Lopburi is a province in the central region of Thailand. The province is divided into 11 administrative districts, and Mueang Lopburi District is the capital. With over 750,000 people, the province is Thailand's 36th largest area and 32nd most populous. There are eight neighboring provinces, Phetchabun, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri, and Nakhon Sawan. Lopburi is a significant province historically, where many historical structures, artifacts, and prehistoric settlements have been discovered. In the past, Lopburi was called by the name Lavo, that is, the kingdom had been ruled by an absolute monarch.
History
Known as Lavo during much of its history, Lopburi probably dates to prehistoric times. The name Lavo originated in the Mon Kingdom of Dvaravati period. The conquering Khmer would build many impressive temples in the city during its rule. Lopburi may even have liberated itself for a time, as it sent independent embassies to China in 1115 and 1155. In 1289 it sent another embassy to China, but soon became part of the Thai kingdom of Sukhothai and later Ayutthaya. During the Ayutthaya period, King Ramathibodi I sent Phra Ramesuan as the Uparaja to reign in Lopburi. In 1665 King Narai the Great ordered a new palace built on the east bank of the Lopburi River and made Lopburi the second capital of the country, as Ayutthaya was threatened by the Dutch. After King Narai died, the city was almost abandoned and fell into ruin. In 1856 King Mongkut of the Chakri dynasty ordered King Narai's palace to be renovated. The city finally regained its importance in 1938, when Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram chose Lopburi to be the largest military base in Thailand and once was decide to be new capital city of Thailand after the end of World War II.
Lopburi province has a tropical savanna climate. Winters are dry and warm. Temperatures rise until May. Mansoon season runs from May through October, with heavy rain and somewhat cooler temperatures during the day, although nights remain warm. Climatic statistics: It's maximum temperature is 41.4 °C in April and the lowest temperature is 10.2 °C in December. The highest average temperature is 36.8 °C and the minimum average temperature is 20.6 °C. Annual average rainfall is 1,125 millimeters with mean rainy days is 17.6 in September. Maximum daily rainfall is 203.4 millimeters in October.
Symbols
The provincial seal shows Vishnu in front of the Khmer temple :fr:Phra Prang Sam Yod|Phra Prang Sam Yod. The escutcheon of Lopburi shows Phra Narai and in the background Phra Prang Sam Yod, the "Sanctuary with the Three Towers". It refers to King Narai who in 1664 fortified the city to be used as an alternative capital when Ayutthaya was threatened by a Dutch naval blockade. The provincial tree as well as the provincial flower is the bullet wood. The slogan of the province is National treasures of King Narai's palace and Phra Kan Shrine, famous Prang Sam Yot, city of Din So Phong Marl, well-known Pa Sak Cholasit Dam and golden land of King Narai the Great.
Administrative divisions
Provincial government
The province is subdivided into 11 districts. The districts are further subdivided into 122 sub-districts and 1,126 villages.
Local government
As of 26 November 2019 there are: one Lopburi Provincial Administrative Organization and 23 municipal areas in the province. Lopburi, Khao Sam Yot and Ban Mi have town status. Further 20 subdistrict municipalities. The non-municipal areas are administered by 102 Subdistrict Administrative Organizations - SAO.
Transportation
Rail
is a station of the State Railway of Thailand's Northern Line, the end of Bangkok's suburban service.
King Narai Reign Fair : Event held annually, it is considered the greatest fair of the province. The objective is to honour King Narai the Great, who used to live here. The highlight is that all Lopburi people are dressed in traditional Thai clothes throughout the province and there is a sound and light performance at the King Narai's Palace in the evening. This fair is promoted by Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Monkey Buffet Festival : Annually buffet held during November for herd of macaques that live at ancient Khmer temple, Phra Prang Sam Yot and nearby Phra Kan Shrine in the centre of province, which they are like a symbol of the province. It was first organized in the year 1989.
Climbing Up Khao Wong Phra Chan Festival : Pilgrimage inscription by climbing up 3,790 steps of Khao Wong Phrachan, the province's highest hill that located in Khok Samrong district for pay homage to replica of the Lord Buddha's footprint and Buddha statues that enshrined on the top of the hill. This festival is usually held on the Chinese New Year period and has been very popular, especially from Thai people of Chinese descent.
