- published: 30 Jun 2012
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Uttaradit (Thai: อุตรดิตถ์, pronounced [ʔùt.tā.rā.dìt]) is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from south clockwise) Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Phrae and Nan. To the east it borders Xaignabouli of Laos.
Uttaradit means northern landing, as it was formerly a trade center on the Nan river.
In the Sukhothai era several city states (Mueang) subject to the king were located in the area of the modern province. Mueang Fang was in modern day Mueang Uttaradit district, Mueng Thung Yang in Laplae, and Mueang Ta Chuchok in Tron district.
During the Ayutthaya kingdom, Mueang Phichai was one of the 16 main Mueang of the Thai kingdom. In the reign of King Naresuan, the ruler of Phichai rebelled, joined by the ruler of Sawankhalok. Their revolt was suppressed and the inhabitants of both cities were forced to move south to Phitsanulok.
Following the fall of the city of Ayutthaya to the Burmese in 1767, Phichai was the site of several battles against the invaders. The ruler of Phichai succeeded in driving back the Burmese and was awarded the title Phraya Phichai Dabhak - the "Lord of Pichai with a Broken Sword", as he had broken one of his swords in fierce hand to hand combat with the enemy.
Uttaradit (Thai pronunciation: [ʔùt.tā.rā.dìt]) is a town (thesaban mueang) in Thailand, capital of the Uttaradit province. The town covers the whole tambon Tha It of Mueang Uttaradit district. As of 2005 it has a population of 36,313.
During the Sukhothai era, Uttaradit rose to prominence with it marking the northern border of the kingdom.
Uttaradit is served by a station on the State Railway of Thailand. Beside the Railway, you can access Uttaradit by driving a car, riding a bus from Bus Terminal of Thailand. The nearest airport is at Phitsanulok.
The Wat Tha Thanon temple in Uttaradit is home to a historic Luang Phor Phet Buddha image dating back to the thirteenth century.
Within Uttaradit city limits one of the largest stores is Lotus. This store offers both food and household products, appliances, electronics, pharmacy, clothing and jewelry. The complex also hosts a small food court of local Thai cuisine and the Western food chains of KFC and Dunken Donuts. Outside of the Lotus complex visitors can browse from an array of tidy local vendors selling handbags, gadgets and shoes.