The Strategic Heart of Lower Northern Thailand and a Historic Royal City
Phitsanulok Province is one of Thailand’s most strategically important and historically prestigious provinces, located in Lower Northern Thailand. Often called the “Gateway to the North”, Phitsanulok has served as a royal city, military center, religious hub, and modern transportation crossroads connecting Northern, Central, and Northeastern Thailand.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Phitsanulok played a vital role in Thai royal and military history.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| 11th century | Early Khmer-influenced settlement |
| 13th century | Becomes part of the Sukhothai Kingdom |
| 15th century | Important city under Ayutthaya Kingdom |
| 1448 | Birthplace of King Naresuan the Great |
| 1767 | Integrated into unified Siam |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
Phitsanulok is deeply associated with King Naresuan, one of Thailand’s greatest monarchs.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Phitsanulok Province |
| Capital City | Phitsanulok |
| Region | Lower Northern Thailand |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~10,815 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~860,000 |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai |
| ISO Code | TH-65 |
⚖️ Government & Administration
Phitsanulok follows Thailand’s provincial administrative system.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & Subdistrict Administrative Organizations |
The Phitsanulok Provincial Hall coordinates governance.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Phitsanulok
Phitsanulok Province consists of 9 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Phitsanulok
Nakhon Thai
Chat Trakan
Bang Rakam
Bang Krathum
Phrom Phiram
Wat Bot
Wang Thong
Noen Maprang
These districts range from urban centers to mountainous forest regions.
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: River plains, plateaus, forested mountains
Major Rivers: Nan River, Yom River tributaries
Borders: Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Phichit, Phetchabun, Loei
Natural Features:
Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park
Thung Salaeng Luang National Park
Nan River basin
Fertile agricultural plains
Phitsanulok has one of the most diverse landscapes in the region.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Local administration includes:
Phitsanulok City Municipality
Town municipalities (Bang Rakam, Wang Thong)
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Local governance balances urban growth and conservation.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Phitsanulok focuses on:
Transportation & logistics hub development
Agriculture & agro-industry
Education & healthcare services
Tourism (historical & eco-tourism)
Regional economic integration
Phitsanulok is often called Lower Northern Thailand’s regional capital.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Phitsanulok Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Tourist Police | Visitor safety |
| Forestry & Park Rangers | Environmental protection |
| Disaster Response Units | Flood & drought management |
The province maintains strong public safety infrastructure.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Buddhism (Theravada) |
| Cultural Identity | Sukhothai–Ayutthaya heritage |
| Local Language | Central Thai |
| Key Historical Figure | King Naresuan the Great |
Major Religious Sites:
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (Wat Yai) – home of Phra Buddha Chinnarat (one of Thailand’s most revered Buddha images)
Wat Chulamani
Phitsanulok is one of Thailand’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage cities.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Rice, sugarcane, fruits |
| Trade & Logistics | Regional transport hub |
| Education | Universities & training centers |
| Tourism | Cultural & eco-tourism |
| Services | Healthcare & commerce |
The economy is diversified and regionally influential.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Universities | Naresuan University |
| Medical Centers | Buddhachinaraj Hospital |
| Education Role | Major regional education hub |
Naresuan University is one of Thailand’s leading regional universities.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport | Phitsanulok Airport |
| Rail | Northern Railway Line |
| Roads | Major highways linking North–Central–Isan |
| Public Transport | Buses & local transport |
Phitsanulok is one of Thailand’s most important transport junctions.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions:
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (Wat Yai)
Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park
Thung Salaeng Luang National Park
King Naresuan Shrine
Nan River riverside
Phitsanulok combines spirituality, history, and nature.
🌍 Regional & National Role
Birthplace of King Naresuan
Gateway between Northern, Central & Northeastern Thailand
Education & healthcare center
Strategic military & logistics hub
📝 Summary
Phitsanulok Province is the strategic and spiritual heart of Lower Northern Thailand. With its royal legacy, revered temples, modern universities, and transport importance, Phitsanulok stands as one of Thailand’s most influential provincial centers.
📢 News & Articles
“Naresuan University and Regional Innovation”
“Preserving Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat”
“Transport & Logistics Growth in Phitsanulok”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, accurate, and expandable provincial knowledge.