Phetchabun province facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Phetchabun
เพชรบูรณ์
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|
Khao Kho National Park at sundown
|
|||
|
|||
| Nickname(s):
Mueang Makham Wan
(city of sweet tamarinds) |
|||
Map of Thailand highlighting Phetchabun province
|
|||
| Country | Thailand | ||
| Capital | Phetchabun | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 12,340 km2 (4,760 sq mi) | ||
| Area rank | Ranked 10th | ||
| Population
(2019)
|
|||
| • Total | 992,451 | ||
| • Rank | Ranked 22nd | ||
| • Density | 80/km2 (200/sq mi) | ||
| • Density rank | Ranked 62nd | ||
| Human Achievement Index | |||
| • HAI (2017) | 0.6239 "somewhat high" Ranked 16th |
||
| Time zone | UTC+7 (ICT) | ||
| Postal code |
67xxx
|
||
| Calling code | 056 & 043 | ||
| ISO 3166 code | TH-67 | ||
Phetchabun (Thai: เพชรบูรณ์) is one of Thailand's 76 provinces. It is located in the lower northern part of Thailand. This province is surrounded by several other provinces. These include Loei, Khon Kaen, and Chaiyaphum to the east. To the south are Lopburi and Nakhon Sawan. To the west are Phichit and Phitsanulok.
Contents
Exploring Phetchabun's Nature
Phetchabun is in the lower northern part of Thailand. It sits between the northern and central regions. The province has a wide, fertile river valley. This valley is home to the Pa Sak River. Mountains from the Phetchabun mountain range rise on both its east and west sides. About 32.5% of the province is covered by forests.
National Parks: Protected Areas
Phetchabun is home to four national parks. These parks help protect the natural environment. They are part of a larger group of protected areas in Thailand.
- Thung Salaeng Luang National Park: This park covers about 1,262 square kilometers.
- Nam Nao National Park: This park is about 966 square kilometers in size.
- Khao Kho National Park: This park spans about 483 square kilometers.
- Tat Mok National Park: This park covers around 290 square kilometers.
Wildlife Sanctuaries: Safe Homes for Animals
The province also has three wildlife sanctuaries. These places are special areas where animals are protected.
- Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is about 897 square kilometers.
- Tabo–Huai Yai Wildlife Sanctuary: This area covers about 654 square kilometers.
- Phu Pha Daeng Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is around 235 square kilometers.
Phetchabun, especially the area around Khao Kho, is known for its pleasant weather. It stays cool all year round. Because of this, it is often called the "Switzerland of Thailand."
Understanding the Name Phetchabun
The name Phetchabun has an interesting meaning. The word phetcha comes from an old Sanskrit word, vajra. This word means "diamond" or a powerful weapon. The word bun comes from another Sanskrit word, purna. This means "full," "perfect," or "whole." So, the name of the province literally means "perfect diamond."
Long ago, the province was called "Phe-cha-buth." This name meant "the city with plenty of crops." This is because Phetchabun has always been a very fertile area. It has many natural resources and is great for farming.
A Look at Phetchabun's Past
Phetchabun was first set up by two important Thai kingdoms. These were the Sukhothai Kingdom and the Ayutthaya Kingdom. King Narai, a famous king from the Ayutthaya Period, also played a role.
In the early 1900s, Thailand changed how its provinces were managed. This was called the Thesaphiban reforms. Phetchabun province and Lom Sak province to its north were grouped together. This group was called Monthon Phetchabun. It was the smallest group, so it was the first to be closed down in 1915. Later, in 1932, Lom Sak province was joined with Phetchabun.
Between 1968 and 1982, some groups of people who wanted a different government used the mountains in Phetchabun as their bases. They sometimes had small fights with the Thai Army.
Symbols of Phetchabun Province
Every province in Thailand has its own symbols. Phetchabun's provincial seal shows a diamond on a mountain. This is because diamonds can be found in the province. In front of the mountain, you can see tobacco plants. Tobacco is one of the important crops grown here.
The provincial tree is the tamarind. This tree is known for its sweet and sour fruit. The provincial aquatic animal is a rare type of freshwater jellyfish called Craspedacusta sowerbyi. Phetchabun is one of the few places in the world where this special animal lives.
Phetchabun's Economy and Products
Tourism is a very important part of Phetchabun's economy. Many people visit the province to see its beautiful nature.
Phu Thap Boek is the highest mountain in the province. It is a popular place for tourists to visit. The area around this mountain is also the biggest place in Thailand for growing cabbage.
Local Products: What Phetchabun is Known For
Phetchabun is famous for several local products:
- Sweet tamarind fruit
- Arabica coffee
- Khao lam (sticky rice cooked in bamboo)
- Black galingale (a type of herb)
- Stevia tea
- Thai vermicelli rice noodles
- Fresh Cabbage
- Poultry (farmed birds like chickens)
- Tobacco
Getting Around Phetchabun
Road Travel
Phetchabun is about 346 kilometers away from Bangkok. You can reach it by using Route 1 and Route 21.
Air Travel
The province has its own airport, Phetchabun Airport. You can fly to Phetchabun from Bangkok with Nok Air.
How Phetchabun is Organized
Phetchabun province is divided into 11 main areas called districts (amphoe). These districts are then further split into smaller parts. There are 117 subdistricts (tambon) and 1,261 villages (muban) within the province.
The main districts are:
- Mueang Phetchabun
- Chon Daen
- Lom Sak
- Lom Kao
- Wichian Buri
- Si Thep
- Nong Phai
- Bueng Sam Phan
- Nam Nao
- Wang Pong
- Khao Kho
Local Government: How the Province is Run
As of late 2019, Phetchabun has different levels of local government. There is one main Phetchabun Provincial Administration Organisation. There are also 25 municipal areas. Some larger towns like Phetchabun, Wichian Buri, and Lom Sak have "town" status. The other areas are managed by smaller local groups.
Notable People from Phetchabun
Many famous people come from Phetchabun, especially in the world of boxing:
- Saensak Muangsurin (1950–2009), a well-known boxer.
- Khaosai Galaxy (born 1959), a famous boxer and a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
- Kaokor Galaxy (born 1959), also a boxer.
- Chana Porpaoin (born 1966), a boxer.
- Songkram Porpaoin (born 1966), a boxer.
- Sujin Naknayom (born 1979), a footballer.
- Chakrit Buathong (born 1985), a footballer.
- Sittisak Tarapan (born 1984), a footballer.
Images for kids
-
Road to Khao Kho
See also
In Spanish: Provincia de Phetchabun para niños
