Nakhon Phanom (Thai นครพนม) is one of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from south clockwise) Mukdahan, Sakon Nakhon and Nong Khai. To the north-east it borders Laos.

Geography

The province is located at the valley of the river Mekong.

History

The name Nakhon Phanom, meaning city of mountains, was given to the city by King Rama I. The area was long settled by Lao people and belonged to the Lan Xang kingdom. Also after it came under the control of Ayutthaya the population stayed predominantly Lao.

During the Vietnam War, Nakhon Phanom was the home of one of the Royal Thai Air Force Bases where American airstrikes were launched against the Ho Chi Minh trail and other targets in northern Vietnam.

Symbols

The provincial seal shows the pagoda of Phra That Phanom in Amphoe That Phanom . This highly revered religious building was originally constructed around 535 BC. Provincial tree as well as flower is Fagraea fragrans .

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided into 11 districts (Amphoe) and one minor districts (King Amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 97 communes (tambon) and 1040 villages.

External links

• Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand
• Golden Jubilee Network province guide
• Royal Thai Air Force Base - American Experience