Pathum Thani province

Statistics

Capital:	Pathum Thani
Area:	1,525.9 km² Ranked 69th
Inhabitants:	669,042 (2001) Ranked 36th
Pop. density:	438 inh./km² Ranked 7th
ISO 3166-2:	TH-13
Map

Pathum Thani (Thai ปทุมธานี) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Nakhon Nayok , Chachoengsao, Bangkok and Nonthaburi.

The province is located directly north of Bangkok and is part of the Bangkok metropolis. In many parts the boundary between the two provinces is not noticeable anymore, both areas are equally urbanized.

Table of contents

1 Geography
2 History
3 Symbols
4 Administrative divisions
5 External links

Geography

The province is located in the low alluvial flats of the Chao Phraya river, which also flows through the capital city. Many canals (khlongs) cross the province and feed the rice paddies.

History

The city dates back to a settlement founded by Mon migrating from Mothama in Myanmar around 1650. The original name was Sam Khok. In 1815 King Rama II visited the city and the citizens offered him many Lotus flowers, which made the king rename the city to Pathum Thani meaning The City of lotus.

Symbols

The provincial seal shows a pink Lotus flower with two rice ears bending over it. Both symbols stand for the fertility of the province.

Provincial tree is the Indian coral tree (Erythrina variegata), provincial flower the Lotus (Nymphaea lotus).

Administrative divisions

Amphoe (districts)
Mueang Pathum Thani Khlong Luang Thanyaburi Nong Suea	Lat Lum Kaeo Lam Luk Ka Sam Khok