Pathum Thani Province
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Pathum Thani
ปทุมธานี Statistics
Capital: Pathum Thani town
Area: 1,525.9 km²
Ranked 69th
Inhabitants: 853,649 (2006)
Ranked 25th
Pop. density: 527 inh./km²
Ranked 7th
ISO 3166-2: TH-13
Governor: Mekhin Methawikun
(since November 2006)

Pathum Thani (Thai: ปทุมธานี) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Nakhon Nayok, Chachoengsao, Bangkok and Nonthaburi.

Hindu Lotus Area, Ear of Rice Town, Descendants of the Mons, Dharma City, Palace of Solidarity, the Clear Chao Phraya River, Industrial Progress.
The province is located directly north of Bangkok and is part of the Bangkok metropolis. In many parts the boundary between the two provinces is not noticeable anymore, since both sides of the boundary are being equally urbanized.
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Geography
The province is located in the low alluvial flats of the Chao Phraya river, which also flows through the capital city. Many canals (khlongs) cross the province and feed the rice paddies.

History
The city dates back to a settlement founded by Mon migrating from Mottama (Thai: เมาะตะมะ) in Myanmar around 1650. The original name was Sam Khok. In 1815 King Rama II visited the city and the citizens offered him many Lotus flowers, which made the king rename the city to Pathum Thani meaning The City of Lotus.


Symbols
The provincial seal shows a pink lotus flower with two rice ears bending over it. Both symbols stand for the fertility of the province.

Provincial tree is the Indian coral tree (Erythrina variegata), provincial flower the Lotus (Nymphaea lotus).


Administrative divisions
The province is subdivided into 7 districts (Amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 60 communes (tambon) and 529 villages (muban).

1. Mueang Pathum Thani
2. Khlong Luang
3. Thanyaburi
4. Nong Suea
5. Lat Lum Kaeo
6. Lam Luk Ka
7. Sam Khok

Education and technology
Pathum Thani has a very high concentration of higher education institutions, especially ones in the field of science and technology. From this fact, together with a number of industrial parks and many research agencies (including those in Thailand Science Park) in the province, the province is considered as an "Education and Technology Hub" of its area.

Academic institutes
National Science Museum, Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok University, Eastern Asia University, Pathumthani University, Rajamangala University of Technology, Rangsit University, Shinawatra University, Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, and Thammasat University (Rangsit Center)

Research bodies
Thailand Science Park, National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), Thai Microelectronics Center (TMEC), Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR)
Industrial parks
Software Park Thailand (in Nonthaburi, southwest of Pathum Thani), Nava Nakorn Industrial Promotion Zone (1376 acres / 5.6 km²), Bangkadi Industrial Park (470 acres / 1.9 km²), Techno Thani (a "Technology City" administrated by Ministry of Science and Technology), and a number of industrial parks in neighboring Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi provinces

General Information
Pathum Thani is one of the fascinating places that attracts the tourists to visit. It is a small province that is about 46 kilometers from Bangkok . It is located on the west side of the Chaophaya River between Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi town. It is an old province with long historical background. In Ayutthaya period, a lot of Mon people immigrated to live there because of the war in Burma. They established to live by the Chaophaya River.

In 1815, the King Rama II came to visit this area. “The inhabitants offered him the lotus flowers which is the origin of the present name, so the King Rama II named Pathum Thani, that means the town of lotus flowers”. Pathum Thani is an interesting province with various places such as modern site, historical and cultural areas and exciting place and magnificent traditional ceremonies to visit.

Tourism
Interesting Places
Museums
The Science Museum, "the great architecture"

Pathum Thani is full of the sites of knowledge, history and culture. There are many museums and public places that are full of knowledge to visit and learn. The most interesting museum of Pathum Thani is the Science Museum which is founded by the Ministry of Science, in Klongluang district. It is an amazing architecture of building. There are three cubes leaning against together for sharing the weight of the building. The building attracts many visitors to go inside. In the museum, there are a lot of exhibitions to show the theories, principles and the inventions of the famous scientists in the past. The visitors can touch, experiment and react to the exhibitions. It is a modern place that serves the knowledge of science development very well. In the same district, there is a museum in Bangkok University Rangsit Campus. It shows a lot of antiques in Southeast Asia. Many ancient cups from many countries were found in Thailand such as Chinese cups, Vietnamese cups and Burmese cups. There are different styles of cups in each period to show the development. In addition, there are a bookstore and a souvenir shop for the visitors.

In Kukot sub-district, there is Thai History Museum that presents the historical background of Thai soldiers and the wars. It shows the ability of Thai soldiers who fought to protect the country and the history of wars that Thai soldiers had participated such as the war of Vietnam and the war of Korea. Moreover, it shows the development of rank decorations of Thai soldiers and the long painting that presents the events in Sukhothai period until the present time. It also shows the equipment of armies that had been used in the wars outside the museum.

Besides the museums, there is a public library in Bang Prok village . It is called “Hongsamut Rur” because it was made of the old boat and it is set under the shade of a banyan tree that is more than a hundred years. It is the center for teenagers to get the knowledge. There are the staffs to teach the computer using, Thai instruments playing and Thai performance practicing. Furthermore, there are Mon performance and Mon food that show Mon culture to the visitors.

Temples
Other than the museums and the cultural place, there are many interesting temples in Pathum Thani to visit. Most of them are historical areas. In Klongluang district, there is a Buddhist Center of Wat Phra Tummaguy. It is a calm place among the nature with plants and trees that offer the shade all the area. Many Buddhists come to practice meditation and make merit.

Wat Chedi Hoi, the shell pagoda

In Bor-ngern sub-district, there is Wat Chedi Hoi, an interesting temple with pagoda. “There is a very strange pagoda which a tremendous amount of giant oyster shells had piled into a form of a pagoda since eight million years ago. Each shell weighs at least one kilogram” . Additionally, there is a small museum which the ancient Buddha image, old jars, cups and ancient calculator are kept inside. Beside the museum, there are a lot of fish and turtles that the travellers can feed them some bread .

On the east side of the Chaophaya River in Ban-ngiw sub-district, there is a temple in a plentiful nature. It is Wat Pailom . In the temple, there is a mass of trees that is the birds’ habitat. Many travellers come to see the open-bill ibises which immigrate from India, Sri Langka, Burma, Cambodia and Vietnam to breed in the area of the temple. There is a watchtower for travellers to see how the birds live and build their nests. It is the best area for studying ecology.

Wat Chinnawararam

There is the another beautiful temple in Muang district. It is Wat Chinnawararam, where Chinnaworasiriwat Prince staying as he was a monk . In the temple, there are the beautiful Thai style stupa, golden Buddha image and a reproduction of a Lord Buddha footprint, which the ashes of prince’s mother were kept. There is the beautiful residence of the prince under the name of Chinnawon Residence. It is a great architecture that is mixed with two different styles. The roof is the beautiful Thai style and the other parts of the residence are European style.

Other Places to Visit
There are the other interesting areas to travel along the Chaophaya River. Klong Sam floating market is a place that many tourists visit. It is the place of the legend of Mon history that re flected the relationship between the villagers and the Chaophaya River; in addition, it is an area of many origins of Thai historical background. The government supports this area as a tourist attraction. It is full of the sellers rowing their boats to sell the goods such as agricultural goods, fresh food and handiwork. There are a lot of souvenirs for the tourists. Furthermore, the tourists can travel along the Chaophaya River by boat to see the beautiful views of nature, old houses and ancient sites. They can stop to taste the delicious food at the restaurants along the river.
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Besides the cultural and natural places, there is the most famous and biggest amusement park in Pathum Thani. It is Dream World, that is located in Bungyeetoe sub-district . It is the center of all entertainment that the area is divided into three parts: Dream World Plaza, which is filled with strange architectures, Dream Garden, which is the beautiful garden beside artificial lake for relaxing and Cable Car, which is the world of fantasies. There are many exciting points for adventure such as the bread house, the giant house, the space adventure by speedy train, the snowy town, etc. It is the famous place that attracts a large amount of tourists to visit all year.

Traditional Ceremonies
More than travelling in the interesting places in Pathum Thani, Mon traditional ceremonies are also interesting to visit. Mon Rum is an old ceremony since Ayutthaya period. The performers who wear the particular suits of Mon will sing a song and play the Mon instruments. It is a tradition that is used for auspicious ceremony. In addition, the Mon tradition that is set in the end of Buddhist Lent is Rumpakaosarn. Mon people who participate in this ceremony will row their boats to gather some rice, money and necessary things to make merits at the temples. Moreover, the other ceremony that is also set in the end of Buddhist Lent is Tukbard Phraroi. Mon people will prepare many kinds of food and desserts, set them in the boats and wait the monks for making merits.

More Sights
City Pillar Shrine (ศาลหลักเมือง): The city pillar is an object revered among the people of Pathum Thani, located at the entrance of the City Hall. It is a pavilion with four porches and a Prang top where the city pillar resides. The pillar is similar to the Hindu Lotus’ stalk made of Chaiyaphruek – cassia - wood. Moreover, in the pavilion is located a statue of a 4-handed Narayana on the owl and a bronze-cast Vishnu statue. At the back of the Mondop - square structure with a spire - resides a Phra Yot Thong votive tablet of Wat Kai Tia, as well as, many sacred objects consisting of charms and amulets from various temples in Pathum Thani.

The Old Building of Pathum Thani City Hall (ศาลากลางจังหวัดปทุมธานี (หลังเก่า)) is located on the west side of the Chao Phraya River and was constructed in the reign of King Rama VI. It is a building with a hip roof and a masonry facade constructed in the European style of architecture with a beautiful decoration. The Fine Arts Department has registered it as a national ancient monument.

Wat Bot (วัดโบสถ์) is situated in Tambon Ban Klang on the east side of the Chao Phraya River. Wat Bot was constructed in 1621 by the Mons who migrated from Pegu or Hongsawadi town. The name of the temple was from the village where the Mons had previously lived, similar to many other temples in Pathum Thani such as Wat Hong, Wat Bang Tanai, etc. People usually come to pay respect to the statues of three Buddha images in the ubosot and the cast statue of Luangpu Thian (Phrakhru Bowonthammakit), a senior monk who possessed high knowledge and tried to promote education among the Pathum Thani people. Moreover, there is an ancient wihan where an ancient Mon Buddha image, and Phra Saeng Ayasit – a sword of absolute power, reside, as well as many significant objects such as a four-headed elephant and a bronze miniature roofed throne to be put on top of a swan column and the lead sculpture of Ya-le (Jarlet), a dog of King Rama VI, which was granted to the abbot by the king when he visited Pathum Thani.


Wat Hong Pathummawat (Wat Mon) (วัดหงษ์ปทุมาวาส (วัดมอญ)) is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Tambon Bang Prok, near the municipality’s fresh market. It was constructed by the Mons when they migrated from Burma to Thailand during the Thon Buri period. There is a symbol of the Mon temple which is the swan column whose top is a sculpture of a swan – Hongsa or Hamsa - symbolising Pegu or Hongsawadi, the capital city of the Mons. The important ancient heritage of the temple are the replica of Phra Phuttha Chinnarat Buddha image in the posture of subduing Mara, a duplicate of a Mon style chedi from the Chedi Chittakong one in Hongsawadi, a duplicate of a wihan – an image hall - whose many-layered roof was elaborately decorated and was also an imitation of the one in Hongsawadi, as well as, the new Ubosot – a Buddhist ordination hall - in Thai architectural style with Cho Fa, Bai Raka and Hang Hong - decorations of a Buddhist temple’s roof - which can be viewed from a far distance. Inside the Ubosot lie mural paintings depicting the story of the Buddha’s biography and the Buddha image in subduing Mara posture, a cast of Luangpu Thao who is widely respected by the locals, as well as, a preaching hall decorated with beautifully engraved wood. This temple was awarded as the winner from the project of preserving fish in front of the temple. There are many species of fish living in the Chao Phraya River, such as striped catfish and black-ear catfish, crowded gatherings to receive food from donors and those who come to pay respect to the Buddha image at the temple.


Boat Library and Bang Prok Community (ห้องสมุดเรือและชุมชนบางปรอก): The Bang Prok Community is next to Wat Hong Pathummawat. It is a strong Mon community in the preservation and the revival of the Mon culture. The people in the community have together built a boat library made of an old boat under the shade of a banyan tree, aged more than 100 years. It is a centre of teenagers to get together and search for knowledge. There are many classes provided such as a computer class, traditional Thai dancing class, traditional Thai long drum class, as well as, traditional Thai music class.


Wat Chang (วัดฉาง) is situated in Chang village. Important objects in the temple are an ancient wihan where there is a painting at its gable and a Buddha image in the meditation posture made from old coins. The image is highly revered among the people who come to pay respect. Besides, there is a pavilion at the waterside which was elaborately engraved along its eaves. It has been utilised as a ceremonial venue since the reign of King Rama II until the present time.


Wat Khok (วัดโคก) is located on the right side of the Chao Phraya River, Tambon Ban Chang. There is a grand Buddha image in a meditation posture, a white chedi in Mon style made of brick and cement, an ancient pulpit made of Makluea – ebony - wood inlaid with mother-of-pearl aged more than 100 years, and a preaching hall of over 100-years old constructed of teak wood, with Xylia xylocarpa columns.


Wat Bang Luang (วัดบางหลวง) is situated in Tambon Bang Luang, 3 kilometres from the centre of the city. Important structures at the temple are an ubosot in ancient Thai style where lies the grand Buddha image in subduing Mara posture and mural paintings depicting the story of the Lord Buddha’s biography. There are also two Mon chedis; namely, the Shwedagon and Mutao styles. The temple has been used for ceremonial purposes by the locals since the Ayutthaya period until the present time.


Wat Nam Won (วัดน้ำวน) is located in Tambon Bang Duea, 4 kilometres from the centre of the city. Inside the temple lies a chedi in the Mon (Rangoon) style, an ubosot with a swan on its gable, as well as, a sanctuary of various kinds of fish in front of the temple. It is a temple where a large number of people from different places come and visit every day.


Wat Pa Klang Thung (วัดป่ากลางทุ่ง) is in Tambon Bang Khayaeng. Inside the ubosot and on the wall behind the principal Buddha image is a painting of the past Buddha on a Chukkachi base under the splendid Ruean Kaeo shelter. On his left and right are his disciples standing on a lotus base, pressing their palms together, holding 3 lotuses and humbly bending forward to pay respect to the Buddha. The background is painted red with a pattern of falling flowers. It is considered as a valuable ancient piece of work of Pathum Thani.


Wat Chetawong (วัดเจตวงศ์) is located in Tambon Bang Khayaeng, Amphoe Mueang. The ancient remains in front of the ubosot are small. Its wall was made of bricks and its roof is covered with terra-cotta tiles with a projecting roof to prevent the rain. There is only one entrance and three windows on each side of the ubosot. Inside the ubosot resides the principal Buddha image on a Chukkachi base in the subduing Mara posture, two other Buddha images on both sides of the principal Buddha image, and an ancient mural painting which is elaborate and worth studying.


Wat Sing (วัดสิงห์) is situated on the east side of the Chao Phraya River, Tambon Sam Khok. It is an ancient temple where there is old chedi, ubosot and wihan, worth studying the archaeology. The important Buddha image of the temple is Luangpho To, a Buddha image in subduing Mara posture with black lacquer applied, as well as, covered with gold leaves, cast in the Ayutthaya period and a reclining Buddha image (Luangpho Phet). Besides, there is a cinerary urn, containing the ashes of Lunagpho Phaya Krai, who was a Mon monk, conducting austere practices and staying at Wat Sing. In the monk’s cell within the temple is a museum preserving antiques such as Sam Khok water jars, a bed of King Rama II used when he visited Sam Khok town, Mon inscription written on palm leaves, scripture cabinets, and Buddha images. The Ong Ang kiln, an archaeological remain was discovered in front of the temple. It is considered as evidence of the first stage of the Mon settlement in this area in the Ayutthaya period. The Sam Khok water jar is also the biggest container produced from this kiln. However, later, the Mon people in Sam Khok town ended production and moved the production site to Ko Kret, Nonthaburi, where Sam Khok water jars have been manufactured in a large number and have been sold along the river to every region before they were overcome by the dragon water jars from Ratchaburi. The Sam Khok water jar is reddish orange similar to the colour of bricks or Man Pu (crab’s fat). It is quite thick with a narrow mouth. The jar’s neck is attached to its shoulder. Its patterns are parallel lines on its shoulder. It is swelling in the middle and short. Its mouth and bottom are similar in size. At present, ancient Sam Khok water jars can be viewed at Wat Sing and Wat Sam Khok, while the gigantic ones can be witnessed at the Bangkok National Museum.


Wat Sakae (วัดสะแก) is situated in Tambon Sam Khok, 6 kilometres from town. Inside the temple is located monks’ cells; a Thai-Mon style building, in form of a chedi with a recessed-corner base and those in other styles, as well as, an ancient ubosot, and a bell tower constructed in the Ayutthaya period.


Wat Tamnak (วัดตำหนัก) is located in Tambon Sam Khok, 8 kilometres from town. The base of this temple’s ubosot is in the shape of the bottom of a junk. The principal Buddha image was carved from laterite and the chedi has a recessed-corner base.


Wat Thai Ko (วัดท้ายเกาะ) is on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Mu 3, Tambon Thai Ko, at the end of Ko Yai. Inside the temple lies the biggest Mon chedi, beautifully engraved wooden monk’s cells, two connected pavilions where King Rama V took a rest when he visited the temple on 29 July, 1906 and witnessed a stuffed crocodile. During that time, there were many crocodiles in this area. The Mons called this temple “Wiang Cham”, which is located at the boundary between Pathum Thani province and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province.


Wat Metarang (วัดเมตารางค์) is in Tambon Chiang Rak Noi. Inside the temple is an octagonal chedi in the Shwedagon style. There is a multi-tiered umbrella made of brass with the angels in adoration design at the top of the chedi, aged 150 years. Moreover, there are a teakwood-floor praying hall with round columns made of heartwood, a preaching hall, and a swan column with a swan on top, which is a symbol of a Mon temple.

Wat Phlap Suthawat (วัดพลับสุธาวาส) is located in Tambon Chiang Rak Noi. The significant objects in the temple are a silver Buddha image in the subduing Mara posture, a pulpit made of teakwood with fretwork painted in red and golden patterns, as well as, a Mon square chedi aged more than 100 years with the so-called Sing or lion base and a spire comprising 9 tiers of lotus flowers.


Wat Sala Daeng Nuea (วัดศาลาแดงเหนือ) is situated at Mu 2, Tambon Chiang Rak Noi, on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. Interesting things at this temple is an engraved wooden pulpit, a preaching hall, a group of monks ‘cells and scripture hall, as well as, a rare ancient water filter. Additionally, there is praying in Mon language every day at approximately 3.00 p.m. The village around the temple is very clean and is the winner for the best preservation of the Chao Phraya River, awarded by the Ministry of Public Health in 1998. Moreover, there is a combination of traditional Thai-Mon style houses which are scarcely seen.


Wat Chankapho (วัดจันทร์กะพ้อ) is in Tambon Bang Toei, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, 6 kilometres from the city hall. It was constructed by the Mons during the reign of King Rama II and was called “Wat Kwo”, meaning “Chankapho” – Vatica diospyroides Sym. - which for the Mons is an auspicious tree similar to the golden shower. Inside the temple is a cultural hall collecting Mon objets d’art. There is also a project to preserve the fish species in front of the temple. Besides, the temple is an important ceremonial venue of the Pathum Thani locals such as “Ok Hoi Pachu”, Takhap Flag competition, a ceremony offering food to 100 monks, etc.


Wat Chedi Thong (วัดเจดีย์ทอง) is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Tambon Khlong Khwai. Inside the temple lies a Mon style chedi, constructed during the early Rattanakosin era by the Mons. Its architecture was duplicated from the Burmese “Chittakong” chedi. Besides, there is a Buddha image in the subduing Mara posture, made of white jade and revered by the Thai-Mon people.


Wat Bang Na (วัดบางนา) is located in Tambon Bang Pho Nuea and was constructed in 1767 by families of the Thai escaping from the war in Ayutthaya. This temple was originally on a canal and was difficult to access. Therefore, it was transferred to be located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. Within the temple’s compound is a Buddha image in the posture of accepting offerings from an elephant and a monkey known as the “Palilaika” attitude, 2 chedis with a recessed-corner base, a swan column, and an ancient building which accommodates monks’ cells. Besides, over and under terra-cotta roof tiles for the ubosot aged more than 100 years were discovered. People usually come to this temple to pay respect to Luangpu Seng who is deceased but his corpse has not rotten away. Also, people usually come to lift a sacred stone as a way to tell their fortune.


Wat Phai Lom (วัดไผ่ล้อม) is located in Tambon Ban Ngio, on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, north of Pathum Thani. It is a place to view the Asian openbills, which is an interesting spot for a large number of both Thai and international tourists. It is announced as a non-hunting area, covering the compound of Wat Phai Lom and Wat Amphu Wararam, being a total area of 74 rai. There are thick trees where the openbills have lived for more than 100 years.


Wat Sala Daeng Nuea (วัดศาลาแดงเหนือ) is located in Mu 2, Tambon Chiang Rak Noi, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Inside the temple lies a preaching hall constructed in 1874 and was originally used as a royal Khon – a traditional Thai mask dance - theatre in Bangkok. There is a Buddha image cabinet adjusted from an engraved wooden pulpit and praying in the Mon language everyday at 4.00 p.m. On the monk’s cell lies an ancient and rare water filter device created by local intellect. The community around the temple is a small one situated on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is so clean that it won the award of the Best Village for the Preservation of the Chao Phraya River granted by the Ministry of Public Health in 1998.


Wat Song Phi Nong (วัดสองพี่น้อง) is located in Tambon Ban Ngio, on the bank of the Chao Phraya River above Wat Phai Lom. It was constructed in 1867. There are two sacred Buddha images residing on the bank of the river which are Luangpho Phet, a laterite Buddha image in the subduing Mara posture reflecting the U Thong art and Luangpho Phloi, a carved stone one, also presenting U Thong art. The latter was stolen. Therefore, it was rebuilt by the temple and has been respected among the boatmen and the public. Amphoe Lam Luk Ka


The National Memorial (อนุสรณ์สถานแห่งชาติ) is located in Tambon Khu Khot in the connecting area of Vibhavadi Rangsit and Phahonyothin Roads. It covers an area of 38 rai and is under the supervision of the Armed Forces Education Department, Supreme Command Headquarters. It is a memorial extolling the heroic deeds of Thai ancestors who used their intellect, ability, flesh and blood, as well as, their life to protect this Motherland. It is also a museum providing knowledge on Thai history and major Thai battles, including the Thai armies’ mission abroad such as the Vietnam War, Korean War, presented through dioramas of the happening and photos. There are rooms displaying the evolution of uniforms and ranking insignias of the militants in every period and soil from major battlefields. In front of the building resides King Rama V’s beautifully engraved marble statue of a half larger than life size. Another very interesting part of this memorial is the building exhibiting the magnificent visual arts on the 90-metre arch wall telling the story from the Sukhothai period to the Rattanakosin period, together with a narrative explanation. Outside the building lies a gigantic decommissioned military weapon.


Wat Phuet Udom (วัดพืชอุดม) is in Tambon Lam Sai 31 kilometres from the National Memorial along Highway No. 3312. There is a minibus provided from Min Buri, Nong Chok, and Saphan Mai to the temple all day. This temple is located on the bank of Khlong Hok Wa and contains many sculptures presenting the belief in sins and goodness in Buddhism. Inside the ubosot resides a replica of the Luangpho Sothon Buddha image with small stairs up to the artificial 6 realms of heaven and down to hell under the ubosot.


Wat Bua Khwan (วัดบัวขวัญ) is an ancient temple of Amphoe Lat Lum Kaeo. This temple has a bronze Buddha image in the posture of practicing asceticism, built in the reign of King Rama V at the same time as the Buddha images along the corridor of Wat Benchamabophit. In addition, there is a replica of the Buddha’s footprint duplicated from that at Wat Phra Phutthabat, Saraburi, and a pavilion for the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in the reign of King Rama VI which was originally called “Sala Daeng” (red pavilion) and located at Phayathai Palace in Bangkok.


Wat Lam Mahamek (วัดลำมหาเมฆ) is situated at Ban Lam Mahamek, Mu 5, Tambon Bo Ngoen, Amphoe Lat Lum Kaeo. Interesting things of this temple are various kinds of birds such as white herons, storks, cormorants, and others, naturally nesting and hatching in the area of Nam Lai Swamp.


Wat Mun Chindaram (วัดมูลจินดาราม) is located at Khlong Ha on Khlong Rangsit Prayurasak. In the canal in front of the temple is a large number of striped catfish, weighing 3-5 kilograms, which tourists usually drop by to feed.


Wat Khian Khet (วัดเขียนเขต) was constructed in 1896. Mom Khian, a wife of Phrachao Worawongthoe Chao Saisanitwong, donated land to build the temple. At first, it was only a monastic residence (Samnak Song), whose leader was Luangpho Dam. Bamboo was used to make a floor and roof, and walls were made of grass. Then, Mom Khian, her relatives, and the locals realised the difficulties of the monks and novices who resided in this place. Therefore, they donated money to construct the overall 6 traditional Thai-style monk’s cells as the Buddhist property. Interesting objects in the temple are an ancient bell tower, an old marble ubosot and mural paintings, presenting the Thai traditions and lifestyles of the locals in Pathum Thani.


Rangsit Science Education Centre (ศุนย์วิทยาศาสตร์เพื่อการศึกษารังสิต) is situated near Khlong Hok. The centre’s entrance is next to the Rajamangala University of Technology, 4 kilometres from the Rangsit - Nakhon Nayok Intersection. It is under the supervision of the Office of the Non-formal Education Commission. It is an educational learning source on science for children, youth and the public. It comprises exhibitions on science, technology, natural science, astronomy, and space. Moreover, there are various experimental activities encouraging fun learning.

His Majesty the King’s Golden Jubilee National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ กาญจนาภิเษก) was constructed on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne in 1996. It is an ethnological museum located in Tambon Khlong Ha, Amphoe Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, covering an area of 305 rai to celebrate the auspicious occasion significant to Thai people. It was built by the Fine Arts Department and named after the royal ceremony as “His Majesty the King’s Golden Jubilee National Museum”. The project to construct the National Museum of Ethnology was created from the policy of the Fine Arts Department, who realised the country’s development guidelines in accordance with the National Economic and Social Development Plan of 1961, which aimed to disseminate the progress from the city to the suburbs. It is considered as the 3rd National Museum in a specific field under the supervision of the central authority. Moreover, the Fine Arts Department has established museums in other specific fields, as well as, has constructed buildings of the arts and culture preservation organisations, moving from Bangkok to be located in the same area. This is to prepare the place as the Art and Culture Centre in honour of His Majesty the King, a learning source on multiple subjects, covering the knowledge on Thai people, in arts and culture, ethnology and natural science to facilitate the learning process of visitors. It is also an introduction for travel and study in various regions of the country. Within the compound of His Majesty the King’s Golden Jubilee National Museum are, thus, many museums and preservation organisations such as the National Archives in Commemoration of H.M. the King’s Golden Jubilee, the Supreme Artist Hall, the National Museum in Geology, etc. Although this museum is not yet completed, it can provide knowledge to students or interested people through a mobile exhibition to schools and community centres, as well as the learning media such as artistic objects, replicas of artefacts, slides, etc. with specialised lecturers. In 2005, the Ancient and Artistic Objects Information Centre was opened and displayed more than 10,000 pieces of artefacts and art objects such as pottery, fabric, weapons, agricultural tools, etc. in an open storehouse style


The Supreme Artist Hall (หออัครศิลปิน) is located in Tambon Khlong Ha, 3 kilometres further from the National Science Museum. It was constructed to celebrate His Majesty King Bhumibol’s accomplishments in all kinds of arts witnessed and recognised by all the people and artists worldwide. It displays the valuable arts and cultural pieces of work of His Majesty in 9 aspects; namely, handicrafts, sports, literature, painting, photography, landscape architecture, sculpture, music, and royal musical compositions. Furthermore, it exhibits the biography and pieces of work of all national artists through a photo exhibition and multimedia presenting their masterpieces and intellect in 4 fields; namely, literature, performing arts, visual arts and architecture Nearby the Supreme Artist Hall, there are various other projects of museums in commemoration of His Majesty the King such as His Majesty the King’s Golden Jubilee National Museum, the National Archives, and the Natural Science Museum.


The National Archives in Commemoration of H.M. the King’s Golden Jubilee (หอจดหมายเหตุแห่งชาติเฉลิมพระเกียรติ พระบาทสมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัว) The museum was constructed on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne in 1996 by the Fine Arts Department in honour of His Majesty the King with a budget of 720.4 million Baht. H.M. the King granted its name as “the National Archives in Commemoration of H.M. the King’s Golden Jubilee.” The National Archives is located in an area of 75 rai. Its building was constructed in the applied Thai architecture of King Rama IX’s reign. It is in Tambon Khlong Ha, Amphoe Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani. It comprises a group of 4 buildings connecting to one another and an all-purpose square, covering a total area of 20,000 square metres consisting of:

1st Building: A 9-floored building for the collection of archives, covering an area of 6,000 square metres. 2nd Building: A building for research, covering an area of 4,500 square metres. 3rd – 4th Buildings: Permanent exhibitions of H.M. the King’s royal activities and projects from His Majesty’s royal initiatives, covering an area of 3,000 square metres. An all-purpose square for organising activities covers an area of 3,500 square metres. The Fine Arts Department wants these 4 buildings of the National Archives to be the most perfect place to collect the documents important to the nation on his royal biography, activities of H.M. the King and the royal family, to be a centre of study and research for government authorities, private organisations, students and the general public to facilitate in the collection, display, searching process, and preservation of the documents relating to H.M. the King’s biography and activities such as His royal pieces of writings, instructions, speeches, compositions, paintings, photos, records of his voice, including the document of the operation in his royal projects due to his royal initiatives and other projects in honour of H.M. the King. Therefore, this National Archives is a learning place for the younger generation and youth to realise and appreciate the King’s talent in ruling the country and the loyalty of the Thais towards every king of Thailand.


The Golden Jubilee Museum of Agriculture (พิพิธภัณฑ์การเกษตรเฉลิมพระเกียรติฯ) is situated in Tambon Khlong Nueng (Km. 46-48 Phahonyothin Road), opposite the Nava Nakorn Industrial Promotion Zone. The museum comprises a group of 9 buildings connecting to one another. It displays the story on agriculture through modern technology and models, covering every aspect of the agricultural process such as land development, forestry, fishery, animal husbandry, and ecological system, while outside are the greenhouses, demonstrating rice fields, and a presentation of the farmers’ lifestyles in every region of Thailand. Moreover, it is a training centre, an academic seminar venue on agriculture, and a source for education on the royal projects.


Thai Royal Mint (โรงกษาปณ์ รังสิต) covers an area of approximately 128 rai. It was constructed in March 1996 while all construction and systems were completely built and settled in 2001. The Treasury Department transferred the mint from Pradiphat to Rangsit in November 2001. The full function production has started from January 2002 onwards. The Thai Royal Mint is an organisation of the Treasury Department, Ministry of Finance. The office has obligations and is responsible for the production of coins to be adequately circulated for the need in Thailand’s economic system in accordance with the Monetary Act B.E. 2501. Moreover, it produces commemorative coins for various important historical occasions concerning the national, religious and monarchic institutes, or international events to promote the honours and celebrity and culture of the country. In addition, the mint has a responsibility to produce the Royal Thai Orders and Decorations and other products on demand of the government authorities, state enterprises and private agencies, as well as, install, and repair the security system of the security room for provincial treasury offices throughout the country. The mint has set up a policy to continuously develop the organisation both in quality and services to be up to an international standard, as well as, to pass on the unique identity of Thai arts and culture to last forever.


The Sports Centre, Thammasat University (ศูนย์บริการการกีฬามหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์) has originated from a construction of a stadium to serve the 13th Asian Games at Thammasat University, Rangsit campus. During that time, many structures were constructed such as a 5,000-unit residential building for the athletes, a stadium, an indoor swimming pool, and 7 gymnasiums. Nowadays, they have been renovated and utilised in accordance with the university’s objectives. For example, Gymnasium 3 was renovated to be the Sports Centre, Thammasat University, etc. The sports centre is a sports organisation separated from the Thammasat University’s Property Office, due to the different working conditions. The main commitments of the centre are to organise various kinds of sports and exercises for everyone, to provide an opportunity for personnel, students, lecturers, and the public to fully utilise the stadium, as well as to cooperate with agencies in every sports aspect nationally. The Sports Centre, Thammasat University, comprises the main stadium, a water sports centre, a tennis court, and 3 gymnasiums, covering an area of approximately 400 rai. This sports centre is aimed to provide the most complete services on sports and health. It is open for the general public.


Rama IX Reservoir Project (โครงการสระเก็บน้ำพระราม 9) Flood is an inevitable natural catastrophe, causing the lost of natural resources, constructions, infrastructure, including the economy with tides. After each flood, budget is spent for the construction and renovation to make everything return to normalcy. As a result, the King initiated a guideline for resolution of the problem such as the construction of Pa Sak Jolasid Dam or various aspects of the Kaem Ling (Monkey Cheeks) project to encourage the effective solution and relief of the problem. An idea from the Kaem Ling project is the “Rama IX Reservoir Project”. The Rama IX Reservoir Project is a project initiated by His Majesty the King, located in Amphoe Khlong Luang and Amphoe Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani, between Rangsit 5 and 6 Canals, covering an area of 2,827 rai 10 square wa. It is a gigantic reservoir whose total area is 2,580 rai, divided into 2. The first one covers an area of 790 rai with a containing capacity of approximately 6 million cubic metres, getting water from the Rangsit 6 Canal, while the second one, covering an area of approximately 1,790 rai with a containing capacity of 11.1 million cubic metres, gets water from the Rangsit 5 Canal. Moreover, the area surrounding the reservoir is a planting and gardening area for a relaxing place for the public. The benefits of this project are to assist in the agriculture during the dry season and to effectively relieve the flood problem in the lower area from the project. Although this project or other Kaem Ling ones need a high budget, they will create tremendous benefits in the long term. This makes them worth the operation.


Khlong Sam Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำคลองสาม) In accordance with the legend on the Mon immigration to Sam Khok town or present-day Pathum Thani, an important trading route of the ancestors and their lifestyles has relied on the Chao Phraya River since ancient times. The charming ways of living of the communities along both sides of the river contain many stories of the historical prosperity, civilisation, as well as, importance on many kings’ coronations. Amphoe Khlong Luang is one of the origins of historical legends, hiding many mysterious stories. From the past to the present time, the lifestyle of the people in Khlong Sam, who have related to the tide, has created a beautiful culture of the community among the life support connected with nature since ancient times. Today, it is an opportunity of the Khlong Sam people to recite their pride of the past through a new story that will encourage people from all over the country to be part of this pride of the creation of …. The Khlong Sam Floating Market. Khlong Sam Floating Market is one of the latest tourist attractions through the cooperation of both the public and private sectors to support the establishment of this floating market community, which tells not only the story on the beautiful way of living in the ancient time, it is also a true preservation of nice culture and festivals amidst the modern life.

It is not only a new floating market attracting tourists with its charm, Khlong Sam Floating Market has well cooperated in keeping the water clean by utilising modern technology to let the tourists fully experience the past, as well as, has improved the transportation connecting the land and the water for more convenient access and an aesthetic impression from another true floating market of Thailand.


Si Pathum Longstay Resort (ศรีปทุมลองสเตย์รีสอร์ท) It is situated on Pathum Thani – Sena Road, Amphoe Sam Khok, providing boy scout camping activities .


Thai Boxing Course Muay Thai Institute (โรงเรียนมวยไทย) is a centre of traditional Thai martial arts, providing the basic Thai boxing course to the professional one, a course for the Thai boxing trainers and that for judges.


Dog Training Khlong Luang Dog Training Centre (โรงเรียนฝึกสุนัขคลองหลวง) Situated at 21/2 Mu 7, Bang Khan – Nong Suea Road, Tambon Khlong Si, Amphoe Khlong Luang, 3 kilometres from Wat Dhammakaya, it is a private dog training centre for real usage, providing various courses such as the course on basic discipline and obedience, a skills improvement course, and a course for guard dogs.


University Town Pathum Thani is a province where there are well-known universities, both public and private ones. It is a centre of education, research and development in agriculture, industry and technology, which integrate with one another and will further increase the strong leading role in education.


Local Products

Pathum Thani is a province located on the alluvial plain of the Chao Phraya River. Therefore, there are many rice fields. It is also a planting location of vegetables supplied for fresh markets in town and the two gigantic central markets of the country; namely, Si Mum Mueang Market and Talad Thai. It is a centre of various kinds of fruits such as tangerines, mangoes, bananas, durians, lychees, longans, and mangosteens, as well as, other products of natural plants such as palmyra fruit and lotus calyx. In addition to the agricultural produce, the municipality market and that by the river at Wat San Chao offer various kinds of delicious dishes of Pathum Thani. The famous ones are noodles; Khanom Kuichai stuffed with vegetable, taro, and bamboo shoots, fried shredded pork and beef, and various kinds of Thai desserts which can be purchased as souvenirs. The most well-known food of Pathum Thani that should be tasted is boat noodle which is sold everywhere, especially along the Rangsit – Nakhon Nayok route, while the city usually offers their famous dishes such as Kung Ten – jumping prawn - and grilled fish.


Conclusion

Pathum Thani is an old province filled with multiple places and Mon culture. A lot of the modern knowledge, culture and history are presented in the museums and temples. The most famous amusement park in Thailand, Dream World, is also set there. In addition, it is a source of Mon culture and traditions by the Chaophaya River that shows the special characteristic of their culture. It is a perfect place for travelling in various styles near Bangkok.