The word "samut" originates from the Sanskrit word समुद्र samudra meaning 'ocean', and the word "songkhram" from Sanskrit संग्राम saṃgrāma meaning 'war'.Hence the name of the province literally means 'war ocean'. However, this province is colloquially known as "Mae Klong" after the name of the main river that flows past the area.
Geography
Samut Songkhram is at the mouth of the Mae Klong River to the Bay of Bangkok. With several canals the water of the river is spread through the province for irrigation. At the coast are many lakes for producing sea salt. The sandbar Don Hoi Lot at the mouth of the river is famous for its endemic shell population of Solen regularis. It covers a total area of 416.7 km2. It can be considered the smallest province in Thailand. This province is home to places of worship of the three major religions. There are 110 Buddhist temples, two Christian churches and one mosque.
History
In the Ayutthaya period the area of Samut Songkhram was known as "suan nok" and was administered by Ratchaburi. During the reign of King Taksin it was made a province. It was the birthplace of Queen Amarindra of King Rama I. The birthplace of King Rama II in Amphawa District is now a memorial park.
Symbols
The provincial seal shows a drum over a river. The Thai word for drum is klong, thus refers to the Mae Klong River, as well as the old name of the province, Mae Klong. On both sides of the river coconut trees are displayed as one of the main products of the province. The provincial tree is Casuarina equisetifolia. Siamese giant carp is a provincial fish. The provincial slogan is "City of Hoi Lot, Top Lychee, King Rama II Memorial Park, the Mae Klong River, and Luangpho Ban Laem".
Administrative divisions
Provincial government
The province is divided into three districts. The districts are further divided into 38 subdistricts and 284 villages.
Local government
As of 26 November 2019 there are: one Samut Songkhram Provincial Administration Organisation and 9 municipal areas in the province. Samut Songkhram has town status. Further 8 subdistrict municipalities. The non-municipal areas are administered by 26 Subdistrict Administrative Organisations - SAO.
Economy
Samut Songkhram is a leader in Thai salt production, with 4,535 rai worked in 2011 by 111 households to produce salt. Aside from salt Samut Songkhram is also known for the variety of fruits, especially lychee, pomelo and coconut. Pla thu is regarded as an important commercial fish and the most famous product of the province. Mackerel of Samut Songkhram is well known as "Pla thu Mae Klong". Because the area of the province borders the Bay of Bangkok which is rich in plankton, they are regarded as the staple food of this fish species. Therefore, short mackerel of Samut Songkhram has a large body size and the meat is delicious. They can be cooked to a variety of foods such as Pla thu tom madan, Chu chee pla thu, Pla thu sa tia, burger Pla thu, Pla thu meat, made into a burger filling which can be eaten only in Samut Songkhram. And exclusive Khao tom sam kasat, porridge with the main ingredients, Pla thu, prawn and fresh squid, recount that this menu has its origin from the King Rama V visiting the people at Mae Klong. He has prepared this menu based on his own original ideas until it became a legendary food.
Local traditions
The Celebrations of King Rama II: organized every early February, which was the birth month of King Rama II at King Rama II Memorial Park.
Worship and bathing Luangpho Ban Laem ceremony: organized every mid April, which falls on Songkran festival at Wat Ban Laem.
Mackerel festival: organized regularly at the end of the year to promote the consumption of Pla thu at Provincial Hall.
Transport
Rail
Samut Songkhram's main station, Maeklong, is on the Maeklong Railway. The railway is known for its route through the Maeklong Railway Market, nicknamed, meaning the 'umbrella pulldown market'. It is one of the largest seafood markets in Thailand, and is centred on the Maeklong Railway's track. Whenever a train approaches, the awnings and shop fronts are moved back from the rails, to be replaced once the train has passed.
Road
is a main road of Samut Songkhram, it is a road that leads to south as well as Petchkasem Road, starting from Bangkok's Thonburi side. Its named in honour to King Rama II. Samut Songkhram is about 63 km from Bangkok by this road. The famous floating market, Talat Nam Amphawa can be reached by this road.
