Ang Thong Province

Ang Thong is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. The name means "golden bowl", an allusion to Ang Thong's agricultural importance.

Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) are Sing Buri, Lopburi, Ayutthaya, and Suphanburi.

Ang Thong native handicrafts include moulded court dolls, firebrick, and wickerwork.

There are more than 200 temples in Ang Thong.

Geography

Ang Thong occupies a low river plain, created by the Chao Phraya and the Noi Rivers. It has neither mountains nor forests, but consists of mostly agricultural land. The two rivers, together with many canals (khlongs), provide enough water for rice farming.

History

Ang Thong was historically known as Wiset Chai Chan, on the Noi River. It was an important border town of the Ayutthaya Kingdom during the wars with Burma, as the Noi River served as a natural obstacle for advancing troops.

During the reign of King Taksin after the fall of Ayutthaya, the main city of the province was moved to the Chao Phraya River, and named Ang Thong, as the Noi River had become silted and too shallow for transportation.

The name Ang Thong means "gold basin", thought to have derived from the basin-like geography of the area, and the golden color of the rice grown in the region.

Ang Thong is the provenance of Li Ke, the native folk song, and the hometown of Nai Dok and Nai Thongkaeo, two heroes during the Bang Rachan Battle.