Nakhon Sawan Province 3.19

Nakhon Sawan is one of the provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are (from north clockwise) Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phetchabun, Lopburi, Sing Buri, Chai Nat, Uthai Thani, and Tak.EtymologyThe word nakhon originates from the Sanskrit word nagara meaning city, and the word sawan from Sanskrit svarga meaning heaven. Hence the name of the province literally means city heaven or heavenly city.HistoryNakhon Sawan was a city since Dvaravati era. While part of the Sukhothai Kingdom, it was called Mueang Phra Bang, the southern frontier city of Sukhothai. Later within the Ayutthaya kingdom it was an important trade center because of its location at the two major rivers from the north. It also was the common meeting point of Burmese troops before moving to attack Ayutthaya. In the reign of King Taksin the Great, Phra Bang became a Siamese military base to prevent further Burmese attacks.