Phitsanulok

Phitsanulok (Thai: พิษณุโลก, pronounced [pʰít.sā.nú.lôːk]; lit. 'Vishnu's realm') is a province of central Thailand. It borders the provinces of Uttaradit to the north, Loei and Phetchabun to the east, Phichit to the south, Kamphaeng Phet to the southwest, and Sukhothai to the west. Its border was shared with Laos (Sainyabuli) to the northeast. Covering an area of 10,589 square kilometres (4,088 sq mi), Phitsanulok is the fifteenth-largest province in Thailand. As of 2024, it has a population of about 840,000, making it the eighth-most populous province in the region.

Settlement in what is now Phitsanulok began in the Stone Age, as many evidences have been found in the area indicative of the time period. Between 11th–12th century, the present-day Phitsanulok was location to ancient city-states of Thailand, such as Song Khwae, Nakhon Thai. From the 13th century onward, Phitsanulok became a major city in Sukhothai and Ayutthaya Kingdom, even serving as the capital city of both. It retained strategic importance during the Thonburi and early Rattanakosin period. Following Monthon system was organized in 1897, Phitsanulok is the center of Monthon Phitsanulok, composed of various provinces in the lower northern region.