Coordinates	35°55′18.71″N74°17′21.15″N
name	Phetchabun
native name	เพชรบูรณ์
native name lang	th
settlement type	Province
image seal	Seal Phetchabun.png
map caption	Map of Thailand highlighting Phetchabun Province
coordinates display	inline,title
subdivision type	Country
subdivision name
seat type	Capital
seat	Mueang Phetchabun
leader title	Governor
leader name	Thawatchai Thoetphaothai (since October 2009)
area total km2	12668.4
area rank	Ranked 9th
population total	965784
population as of	2000
population rank	Ranked 19th
population density km2	auto
population density rank	Ranked 55th
timezone1	Thailand Standard Time
utc offset1	+7
iso code	TH-67
footnotes	}}

Phetchabun () 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.

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided in 11 districts (''amphoe''). These are further subdivided into 117 subdistricts (''tambon'') and 1261 villages (''muban''). {| |--- valign=top || #Mueang Phetchabun #Chon Daen #Lom Sak #Lom Kao #Wichian Buri #Si Thep ||

7. Nong Phai
8. Bueng Sam Phan
9. Nam Nao
10. Wang Pong
11. Khao Kho

|}

Transport

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

How to get there

By Train

There is no railway system to Phetchabun

By Car

Road No.1 from capital city(Bangkok) to Saraburi province and then Road No.21 to Petchabun

Road No.12 from Khonkaen (central province of the northeastern region) to Lom Sak and then Road 21. southward 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. 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 – namely the Sukhothai Kingdom, and the Ayutthaya Period of the great King Narai.

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.

From historical evidence, it is believed that Phetchabun was established by two kingdoms – namely 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 is plenty of crops. The reason for being given its name is because the province is very fertile and full of natural resources.

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.

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.

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 (''Tamarindus indica'').

Khao Kho

The most engaging national park of Phetchabun Province is Khao Kho National Park, about 1 hour northwest of Phetchabun town. It was designated to be " Little Switzerland" from many visitors, because of beautiful scenery and cool weather like Switzerland. 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.

Nam Nao National Park

Fifty kilometers from the west of Lom Sak District is Nam Nao National Park. It is immense tract of forest still in its original state. It is filled with pineries, glasslands and virgin jungles. Nam Nao Park is a huge conservation park where people can learn about plants, wild animals or outdoor activities. Visitors can touch with the great nature and a large number of wild animals closely with trekking. If not, Nam Noa is a paradise of people who love to watch the birds. It is habitat for more than 100 species of birds. The winter is the most popular season that a great deal of tourists usually come to visit because they can touch with the beautiful sea of frog and the alluring of the forest with many varieties of trees. The mountains and forests create a cooler climate in the park. The daytime, temperatures are very pleasant with an average annual temperature of 25 Degree Celsius. The coldest month is being November that temperature as low as 0 degree celsius among the frost and beautiful pineries.

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.

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.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.

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. There are also remains of several ponds spread out all over the area. 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. In 2000, it got a Thailand Tourism Award for guaranteeing welfare of culture and ancient buildings.

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 surrounding.

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:

Tham Pha Hong (ถ้ำผาหงส์) Within the caves are formations of stalactites and stalagmites. It is also a point from which to view the scenery at sunset.

Ban Paek Pinery (สวนสนบ้านแปก), 5 kilometres off the main road at km.49.

Phu Kum Khao Pinery (สวนสนภูกุ่มข้าว), 15 kilometres off the main road at km.53. Dense rolls of pine trees cover an area of about 10 square kilometres.

Namtok Heo Sai & Namtok Sai Thong (น้ำตกเหวทรายและน้ำตกทรายทอง), 1 kilometre and 1.5 kilometres respectively off the main road at km. 67.

Kong Cliffs (ผาล้อมผากอง) which are 5 kilometres from the main road at km. 40 and the

Tham Yai Nam Nao (ถ้ำใหญ่น้ำหนาว) near km. 60.

Local Products

Sweet Tamarind (มะขามหวาน), sweet tamarinds, are an agro crop which earn good income for the local growers. A fair to publicise this fruit is held annually during January - February.

Khanom Chin (ขนมจีน), 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.

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 10 th 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.

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.

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. 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.

Gallery

References

External links

Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand

Website of Province (Thai)

Maps & attractions in Phetchabun

Phetchabun provincial map, coat of arms and postal stamp

Category:Provinces of Thailand

ace:Propinsi Phetchabun ar:محافظة فيتشابون zh-min-nan:Phetchabun Hú de:Phetchabun (Provinz) es:Provincia de Phetchabun fr:Province de Phetchabun gl:Provincia Phetchabun ko:펫차분 주 bpy:চাংৱাত ফেতচাবুন id:Provinsi Phetchabun it:Provincia di Phetchabun ms:Phetchabun nl:Changwat Phetchabun ja:ペッチャブーン県 no:Phetchabun (provins) pnb:صوبہ پھٹچابن pt:Phetchabun (província) ru:Пхетчабун (провинция) sco:Phetchabun Province simple:Phetchabun Province fi:Phetchabun sv:Phetchabun tl:Lalawigan ng Phetchabun th:จังหวัดเพชรบูรณ์ tg:Вилояти Петчабун vi:Phetchabun (tỉnh) war:Phetchabun (lalawigan) wuu:碧差汶府 zh:碧差汶府

Phetchabun is a town (''thesaban mueang'') in Thailand, capital of the Phetchabun Province. It covers the ''tambon'' Nai Mueang of the Phetchabun district, along the Pa Sak River. As of 2005, it has a population of 23,823.

From historical evidence, it is believed that Phetchabun was established by two kingdoms – namely 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 is plenty of crops. The reason for being given its name is because the province is very fertile and full of natural resources.

External links

Phetchabun

Category:Populated places in Thailand de:Phetchabun fr:Phetchabun ko:펫차분 nl:Phetchabun (stad) no:Phetchabun simple:Phetchabun wuu:Phetchabun Province