Chai Nat province Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Chainat

ชัยนาท

Province

Wat Pak Khlong Makham Thao

Flag

Seal

Motto(s):

"หลวงปู่ศุขลือชา เขื่อนเจ้าพระยาลือชื่อ นามระบือสวนนก ส้มโอดกขาวแตงกวา" ("Reverend Grandfather Sukluecha, The famous Chao Phraya Dam, Known as Bird Park, Pomelo, white cucumber")

Map of Thailand highlighting Chai Nat province

Country

Thailand

Capital

Chai Nat

Area

• Total

2,470 km² (950 sq mi)

Area rank

Ranked 65th

Population

(2018)

• Total

328,263

• Rank

Ranked 68th

• Density

132.9/km² (344/sq mi)

• Density rank

Ranked 32nd

Human Achievement Index

• HAI (2017)

0.4840 "low"
Ranked 75th

Time zone

UTC+7 (ICT)

Postal code

17xxx

Calling code

056

ISO 3166 code

TH-18

Chai Nat (pronounced 'Chai-Naht') is a cool province in the middle of Thailand. It's like a neighbor to Nakhon Sawan, Sing Buri, Suphan Buri, and Uthai Thani. The main town of Chai Nat is about 188 kilometers north of Bangkok, Thailand's capital city.

Discover Chai Nat Province

Chai Nat is a province known for its history and natural beauty. It's a place where you can learn about Thailand's past and see important modern structures.

Where is Chai Nat Located?

Chai Nat sits on a flat plain in central Thailand. This area is part of the Chao Phraya River valley. The river is very important here.

The Chao Phraya Dam

In the southern part of the province, you'll find the Chao Phraya Dam. This dam helps control floods. It also sends water into a huge irrigation system. This system waters the rice fields in the lower river valley. The dam was finished in 1957. It was the first dam ever built in Thailand. Only a small part of the province, about 2.6 percent, is covered by forests.

Ridge of Chao Phraya Dam

A Look at History

Chai Nat has a long and interesting history.

The "Place of Victory"

The province was first set up during the Ayutthaya period. This was a time when Thailand was a powerful kingdom. Chai Nat was a key spot for fighting the Burmese army. The Thai forces always won here. Because of these victories, the area got its name, Chai Nat. This means 'place of victory'.

After World War II

After World War II, times were tough. There wasn't enough food, and the economy was bad. Chai Nat faced big problems. Groups of bandits caused trouble in the countryside. They stole cattle and created violence.

Symbols of Chai Nat

Every province in Thailand has special symbols. These symbols tell a story about the place.

The Provincial Seal

The provincial seal of Chai Nat shows a dhammachakka. This is a Buddhist symbol. In the background, there is a mountain. This seal reminds people of a special Buddha image. It's called the Dhammachak Buddha image. It's kept in a temple called Wat Dhammamoen. This temple is built on a mountain slope.

Plants and Animals

The provincial tree is the bael fruit tree. Its scientific name is Aegle marmelos. The provincial flower is the beautiful Rainbow Shower tree. Its scientific name is Cassia javanica. For the provincial fish, it's the Bleeker's sheatfish.

The Provincial Slogan

Chai Nat's slogan is: "Venerable Luang Pu Suk, renowned Chao Phraya Dam, famous bird park and tasty khao taengkwa pomelo". This slogan highlights important things about the province.

How Chai Nat is Governed

Chai Nat is organized into different parts to help run things smoothly.

Provincial Government

Map of Chai Nat with 8 districts

Chai Nat is divided into eight main areas called amphoes. These districts are then split into smaller parts. There are 53 sub-districts (tambons) and 503 villages (mubans).

Here are the eight districts:

Mueang Chai Nat
Manorom
Wat Sing
Sapphaya
Sankhaburi
Hankha
Nong Mamong
Noen Kham

Local Government

There are also local government groups. These groups help manage things like schools and local services. As of 2019, Chai Nat has one main Provincial Administrative Organization. It also has 39 municipal areas. The main town of Chai Nat has "town" status. There are also 38 smaller subdistrict municipalities. Other areas are managed by Subdistrict Administrative Organizations.

Cool Places to Visit in Chai Nat

Chai Nat has many interesting places to explore.

Chai Nat Bird Park

This is the biggest bird park in Chai Nat and all of Thailand! It covers a huge area. It has the largest aviary in Asia. An aviary is a giant cage where birds can fly freely. You can see many birds living naturally here. The park also has an aquarium. It shows freshwater fish found in the Chao Phraya River.

Wat Pak Khlong Makham Thao

This is a Thai temple in Wat Sing District. It's next to the Khlong Makham Thao canal. This temple was once home to a famous monk named Luang Pu Suk. People believed he had magical powers. He was known for making special amulets. Many people respected him, including a prince named Abhakara Kiartivongse.

Sapphaya Old Police Station

This is an old police station in the Sapphaya district. It was built over 100 years ago during the time of King Rama V. It's a single-story wooden building with a special roof. It even won an award in 2018 for its historical importance.

Chai Nat Provincial Stadium

Also known as Khao Plong Stadium, this is the main stadium for Chai Nat province. It's the home field for the local football team, Chainat Hornbill F.C..