Ratchaburi province
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| Capital: | Ratchaburi |
| Area: | 5,196.5 km² Ranked 43rd |
| Inhabitants: | 788,525 (2001) Ranked 28th |
| Pop. density: | 152 inh./km² Ranked 23rd |
| ISO 3166-2: | TH-70 | Map |
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Ratchaburi (often short Rat'buri, Thai ราชบุรี) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram and Phetchaburi. In the west it borders Myanmar.
| Table of contents |
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2 History 3 Demographics 4 Symbols 5 Administrative divisions 6 External links |
Geography
The east part of the province contains the flat river plains of the Mae Klong river, crisscrossed by many khlongs. The most famous touristical spot in this area are the floating markets of Damnoen Saduak. The west of the province is more mountainously, and includes the Tanawsri mountain range. As it is mostly limestone mountains, there are several caves with stalactites. Some caves are inhabited by large flocks of bats, which give an impressive sight when they flow out in the evening for gathering food.
History
The history of the city Ratchaburi dates back the Dvaravati period, when it was an important city of the Mon kingdom. According to legend it even dates back to the mythical Suvannabhumi kingdom predating Dvaravati.
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The provincial seal show the royal sword and the royal sandals, as the name Ratchaburi means City of the King. The provincial slogan is Beautiful women of Photharam, beautiful women of Baan Pong, the city of earthern jars, shadow plays at Wat Khanon, magnificent caves, floating market at Damnern, bats, delicious Yii Sok fish.
Provincial flower is the Pink Shower Tree (Cassia bakeriana), provincial tree is Wrightia pubescens. |
| Amphoe (districts) | King Amphoe (minor districts) | |
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