Phitsanulok (Thai พิษณุโลก) is one of the provinces (changwat) of Thailand, located in the North of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from east clockwise) Loei, Phetchabun, Phichit, Kamphaeng Phet, Sukhothai, Uttaradit. In the north-east it also has a short border with Laos.

Geography

Phitsanulok is also sometimes called Song Kwae, city of the two rivers. The Nan and the Kwe Noi rivers meet near the city. Three national parks are located in the province: Thung Salaeng Luang at the border to the Phetchabun province, Phu Hin Rong Kla at the border to the Loei province, and Namtok Chat Trakan, with a waterfall as the source of the Kew Noi river.

History

During the reign of King Boromtrailokanat (1448-1488) Phitsanulok was the capital of the Ayutthaya kingdom. In 1555 King Naresuan the Great was born in the city.

Symbols

The seal of the province shows Pra Buddha Chinnarat, which is considered one of the most beautiful Buddha images of Thailand. It is located in the Wat Mahathat temple in the city Phitsanulok. The provincial symbol flower is the Yellow Flamboyant (Peltophorum pterocarpum ), provincial tree is Millingtonia hortensis .

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided in 9 districts (Amphoe). These are further subdivided into 93 communes (tambon) and 993 villages (mubaan).

External links

• Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand
• Golden Jubilee Network province guide