Sukhothai Province
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| Capital: | New Sukhothai |
| Area: | 6,596.1 km² Ranked 31st |
| Inhabitants: | 593,264 (2000) Ranked 41st |
| Pop. density: | 90 inh./km² Ranked 49th |
| ISO 3166-2: | TH-64 |
| Governor: | Wanchai Suthin (since November 2006) |
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Sukhothai (Thai: สุโขทัย) is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Phrae, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak and Lampang.
Sukhothai can be translated as Dawn of Happiness.
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[edit] Geography
Sukhothai is located in the valley of the Yom River. The Ramkhamhaeng national park in the south of the province and the Sri Satchanalai in the north-west both protect the mountainous forest areas of the province.
[edit] History
Sukhothai was found in the 13th century. It was the first truly independent Thai Kingdom, which enjoyed a golden age under King Ramkhamhaeng, who credited with creating the Thai alphabet which is essentially the same as that in use today.[1]The province is most famous for the historic city of Sukhothai, the capital of the Sukhothai kingdom. It is located about 12 km from the modern New Sukhothai city. Not far from Sukhothai is the Si Satchanalai historical park, a second city of the same time.
The province was at first known as Sawankhalok, it was renamed to Sukhothai in 1939.[2]
[edit] Symbols
| The provincial seal shows King Ramkhamhaeng the Great sitting on the Managkhasila Asana throne. Under King Ramkhamhaeng the kingdom of Sukhothai did flourished most.
Provincial tree is Afzelia xylocarpa; provincial flower is the Lotus (Nymphaea lotus). |
[edit] Administrative divisions
The province is subdivided in 9 districts (Amphoe). These are further subdivided into 86 communes (tambon) and 782 villages (muban).
[edit] Attraction place
Sukhothai Historical Park Sukhothai Historical Park is located in Tambon Muang Kao, Ampher MuangSukhothai. It is twelve kilometers away from town. It is opened daily from 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m. Ruins of the royal palaces, Buddhist temples, the city gates, walls, moats, dams, ditches, ponds,canals, and the water dyke control system, which were the magical and spiritual centre of the kingdom, are now preserved and have been restored by the Fine Arts Department with the cooperation of UNESCO. It’s not only with a view of fostering Thailand's national identity but of safeguarding a fine example of mankind's cultural heritage.
Wat Mahathat The largest temple with a customary main Chedi in lotus-bud shape and an 8 metres high Buddha image.It is located in the middle of town that reflects to prosperity of the Sukhothai architecture within the monastery are housed Phra Rattana Chedi, the pagoda of the temple, which was erected on the Charot Withithong Rd.[1]The museum collection includes gifts from the ex-abbot of Wat Ratchathani and art objects unearthed in Sukhothai and nearby provinces, so if everyone is interested in art objects, Monument of Phor Khun Ramkamhaeng museum is a good place to visit.
Sri Sachanalai Historical Park It is a place that has been registered by the UNESCO as the world’s heritage like Sukhothai historical park. It is situated at Kaeng Luang in Tambon Sri Sachanalai, Amphur Sri Sachanalai, about fifty-two kilometres away from town centre.It is formerly called "Muang Chaliang," was named "Si Satchanalai" during the reign of Phra Ruang when a new administrative centre was established to replace Chaliang.[3]Ruins of 134 monuments have been discovered within the park.
Ramkhamhaeng National Park
Ramkhamhaeng National Park is a place that is widely known as Pa Kho Luang. It covers an area of about 341 square kilometers, or 213,125 rai. It is blessed with wildlife, birds, natural beauties including fertile tropical jungles and mountain. Ramkhamhaeng National Park, within the province of Sukhothai, is surrounded by the districts of Kirimas, Ban Dan Lan Hoi, and the provincial capital of Sukhothai.
Khao Luang Khao Luang is an important source of water for its’ surrounding areas.[1] This exquisite national park with a combined natural and historical background covers an area of 341 square kilometres, and was declared to be a national park on October 27, 1980.[4]High hills and steep cliffs some over 1,200 metres above sea level, together with fascinating falls, different species to plants and wildlife are some of the major attractions available in this park offered to nature loving tourists or visitors. Furthermore, the archaeological and historical sites with ancient remains and relics make the park even more attractive, especially for critics and theologians.[4] The park also contains a lot of natural beauties such as the Khao Luang mountain range, Sai Rung Waterfall, an herbal garden, and the Savannah located in the high country of the Khao Luang range. High country of the Khao Luang mountain range: The 4 main peaks of the park are within the high country. These peaks offer beautiful views. Khao Phu Ka and Khao Phra Mae Ya at 1,200 meters above sea level are the park's highest summits. Looking up from the park's headquarters one can see the outline of a woman, in what some people would say is a very suggestive position, on one of the ridgelines.
Sri Sachanalai National Park Sri Sachanalai National Park was proclaimed a national park on 8 May, 1981. With a total area of 213 square kilometres in Amphoe Si Satchanalai and Amphoe Thung Saliam of Sukhothai Province, Si Satchanalai National Park offers trekking routes through waterfalls and caves. There is Tad Dao Waterfall, originated from the Tha Pae stream The 30-meter-high fall is wonderful. Ideal for rest and relaxation.[1] Thara Wasan Cave, blessed with fantastic stalactites and stalagmites, is located about 1.5 km away from the park's office. Wildlife, in particular hundred thousands of bats is found here.Tad Duan Waterfall, situated about 500 meters away form the office of the park, is ideal for swimming. Coveniently accessible. Everyone can enjoy
[edit] Festivals
Phor Khun Ramkhamhaeng’s Day Festival Phor Khun Ramkhamhaeng’s Day Festival, annually held on January 17. It honors of the Great King of Sukhothai Kingdom. In this day, people will visit to the Monument of Phor Khun Ramkamhaeng the Great for praising Phor Khun Ramkhamhaeng. People will make merit and present food to a Buddhist priest. At the night, there are merrymaking and many shows that all people can enjoy.
Song Nam Aui Than Festival Song Nam Aui Than Festival is annually held on April 12, Songkran Ceremony in the SriSathanalai Historical Park. It exhibits the Buddha image procession from Wat Phra Prang to the Historical Park for people who want to pour the water over the Buddha image.
Si Sachanalai Ordination Celebration Si Sachanalai Ordination Celebration is called by Thais as "Buat Chang Hat Siao", held annually during 7-8 April at Ban Hat Sieo, Ampher Si Sachanalai.It features a spectacular procession of ordination candidates in colourful costumer on the backs of some 20-30 decorated elephants.
Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival The tradition derived from traditional beliefs common to communities living along the banks of a river or waterway. It has become a need to worship and supplicate the Khongkla to avoid bad luck, to worship the gods in the Brahmin tradition, or to revere the Buddha's footprint. The celebrations are normally organized in the 12th month when the tide is high and the air is cool. The Krathongs or floats have been made in the form of lotus. There is also a reference, in the Sila Charuek, to candle lighting and playing with firework in a grand festival believed to be similar to the candle lighting and firework as practiced in the current Loi Krathongs Festival.[3] In this festival, there are Nang Nopphamat procession, exhibitions, lighting of lantern at the historical site, Loi Krathong and fireworks over all waterways, and Krathong competition.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d Tourthainet. (2006). Sukhothai. Retrieved February 4, 2007, from http://www.tourthai.net/province/sukhothai/index.php
- ^ "พระราชกฤษฎีกาเปลี่ยนนามจังหวัดและอำเภอบางแห่ง พุทธศักราช ๒๔๘๒" (in Thai) (April 17 1939). Royal Gazette 56 (0 ก): 351-353.
- ^ a b Circle of Asia. (2005).Thailand grand festival. Retrieved February 6,2007, from http://www.thailandgrandfestival.com/festival.asp?festID=289
- ^ a b Tourism Authority of Thailand.(2007). Sukhothai: Attraction. Retrieved February 4, 2007, from http://www.tourismthailand.org/attraction/sukhothai-64-3832-1.html
[edit] External links
- Website of the Province
- Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand
- Sukhothai provincial map, coat of arms and postal stamp
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