CONTENTS
Introduction
History of Sukhothai
General Feature
Cultural Attractions
Natural Attractions
Festivals
One Tambon One Product
INTRODUCTION
Sukhothai (literally means “Dawn of Happiness” ) was the first truly independent Thai Kingdom, which enjoyed a golden age under King Ramkhamhaeng, credited with creating the Thai alphabet. The superb temples and monuments of this great city have been lovingly restored in Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for all travellers.
Sukhothai is located on the lower edge of the northern region, 440 kilometres north of Bangkok or some 350 kilometres south of Chiang Mai. The province covers some 6,596 square kilometres and is divided into 9 Amphurs (districts): Muang Sukhothai, Sawankhalok, Sri Samrong, Si Satchanalai, Kong Krailat, Kirimas, Thung Saliam, Ban Dan Lan Hoi and Sri Nakhon,
Provincial Seal
Features the picture of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great Sitting on the Managkhasila pedestal.
Provincial Slogan
Sukhothai, a town of excellent world heritages, thai letters invention, Loy Krathong, Budhism, intricate tin Jok cloth, ancient golden Sanglhalok wares, holy Mae Ya and Phor Khun and the down of happiness.
BODY
History of Sukhothai
As the first Kingdom of Thai nationals, Sukhothai used to be the most glorious Kingdom of Thai people 700 years ago as witnessed from archaeological remains left in the internationally-renowned Sukhothai and Sri Sachanalai historical parks
As mentioned in the Stone Inscription, the Sukhothai Kingdom enjoyed the most prosperity during the reign of Phor Khun Ramkhamhaeng the Great. The northern part of the Kingdom bordered on Muang Prae, Nan and Luang Phra Bang, the south on Nakhon Sri Thammarat, the east on Vientiene, While the West bordered on Muang Hongsawadi.
Just as the father looked after children, Phor Khun Ramkhamhaeng the Gerat brought his people rights, freedom including glories as witnessed in the Stone Scription partly reading "People are happy. Water resources are riched with fish. In the paddy fields grow paddy rices. Cattles, horses, elephants are independantly sold."
Blessed with fertile water resources, the major occupation of the then Sukhothai was agriculture, such as rice farming, gardening and plantation. Sever irrigation dams called "Tham Nob Phra Ruang" were constructed throughout the Kingdom. Moreover, Sukhothai become not only the hub of the Sangkhalok wares manufacture, but also the center of the Chinese imports business transaction. The Sukhothai historical park registered as the world heritage considerably witnessed the achievements of the Kingdom.
General Feature
Location & Size
Situated in lower north Thailand, about 440 kms away from Bangkok, Sukhothai has an area of about 6,596.092 sq.kms or 4,112,557 rai
Administration
The province is administratively divided into 9 Amphurs (districts), 84 Tambons, 834 villages, 2 Muang municipalities, 11 Tambon municipalities, and 77 tambon administration authorities. The districts include Amphur Muang, Amphur Sawankhalok, Amphur Sri Samrong, Amphur Sri Sachanalai, Amphur Kong Krailas, Amphur Kirimas, Amphur Tung Saliam, Amphur Dan Lan Hoi and Amphur Sri Nakhon.
Population
The population of Sukhothai (approximately 623,865 persons) comprises the majority of original Thai, those who migrated from other provinces, and hilltribes (Karen, Mong, Yao and Li Saw).
Boundary
North
borders on Amphur Wangchin and Amphur Soong Men of Prae and Amphur Lab Lae of Uttaradit.
East
borders on Amphur Phrom Piram and Amphur Muang of Phitsanulok and Amphur Phichai of Uttaradit.
West
borders on Amphur Muang and Amphur Ban Tak of Tak and Amphur Thern of Lampang.
South
borders on Amphur Pran Kratai of Kamphaengphet and Amphur Bang Rakam of Phitsanulok.
Topography
The Topography of Sukhothai mostly features the basin plains with highlands and mountains stretching from the north to the west, central plains and southern highlands. Rivers flow form the north to the south though Amphur Sri Sachanalai, Sawankhalok, Sri Samrong, Muang Sukhothai and Kong Krailas. The highest Luang hill is located about 1,200 meters above sea level.
Climate
Influenced by the southwest and northeast monsoons, the average temperature of the province is 27.6 degree Celsius. Average raindrop for the whole year is 1,208.8 milliliters.
Cultural Attractions
Sukhothai Historical Park
Located in Tambon Muang Kao, Amphur Muang Sukhothai, about 12 kms away from town. The park could be reached by route #12 (Charot Withithong Rd.). Registered as the world's heritage by the UNESCO, the park enjoys the following interesting attractions
Monument of Phor Khun Ramkhamhaeng the Great
Erected on the charot Withithong Rd, north of Wat Mahathat, features the great King sitting on the Monagkhasila Pedestal.
Wat Mahathat
A large temple located in the middle of town, reflects the prosperity of the Sukhothai architecture. Within the monastery are housed Phra Rattana Chedi, the chief pagoda of the temple.
.Located 300 meters southeast of Wat Mahathat.Within the temple are found the Narai Banthomsincarved stone lintel, pieces of deity statue, bronze lingum and Lopburi-style Buddha images
Wat Phra Phai Luang
Situated outside the town, are surrounded by 3-line ditches, houses laterite prang (pagoda), ruined images of Buddha, damaged pogoda and base of Vihar.
Wat Sa Sri
Situated on the isle in Traphang Trakuan, a large pond located in the middle of town, The monastery houses the Lankan-style pagodas, an image of Buddha in the attiude ofsubduing mara and ordination hall located in the middle of a small isle.
Shrine of the City Gaurdian Spirit housed
Close to the northen ditch of Wat Mahathat, is not mentioned on the Stone Inscription. From the survey by Phra Wichian Prakan in the reign of King Rama VI of Bangkok, the laterite poles were found at the tour corners of the shrine. In the middle of the shrine is a hole in which a round stone marking the center of town was believingly buried.
Located on a 200-meter-high hill, about 2,930 meters away from Wat Mahathat. Inside the monastery are found a Vihar; Phra Attharot, a 12.5-meter-high standing image of Buddha in the attitude of forgiving and a lotus-shaped Chedi.
Sri Sachanalai Historical Park
Situated at Kaeng Luang in Tambon Sri Sachanalai, Amphur Sri Sachanalai, about 52 kms away from town center, the park has been registered by the UNESCO as the world's heritage like Sukhothai Historical Park. Interesting historic attractions in the park include :
Widely known as Wat Borommathat Muang Chaliang or Wat Phra Prang, is located about 3 kms away from the ramparts of Muang Sri Sachanalai. Inside the temple are housed relics of then Buddha and a large Prang made of laterites.
Located atop the Phanom Phlerng mountain. Within the monastery are erected a laterite pagoda and a large Vihar. Behind the pagoda is housed the shrine of Chao Mae La-ong Sumli revered by general public, while inside the vihar are housed the laterite pole and the Buddha image in the attitude of subduing mara.
Wat Khao Suwan kiri
Located west of the Phanom Phlerng mountain houses a large bellshaped pagoda made of laterite, the Buddha image made of mortar.
Wat Chedi Jet Thaew
Situated opposite to Wat Chang Lom, houses a lotus-shaped chief Chedi, pagodas, a Vihar, the buddha image made of mortar including murals.
The Center of Sangkhalok Kiln Study & Preservation
Situated in Ban Koh Noi, about 5 kms away from the Sri Sachanalai Historical Park, used to be the location of the industrial estate of the Sukhothai Kingdom. Over 500 Sangkhalok ware kilns were discovered here. Within the canter are displayed archaeological objects including the development of ancient wares.
Ramkhamhaeng National Museum
Situated in front of the Sukhothai Historical Park, displays art objects discovered in sukhothai including images of Buddha, Sangkhalok wares, Stone Scriptions and Sukhothai water ducts given by general public.
The Sawanka Wora Nayok National Museum
Located behind Wat Sawankaram or Wat Klang, Tambon Wang Mai Khon, Amphur Sawankhalok, exhibits art items and archaeological objects mostly belonging o Phra Sawanka Wora Nayok (Thongkham Chitthon), the provincial ecclesiastical head or the abbot of Wat Sawankarm.
Phra Mae Ya Shrine
A goddess statue sculptured from stone located in front of town hall, was formerly housed at the entrance of Phra Mae Ya cove in Khao Loung Mountain ranges, Tambon Na Cherng Diri, Amphur Kirimas.
Natural Attractions
Ramkhamhaeng National Park (Khao Luang)
Widely known as Pa Khao Luang, the park has an area of 341 sq.kms or 213,125 rai covering Amphur Kirimas, Amphur Ban Dan Lan Hoi and Amphur Muang Sukhothai. Blessed with wildlife, birds, natural beauties including fertile trapical jungles and mountains stretching from the north to the south, the park originate rivers and brooks. It is cold throughout the year with average temerature ranging from 12-14 degree Celsius
Interesting natural and historical attractions in the park include:
Khao Luang, Located south of town, enjoys wonderful sceneries. Tredding route to atop the hill is about 3,270 meters. About 1,000 meters away from the park's office stands the giant Pterocarpus. About 300 meters away from the giant tree is located the Mor E Hok stone fossils. The view area is about 400 meters away from the stone fossil. About 720 meters away from the view area is situated the Pha Mahat Raw Water Source. About 380 meters from the water source is located Chan Berk Phrai. About 300 meters from Chan Berk Phrai stands the large banyan tree. 320 meters from the tree is located Plong Nang Nak, a 0.5-meter-wide and 1.5-meter-long vertical natural opening. Along the route are located caves. Khao Luang is about 1,200 meter above sea level.
Sai Rung Waterfall, originated from the Chedi Mountain, is beautiful but has water only during the rainy season.
Buddha Footprint, housed at the foot of the Tham Phrabath hill, was invented in the reign of Phra Maha Thammaraja Lithai. It is about 600 years old.
Narai Cave used to house the statue of Phra Bodhisattva Awalokitesuan, presently only the base left.
Phra Mae Ya Cave used to house the statue of Phra Mae Ya currently located at the shrine of Phra Moe Ya in the compound of town hall.
Saleed Phong Dam, widely known as Tham Nob Phra Ruang, is located between the
Phrabath Yai mountain and the Kew Eye Ma hill. In the post, water from the dam flowed through canals to the capital of ancient Sukhothai.
With an area of opproximately 311.57 sq.kms or 202,520.50 rai covering Amphur Sri Satchanalai. Amphur Thung Saliam of Sukhothai and Amphur Thern of Lampang. the park is blessed with fertile tropical hilly forests, wildlife, birds and natural wonders. The Office of the Park is situated in Moo 6, Ban Pa Ka, Tambon Ban kaeng, Amphur Sri Sachanalai.
Festivals
Loy Kratong Festival
Phor Khun Ramkhamhaeng's Day festival
Annually held on January 17, at the monument of Phor Khun Ramkhamhaeng the Great in the Sukhothai Historical park, in honor of the Great King of Sukhothai Kingdom
Si Satchanalai Ordination Celebration
Called by Thais as “Buat Chang Hat Siao”, this local event is held annually during 7-8 April at Ban Hat Sieo, Amphoe Si Satchanalai. It features a spectacular procession of ordination candidates in colorful costumer on the backs of some 20-30 decorated elephants. The ceremony has been arranged by Thai Phuan, the citizens of Ban Hat Siao for more than 150 years.
Khong Di Kong Krailas & Fish Eating Fair
Annually held in February, in front of the district's office, the fair displays the demonstration of fish products, beauty contest, fish-catching competition, local shows and other entertainments. Apart from fish goods, OTOP Products are also available.
Song Nam Aui Than Festival
Annually held on April 12, in the Sri Sachanalai Historical Park, by the Sri Sachanalai people; the Songkran ceremony exhibits the Buddha image procession from Wat Phra Prang to the Historical park.
Hae Nam Khum Hong Song Nam Chao Phor Muang Dong Festival
Annually held during the Songkran festival at the Muang Dong Wittaya School, the event displays the elephants procession from the shrine of Chao Phor Muang Dong to the monument of Chao Phor Muang Dong, local shows, bathing the statue of Chao Phor Muang Dong and old people.
Phra Mae Ya and Red Cross Fair
Annually eld from late January to early February in front of town hall, the fair exhibits the ceremony of paying homage to Phra Mae Ya, nine Buddha images and the statue of King Rama V of Bangkok.
Wan Khong Di Sri Sachanalai Festival
Annually held in August, at Muang Chaliang Wittaya School, the festival helps promote local products. The fair exhibits not only beauty contest, but also that of fruits, processed agricultural products and Tin Jok cloth. Local products are available at reasonable prices.
Annually held on February 24, at Wat Thung Saliam, Amphur Thung Saliam, the festival is worth visiting. Luang Phor Sila, an image of crowned Buddha under Naga, was found in the Chao Ram cave, Amphur Ban Dan Lan Hoi in 2472 B.E. and brought to Wat Thung Saliam. Stolen in 2520, the over-800-year-old Buddha image returned from the United States to Thailand again in 2539.
Tham Khwan Phung Ceremony
Annually held on the 3rd day (new moon) of the 3rd lunar month by the Tha Din Daeng villagers, Tambon Kirimas, the festival, originated from rendering honey instead of labor forces as a poll tex from the Ayudhya period to the reign of King Rama V of Bangkok, displays the ritual of bringing back honey bees' spirits.
One Tambon One Product (OTOP)
Project of Royal Thai Government. It was initiated to encourage people in rural communities to use their local wisdom to develop distinctive products for both domestic and foreign markets, with technical and managerial assistance from the government. The project aims to create job and thus increase income for rural people so that they become self-reliant in local development.
The Principles of OTOP
Local Yet Global
Self-Reliance & Creativity
Human Resource Development
Best of OTOP
Classification of OPC OTOP Product Champions are classified into 5 levels: 1-star to 5-star class through selection process at the district, provincial and provincial cluster levels.
Sukhothai OTOP
Food
- Crisp Banana Chips
Ampher Kong Krailat
- Sornthong Vesoy Oil
Ampher Sawankhalok
- Fish Sauce
Ampher Kong Krailat
Beaverrage
- Marai Phor Khun Wine
Ampher Sri Somrong
- Thai Fruit Wine
Ampher Sawankhalok
- Processed Herbs
Ampher Ban Dan Lan Hoi
Cloth & Custermes
- Golden Decorations
Ampher Sri Satchanalai
- Silver Decorations
Ampher Sri Satchanalai
-Locally-woven Cloth
Ampher Ban Dan Lan Hoi
Tool cabinets
- Weed Brooms
Ampher Sri Somrong
- Teak Cabinets
Ampher Muang Sukhothai
Art Items
- Coated Earthen Wares
Ampher Sri Somrong tel. 0-9562-5814
- Pottery
Ampher Kirimas ,Ampher Sri Satchanalai
CONCLUSION
Sukhothai is a World heritage. And had the important history in the past. Sukhothai is a historical city. So had a lot of temples or artchitecture since sukhothai period. And now Sukhothai is the interesting city for the person who want to study about history about sukhothai period.
REFERENCES
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