion (หมู่พระที่นั่งพิมานมงกุฎ) was constructed at the command of King Rama IV in 1862 as his private residence when he came to renovate Lopburi.

Phra Prathiap Buildings (หมู่ตึกพระประเทียบ) Composed of two single storey buildings and a group of eight two-storey brick buildings, constructed for being residential quarters for court officials who attended King Rama V when he visited Lopburi.

Thim Dap or Royal Guards Residence (ทิมดาบ หรือที่พักของทหารรักษาการณ์) Passing through the entrance to the middle court, the buildings on both sides of the lawn were the barracks of the royal guards of the palace.

Prang Khaek (เทวสถานปรางค์แขก) The oldest monument of Lopburi: three prangs, made of bricks with no adjoining corridors as at Prang Sam Yot.

San Phra Kan (ศาลพระกาฬ) An ancient Khmer sanctuary, constructed of laterite with a high base. Therefore, it was also called "San Sung" (a high shrine).

Wat Nakhon Kosa (วัดนครโกษา) Within the compound of the temple are ancient remains of a grand chedi of the Dvaravati period with a prang of the Lopburi period around the 12th century at the front. Two large images of God transformed into Buddha images were discovered and are now kept in the Somdet Phra Narai National Museum.

Wat San Paulo (วัดสันเปาโล) A Jesuit church, constructed in the reign of King Narai. At present, only a side of the wall and an observatory remain.

Wat Mani Chonlakhan (วัดมณีชลขัณฑ์) A strange-looking chedi, similar to those of the Chiang Saen (Lanna) style. Within the compound of the temple stands a bodhi tree, planted by King Rama V.

Wat Tong Pu (วัดตองปุ) In the past, it was a gathering place of the Thai army. There is an ancient object which is the only one remaining in Thailand which is a traditional shower or bathing device for monks and Buddha images, called the bathing fountain.

Wat Kawitsararam Ratchaworawihan (วัดกวิศรารามราชวรวิหาร) It is said that this temple was the site of the ceremony to drink an oath of allegiance. The principal Buddha image is in the posture of subduing Mara in the U Thong-style, while the mural paintings are of a floral design.

Wat Choeng Tha (วัดเชิงท่า) Originally called Wat Tha Kwian because it was a terminal for product-transport carts, "kwian", to the pier in front of the temple. Inside the compound of the temple lie significant buildings which had been constructed from the end of the Ayutthaya Period until the Rattanakosin Period.

Sophon Sin Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์หอโสภณศิลป์) Displays of the background of Buddhist monks, the Dhamma, and the Buddha, as well as the background of the temple itself in an exhibition on Buddhism.

Sa Kaeo (สระแก้ว) At the middle of the pond stands a structure similar to a gigantic candle on a large footed tray where symbols of each ministry were decorated around its edge.

Wat Chi Pa Sitaram (วัดชีป่าสิตาราม) Within the compound of the temple is a bell-shaped chedi representing Ayutthaya art.

Kraison Siharat Hall (พระที่นั่งไกรสรสีหราช) Commonly known as Phra Thinang Yen or Thale Chup Son Hall. This hall is another residence of King Narai. The hall is on an island surrounded by Thale Chup Son, which was once a large reservoir surrounded with a dam made of stone and cement.

Wat Yang Na Rangsi and Lop Buri Boat Museum (วัดยาง ณ รังสี และพิพิธภัณฑ์เรือพื้นบ้าน) Lopburi Boat Museum is at the temple sermon hall, constructed in 1927 on the bank of the Lopburi River. The hall was granted an award for Best Architectural Preservation in 1993. It reflects the rural Thai temple hall's style in central Thailand.

Tha Khae Scripture Hall (หอไตรวัดท่าแค) Dharma Scripture hall of the "Lao Lom" community. Normally, a scripture hall is constructed on high columns in a pond. However, the one at this temple is a wooden house with a cruciform plan located on high columns.

Ang Sap Lek (อ่างซับเหล็ก) A natural ancient reservoir. In 1977, Lopburi improved Ang Sap Lek to be a natural tourist attraction by building roads around the reservoir, planting trees, as well as, erecting a summer relaxation pavilion.

Wat Lai (วัดไลย์) There are remaining ancient stucco reliefs on the Jakata stories and the Buddha's life. Maitreya Bodhisattva's image is another object that has been highly respected by the people from the past. Besides, there are other objects such as an old wihan with slit windows, which is the architecture reflecting the early Ayutthaya style.

Khao Samo Khon (เขาสมอคอน) A mountain range which has been important historically. There are four important temples on this mountain range: Wat Bandai Sam Saen, Wat Tham Tako Phutthasopha, Wat Tham Chang Phueak, and Wat Khao Samo Khon.

Amphoe Ban Mi (อำเภอบ้านหมี่) Famous for Mudmi silk. Most of the locals are Thai Phuan who migrated from Laos around 130 years ago. They named their new settlement as "Ban Mi" after their former Laotian village.

Wat Thammikaram or Wat Khangkhao (วัดธรรมิการาม หรือ วัดค้างคาว) Mural paintings at the four sides of the ubosot depict the life of Buddha. The paintings incorporate Western techniques such as the shading of trees.

Wat Thong Khung Tha Lao (วัดท้องคุ้งท่าเลา) The entrance of the temple is in the shape of Hanuman with its mouth wide open, decorated with glass in distinctive colours.

Wat Nong Tao (Wat Phanit Thammikaram) (วัดหนองเต่า หรือ วัดพาณิชธรรมมิการาม) The ubosot on the back of a turtle, "tao", considered the symbol of the sub-district.

Wat Khao Wongkot (วัดเขาวงกต) There is a bat cave on the shoulder of the mountain above the ubosot. It is the largest bat cave in Lopburi, inside which live millions of bats. The bats' droppings generate an income for the wat of more than ten thousand baht a year.

Khao Wong Phrachan (เขาวงพระจันทร์) At the summit of Khao Wong Phrachan visitors can see the panoramic scenery below. Khao Wong Phrachan is the highest mountain in Lopburi.

Sunflower fields (ทุ่งทานตะวัน) Lopburi is the leading sunflower province. Some 200,000–300,000 rai are planted with sunflowers. They are usually in full bloom from November–January. Sunflower fields are scattered throughout Mueang District, Phatthana Nikhom District, and Chai Badan District.

Wat Phrom Rangsi (วัดพรหมรังษี) This temple has an ubosot with four porches. The bell-shape chedi is similar to the Phra Borommathat, a chedi containing a Buddha relic, in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Pa Sak Jolasid Dam (เขื่อนป่าสักชลสิทธิ์) It is the longest clay-core dam in Thailand. The Pa Sak River Basin Museum presents information about nature and culture.

Ban Pong Manao Site Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์เปิดบ้านโป่งมะนาว) A pre-historic archaeological site dating from around 2,500–3,000 years ago or the late-Ban Chiang Period. Thirteen ancient human skeletons were found here.

Khao Somphot Non-hunting Area (เขตห้ามล่าสัตว์ป่าเขาสมโภชน์) A high and steep limestone mountain range stretching along the southwestern direction, full of caves and cliffs. There are two plains in the valley and a plateau, with many spots of water seepage around the area, making it a significant watershed.

Sap Langka Wildlife Sanctuary (เขตรักษาพันธุ์สัตว์ป่าซับลังกา) The significance of the area is that it is the source of the Lam Sonthi River, as well as, a source of food for wildlife. At present, there are still goat antelopes which are protected animals living in the sanctuary.

Special Warfare Command (หน่วยบัญชาการสงครามพิเศษ) (Mueang District) Demonstrations of how to survive in the forest, a 34-foot tower jump, parachute from a balloon, shooting, cliff climbing, and a military jungle tour. An Army Special Forces Museum displays photos, equipment, background, evolution and pictures of various activities of the special forces.

Military Camp A03 (หารค่าย A03) In Mueang District, at the entrance of the Sap Lek Reservoir, Khok Tum Sub-district. It is a complex activity centre, testing the spirit and military way of living such as jumping from the 34-foot tower, artificial cliff climbing, shooting, rope bridge climbing and canoeing.

Artillery Centre (ศูนย์การทหารปืนใหญ่) In Mueang District, are architecture created during the period of Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkram such as the Chato Building (Khao Nam Chon Command Headquarters), Pibulsongkram Building and Museum, Artillery Museum, the General Phraya Phahon Phonphayuhasena Museum, and the Botanical Garden.

Ananda Mahidol Hospital (โรงพยาบาลอานันทมหิดล) In Mueang District, is an exhibition hall displaying the biography of King Rama VIII at the Operation Building of the Ananda Mahidol Hospital. There are photos of the opening ceremony of the hospital on 6 January 1938.

Local products

Culture

Festivals

References

  1. "Lopburi". Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT). Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  2. "Phra Prang Sam Yot". Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Retrieved 2015-11-02.
  3. "Provincial Escutcheon". THAILEX Travel Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2015-11-02.
  4. "Lopburi Province (จังหวัดลพบุรี)". Lopburi Province. Retrieved 2015-11-02.
  5. "Wat Sao Thong Thong". Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  6. "King Narai National Museum". Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  7. "Wichayen House". Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  8. "The City Pillar Shrine or Lukson Shrine". Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  9. "Phra Prang Sam Yot". Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  10. "Lopburi Zoo". Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  11. "Phra Narai Ratchaniwet". Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  12. "King Narai Festival". Festivals in Thailand. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  13. "Sunflower Festival". Festivals in Thailand. Retrieved 21 June 2015.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lopburi Province.

Coordinates: 14°48′2″N 100°39′5″E / 14.80056°N 100.65139°E / 14.80056; 100.65139

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