Uttaradit (Thai อุตรดิตถ์) is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from south clockwise) Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Phrae and Nan. To the east it borders Laos.

The name Uttaradit means northern landing, as it was formerly a trade center on the Nan river.

Geography

The province is located in the valley of the Nan river. About 45 kilometers north of the city Uttaradit is the Queen Sirikit Dam, created a 250 km² artificial lake from the Nan river.

Most of the province was once covered with Teak forests, then the major product of Uttaradit. The largest Teak tree of the world is found at the Ton Sak Yai Park. The 1500 years old tree measurs 9.87m in circumfence and 37 m in height - originally it was 48.5 m high, but got damaged in a storm.

Symbols

The provincial seal shows the mondop at the temple Wat Phra Thaen Sila At, in Baan Phra Thaen in the Laplae district. The main item of worship in the temple is a laterite block, which is believed to have been used by Buddha to seek enlightment. The mondhop is built upon this block. The seal was first designed in 1940, later a garuda as the symbol of Thailand and the name of the province were added. The provincial tree is the Teak (Tectona grandis).

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided in 9 districts (Amphoe). These are further subdivided into 67 communes (tambon) and 562 villages (mubaan).

External links

• Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand
• Golden Jubilee Network province guide