Phichit, Thailand

Situated in the Lower North some 345 kilometres from Bangkok, Pichit is accessible by both road and rail. Nurtured by two rivers, the Yom and the Nan running parallel to one another north to south, the land is agriculturally fertile. Once the site of an ancient town dating back almost a thousand years ago, Phichit has played in a major role in the history of both Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. Known as the land of the crocodiles, it has been home to this ferocious reptile which has thrived in its waters. There are today several fresh-water crocodile farms. Phichit features in the Thai epic Krai Thong composed by King Rama II which tells of Chalawa. Phichit is administratively divided into the following districts: Muang, Pho Prathap Chang, Taphan hin, Bang Mun Nak, Pho Thale, Sam NgamWat Tha Luang is situated on the west bank of Mae Nam Nan near the Provincial Hall. It houses a bronze Buddha image cast in the attitude of subduing evil from the Chiang Saen period in the main shrine hall. This image is believed to have been brought from the north, by Khun Phaen, to be enshrined there. The name of the Buddha image is "Luang Pho Phet" and has a lap width of 1.40 meters. It is regarded an important Budha image of Phichit which is highly respected by the inhabitants. Wang Sai Phun, Thap Khlo, Sak Lek, Dong Charoen, Bueng Na Rang and Wachirabarami