Phitsanulok history

Foundation and First Mentions

Phitsanulok is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, with a history spanning over six centuries. Originally, the settlement was known as Song Khwae, which translates to "City of Two Rivers," as it was situated at the confluence of the Nan and Khwae Noi rivers.

The official establishment of the city as a major centre is linked to the golden age of the Sukhothai Kingdom in the 14th century. A significant contribution to its development was made by King Maha Thammaracha I (Lithai), who fortified the city and laid the foundations for its future prosperity around 1357.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of Phitsanulok was driven by a unique combination of geographical and geopolitical factors:

• Strategic Geography: Its location on the banks of the deep Nan River made the city a key transport hub connecting the northern mountainous regions with the central plains.
• Political Role: For a long time, the city served as a "buffer" and a strategic outpost between the rival kingdoms of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya.
• Capital Status: In the 15th century, during the reign of King Borommatrailokkanat, Phitsanulok became the official capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom for 25 years, giving a powerful impetus to its architectural and administrative development.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the moment of its founding, Phitsanulok took shape as a vital spiritual centre of the region. It was here, in the Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat temple, that the famous Phra Buddha Chinnarat statue was cast. It is considered one of the most beautiful images of Buddha in Thailand and has attracted pilgrims for centuries.

The economy of the early city was built on river trade and agriculture. Fertile soils in the river basin allowed for rich harvests, while waterways ensured an active exchange of goods with neighbouring provinces, turning the city into a prosperous trading centre.

City Development Chronology

• 11th Century — A fortified outpost of the Khmer Empire existed on the site of the modern city, traces of which remain at Wat Chula Mani.
• Circa 1357 — King Lithai of the Sukhothai dynasty founded Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (Wat Yai), which became the spiritual centre of the region.
• 1357 — The famous bronze statue of Phra Buddha Chinnarat was cast, regarded as one of the most beautiful Buddha images in Thailand.
• 1438 — Phitsanulok was fully integrated into the Ayutthaya Kingdom, losing the remnants of Sukhothai independence.
• 1463 — King Borommatrailokkanat moved the capital of Ayutthaya to Phitsanulok for 25 years to strengthen defences against the northern kingdom of Lanna.
• 1555 — Prince Naresuan, the future King-Liberator of Siam and a national hero, was born in the city.
• 1767 — Following the fall of Ayutthaya, the city temporarily declared independence under the rule of the local governor, Chao Phraya Phitsanulok.
• 1770 — King Taksin the Great captured the city, uniting it with the Thonburi Kingdom and restoring centralised power.
• 1894 — During the administrative reforms of King Rama V, the city received the status of the capital of the Phitsanulok Monthon (circle).
• 1908 — Construction of the northern railway line was completed, linking the city directly with Bangkok.
• 1957 — A major fire destroyed a significant portion of the old wooden structures, leading to a massive reconstruction and modernisation of the centre.
• 1967 — A College of Education was founded, marking the beginning of higher education development in the province.
• 1990 — The educational institution received public university status and was named Naresuan University, becoming the largest university in the lower north of Thailand.

Development Milestones: From Fortress to Logistics Hub

The history of Phitsanulok is a journey from a strategic military outpost to a modern economic and educational centre of the region. Below are the key stages that defined the current appearance and status of the city:

• Formation of a River Trade Hub.
  Thanks to its location at the confluence of the Nan and Khwae Noi rivers, the city historically controlled the waterways. This ensured its role as the main market for exchanging goods (rice, teak, ceramics) between the mountainous north and the central plains of Siam long before the advent of modern roads.
• Transformation into a Fortress City (15th Century).
  During the period when Phitsanulok became the capital of Ayutthaya, the foundation of its urban planning was laid. The construction of formidable defensive walls and moats defined the boundaries of the historical centre, which can still be traced in the city's topography.
• Spiritual Consolidation around Wat Yai.
  The temple complex of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat became more than just a religious site; it was a pillar of urban development. The flow of pilgrims over the centuries stimulated the growth of the service sector, crafts, and local trade, creating a unique cultural economy.
• Railway Revolution (Early 20th Century).
  The arrival of the Northern Railway radically changed logistics. Phitsanulok became a crucial station on the route from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, which accelerated the export of agricultural produce and attracted new settlers and entrepreneurs to the city.
• Urban Modernisation (Post-1957).
  A massive fire in the mid-20th century became a turning point for architecture. The destruction of old wooden quarters forced the authorities to replan the centre: wide streets and permanent concrete buildings appeared, forming the modern urban landscape.
• Establishment of the University Cluster (1990s).
  The development of Naresuan University transformed demographics and the economy. The influx of students and academic staff stimulated a boom in the real estate market and the emergence of cafes, co-working spaces, and modern shopping centres, rejuvenating the city's population.
• Development of the "Indochina Intersection" Concept.
  In recent decades, Phitsanulok has positioned itself as a key node of the East-West Economic Corridor. The construction of new highways and transport interchanges has strengthened the city's role as a gateway connecting Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Design

The architectural landscape of Phitsanulok is shaped by its role as a historical crossroads and the consequences of massive 20th-century urbanisation. The city presents a contrasting combination of ancient religious complexes and modern utilitarian development. The urban planning axis historically developed along the Nan River, which for centuries served as the main street and place of residence for the majority of citizens.

Evolution of Styles and Eras

In the appearance of Phitsanulok, a clear link can be traced between the political periods of Thai history and dominant architectural solutions:

• Sukhothai Style (13th–15th Centuries).
  The early period of the city's development. It is characterised by the use of laterite and brick, as well as elegant stupas in the shape of a lotus bud. Elements of this style are preserved in the foundations of the oldest temples and the layout of sacred zones, reflecting the era when the city was part of the first Thai kingdom.
• Ayutthaya Style (15th–18th Centuries).
  The period of greatest flourishing, when Phitsanulok served as a royal residence. The dominant element became tall prangs—reliquary towers resembling a corn cob (Khmer influence). The architecture of this time is distinguished by monumentality and a striving for verticality, emphasising the city's capital status.
• Vernacular Architecture (19th – Mid-20th Century).
  For a long time, the city's calling card was its floating houses (ruan phae). Traditional wooden dwellings on bamboo rafts formed entire streets on the water. This unique style has practically disappeared during the modernisation of the embankments.
• Functionalism and Modernism (From the 1960s).
  After the devastating fire of 1957, which destroyed the old wooden centre, the city was rebuilt. The basis of modern development consists of concrete commercial buildings ("shophouses") of strict geometric forms, characteristic of rapidly developing Asian cities.

Landmarks Shaping the City's Image

Despite the dominance of modern development, the key points of attraction in the city remain historical or cultural:

• Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (Wat Yai).
  The main architectural landmark. The central gilded prang of the temple is executed in the early Ayutthaya style and is a classic example of Siamese sacred architecture. The complex demonstrates a harmonious synthesis of Sukhothai layout and Ayutthaya decor.
• Chan Palace (Phra Ratchawang Chan).
  An archaeological zone on the site of the former royal residence. Here, one can see the restored contours of ancient structures and remnants of fortifications, giving an idea of the scale of palace construction in the 15th century.
• Naresuan University Campus.
  An example of modern urban expansion. Located outside the dense centre, the university town represents a complex of buildings in a postmodern style with elements of Thai decor, surrounded by wide avenues and green zones.

Distinguished Historical Figures

Phitsanulok rightly prides itself on its status as the "City of Kings." Monarchs were born here, and decisions were made that changed the course of Southeast Asian history. Here are the key figures whose names are inextricably linked with this province:

• King Naresuan the Great (Sanphet II)
  Role: King of Ayutthaya, National Hero of Thailand.
  The most revered figure in the region. Born in Phitsanulok in 1555 at the Chan Palace. He is known for liberating Siam from Burmese vassalage and restoring the kingdom's independence. His statues and shrines are found throughout the city, and the university bears his name.
• King Borommatrailokkanat
  Role: King of Ayutthaya, Reformer.
  The ruler who gave Phitsanulok its highest political status by moving the kingdom's capital here in 1463. He lived in the city for 25 years, turning it into an impregnable fortress and a centre of Buddhism, and created a civil administration system that lasted until the 19th century.
• King Maha Thammaracha I (Lithai)
  Role: King of Sukhothai, Philosopher and Writer.
  Made an invaluable contribution to the cultural and spiritual character of the city. It was by his decree that the main temple, Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, was built and the famous Buddha Chinnarat statue was cast, becoming the symbol of the province and one of Thailand's sacred treasures.
• King Ekathotsarot (Sanphet III)
  Role: King of Ayutthaya, Younger Brother of Naresuan.
  Born in Phitsanulok and known as "The White Prince." He governed the city as Vice-King for a long time. He played a key role in modernising Siam's tax system and establishing trade relations with European powers.
• Princess Suphankanlaya
  Role: Older Sister of King Naresuan.
  A tragic and heroic figure in Thai history. Born in Phitsanulok, she voluntarily went to Burma as a hostage to guarantee the safety of her brother, the future King-Liberator. She is honoured by locals as a symbol of self-sacrifice for family and homeland.
• Chao Phraya Phitsanulok (Ruang)
  Role: Governor and Local Ruler.
  An outstanding military commander of the 18th century. After the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, he managed to organise the defence of the region, declared himself king, and maintained Phitsanulok's independence for some time, protecting the population from the chaos of war.