Phichit
CountryThailand
ProvincePhichit
DistrictMueang Phichit
MayorChalermsak Khongkanphai
Unit prefMetric
Area total12.02 km²
Population total107,683
Population as of2024
Time zoneICT (UTC+7:00)
Postal code66000
Calling code(+66) 55
Parts25 Communities
Community25 Communities
Websitewww.phichitmuni.go.th

Phichit (Thai: พิจิตร, เมือง) is a town (thesaban mueang) in central Thailand, capital of Phichit Province. It covers the whole tambon Nai Mueang of Mueang Phichit district, an area of 12.017 km². As of 2005, it had a population of 23,791. Phichit is 326 km north of Bangkok.

Geography

Phichit is at the confluence of the Wat Ta Yom River and the Nan River.

History

The old town of Phichit was established in 1058 CE by Phraya Kotabongthevaraja, and was first part of the Sukhothai kingdom, and later of Ayutthaya. The name of the city changed several times. At first, it was called Sra Luang (city of the royal pond), in Ayutthaya times it was called Okhaburi ("city in the swamp"), and then finally Phichit ("beautiful city").

Attractions

The Wat Tha Luang temple in Phichit is home to a large Luang Phor Phet Buddha image.

Notable individuals

  • Chaleo Yoovidhya (c. 1932 – 17 March 2012) once listed as the richest person in Thailand