Phetchabun province

Phetchabun (เพชรบูรณ์, phét.t͡ɕhā.būːn) is one of Thailand's seventy-six provinces (changwat) lies in lower northern Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are (from north clockwise) Loei, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Lopburi, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit and Phitsanulok. Phetchabun is in the lower northern region of Thailand, in the area between the northern and the central region. The province lies in the broad fertile river valley of the Pa Sak River, with mountains of the Phetchabun mountain range to the east and west. The total forest area is or 32.5 percent of provincial area. There are a total of four national parks, along with six other national parks, make up region 11 (Phitsanulok) of Thailand's protected areas. Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, Nam Nao National Park, Khao Kho National Park, Tat Mok National Park, There are three wildlife sanctuaries, of which two are in region 11 (Phitsanulok) and Phu Luang is in region 8 (Khon Kaen) of Thailand's protected areas. Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary, Tabo–Huai Yai Wildlife Sanctuary, Phu Pha Daeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Phetchabun especially Khao Kho is a place with good weather and cold all year round. Therefore, received the nickname "Switzerland of Thailand". The word phetcha originates from the Sanskrit word vajra meaning "diamond" (or weapon of Indra), and the word bun from Sanskrit purna meaning "full", "perfect" or "whole". Hence the name of the province literally means "perfect diamond". Initially, the province was called "Phe-cha-buth" as "Phuenchapura", which means the city that has plenty of crops. The reason is that the province is very fertile and has ample resources. Because of the fertility of the land, Phetchabun has always been agriculturally productive area. Phetchabun was established by two kingdoms: the Sukhothai Kingdom, and the Ayutthaya Period of the King Narai. In the Thesaphiban administrative reforms at the beginning of the 20th century, the province, together with Lom Sak province to the north, formed monthon Phetchabun.