Tak Province
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| Statistics | |
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| Capital: | Tak |
| Area: | 16,406.6 km² Ranked 4th |
| Inhabitants: | 486,146 (2000) Ranked 49th |
| Pop. density: | 30 inh./km² Ranked 75th |
| ISO 3166-2: | TH-63 |
| Governor: | Chumphon Phonrak (since November 2006) |
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Tak (Thai: ตาก) is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani and Kanchanaburi. The western edge of province has a long boundary with Kayin State of Myanmar (Burma).
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[edit] Geography
The Bhumibol Dam (named after king Bhumibol Adulyadej, the old name was Yanhee Dam) stops the river Ping, one of the two sources of the Chao Phraya river. The artificial lake created covers an area of 300 km² and is the largest of Thailand. The Taksin Maharat and the Lan Sang National parks are located in the province. Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary shared a half with Kanchanaburi and Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary at border with Uthai Thani are declared as a World Heritage site.
[edit] History
The historic name of Tak was Mueang Rahang, and it was built even before the Sukhothai period and formed the main fortress on the western front.
King Taksin was vice-governor of Tak before the Ayutthaya kingdom fell during the war with Burma. As his name was Sin, he became called Tak-Sin during his duty in Tak.
[edit] Economy
Agriculture is a major part of Tak economy, producing rice, corn, vegetables, fruits, beef, tilapia, etc. Industries in Tak include mining, granite, jewelry. Handicrafts and Myanmar products are also important trade. For tourism, the Bhumibol Dam in the northern part of Tak is its most popular tourist attraction. Tourism, especially ecotourism, in the southern part are seasonal with popular destinations such as Thi Lo Su Waterfall, Thi Lo Le Waterfall, hiking and white water rafting in its various forest reserves.
[edit] Transportation
Tak is a key communication and transportation center of the North, with three Asian highways passing the province. AH1 enters through the Myanmar-Thai border at Amphoe Mae Sot; AH2 passes through the province from north to south. Also AH16 terminates at Tak. Tak is located 426 km from Bangkok. Daily flights are also between Bangkok and Mae Sot. The flight takes one and a half hour.
[edit] Demographics
About a quarter of the population belongs to one of Thailand's hill tribes.
[edit] Symbols
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The seal of the province show King Naresuan on the royal elephant. Sometimes below the elephant a garuda is depicted, as the garuda is the state symbol of Thailand. King Naresuan is shown pouring consecrated water on the ground, a symbolic act to declare independence. This refers to the war of 1584 with Burma, when Tak was the first border town to be liberated from Burmese control. The provincial tree is the Asian Jatoba (Xylia kerrii), the provincial flower the Orchid tree (Bauhinia sp.). |
[edit] Administrative divisions
The province is subdivided in 8 districts (Amphoe) and one minor district (King Amphoe). These are further subdivided into 63 communes (tambon) and 493 villages (mubaan).
| Amphoe | King Amphoe | |
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[edit] External links
