name	Phitsanulok
native name	พิษณุโลก
native name lang	th
settlement type	Province
nickname	Song Khwae
image seal	Seal Phitsanulok.png
map caption	Map of Thailand highlighting Phitsanulok Province
coordinates display	inline,title
subdivision type	Country
subdivision name
seat type	Capital
seat	Phitsanulok
leader title	Governor
leader name	Pricha Rueangchan (since March 2009)
area total km2	10815.8
area rank	Ranked 16th
population total	792678
population as of	2000
population rank	Ranked 27th
population density km2	auto
population density rank	Ranked 60th
timezone1	Thailand Standard Time
utc offset1	+7
iso code	TH-65
footnotes	}}

Phitsanulok () is a provinces (''changwat'') of Thailand, located in the north. Neighboring provinces are (from east clockwise) Loei, Phetchabun, Phichit, Kamphaeng Phet, Sukhothai, Uttaradit. In the north-east it also has a short border with Xaignabouli of Laos.

Etymology

The first element Phitsanu (Thai: พิษณุ) is a cognate of Vishnu, a Hindu god (see, e.g. Witsanu, 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.''

Nature

Climate

Most of Phitsanulok has a hot tropical climate with considerable annual rainfall (annual rainfall is approximately 1.8 meters). In the higher altitude regions of the province, however, the climate is cool, with temperatures peaking at around 25° Celsius, sometimes dropping below the freezing point. With regard to rainfall, there is a dry season and a rainy season. The rainy season begins in the spring and ends around November. Deforestation and urban development along the river banks, combined with the extensive amount of rainfall in the region, have led to some climate change issues, primarily manifested in recent severe flooding within the province and elsewhere downstream of the Nan River.

Wildlife

Phitsanulok is home to a plethora of animal and plant species, including a number of endangered species, vulnerable species and near threatened species. Indigenous animal species include a variety of mammals (including endangered tigers and the vulnerable asiatic black bear), crabs, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and over 190 species of birds. Indigenous plant life include numerous species of flowering plants including the endangered phayom, Hopea ferrea and Dalbergia oliveri, the vulnerable Hopea odorata and Sumatran Pine, and a variety of conifers and clubmosses. Near threatened birds include the Siamese fireback and Oriental darter. The Siamese fireback has been nominated to be the national bird of Thailand. Wildlife conservation is just beginning to be realized in the province. Plans for sustainable development are being implemented, and over the last 30 years, more and more land has been set aside as protected areas. The protected areas in Phitsanulok include the province's four national parks.

Topography

Topographical features within the Phitsanulok Province include the Phetchabun Mountains, the Nan River and several of its tributaries, waterfalls, rapids, swamps, forests, grasslands, caves, a reservoir and an extensive network of canals. Populated areas of the province are largely cleared of natural vegetation and adapted for farming. The land within the province is situated in the Greater Nan Basin, which is part of the Chao Phraya Watershed. The province includes land within both of the Greater Nan Basin's sub-basins, i.e. the Nan Basin and Yom Basin. The provincial capital of 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. These two rivers of the Phitsanulok Province are still of major significance to the residents of the region.

Geology

Much of the province is supported by a sedimentary basin known as the ''Phitsanulok Basin''. The basin is bounded to the west by the boundary fault, to the east by the Phetchabun fault, to the north by the Uttaradit fault and to the south by the Mae Ping fault. Its total land area is approximately 6,000 square kilometers. The basin is composed of gravel, claystone, sandstone and siltstone. The Lan Krabu, Chum Saeng, Yom and Ping Formations are hydrocarbon reservoirs in the basin containing coal. Thai-Shell and PTT-EP have carried out exploration of this basin for purposes of locating oil reserves. The Phitsanulok Basin is a basin of the Indo-Chinese Plate, which is a geological division of the Eurasian Plate.

History

{|style="float:right" | |} The lands situated in the present-day Phitsanulok Province were inhabited since the stone age, although the neolithic inhabitants of the region are not likely to have been the ancestors of the modern Thai people who reside there today. The earliest historical records relating to what is now Phitsanulok Province indicates that at a time prior to or during the 11th century, the present-day city of Phitsanulok was but a small strategic Khmer outpost known as ''Song Khwae''. During the next century, in 1188, Nakhon Thai, located near the center of the present Phitsanulok Province, was established as the capital city of the Singhanavati Kingdom, an early city-state of Thailand. Later, during Thailand's Sukhothai Period, the city of Phitsanulok emerged as a major city in the east of the Sukhothai Kingdom, and the great temples of Wat Chula Manee, Wat Aranyik and Wat Chedi Yod Thong were constructed. In 1357, the renowned Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat was erected, and the Ayutthaya Period witnessed the construction of several of the province's other chief temples. Phitsanulok served for 25 years as the capital city of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. In 1555, King Naresuan the Great was born in the city of Phitsanulok. Naresuan played a significant role in the history of Thailand, as he expanded the kingdom (then called ''Siam'') to its greatest territorial extent, by conquering sizable portions of modern day Burma and Cambodia. In recent times, Phitsanulok Province has become an important agricultural center, part of the ''Bread Basket of Thailand'', providing rice and other crops to consumers in Thailand and throughout the world. Extensive agricultural development over the last hundred years or so has spawned a modern infrastructure in the urban areas of the province, bringing with it an array of modern roads, universities, hospitals and other conveniences. Over the years, the Nan River and its tributaries have played a substantial role in the history and development of the region by providing a route for transportation, fertile soil for agriculture, and water for irrigation. The river waters have also served as a route for enemy invaders, and have been the source of periodic widespread flooding throughout the province.

Public Administration

Government

The chief executive office of the province is the governor. Sombun Siphatthanawat has held the position since October, 2007. Recent Phitsanulok governors prior to Mr. Siphatthanawat include Phiphat Wongsarot (Thai: พิพัฒน์ วงศาโรจน์, 2003–2007) and Wichan Chaiyanan before him.

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided in 9 districts (''amphoe''). These are further subdivided into 93 communes (''tambon'') and 993 ''muban'', which are administrative divisions at the village level. (There are a greater number of muban than actual villages in the province, because larger villages often occupy more than one muban.) {| |--- valign=top || #Mueang Phitsanulok #Nakhon Thai #Chat Trakan #Bang Rakam #Bang Krathum ||

6. Phrom Phiram
7. Wat Bot
8. Wang Thong
9. Noen Maprang

|}

Official Provincial Symbols

The provincial seal shows the Buddha Chinnarat, which is considered one of the most beautiful Buddha figures in Thailand. It is located in Wat Mahathat temple in the city Phitsanulok.

The provincial flower is the Yellow Flamboyant (''Peltophorum pterocarpum''), and the provincial tree is the ''Millingtonia hortensis''. ARMY-5 (television channel 5, owned and operated by the Royal Thai Army) PRD-11 (television channel 11, owned and operated by the Government Public Relations Department)

Demographics

Ethnic Diversity

In addition to the vast majority Thai ethnicity, Phitsanulok has small populations of residents who are of Mon, Chinese, Lao Song, and other minority ethnicities. The contributions of these diverse ethnic groups have influenced the culture in the region.

Language

The vast majority of residents of Phitsanulok Province speak Central Thai. Minority populations speak Sino-Tibetan and Lao. Some residents speak English as a second language.

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

Economy

The economy of Phitsanulok Province is driven by agriculture, commercial fishery, mineral resources, industry and tourism. Rice production is the central component of the agricultural sector. The province's rich black soil, intricate canal systems and abundant rainfall provide an ideal environment for growing rice.

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 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 at least seven hospitals in the province, including Naresuan University Hospital, Interwetchakan Hospital, Phutachinnarat Hospital, etc.

Settlements

The largest urban area in the province is the city of Phitsanulok, situated on the Nan River. There are also approximately four hundred villages in the province.

Transportation

Buses and trains provide public transportation within the province and connect the province with the rest of Thailand. There is also Phitsanulok Airport in the city of Phitsanulok. Other popular modes of transportation include motorcycle, bicycle and tuk tuk. In modern times, boats are primarily used for recreation, rather than transportation throughout the province, although much of the Nan River is navigable. Major roads through the province include:

Highway No. 11 (Ta Khli - Phitsanulok - Lampang - Chiang Mai)

Highway No. 12 (Mae Sot - Tak - Phitsanulok - Khon Kaen - Mukdahan)

Highway No. 117 (Phitsanulok - Nakhon Sawan).

Highway No. 126 (Phitsanulok By-pass)

Tourism

Sights

City Pillar Shrine (เสาหลักเมืองพิษณุโลก) Designed by the Fine Arts Department, the Prang-shaped building houses the city pillar, which is made of different kinds of sacred wood in its various parts and has gone through a religious ceremony at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok.

King Naresuan the Great’s Shrine (ศาลสมเด็จพระนเรศวรมหาราช) The ancient-style three-portico pavilion designed by the Fine Arts Department houses a life-size statue of the king in a sitting posture, declaring independence from Burma.

Town Wall and Moat (กำแพงเมืองคูเมือง) It was built during the reign of King Borommatrailokkanat of Ayutthaya to prevent the attack of Lanna troops. Today's, remains of the old wall can be seen at Wat Phothiyan, Wat Noi, the Police Station, and the moat along the Phra Ruang Road.

ThaiBird Garden (สวนนกไทยศึกษา) It is a bird conservation centre that displays endangered as well as extinct birds of Thailand, and birds mentioned in Thai literature; namely, oriole, barbet, common koel, green magpie, blue magpie, etc.

Textile Museum and Life Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์ผ้า และพิพิธภัณฑ์ชีวิต) displays textiles and garments from different sources domestically and internationally. Nearby is a Life Museum that displays the Thai way of cotton weaving, from cotton growing to high-class techniques in weaving.

Wat Ratchakhiri Hiranyaram (วัดราชคีรีหิรัญยาราม) The hilltop temple houses two Buddha’s footprints, one is a replica and the other is on the face of a western cliff. The temple also houses a thousand-handed Guan Yin statue, three tons in weight, from Hangzhou, China, which was carved out of white jade and sent here in 1992.

Namtok Wang Nok Aen or Sakunothayan Arboretum (น้ำตกวังนกแอ่น หรือ สวนรุกขชาติสกุโณทยาน) Situated in the arboretum at Kilometre 33 of Highway 12 (Phitsanulok – Lom Sak Road), the small fall is surrounded with different kinds of plants.

Namtok Kaeng Sopha (น้ำตกแก่งโสภา) The large waterfall, 40 metres high, is situated in the embrace of shady vegetation. A stream runs over large rock terraces, through the three-tiered fall which always turns fierce during the rainy season.

Tham Duean Tham Dao (ถ้ำเดือน-ถ้ำดาว) Situated in the western territory of Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, the cave has a subterranean river running through it.

Tham Pha Tha Phon Non-hunting Area (เขตห้ามล่าสัตว์ป่าถ้ำผาท่าพล) The sanctuary features rugged and towering crescent-shape limestone mountains which comprise fossils of shells and corals from the Carboniferous Period of the Palaeocene Era some 360 – 286 million years ago. There are many caves; namely,

Tham Naresuan (ถ้ำนเรศวร) A stalactite that looks like a hat of King Naresuan the Great has earned the name of this cave.

Tham Ruea (ถ้ำเรือ) Many floods have eroded the cave walls, leaving the ceiling in the shape of an upside-down boat.

Tham Pha Daeng (ถ้ำผาแดง) The cave is named after the red cliff (Pha Daeng) over its entrance. Nowadays, the cave is home to insect-eating bats; namely, wrinkled-lipped bat and black-bearded tomb bat.

Tham Lot (ถ้ำลอด) The tunnel with a subterranean river running through it allows to access a Buddhist temple on the other side. There are various attractions situated in the area such as fossils of marine life from 360 million years ago such as coral, brachiopod including lamp shells, sea lilies, and seaweed.

Khao Noi - Khao Pradu Non-hunting Area (เขตห้ามล่าสัตว์ป่าเขาน้อย – เขาประดู่) It contains various ecosystems such as dry evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest, deciduous dipterocarp forest and savanna. The forest is home to a species of endemic crab called “Pu Paeng or Pu Song Khwae” which is often found during the rainy season.

Phu Soi Dao National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติภูสอยดาว) Bordering Thailand and Lao PDR with rugged mountains, the park has Phu Soi Dao as the highest peak towering at 2,102 metres. Its attractions include coniferous forest, a flower field, viewpoint cliff, Namtok Sai Thip and Namtok Phu Soi Dao.

Other Major Attractions

National Parks Four national parks are located in the province: Thung Salaeng Luang National Park is one of Thailand's major large forest areas and spreads across portions of Phitsanulok and Phetchabun Provinces. It is also the location of Kaeng Sopha Waterfall. Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park encompasses portions of Phitsanulok, Phetchabun and Loei. It was formerly a battleground between Thai government forces and communist insurgents. The park contains Lan Hin Taek, natural rock formations covered with orchids, ferns, moss, lichens and seasonal flowers. Namtok Chat Trakan National Park is the site of a seven levelled waterfall commonly referred to as Namtok Chat Trakan. The source of the Kwae Noi river is within the park. Kaeng Chet Khwae National Park is a recent conglamoration of four adjoining forest parks and contains the province's most virgin forests.

Historic Temples

Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat Woramahawihan is the main temple of Phitsanulok, as it contains the Phra Buddha Chinnarat.

Wat Ratchaburana

Wat Aranyik is a Sukhothai era temple, surrounded by moats.

Wat Nang Phaya

Wat Chedi Yod Thong

Wat Chula Manee is famous for its corncob-shaped tower or ''prang'' and its unique, ornate and elaborate plaster designs.

Wat Grung See Jayrin

Ruins of a historic chedi located 15 km east of the city of Phitsanulok on Lom Sak Road

Other Attractions

Additional waterfalls outside of the province's national parks

*Kaeng Song Waterfall

*Poi Waterfall

*Sri Dit Waterfall

Phitsanulok city attractions

Sergeant-Major Dr. Thawee Buranakhet Folklore Museum

Nan River Houseboats

Phitsanulok City Walls

Buranathai Buddha Casting Foundry

*Phitsanulok City Night Market

*Chandra Palace

*Naresuan University Art and Culture Gallery.

Lakes and swamps

*Huay Nam Kem Reservoir

*Bueng Thakreng Swamp

*Bueng Laman Swamp

*Bueng Kee Raeng Swamp

*Bueng Rachanok Swamp

Miscellaneous

Sakunothayan Arboretum

Caves of Phitsanulok Province

*Khek River Rapids

Giant Tamarind Tree of Ban Kok

Bang Kaew Dog Farm specializing in the breeding of Bang Kaew Dogs

*White jade image of Chao Mae Guan Im

*Peacock zoo at Wanathara Health Resort and Spa

Local Products

Bang Krathum Sun-dried Banana (กล้วยตากบางกระทุ่ม) The soft and sweet sun-dried banana is famed for its delicious taste.

Supatra Preserved Pork (แหนมและหมูยอสุพัตรา) The hygienic pork is a famous product by a local family business.

Mi Sua (หมี่ซั่ว) The white noodle from Phitsanulok is famed for its softness. Bang Rakam Fish Sauce (น้ำปลาบางระกำ) Amphoe Bang Rakam has long been famous for its fish sauce made from mud carp from the Yom River. Although it is not as tasty as fish sauce from sea fish, it is quite hygienic.

Na Chan Broom (ไม้กวาดนาจาน) People from the poor region in Amphoe Chat Trakan earn extra income from broom making.

Bang Kaeo Dog (สุนัขพันธุ์บางแก้ว) The unique breed has originated from Ban Bang Kaeo, Amphoe Bang Rakam. It is said that the abbot of Wat Bang Kaeo kept a number of dogs, which mated with a wolf. This breed is famous for its calmness, high royalty but quite fierce.

Naresuan Fighting Cock (ไก่ชนพระนเรศวร หรือ ไก่เจ้าเลี้ยง) The white-tailed fighting cock is famous for its endurance in fighting. It is believed that King Naresuan the Great used a white-tailed cock in a cock fighting game with King Ubaraja of Burma.

Culture

Much of the culture in the region centers around the Theravada Buddhist traditions of its residents and their agricultural, riparian lifestyle. Residents celebrate their culture and heritage in various festivals throughout the year.

Theravada Buddhism

Most residents are active followers of the Theravada Buddhist religion. Buddhism is practiced at the many temples or ''wat'' located throughout the province, and Buddhist monks attend weddings, funerals and other life events. It is customary for young men to become monks for a period of time as a religious rite of passage. The ceremony of ordination into monkshood is analogous to confirmation in Christianity or Bar Mitzvah in Judaism. Ancestor respect is a major component to the religious practices in the province. Many homes have shrines to deceased ancestors, at which food and drink are regularly left as offerings. Celebrations and commemorations of death anniversaries for family members are common practice.

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

กำศรวลศรีปราชญ์

The predominant literary language of the region (as well as the predominant spoken language) is the Central Thai dialect of the Thai language, which is written in the Thai alphabet.

Dance

Traditional dance has been passed down from generation to generation in Phitsanulok, and remains an important part of modern Thai culture and the identity of the Thai people as a nation. Thai dance falls under two major categories, classical dance and folk dance. Thai classical dance tells a stories through its motions, along with musical narration. Local folk dance includes theatrical dance forms as well as regional and ritual elements.

Cuisine

Traditional Thai cuisine and local specialties are the standard in both homes and restaurants throughout the province. Much of the local cuisine has developed from the regional rice farming industry and the fish found in the rivers and canals. Some local dishes include recipes involving various insects. Popular local specialties include Bang Krathum sun-dried bananas, and papaya salad (''som tam'' ,) prepared with local soft-shell crabs which are found in large numbers in the seasonally flooded rice farms. Some meals are prepared with the local Bang Rakam fish sauce.

Sports

Dragon boat racing has historically been an important element of the local 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. Traditional Thai boxing is also a major sport in the province, and there are several boxing camps within the province.

Festivals and Annual Events

Phitsanulok Food and Souvenir Festival (งานมหกรรมอาหารและสินค้าของที่ระลึกจังหวัดพิษณุโลก) Held in every April and December by Phitsanulok Municipality and TAT at the park by the Nan River, the festivity features food and famous products from the province.

Traditional Long Boat Races (ประเพณีการแข่งเรือยาวชิงถ้วยพระราชทาน) Since ancient times, boat races have been a symbol of Phitsanulok. They are held every September along with various religious rites such as robe-offering ceremony, changing the robe of the famous Buddha image Phra Phutthachinnarat, boat decoration contest, and traditional boat races. The exciting festival is held on the Nan River, in front of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan.

Nakhon Thai Flag Flying Festival (ประเพณีปักธงนครไทย) The local festival of Amphoe Nakhon Thai is held on the 14th day of the waxing moon of the 12th lunar month. The locals will place the flag on top of Khao Chang Luang to mark the victory of Phokhun Bangklanghao over the Khmer in the Sukhothai Period. Besides the religious ceremony, there is a beautiful flag parade, flag placing race, as well as beauty contest.

Kaeng Song Coffee Tasting Festival and Khek River Rafting Festival Ban Dongphayom Boat Race Brotherly Villages Boat Race

Phitsanulok Dragon Boat Races

Phra Buddha Chinnarat Fair

Suan Chom Nan Park Festival

Cock Fighting

An interesting aspect of the regional culture is traditional cock fighting. The Bangkok Post describes the ''royal fighting cock'' breed as ''the pride of the northern province of Phitsanulok.'' Villagers of Ban Krang still practice the traditional game of cock fighting on festive occasions.

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 access to internet technology and mobile phones, the trend is likely to continue.

Architecture

The architecture throughout the province is diverse. Structures include elaborate and ornate red-roofed temple vihara, rain-drop shaped chedi, houses on piles, house boats, modern multi-story apartment complexes, hotels and office buildings, and European style single-family homes. The most sophisticated and renowned architectural sites are Phitsanulok's historic temples.

Issues of Public Concern

Primary issues of public concern within the province are poverty, health care, access to clean running water, environmental degradation, flooding, education, prostitution , HIV, and substance abuse. The degree to which these issues affect the region vary greatly by district within the province. Measures have been taken to address many of these concerns including the establishment of national parks, heightened enforcement of crimes involving women trafficking and the implementation of the Strategy for Sustainable Development in Phitsanulok (SSDP) and Solid Waste Management Program for Phitsanulok

Poverty

It is estimated that around 10% of the population in the city of Phitsanulok live below the poverty line, and poverty rates in the rural parts of the province are expected to be higher.

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. 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.

Flooding

Deforestation and urban development along the river banks in the region, combined with seasonal downpours in the Phetchabun Mountains have led to severe flooding in recent years within the province. The 2007 Phitsanulok Flooding was described by the Bangkok post as the ''worst floods in 40 years''.

External links

Official website (Thai)

Phitsanulok Province on WikiThailand

References

Category:Provinces of Thailand

ace:Propinsi Phitsanulok ar:محافظة فيتسانولوك zh-min-nan:Phitsanulok Hú bo:ཕི་ཊི་ཙ་ནུ་ལོཀ་ཞིང་ཆེན། de:Phitsanulok (Provinz) es:Provincia de Phitsanulok fr:Province de Phitsanulok gl:Provincia Phitsanulok ko:핏사눌록 주 bpy:চাংৱাত ফিতসানুলোক id:Provinsi Phitsanulok it:Provincia di Phitsanulok ms:Phitsanulok nl:Changwat Phitsanulok ja:ピッサヌローク県 no:Phitsanulok (provins) pnb:صوبہ پھٹسانولوک pl:Prowincja Phitsanulok pt:Phitsanulok (província) ru:Пхитсанулок (провинция) sco:Phitsanulok Province sv:Phitsanulok tl:Lalawigan ng Phitsanulok th:จังหวัดพิษณุโลก tg:Вилояти Питсанулок vi:Phitsanulok (tỉnh) war:Phitsanulok (lalawigan) zh:彭世洛府

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Coordinates	41°52′55″N87°37′40″N
Official name	Phitsanulok
Other name
Native name	พิษณุโลก
Nickname	Song Khwae (The two rivers)
Settlement type	City
Motto
Pushpin map	Thailand
Subdivision type3	Amphoe
Subdivision name3	Mueang Phitsanulok
Subdivision type2	Province
Subdivision name2	Phitsanulok
Coordinates display	inline,title
Coordinates region	TH
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Thailand
Government type	City municipality
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Premrudee Champunot
Established date3
Area total km2	10.815
Area blank1 km2
Population total	84,311
Population density km2	7795.7
Population density blank1 km2
Timezone	Thailand
Utc offset	+7
Elevation m
Postal code type	Postal code
Postal code	65000
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
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 (Sanphet 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 AD. Phitsanulok was also a provincial center of the Angkorian Empire during the Angkorian period. 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.

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. The eastern portion of the city has some wooded area. The city is situated in the Nan Basin, which is part of the Chao Phraya Watershed. 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

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Khmer Empire

During the 11th century, the city of Phitsanulok was but a small Khmer outpost called ''Song Khwae'', meaning ''two rivers''. At that time, the Nan and Khwae Noi Rivers both flowed through the city, making it a strategic gateway to northern Thailand.

Sukhothai 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. Phitsanulok was a major place of recruitment during Ayutthaya's war with Burma.

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. 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.

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 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) PRD-11 (television channel 11, owned and operated by the Government Public Relations Department)

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 () Wat Mai Opayaram () Wat Kuha Sawan () Wat Nong Bua () Wat Sri Wisut Tharam () Wat Sra Gaew Pratum Thong () Wat Tha Maprang ()

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 - Chiang Mai), Highway No. 12 (Mae Sot - Mukdahan) and Highway No. 117 (Phitsanulok - Nakhon Sawan).

Culture

{|style="float:right" | |} 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 Chinnasri, the Phra Sri Satsada.

Literature

Examples of important literary works of Phitsanulok include:

Lilit Yuan Pai (Thai: ลิลิตยวนพ่าย, English: "Tale of the Fall of Lanna")

Lilit Prá Lô (Thai: ลิลิตพระลอ, English: "Tale of the Hero Lô")

Klohng Táwâatsàmàat (Thai: โคลงทวาทศมาส, English: "Poem of the Twelve Months")

Gam Sŏn Sĕe Bpràat (Thai: กำศรวลศรีปราชญ์, English: "The Legendary Wise Archer's Grip")

The 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.

Sports

Dragon boat racing has historically been an important element of Phitsanulok's culture. In recent times, football (soccer) has become increasingly popular. In 2005, Phitsanulok won the 2nd Northern Youth Football Championship in the U12 and U15 age groups. 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 access 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

Sergeant-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. 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.

Buranathai Buddha Foundry

The Buranathai Buddha Foundry specializes in casting bronze Buddha images. It is the only establishment of this kind in the province. Craftspersons specialize in the reproduction of the Phra Buddha Chinnarat Buddha image. Visitors are permitted to walk along the production line.

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. 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.

Suan 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, prostitution and , HIV, 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

Poverty

It is estimated that around 10% of the population in the city of live below the poverty line.

Health Care

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.

References

Category:Populated places in Phitsanulok Province Category:Nan River

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