Evolvement of the Phra Pathom Chedi Township during 2396-2468 B.E.

Abstract

This article aims to study the evolvement of the township around the Phra Pathom Chedi area during the period 2396-2468 B.E. in Nakhon Pathom province, which was first founded on the Nakhon Chaisi river bank during the Ayutthaya period with Phra Prathon Chedi at its center. The current location of the Nakhon Pathom township began to form when King Rama IV ordered the Phra Pathom Chedi to be repaired in 2396 B.E. The area, thus, drew more settlers and progressed. During the reign of King Rama V, the town hall was relocated to the front of the pagoda with a new city plan as well as an improved infrastructure. This township expanded rapidly resulting in improvements in education and social welfare. In the King Rama VI period, the township around Phra Pathom Chedi was elevated to a provincial rank, changing its former name "Nakhon Chaisi" to "Nakhon Pathom".