Nakhon Nayok Province


Nakhon Nayok is one of the central provinces of Thailand, established by the, which came into force on 9 May 1946.
Neighboring provinces are Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachinburi, Chachoengsao, and Pathum Thani.
Nakhon Nayok is known for waterfalls and fruit varieties.

Toponymy

The word nakhon originates from the Sanskrit word nagara meaning 'city', and the word nayok is thought to have been derived from the Sanskrit nāyaka meaning 'leader' or 'captain'. However, in this connection, na means ' rice field' and yok means 'exempted'. Hence the name of the province literally means 'tax-free city'.

History

The city of Nakhon Nayok dates back to the Dvaravati Kingdom, probably founded in the 11th century. Ruins from this time are visible at Mueang Boran Dong Lakhon south of the modern city. Originally named Mueang Lablae, the name "Nakhon Nayok" was assigned to it in 1350, when it became a garrison town of the Ayutthaya kingdom protecting the eastern boundary.
On 1 January 1943 the government downgraded Nakhon Nayok Province and combined it with Prachinburi Province, except for Ban Na District which became part of Saraburi Province. On 9 May 1946 the province was re-established.

Symbols

The provincial seal shows an elephant holding an ear of rice with its trunk. This symbolizes fertile rice fields, as well as the forests with numerous elephants. In the background two piles of straw, trees, and clouds symbolizing the natural beauty of the province.
The provincial flower and tree is the silk cotton tree.

Climate

Nakhon Nayok 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. Climate statistics: maximum temperature is 42.2 °C in April and lowest temperature is 12.2 °C in December. Highest average temperature is 36.8 °C in April and minimum average temperature is 20.5 °C in December. Average annual rainfall is 1,823 millimeters in 134 days. Maximum daily rainfall is 195 millimeters in August.

Geography

The northern part of the province is in the Sankamphaeng Range, the southern prolongation of the Dong Phaya Yen mountains, with the highest elevation the 1,292 meter high Yod Khao Kiew. Most of that area is covered by the Khao Yai National Park. The central part of the province however is a rather flat river plain formed by the Nakhon Nayok River. The southern part of the province has relatively infertile acidic soil.
The main river of the province is the Nakhon Nayok River. It joins the Prachinburi River at Pak Nam Yothaka in Ban Sang District, Prachinburi Province, which then becomes the Bang Pa Kong River.

Administrative divisions

Provincial government

The province is divided into four districts. The districts are further divided into 41 subdistricts and 403 villages.
  1. Mueang Nakhon Nayok
  2. Pak Phli
  3. Ban Na
  4. Ongkharak

    Local government

As of 26 November 2019 there are: one Nakhon Nayok Provincial Administration Organisation and 6 municipal areas in the province. Nakhon Nayok has town status. Further 5 subdistrict municipalities. The non-municipal areas are administered by 39 Subdistrict Administrative Organisations - SAO.

Human achievement index 2017

Since 2003, United Nations Development Programme in Thailand has tracked progress on human development at sub-national level using the Human achievement index, a composite index covering all the eight key areas of human development. National Economic and Social Development Board has taken over this task since 2017.