Phitsanulok
Encyclopedia
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.
and Khwae Noi
Rivers met near the city. Today, only the Nan River
flows through Phitsanulok.
and Khwae Noi
Rivers both flowed through the city, making it a strategic gateway to northern Thailand.
ordered the restoration of Wat Ratchaburana
.
decent.
. Some residents speak English
as well.
Buddhists (as are 95% of the Thai population as a whole), although some minority religions are practiced.
(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.
which located inside Naresuan University
, Tambon Tha Pho
, 10 kilometers south of the city center.
. 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).
Much of the culture in the city centers around the Theravada
Buddhist traditions of its residents.
Buddhist religion. Buddhism is practiced at the many temples or wat located throughout the city.
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
.
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.
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.
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.
Wat Chula Manee
is also located several kilometers outside the city in Tha Thong
.
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.
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.
near Wat Phra Sri Rattana Maharat, though regretably in recent years these are becoming fewer. A houseboat museum is also open for visitors.
the Great, and contains a King Naresuan the Great Shrine.
.
. Food and local products are sold to attendees.
in the Nan River
. Each dragon boat has a crew of approximately 30 oarsmen.
, 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
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
and is the capital of Phitsanulok Province
Phitsanulok Province
Phitsanulok is a provinces of Thailand, located in the north. Neighboring provinces are Loei, Phetchabun, Phichit, Kamphaeng Phet, Sukhothai, Uttaradit. In the north-east it also has a short border with Xaignabouli of Laos....
, 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
Naresuan
Somdet Phra Naresuan Maharat or Somdet Phra Sanphet II was the King of the Ayutthaya kingdom from 1590 until his death in 1605. Naresuan was one of Siam's most revered monarchs as he was known for his campaigns to free Siam from Burmese rule...
, 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
Ayutthaya (city)
Ayutthaya city is the capital of Ayutthaya province in Thailand. Located in the valley of the Chao Phraya River. The city was founded in 1350 by King U Thong, who went there to escape a smallpox outbreak in Lop Buri and proclaimed it the capital of his kingdom, often referred to as the 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
Khwae Noi River, Phitsanulok
The Khwae Noi River is a river in northern Thailand. It shares the same name as another river in Thailand, the popular tourist attraction also known as "The River Kwai." These are two distinct bodies of water.-Etymology:...
changed its course in the 11th century AD. Phitsanulok was also a provincial center of the Angkorian Empire
Angkor
Angkor is a region of Cambodia that served as the seat of the Khmer Empire, which flourished from approximately the 9th to 15th centuries. The word Angkor is derived from the Sanskrit nagara , meaning "city"...
during the Angkorian period. Phitsanulok is home to Naresuan University
Naresuan University
Naresuan University is a government sponsored university in Phitsanulok, northern Thailand. It was established as a separate university on July 29, 1990, which was the 400th anniversary of the start of the reign of Phitsanulok-born King Naresuan the Great. A courtyard with a statue of King...
and Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University
Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University
-History:The university was first established in 1926 as a teacher training school under the Royal Thai government's Primary School Act of 1921. His Majesty King Rama VII bestowed the name Phitsanuwittayayon School and attended the opening on January 7, 1926 accompanied by Her Majesty Queen...
, 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 VishnuVishnuVishnu is the Supreme god in the Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism. Smarta followers of Adi Shankara, among others, venerate Vishnu as one of the five primary forms of God....
, 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.
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 NanNan River
The Nan River is a river in Thailand. It is one of the most important tributaries of the Chao Phraya River.-Geography:The Nan River originates in Nan Province. The provinces along the river after Nan Province are Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phichit. The Yom River joins the Nan River at Chum Saeng...
and Khwae Noi
Khwae Noi River, Phitsanulok
The Khwae Noi River is a river in northern Thailand. It shares the same name as another river in Thailand, the popular tourist attraction also known as "The River Kwai." These are two distinct bodies of water.-Etymology:...
Rivers met near the city. Today, only the Nan River
Nan River
The Nan River is a river in Thailand. It is one of the most important tributaries of the Chao Phraya River.-Geography:The Nan River originates in Nan Province. The provinces along the river after Nan Province are Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phichit. The Yom River joins the Nan River at Chum Saeng...
flows through Phitsanulok.
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 NanNan River
The Nan River is a river in Thailand. It is one of the most important tributaries of the Chao Phraya River.-Geography:The Nan River originates in Nan Province. The provinces along the river after Nan Province are Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phichit. The Yom River joins the Nan River at Chum Saeng...
and Khwae Noi
Khwae Noi River, Phitsanulok
The Khwae Noi River is a river in northern Thailand. It shares the same name as another river in Thailand, the popular tourist attraction also known as "The River Kwai." These are two distinct bodies of water.-Etymology:...
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 KingdomSukhothai kingdomThe Sukhothai Kingdom ) was an early kingdom in the area around the city Sukhothai, in north central Thailand. The Kingdom existed from 1238 till 1438...
. - Construction of Wat Aranyik and Wat Chedi Yod ThongWat Chedi Yod Thong-History:Wat Chedi Yod Thong was constructed during the Sukhothai era.-Features:The temple is famous for its Sukhothai-style bud shaped chedi. This chedi is the only remaining one of this style in Phitsanulok Province. On the campus, there is a complex of monk houses, facing a small lake, and...
Ayutthaya Period
- Wat Phra Sri Rattana MahathatWat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat WoramahawihanWat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat Woramahawihan is a Buddhist temple in Phitsanulok, Thailand, where it is located on the bank of the Nan River near the Naresuan Bridge.- History :...
was constructed in 1357. - King BorommatrailokanatBorommatrailokanatSomdet Phra Ramesuan Boromma Trailokanat Bopit was the king of Ayutthaya from 1448 to 1488. He was also known as Phra Chao Chang Pueak for his gain of auspicious white elephant. His reign was also known for a massive reforms of Siamese bureaucracy and a successful campaign against Lanna...
moved the capital of the Ayutthaya kingdomAyutthaya kingdomAyutthaya was a Siamese kingdom that existed from 1350 to 1767. Ayutthaya was friendly towards foreign traders, including the Chinese, Vietnamese , Indians, Japanese and Persians, and later the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and French, permitting them to set up villages outside the walls of the...
to Phitsanulok in 1463 to strengthen the northern boundary of the kingdom. - Construction of Wat RatchaburanaWat Ratchaburana, PhitsanulokWat Ratchaburana is a Buddhist temple in Phitsanulok, Thailand.-Geography:Wat Ratchaburana lies in the center of Phitsanulok, on the west bank of the Nan River, and to the south of the main temple of the province, Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat Woramahawihan...
and Wat Nang PhayaWat Nang Phaya-Geography:Wat Nang Phaya is located on the eastern bank of the Nan River. Wat Nang Phaya links to the campus of Wat Ratchaburana.-History:Wat Nang Phaya is said to have been built when Phitsanulok was ruled by King Trailokanat .-Features:...
during reign of King BorommatrailokanatBorommatrailokanatSomdet Phra Ramesuan Boromma Trailokanat Bopit was the king of Ayutthaya from 1448 to 1488. He was also known as Phra Chao Chang Pueak for his gain of auspicious white elephant. His reign was also known for a massive reforms of Siamese bureaucracy and a successful campaign against Lanna... - King Borommatrailokanat's successor Boromma Ratchathirat III returned the capital of the Ayutthaya kingdomAyutthaya kingdomAyutthaya was a Siamese kingdom that existed from 1350 to 1767. Ayutthaya was friendly towards foreign traders, including the Chinese, Vietnamese , Indians, Japanese and Persians, and later the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and French, permitting them to set up villages outside the walls of the...
to Ayutthaya. - In 1555, King NaresuanNaresuanSomdet Phra Naresuan Maharat or Somdet Phra Sanphet II was the King of the Ayutthaya kingdom from 1590 until his death in 1605. Naresuan was one of Siam's most revered monarchs as he was known for his campaigns to free Siam from Burmese rule...
the Great was born in the city. - Phitsanulok was a major place of recruitment during AyutthayaAyutthaya kingdomAyutthaya was a Siamese kingdom that existed from 1350 to 1767. Ayutthaya was friendly towards foreign traders, including the Chinese, Vietnamese , Indians, Japanese and Persians, and later the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and French, permitting them to set up villages outside the walls of the...
's war with Burma. - Mother-of-pearl inlaid doors were built for the entrance to Wat Phra Sri Rattana MahathatWat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat WoramahawihanWat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat Woramahawihan is a Buddhist temple in Phitsanulok, Thailand, where it is located on the bank of the Nan River near the Naresuan Bridge.- History :...
in 1756 by order of King BoromakotBoromakotSomdet Phra Chaoyuhua Boromakot or Somdet Phra Boromaracha Dhiraj III was the king of Ayutthaya from 1732 to 1758. His reign was the last blooming period of Ayutthaya as the kingdom would fall nine years after his death....
. - 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 MongkutMongkut
Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramenthramaha Mongkut Phra Chom Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Rama IV, known in foreign countries as King Mongkut , was the fourth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri, ruling from 1851-1868...
ordered the restoration of Wat Ratchaburana
Wat Ratchaburana, Phitsanulok
Wat Ratchaburana is a Buddhist temple in Phitsanulok, Thailand.-Geography:Wat Ratchaburana lies in the center of Phitsanulok, on the west bank of the Nan River, and to the south of the main temple of the province, Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat Woramahawihan...
.
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 RiverNan RiverThe Nan River is a river in Thailand. It is one of the most important tributaries of the Chao Phraya River.-Geography:The Nan River originates in Nan Province. The provinces along the river after Nan Province are Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phichit. The Yom River joins the Nan River at Chum Saeng...
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 ForceRoyal Thai Air ForceThe Royal Thai Air Force or RTAF is the air force of the Kingdom of Thailand. Since its establishment in 1913, as one of the earliest air forces of Asia, the Royal Thai Air Force had engaged in many major and minor battles. During the Vietnam war era, the air force has been developed with USAF-aid...
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 PoliceRoyal Thai PoliceThe Royal Thai Police are the national police of Thailand.-About:Primary responsibility for the maintenance of public order through enforcement of the kingdom's laws was exercised by the Thailand National Police Department , a subdivision of the Ministry of Interior...
), 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)
Ethnic Diversity
The majority ethnicity in the city is Thai. Others in the city consider themselves of MonMon people
The Mon are an ethnic group from Burma , living mostly in Mon State, Bago Division, the Irrawaddy Delta, and along the southern Thai–Burmese border. One of the earliest peoples to reside in Southeast Asia, the Mon were responsible for the spread of Theravada Buddhism in Burma and Thailand...
decent.
Language
The vast majority of residents of Phitsanulok speak Central ThaiThai language
Thai , also known as Central Thai and Siamese, is the national and official language of Thailand and the native language of the Thai people, Thailand's dominant ethnic group. Thai is a member of the Tai group of the Tai–Kadai language family. Historical linguists have been unable to definitively...
. Some residents speak English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
as well.
Religion
The people of Phitsanulok are predominantly TheravadaTheravada
Theravada ; literally, "the Teaching of the Elders" or "the Ancient Teaching", is the oldest surviving Buddhist school. It was founded in India...
Buddhists (as are 95% of the Thai population as a whole), although some minority religions are practiced.
Educational Institutions
Naresuan UniversityNaresuan University
Naresuan University is a government sponsored university in Phitsanulok, northern Thailand. It was established as a separate university on July 29, 1990, which was the 400th anniversary of the start of the reign of Phitsanulok-born King Naresuan the Great. A courtyard with a statue of King...
(abbreviated as Mor Nor for Mahawithayalai Naresuan) is an educational center of the Lower Northern region of Thailand. Located in Tambon Tha Pho
Tha Pho
Tha Pho is a subdistrict in the Mueang Phitsanulok District of Phitsanulok Province, Thailand.-Geography:The topology of Tha Pho is flat lowlands. The subdistrict is bordered to the north by Tha Thong, to the east by Bueng Phra, to the south by Wat Phrik and to the west by Amphoe Bang Rakam. Tha...
, near the city of Phitsanulok, the university is named after King Naresuan
Naresuan
Somdet Phra Naresuan Maharat or Somdet Phra Sanphet II was the King of the Ayutthaya kingdom from 1590 until his death in 1605. Naresuan was one of Siam's most revered monarchs as he was known for his campaigns to free Siam from Burmese rule...
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
Rajamangala University of Technology
Rajamangala University of Technology , RMUT, is a system of nine universities in Thailand providing undergraduate and graduate level of education. It was elevated to university level in 2005...
. 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 HospitalNaresuan University Hospital
Naresuan University Hospital is a primary teaching hospital of the Faculty of Medicine Naresuan University, located on the campus of Naresuan University in Phitsanulok, Thailand...
which located inside Naresuan University
Naresuan University
Naresuan University is a government sponsored university in Phitsanulok, northern Thailand. It was established as a separate university on July 29, 1990, which was the 400th anniversary of the start of the reign of Phitsanulok-born King Naresuan the Great. A courtyard with a statue of King...
, Tambon Tha Pho
Tha Pho
Tha Pho is a subdistrict in the Mueang Phitsanulok District of Phitsanulok Province, Thailand.-Geography:The topology of Tha Pho is flat lowlands. The subdistrict is bordered to the north by Tha Thong, to the east by Bueng Phra, to the south by Wat Phrik and to the west by Amphoe Bang Rakam. Tha...
, 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 MahathatWat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat WoramahawihanWat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat Woramahawihan is a Buddhist temple in Phitsanulok, Thailand, where it is located on the bank of the Nan River near the Naresuan Bridge.- History :...
- Wat RatchaburanaWat Ratchaburana, PhitsanulokWat Ratchaburana is a Buddhist temple in Phitsanulok, Thailand.-Geography:Wat Ratchaburana lies in the center of Phitsanulok, on the west bank of the Nan River, and to the south of the main temple of the province, Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat Woramahawihan...
- Wat AranyikWat Aranyik-History:Wat Aranyik was constructed during the Sukhothai Period.-Features:On the temple grounds, there is a modern temple with a monastery and modern temple buildings. There is also a large area of ruins where the old temple of the Sukhothai period once stood. Still standing from the original...
- Wat Nang PhayaWat Nang Phaya-Geography:Wat Nang Phaya is located on the eastern bank of the Nan River. Wat Nang Phaya links to the campus of Wat Ratchaburana.-History:Wat Nang Phaya is said to have been built when Phitsanulok was ruled by King Trailokanat .-Features:...
- Wat Chedi Yod ThongWat Chedi Yod Thong-History:Wat Chedi Yod Thong was constructed during the Sukhothai era.-Features:The temple is famous for its Sukhothai-style bud shaped chedi. This chedi is the only remaining one of this style in Phitsanulok Province. On the campus, there is a complex of monk houses, facing a small lake, and...
- 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 SukhothaiSukhothai historical park
The Sukhothai Historical Park ) covers the ruins of Sukhothai, capital of the Sukhothai kingdom in the 13th and 14th centuries, in what is now the north of Thailand. It is located near the modern city of Sukhothai, capital of the province with the same name....
. The city can be reached by both rail and air (Phitsanulok Airport
Phitsanulok Airport
Phitsanulok Airport is an airport serving Phitsanulok, a city in the Phitsanulok Province of Thailand. The airport is located south of the city's downtown area.-Airlines and destinations:- Miscellaneous :...
), 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
Much of the culture in the city centers around the Theravada
Theravada
Theravada ; literally, "the Teaching of the Elders" or "the Ancient Teaching", is the oldest surviving Buddhist school. It was founded in India...
Buddhist traditions of its residents.
Theravada Buddhism
Most residents are active followers of the TheravadaTheravada
Theravada ; literally, "the Teaching of the Elders" or "the Ancient Teaching", is the oldest surviving Buddhist school. It was founded in India...
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 LannaLannaThe Kingdom of Lanna was a kingdom centered in present-day northern Thailand from the 13th to 18th centuries. The cultural development of the people of Lanna, the Tai Yuan people, had begun long before as successive Tai Yuan kingdoms preceded 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
Thai language
Thai , also known as Central Thai and Siamese, is the national and official language of Thailand and the native language of the Thai people, Thailand's dominant ethnic group. Thai is a member of the Tai group of the Tai–Kadai language family. Historical linguists have been unable to definitively...
, which is written in the Thai alphabet
Thai alphabet
Thai script , is used to write the Thai language and other, minority, languages in Thailand. It has forty-four consonants , fifteen vowel symbols that combine into at least twenty-eight vowel forms, and four tone marks ....
.
Sports
Dragon boatDragon boat
A dragon boat is a human-powered watercraft traditionally made, in the Pearl River delta region of southern China - Guangdong Province, of teak wood to various designs and sizes. In other parts of China different woods are used to build these traditional watercraft...
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 cultureWestern culture
Western culture, sometimes equated with Western civilization or European civilization, refers to cultures of European origin and is used very broadly to refer to a heritage of social norms, ethical values, traditional customs, religious beliefs, political systems, and specific artifacts and...
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.
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 BoromakotBoromakot
Somdet Phra Chaoyuhua Boromakot or Somdet Phra Boromaracha Dhiraj III was the king of Ayutthaya from 1732 to 1758. His reign was the last blooming period of Ayutthaya as the kingdom would fall nine years after his death....
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 RatchaburanaWat Ratchaburana, PhitsanulokWat Ratchaburana is a Buddhist temple in Phitsanulok, Thailand.-Geography:Wat Ratchaburana lies in the center of Phitsanulok, on the west bank of the Nan River, and to the south of the main temple of the province, Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat Woramahawihan...
- Wat AranyikWat Aranyik-History:Wat Aranyik was constructed during the Sukhothai Period.-Features:On the temple grounds, there is a modern temple with a monastery and modern temple buildings. There is also a large area of ruins where the old temple of the Sukhothai period once stood. Still standing from the original...
is a Sukhothai eraSukhothai kingdomThe Sukhothai Kingdom ) was an early kingdom in the area around the city Sukhothai, in north central Thailand. The Kingdom existed from 1238 till 1438...
temple, surrounded by moats. - Wat Nang PhayaWat Nang Phaya-Geography:Wat Nang Phaya is located on the eastern bank of the Nan River. Wat Nang Phaya links to the campus of Wat Ratchaburana.-History:Wat Nang Phaya is said to have been built when Phitsanulok was ruled by King Trailokanat .-Features:...
- Wat Chedi Yod ThongWat Chedi Yod Thong-History:Wat Chedi Yod Thong was constructed during the Sukhothai era.-Features:The temple is famous for its Sukhothai-style bud shaped chedi. This chedi is the only remaining one of this style in Phitsanulok Province. On the campus, there is a complex of monk houses, facing a small lake, and...
Wat Chula Manee
Wat Chula Manee
Wat Chula Manee is a Buddhist temple in Ban Wat Chula Manee, Tha Thong Subdistrict, Mueang Phitsanulok District, Phitsanulok Province, Thailand-History:Wat Chula Manee is the oldest standing temple in Phitsanulok Province. It was built in the Sukhothai era....
is also located several kilometers outside the city in Tha Thong
Tha Thong
Tha Thong is a subdistrict in the Mueang Phitsanulok District of Phitsanulok Province, Thailand.-Geography:Tha Thong is bordered to the northeast by Wat Chan, to the east by Bueng Phra, to the south by Tha Pho and to the west by Bang Rakam of Amphoe Bang Rakam...
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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 chediStupa
A stupa is a mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics, typically the remains of Buddha, used by Buddhists as a place of worship....
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
Nan River Houseboats
Phitsanulok is known throughout Thailand for the houseboats which still line the Nan RiverNan River
The Nan River is a river in Thailand. It is one of the most important tributaries of the Chao Phraya River.-Geography:The Nan River originates in Nan Province. The provinces along the river after Nan Province are Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phichit. The Yom River joins the Nan River at Chum Saeng...
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 NaresuanNaresuan
Somdet Phra Naresuan Maharat or Somdet Phra Sanphet II was the King of the Ayutthaya kingdom from 1590 until his death in 1605. Naresuan was one of Siam's most revered monarchs as he was known for his campaigns to free Siam from Burmese rule...
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 WoramahawihanWat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat Woramahawihan
Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat Woramahawihan is a Buddhist temple in Phitsanulok, Thailand, where it is located on the bank of the Nan River near the Naresuan Bridge.- History :...
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Suan Chom Nan Park Festival
The Suan Chom Nan Park festival is held twice a year along the Nan RiverNan River
The Nan River is a river in Thailand. It is one of the most important tributaries of the Chao Phraya River.-Geography:The Nan River originates in Nan Province. The provinces along the river after Nan Province are Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phichit. The Yom River joins the Nan River at Chum Saeng...
. 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 WoramahawihanWat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat Woramahawihan
Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat Woramahawihan is a Buddhist temple in Phitsanulok, Thailand, where it is located on the bank of the Nan River near the Naresuan Bridge.- History :...
in the Nan River
Nan River
The Nan River is a river in Thailand. It is one of the most important tributaries of the Chao Phraya River.-Geography:The Nan River originates in Nan Province. The provinces along the river after Nan Province are Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phichit. The Yom River joins the Nan River at Chum Saeng...
. Each dragon boat has a crew of approximately 30 oarsmen.
Issues of Public Concern
Primary issues of public concern within the province are povertyPoverty
Poverty is the lack of a certain amount of material possessions or money. Absolute poverty or destitution is inability to afford basic human needs, which commonly includes clean and fresh water, nutrition, health care, education, clothing and shelter. About 1.7 billion people are estimated to live...
, health care
Health care
Health care is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, illness, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in humans. Health care is delivered by practitioners in medicine, chiropractic, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, allied health, and other care providers...
, pollution
Pollution
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into a natural environment that causes instability, disorder, harm or discomfort to the ecosystem i.e. physical systems or living organisms. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat or light...
, education
Education
Education in its broadest, general sense is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people lives on from one generation to the next. Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts...
,
prostitution
Prostitution
Prostitution is the act or practice of providing sexual services to another person in return for payment. The person who receives payment for sexual services is called a prostitute and the person who receives such services is known by a multitude of terms, including a "john". Prostitution is one of...
and
, HIV
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus is a lentivirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome , a condition in humans in which progressive failure of the immune system allows life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers to thrive...
,
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