Nonthaburi นนทบุร

Monday 23 June 2008

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0. Nonthaburi นนทบุร

Nonthaburi นนทบุรี is one of the central provinces - changwat - of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom.

The land of elegant palaces, magnificent royal garden, Ko Kret’s famous pottery, notably old and beautiful temples, delicious durian and gorgeous city hall.

Nonthaburi is located directly north of Bangkok on the Chao Phraya river. The province is part of the greater Bangkok Metropolitan Area. In most parts it is as urbanized as the capital, and the boundary between the two provinces is nearly unrecognisable.

Nonthaburi was declared a city in the middle of the 16th century, which was previously a village named Talat Khwan. During the reign of King Prasat Thong, a canal was dug to create a shortcut of the flow of the Chao Phraya. The river changed its flow into the new canal, which is still the riverbed today. In 1665 King Narai built a fortress, as the shorter riverway was giving enemies an easier way to the capital Ayutthaya. The town was then also moved near the fortress.

From 1943 to 1946 the province was incorporated into Bangkok.

The provincial slogan translates to Grand Royal Mansion, renowned Suan Somdet, Ko Kret’s pottery, famous ancient temples, tasty durians, and the beautiful government office. The royal mansion refers to Phra Tamnak Nonthaburi in Mueang Nonthaburi district, the residence of Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn; Suan Somdet is a water garden in Pak Kret district. The provincial administration building once received an award as the most beautiful such building by the Ministry of Interior.

The province is subdivided into 6 districts - Amphoe -. The districts are further subdivided into 52 communes -Tambon - and 309 villages.