Greater Bangkok

Bangkok Provinces

The Bangkok Metropolitan Region, also known as Greater Bangkok, consists of 5 suburban provinces. Each of these suburban provinces have historic townships, as well newer built attractions that have become renowned cultural icons.

Nakhon Pathom

Nakhon Pathom is considered one of Thailand's oldest cities, founded as early as 40 BC. It served as a key capital of Dvaravati, a prominent Mon kingdom that stretched from Lop Buri to Southern Thailand. During this period, the Indian King Ashoka sent monks to Siam to promote Theravada Buddhism. These monks arrived in Nakhon Pathom and then traveled across the country, contributing to the city's legacy of spreading Buddhism throughout Siam

The provincial seal depicts Phra Pathom Chedi stupa, at 127 m, the highest pagoda of the world. Located at the city center, it has been an important Buddhist center since the 6th century. The current building was created by king Mongkut in 1860. On the pagoda a royal crown is depicted, the symbol for King Mongkut's reconstruction.

Nonthaburi

Nonthaburi was declared a city in the middle of the 16th century. It was previously a village named Talat Khwan. During the reign of King Prasat Thong, a canal was dug to create a shortcut for the flow of the Chao Phraya. The river changed its flow into the new canal, which is still the riverbed today. In 1665 King Narai built a fortress, as the shorter river course was giving enemies an easier route to the capital, Ayutthaya. The town was then moved near the fortress.

The provincial seal features earthenware, a traditional product, as well as the local yellow flame tree.

Pathum Thani

The city dates back to a settlement founded by Mon migrating from Mottama in Myanmar around 1650. The original name was Sam Khok. In 1815, King Rama II visited the city and the citizens offered him many lotus flowers, which prompted the king to rename the city Pathum Thani, meaning 'lotus flower town'.

The provincial seal features A pink lotus flower with rice stalks. Both plants symbolize the fertile land of the province.

Samut Prakan

The province was established during the Ayutthaya Kingdom, with its administrative center located at Prapadaeng. It served as Siam's seaport and was protected by forts, town moats, and walls. In 1819, King Rama II began constructing a new administrative center at Samut Prakan, after his predecessor, King Taksin, had abandoned the town’s fortifications. Six forts were built along both sides of the Chao Phraya River, and on an island in the river, the Phra Samut Chedi pagoda was erected. These forts played a crucial role during the Franco-Siamese conflict. Today, only two of the original six forts remain: Phi Sua Samut and Phra Chulachomklao.

The provincial seal features Phra Samut Chedi, the highly revered Buddhist temple in the area.

Samut Sakhon

The area’s earliest name was Tha Chin, meaning 'Chinese pier,' likely due to its role as a trading port where Chinese junks docked. In 1548, the city of Sakhon Buri was founded, and in 1704, it was renamed Mahachai after the Khlong Mahachai canal was dug to connect with the Tha Chin River near the town. King Mongkut later gave the city its current name, although the old name, Mahachai, is still occasionally used by locals.

The provincial seal depicts an Chinese junk in front of the coast, with a smoking chimney, referring to Mueang Tha Chin (City of Chinese Port). It also refers to the old trading tradition as well as the local industries.