Prachinburi (ปราจีนบุรี)

Thai. Province (map) in East Thailand as well, as the name of its capital city, situated 135 kms East of Bangkok. The area of Prachinburi has been inhabited by prehistoric groups of people, long before the Sukhothai period, as is known from archeological findings in the area, which includes Chinese earthenware from the Song Dynasty, suggesting early ties with China. Yet, it is believed that the area has been inhabited much longer and that its civilization probably goes back as far as Proto-history, that is 2,000-2,500 years ago. Excavated evidence in support of this include small Indo-Pacific style glass beads, stone beads, quartz, and metal tools. It also shows an ancient connection and relation with India. Also parts of brass klong mahorateuk drums were found, an ancient artifact from Dong Chon (Đông Sơn), which suggest ties with other Southeast Asian nations. The province is today still scattered with less important ruins from both the Dvaravati and Khmer period, with the majority remaining unrestored and some sites amounting to no more than a loose collection of laterite blocks. The name Prachinburi first occurs only in the Ayutthaya Period and is a compound name, made of the words prachin (ปราจีน) or pachin (ปาจีน), the opposite of prajim and meaning ‘eastern’, and buri meaning ‘city’, which correspondents with its location, as seen from the then capital. In the beginning of the Thonburi period, general Taksin passed through Prachinburi on his way to Chanthaburi, where he led the remaining Siamese troops and (mainly Chinese) mercenaries, who after the fall of Ayutthaya were about a thousand strong. In the Rattanakosin period, King Rama III had Khlong Saen Saeb built, a canal that connects Bangkok to Prachinburi, via the Bang Pa Kong River in Chachengsao, in order to facilitate a quick route to dispatch troops and war material from the newest capital to the eastern provinces, thus advancing the war effort during the Annam-Siam War. Later, King Rama IV had a city fortress built, known as Pom Meuang Prachinburi (ป้อมเมืองปราจีนบุรี), though its construction only finished in the reign of King Rama V, during whose reign the city rose in importance following the discovery of gold, found in Kabinburi. In the North of the province there are several waterfalls and an interesting cave. Prachinburi's places of interest include the Prachinburi National Museum with Dvaravati artifacts discovered in seven different provinces, Suan Phan Phai - a bamboo reproduction garden with an area of about 300 rai and a wide collection of bamboo species for research and breeding, Khao Yai National Park with the three level Hew Narok waterfall of which the first level is 60 meters high and its total height well over 100 meters, Wat Kaew Phichit, the King Naresuan the Great Shrine, etc. The province has seven amphur. See also Phachinburi data file. 回