The Ancient River Province and the Agricultural Heart of Lower Northern Thailand
Phichit Province is a historic and agriculture-rich province in Lower Northern Thailand, located along the Nan River basin. Known for its ancient city heritage, fertile floodplains, rice cultivation, and traditional rural culture, Phichit has long served as a quiet but vital contributor to Thailand’s food security and regional stability.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Phichit has deep historical roots dating back to early Thai kingdoms.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| 11th–13th century | Early settlements and city-states |
| 13th century | Part of the Sukhothai Kingdom |
| 14th–18th century | Under Ayutthaya Kingdom |
| 1767 | Integrated into unified Siam |
| 1899 | Administrative reforms |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
Phichit’s history is closely tied to river trade and agriculture.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Phichit Province |
| Capital City | Phichit |
| Region | Lower Northern Thailand |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~4,531 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~540,000 |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai |
| ISO Code | TH-66 |
⚖️ Government & Administration
Phichit follows Thailand’s provincial administrative system.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & Subdistrict Administrative Organizations |
The Phichit Provincial Hall coordinates governance.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Phichit
Phichit Province consists of 12 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Phichit
Wang Sai Phun
Pho Prathap Chang
Taphan Hin
Bang Mun Nak
Pho Thale
Sam Ngam
Tap Khlo
Sak Lek
Bueng Na Rang
Dong Charoen
Wachirabarami
These districts include fertile plains, river communities, and market towns.
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: Flat river plains, wetlands
Major Rivers: Nan River, Yom River tributaries
Borders: Phitsanulok, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan
Natural Features:
Floodplain ecosystems
Irrigation canals & reservoirs
Agricultural wetlands
Phichit’s geography supports intensive farming and fisheries.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Local administration includes:
Phichit City Municipality
Town municipalities (Taphan Hin, Bang Mun Nak)
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Local governance focuses on agriculture, water management, and rural services.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Phichit focuses on:
Rice & crop production
Irrigation and flood management
Agro-processing industries
Rural infrastructure development
Local trade & logistics
Phichit is often called a “rice granary” of Lower Northern Thailand.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Phichit Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Disaster Prevention Units | Flood & drought response |
| Agricultural & Water Authorities | Water control & safety |
Phichit is generally considered a low-crime province.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Buddhism (Theravada) |
| Cultural Identity | Central–Northern Thai blend |
| Local Language | Central Thai |
| Folk Traditions | River festivals & temple fairs |
Major Religious Sites:
Wat Tha Luang
Wat Khao Rup Chang
Phichit Old City area
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Rice, maize, fruits |
| Fisheries | Freshwater fish farming |
| Agro-Processing | Rice mills, food products |
| Services | Local commerce |
Agriculture remains the backbone of Phichit’s economy.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Higher Education | Local colleges & institutes |
| Vocational Training | Agriculture & technical skills |
| Major Hospitals | Phichit Hospital |
Advanced services are accessed in nearby Phitsanulok.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Rail | Northern Railway Line |
| Roads | National highways linking central Thailand |
| Nearest Airport | Phitsanulok Airport |
Phichit is well-connected by road and rail.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions:
Bueng Si Fai Lake
Phichit Old City sites
Wat Tha Luang
Riverside communities
Agricultural landscapes
Tourism in Phichit is calm and locally focused.
🌍 Regional Role
Agricultural supply province
Water & irrigation management zone
Support province for Phitsanulok hub
Part of Thailand’s central–northern transition belt
📝 Summary
Phichit Province is a quiet but essential part of Thailand’s regional system — a land of rivers, rice fields, and resilient communities. With its fertile plains and agricultural strength, Phichit continues to support food security and rural development in Lower Northern Thailand.
📢 News & Articles
“Rice Production and Irrigation in Phichit”
“Flood Management in the Nan River Basin”
“Strengthening Agro-Processing in Lower Northern Thailand”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, accurate, and expandable provincial knowledge.