Wang Thong district

Wang Thong (Thai: วังทอง, pronounced [wāŋ tʰɔ̄ːŋ]) is a district (amphoe) of Phitsanulok province, central Thailand.

Wang Thong
วังทอง
The Stupa of Khao Samo Khleang
The Stupa of Khao Samo Khleang
District location in Phitsanulok province
District location in Phitsanulok province
Coordinates: 16°49′27″N 100°25′43″E
CountryThailand
ProvincePhitsanulok
SeatWang Thong
Area
  Total1,687.05 km2 (651.37 sq mi)
Population
 (2009)
  Total119,103
  Density71.5/km2 (185/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+7 (ICT)
Postal code65130
Geocode6508

History

Wang Thong was established in 1895 as Nakhon Pa Mak District, named after the central tambon, the district office being located in Ban Sam Ruen. However, the original location was difficult to reach and also flooded every year, and the district office was moved to the east side of the Wang Thong River, where the Wang Thong Municipal Market now stands.

In 1928 the government created Bang Krathum district, and tambons Phai Lom, Noen Kum, and Nakhon Pa Mak were assigned to it.[1] Tambons Kaeng Sopha and Ban Klang of Nakhon Thai district were reassigned to Wang Thong.

When the buildings on the east bank of Wang Thong River were washed away by a flood, the district office relocated to its present site. In 1931 the district name was changed to Pa Mak, finally designated as Wang Thong in 1939.[2]

Geography

Khek River in rainy season, Wang Thong

Neighboring districts are (from the south clockwise), Sak Lek of Phichit province, Bang Krathum, Mueang Phitsanulok, Wat Bot, Chat Trakan, Nakhon Thai of Phitsanulok Province, Khao Kho of Phetchabun province and Noen Maprang of Phitsanulok Province.

Rivers

Wang Thong lies within the Nan Basin, which is part of the Chao Phraya Watershed. The important water resource is Wang Thong River (Khek River). The Khwae Noi River and Tha Muen Ram River also flow through this district.

Swamps

The Bueng Rachanok Swamp is a popular tourist destination in the district.

Administration

The district is divided into 11 sub-districts (tambons), which are further subdivided into 166 villages (mubans). Wang Thong is sub-district municipality (thesaban tambon) which covers part of the same-named tambon. There are a further 11 tambon administrative organizations (TAO).

No. Name Thai Villages Pop.[3]
01.Wang Thongวังทอง1519,808
02.Phan Chaliพันชาลี1709,592
03.Mae Rakaแม่ระกา1507,156
04.Ban Klangบ้านกลาง2719,733
05.Wang Phikunวังพิกุล1508,259
06.Kaeng Sophaแก่งโสภา1310,912
07.Tha Muen Ramท่าหมื่นราม1408,071
08.Wang Nok Aenวังนกแอ่น2016,119
09.Nong Phraหนองพระ1206,994
10.Chaiyanamชัยนาม0906,088
11.Din Thongดินทอง1106,371

Infrastructure

Significant Settlements

The following settlements of the Wang Thong District are significant enough in size as to occupy multiple mubans:

  • Town of Ban Wang Thong
  • Ban Gok Mai Daeng
  • Ban Din Thong
  • Ban Sadao
  • Ban Phan Chali
  • Ban Supraron Phanom Thong
  • Ban Nam Rin
  • Ban Mae Raka
  • Ban Kao Noi
  • Ban Kaeng Gula
  • Ban Kao Hom
  • Ban Dong Phluang

Radio

  • There is one radio station broadcast from Wang Thong, the Sathaanii Witthayu Ratthasaphaa (Parliament Radio Station). The frequency is 92.25 FM.[4]

Attractions

Flooding

Wang Thong was hit by severe flooding in 2007. By 8 October 2007, flooding in the Wang Thong District had killed at least three people, and the district was declared a disaster zone.[5]

References

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