Lopburi Province 3.59

Lopburi is a province in the central region of Thailand. The province is subdivided into 11 administrative districts, and Mueang Lopburi District is the capital. With over 750,000 people, the province is Thailand's 37th largest area and 38th most populous. There are six neighboring provinces, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Sing Buri, and Nakhon Sawan.Lopburi is a significant province historically, where many historical structures, artifacts, and prehistoric settlements have been discovered. In the past, Lopburi was called by the name Lavo, that is, the kingdom had been ruled by an absolute monarch.HistoryKnown as Lavo during much of its history, Lopburi probably dates to prehistoric times. The name Lavo originated in the Dvaravati period (6th–11th century CE). The conquering Khmer would build many impressive temples in the city during its rule. Lopburi may even have liberated itself for a time, as it sent independent embassies to China in 1115 and 1155. In 1289 it sent another embassy to China, but soon became part of the Thai kingdom of Sukhothai and later Ayutthaya.