Chapter ^W0 60

Chapter Two

Introduction to Nakhon Sri Thammarat Province

1. Southern Region:

Southern Thailand is known as a fertile and scenic area which has traditionally been rich in natural resources such as fish, tin, timber and rice. The shape of , a narrow isthmus, features an 1,800 km long coastline bordering the Andaman and the Gulf of Thailand. Although Southern Thailand makes up only about 14% of the total land area of Thailand, it has more than 70% of the total coastline in the country. The coastal zone here is a traditional source of prosperity for its people. Approximately 13% of Thailand's population lives in the fourteen southern provinces, where the average population density is 80 people per square kilometer*. Economic growth and natural disasters in recent years have focused attention on the southern provinces. The world-wide boom in shrimp farming brought major changes to coastal areas throughout Thailand starting in 1987, with southern Thailand becoming the major center by 1989. Unprecedented rains in November of 1988 caused thousands of

‘ Boromthanarat, S., Cohb, S., Lee, V. (1991). (\)ustal Management in Pak Phanang: A Historical Perspective of the Resources and Issues. Hat Yai, Thailand:('oaslal Resources Institute, Prince ofSongkla University 61

landslides in the mountains that had been deforested for rubber plantations and severe flooding in the eastern lowlands, resulting in the loss of more than 400 lives and property loss in excess of USS300 millions. These two recent events, along with the destruction of mangroves, loss of fishery resources and the pollution accompanying rapidly increasing human population have led to repeated suggestions that environmental issues cannot be ignored in the economic growth of the area.

The south of Thailand obviously covers a large longitudinal area. Geographically, southern Thailand extends through the Kra Isthmus from Chumphon, 460 kilometers south of Bangkok, to the Thai-Malaysian border, and is bordered in the east by the Gulf of Thailand, to the west by the Indian Ocean. More famous however are the many tourist beaches and island resorts. Most famous and probably already overdeveloped is the island of Phuket. The provinces of Phang-Nga and Krabi also house many attractive hotels and resorts. Hilly and mountainous, covered mainly in rain forests. The land is rich in mineral deposits. This area also receives the most annual rainfall.

Lush tropical islands, dazzling palm-fringed beaches, coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life, picturesque fishing villages with distinctive hand painted boats, remote national parks, forested mountains, waterfalls, historic cities, ubiquitous rubber estates, scenic wildlife sanctuaries, the juxtaposition of temples and mosques clearly define the region's visual appeal. 62

Map 2.1

Map o f Thailand Administrative Division

; ‘ 1'■ » *■ 1 r

't;-' ? 63

2 Nakhon Sri Thammarat

Nakhon Si Thammarat, the second largest province of the South and the land of predominant Buddhism during the Srivijaya Period, is 780 kilometres from Bangkok. It occupies an area of 9,942 square kilometres consisting of high plateau and mountains in the west then sloping down towards the east and becoming a basin along the coastline of the Gulf of Thailand. It is a province of 1.6 million people located on the lower part of the southern Thai peninsula.

Map 2.2

Southern Provinces o f Thailand

COASTAl /O N F S 64

2 / Geography

The province is located on the shore of the Gulf of Thailand on the east side of the Malay Peninsula. The terrain is mostly rugged hilly forest area. It contains the highest elevation of southern Thailand, the Khao Luang with 1,835 m, now protected in the Khao Luang national park^.

2.2 History

The area around Nakhon Si Thammarat was part (according to some scholars) of the Srivijaya kingdom from the 3rd century until king Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai occupied it and added it to his kingdom. With the fall of Sukhothai it fell it its successor, the Ayutthaya kingdom. Nakhon became a province in 1932.

The provincial capital, known simply as Nakhon or Nakhon Sri, has historically been known by several other names. Before it came under the Srivajayan Empire in the 8th century it was known as Lagor and was part of the Tambralinga Kingdom. The kingdom was well established and had a flourishing trade with the Indian, Arabic and Dvaravati states. Later, with the arrival of Buddhist monks from Ceylon, the name was changed to the Pali-Sanskrit Nagara Sri Dhammaraja (City of the

^ Stuart Munro-Hay. Nakhon Sri Thammarat - The Archaeology, History and Legends o f a Southern Thai Town. 65

Sacred Dhaima King) from which Thai phonetics created Nakhon Sri Thammarat.

3. Brief Background of the Province

On the West Coast in the south of Thailand during Ratanakosin era, there emerged a new province. A stone inscription at Wat Sema Muang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, referred to the place along the West Coast of the Indian Ocean as "Muang Trang."

3.1 Developed from a passageway to become a city

From historical evidences, "Muang Trang" was not mentioned anywhere prior to the Sri Ayuthya dynasty. Those mentioned were Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Chaiya, Chumphon, Phetchaburi, Kuiburi, Pranburi, Klongwan, Bang Tapan, Tanao Si, Marid, Tawai and Sam Khok. It was therefore assumed that Trang should formerly have been merely a passage way linking Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phatthalung, and subsequently developed into a city when it became more populated.

3.2 Over 5,000 years of community traces.

The community of Trang area could be traced back to the prehistoric era evidenced by Neolithic artefacts. Human skeletons unearthed at Tham Khao Phra, Amphor Huay Yod. Stone axes all over the province. Fragments of pottery and tripod pots at Khao Pina, Khao Sam Bat, Tham 66

Khao Phra and colourful paintings at Khao Bae Na, are all indicative of traces of over 5,000 years of civilisation of Trang community.

3.3 One of Twelve Satellite Towns

Though some written historical records referring to Trang community exist, but the cultural history of its development into township has always been vague until the discovery of the stone inscription at Wat Serna Muang, Nakhon Si Thammarat. The inscription was about King Sri Thamma Sokaraj's erecting Nakhon Sri Thammarat at Hat Sai Kaew in B.E. 1098 (555), and a Buddha's relic cottage therein. In erecting a mother town, according to Brahman tradition, satellite towns must also be erected. According to the inscription, there were 12 such satellite towns, called the 12 animal years. Muang Trang was one of the animal years, the year of horse, and therefore had a horse as its town insignia. Muang Trang had then officially come into existence, and had since gone through 3 major developments.

3.4 Erection of theCity of Trang at Kuan Thani.

According to the directory of Nakhon Si Thammarat, B.E. 2345 (1802), during the reign of King Rama 11. Phraya Borirak Phubet (Nol) was appointed govemor of Nakhon Si Thammarat Succeeding Chao Phraya Nokhon (Phat). He, therefore, proposed that his son, Muang, be appointed govemor of Trang. The king then gave Mr. Muang a title of Luang Upai Rajthani, and appointed him the first govemor of Trang. A town shrine was erected at Kuan Thani (Still exists at Kuan Thani, Amphor 67

Kantang, and 8 km south of the city). In B.E. 2367 (1824), A significant historical event occurred at Trang in Kuan Thani, during which England sent Captain James Low to negotiate on commercial benefits of the Malaysian Peninsula with Phraya Nakhon (Nol) in Trang. In B.E. 2381 (1838), when Phra Songkram Vichit was Trang governor, the So-called Koh Yao pirates attacked Trang and finally took over the city. However not long after, forces from Nakhon Si Thammarat and Songkhiia subdued the pirates.

3.5 Moved to Kantang

In B.E. 2433 (1890), King Rama V visited the south and paid his first visit to the city of Trang. He contemplated that the city (at Kuan Thani) was in a ver>' dilapidated condition compared with The Chinese community at Tambon Kantang (where pepper was cuhivated for export to Penang). The king, therefore, reasoned that under a capable governor, the city could have been ver>' well developed owing to its fertile land. He then caused Phraya Rasdanupradit Mahissaraphakdi, or Kho Sim Bee Na Ranong, who had successfully developed Phuket to his satisfaction, to transfer from Krabi to become the governor of Trang in B.E. 2433 (1890). Phraya Rasdanupradit contemplated that the location of Trang at Kuan Thani was too far away from the coast, unsuitable for trading purposes and difficult to expand. With his strong intention to make Trang a significant seaport in the West Coast, he, therefore, sought permission from the king to move the city from Kuan Thani to Tambon Kantang, and obtained the king's permission in B.E. 2436 (1893). When the City was moved to 68

Tambon Kantang, Phraya Rasdanupradit laid down so many foundations for development for the city of Trang, that the citizens referred to him as "the king of Development". He was able to make the city's rapid economic growth possible from rearrangement of Town plan. Foreign trade encouragement, construction of Kantang seaport and a road linking Trang and Phatthalung through Phap Pha mountain region, which at that time was an extremely Difficult task but was perfectly completed under his able supervision. To commemorate his numerous contributions, the local people erected a statue of Phraya Rasdanupradit in B.E. 2494 (1951) at his former residence, which is still in existence to date in the city of Trang.

3.6 Another move to Thap Thiang

Though Trang had been very prosperous under the leadership of Governor Phraya Rasdanupradit. During the World War 1, King Rama VI visited Trang (at Kantang) in B.E. 2458 (1915) and determined That Trang's being located at Kantang could be subject to enemy's attack, coupled with a spreading of cholera at that time. Moreover, Kantang's being lowland would be difficult for future Expansion. He considered that Tambon Thap Thiang was geographically suitable for a city to be erected there. He, therefore, caused the city to be moved in B.E. 2458 (1915) from Tambon Kantang to Tambon Thap Thiang, where Trang is currently situated. Some people still refer to Trang as "Thap Thiang", which is the name of the location on which Trang is situated. 69

3.7 The meaning of Trang

The histor>’ of Trang is now known generally, but there still is a question on what exactly is the meaning of Trang. There are many hypotheses on the meaning of Trang, 4 of which are as follows:

❖ From "Trangdaburi", a name of one of the twelve satellite towns surrounding Nakhon Si Thammarat: the one with a seaport and a horse insignia. From the word "Trangka", which means wave, since the landscape of Trang is characterised by high and low formations, like a wave. ❖ From the Malaysian word "TrangKae", which means "dawn" or "the day comes". This is another theory proposed by many historians, the origin being that Malaysian merchant ships usually reached the mouth of the Trang River at dawn.

❖ From the Khmer word "Trang", which means a species of palm tree generally found in Trang area, but is rare elsewhere. This rather makes sense since most of the places in this region were named after its local natural resources. It is, therefore, possible that the place as named after the particular local tree. However, the mater remains inconclusive and the word's exact meaning remains a puzzle.

These days Nakhon is also well known for its fine production of nielloware, khreung tom, a silver and black alloy/enamel crafting technique that originated in China. There are also beautifully woven baskets with intricate designs made from tough local grass, yaan lipao . 70

The city became an important centre of religion and culture during the early development of the northern Thai kingdoms. The Thai shadow play, nang tha lung and classical dance-drama, lakhon (Thai pronunciation of Lagor) both originated in Nakhon Sri Thammarat. Outside of the cit>' visitors can go on one of the many organized treks that meander along the foothills of the Khao Lueng National Park. Routes wander through a landscape enriched with waterfalls, orchards and cool streams that build up into raging rapids and entice thrill seekers with their rafts.

The city is historically famous as a centre of Theravada Buddhism, which was disseminated to the Thai kingdom of Sukhothai to the north and from there, became the dominant religious influence in subsequent Thai states. Nakhon Sri Thammarat is one of the major cultural centres of southern Thailand, with Nang Talung (shadow play) and Nora dancing being two popular traditional performing arts. Throughout its history Nakhon has been open to a variety of cultural influences including Indian, Chinese, Arabic, Malay, Japanese, Portuguese, and Dutch.

Today Nakhon Sri Thammarat province has a largely agricultural- based economy, with the main industries being fishing, rubber plantations, rice farming, fruit orchards, shrimp farming, and more recently tourism. There are numerous beach resorts within Nakhon Sri Thammarat itself, and the province is close to international tourist resorts in neighboring Surat Thani and Krabi provinces. Nakhon is also famous for its many road-side tea houses which open from early morning until late at night. 71

In addition to its great history, Nakhon Si Thammarat boasts pristine verdant jungles abundant with luxuriant vegetation and is also noted for picturesque beaches and beautiful waterfalls. Being the second largest city w ith a great histor>' before becoming a province, this first grade city controlled various subjected cities and towns. There is a place that houses Lord Buddha's relics which is a most important statutory place of the South, being the center of Buddhism during Sivichaya period.

4. Culture and Festivals

4.1 Hae Pha Khuen That Festival Hae Pha Khuen That Festival is celebrated at Phra Borom That Chedi. The pagoda is considered to be the representative of Lord Buddha and is believed by locals to possess unsurpassed might of righteousness as it contains holy relics. Every year Buddhists pay homage to the pagoda by organizing a procession bearing a religious cloth to wrap around the pagoda to bring good fortune and success. This festival is held twice a year during Makha Bucha Day (the 15th full-moon night of February) and Visakha Bucha Day (the 15th full-moon night of May).

4.2 Chak Phra or Lak Phra Festival

Chak Phra or Lak Phra Festival is influenced by Indian culture, which expanded into the province a long time ago. The festival signifies the joy 72

that people had when Lord Buddha returned from a star and the Lord was invited to sit on a throne and carried to a palace.

In practice, locals would bear a Buddha image holding a bowl in a procession around the city. This is a great way for escape from daily routine and it is a fun competition to find who is the most religious. Held in October, the festival is preceded by activities 7 days before, such as beating drums, playing castanets and decorating the ceremonial throne for the image. The actual ceremony is usually held only on the last day of the Buddhist Lent. People would take the image from the temple in the morning and proceed to Benchama Rachuthit School in Muang. This is also done in front of office. In addition, there is a water-bome procession on Pak Phanang River in Pak Phanang, which coincides with an annual boat race for a trophy from the Crown Princess.

4.3 Festival of the Tenth Lunar Month

Festival of the Tenth Lunar Month is a grand event of the province and of southern Thailand. This festival is held from the 1st waning-moon night to the 15th waning-moon night every September. It is held to pay respect to deceased ancestors.

According to Buddhism beliefs, the dead had many sins and was sent to hell to become a demon. The demons are allowed to come up to meet their relatives for 15 days in September, but must return to hell before sunrise of the 15th day. The livings try to appease the spirits by taking food to temples to make merit. Beginning of the 13th day, people will go 73

shopping for food to be given. The 14th day is spent preparing and decorating the food tray, and the 15th day is the actual merit-making day.

Map 2.3

Map of Nakhon Sri Thammarat

The tray presented nowadays has elaborate designs but still retains traditional components. Contests to find the most beautiful tray are held. A magnificent procession proceeds along Ratchadamnoen Road on the 14th day. Nakhon Sri Thammarat is a high plateau with mountains and jungles 74

in the west then slopes down in the east, becoming a basin along the coastline of the Gulf of Thailand. It borders on Surat Thani to the north; Trang, Phattalung and Songkhla to the south; the Gulf of Thailand to the east and Krabi to the west. Below is the map of Thailand highlighting Nakhon Sri Thammarat Province.

Map 2.4

Location Map of Nakhon Sri Thammarat

m 75

The map 2.4 above shows the exact location of Naklion Sri Thainmarat province in the country and also in southern region of the country. It is administratively divided into following and King Amphoes. There are four important rivers; Tapi, Pak Phanang, Pak Phiin and Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Map 2.5

Districts of Nakhon Sri Thammarat 76

Nakhon Sri Thammarat is one of the 14 provinces in southern Thailand, located at 8° 32' 16.5" N latitude and 99° 56' 50.7" E longitude. This province has a high plateau with mountains and jungles in the west then slopes down towards the east and becomes basin along the coastline of the Gulf of Thailand.

Nakhon Sri Thammarat is subdivided into 21 districts (Amphoe) and 2 minor districts (King Amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 165 communes (tambon) and 1428 villages ().

The onset of the first monsoon is in May while that of the second begins November. Most people in this area are Buddhist and Muslim. The percentages of Buddhist and Muslim in Nakhon Sri ITiammarat province were 90.83% and 8.72% respectively^

^ Office of Nakhon Si Thammarat provmce 2004, the Centre of Registration Administration Region Eight, Nakhon Si Thammarat province 2004 77

Table 2.1

Districts under Nakhon Sri Thammarat Province

— --- -g------A m phoe King Amphoe

1. Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat 12. Pak Phanang 21. Nopphitam 2. Phrom Khiri 13. Ron Phibun 22. Chang Klang '-y Lan Saka 14. Sichon 4. Chawang 15. Khanom

5. Phipun 16. Hua Sai 6. Chian Yai 17. Bang Khan

7. Cha-uat 18. Tham Phannara

8. Tha Sala 19. Chulabhorn 9, Thung Song 20. Phra Phrom 10. Na Bon 23. Chaloem Phra Kiat‘ 11. Thung Yai

' The district Chaloem Phra Kiat was created in 1996 after Nopphitam and Chang Klang, but was directly given Amphoe status while the other two are still King Amphoe. Thus the apparent jump in numbering.

Souce ; National Statistical Office,

5. Fishery in Nakhon Sri Thammarat

It was in the spirit of 'promoting sustainable development that the Coastal Resources Institute (CORIN) at Prince of Songkla University began working with the people of the area to understand coastal issues and 78

opportunities of the Nakhon Sri Thammarat province. I’hroughout the South there has been a rapid increase in the loss of coastal resources as a consequence of growth in tourism fisheries port development and shrimp farming.

Among the agricultural sectors of Thailand, fishery plays a significant role in providing food security and export earnings. In 1994. Thailand ranked number nine among the top ten producers of fish in the world, with a total production of 3.5 million tons, of which 3.2 million tons derived from marine fisher>'"^.

Nakhon Sri Thammarat had the second largest number of both fishermen and employees in 1985, the first being Songkhla. By 1995, it had the largest number, the increase being 137 percent for fishermen and 103 percent for employees. This increase does not coincide with the fact that the province has the largest area under aquaculture (about 93 percent out of a total of 30 448 rai in 1985 and 77 percent out of 85 248 rai in 1995). It does coincide with the fact that the number of outboard-powered fishing boats increased by 13 percent, from 3 320 in 1985 to 3 753 by 1995. In addition, though the number of inboard-powered fishing craft in Nakhon Sri Thammarat declined by about 19 percent, irom 1 381 in 1985 to 1 124 in 1995, craft with 50 GT or over increased by 32 percent, from 41 in 1985 to 54 in 1995. Thus, it seems that

Thailand Development Research Institute fTDRlJ, 1998, p. 11 79

the increase in the fishing population is related to marine capture fishery rather than to aquaculture; ❖ the increase in the fisherman population is related to the increase in outboard-powered fishing boats and in the increase in boats of high gross tonnage, and ❖ The increase in the employee population may be due to larger-scale capture fishery operated by either more affluent fishermen or companies or both, and to the migration of employees from Songkhla, Pattani and Narathiwat, all of which witnessed a decline in the number of employees.

6. Rubber Plantation and other Agriculture Products in Nakhon Sri Thammarat

The important economic plants of Nakhon Sri Thammarat province include para rubber, coconuts, and vegetables.

6.1 Production

a. Para rubbers - There is a total para rubber plantation area of 112,073 rai, with 101,279 rai of area providing production, for an overall production of 23,673.49 tons or an average of 233 kilogram/rai. During the year 2000, the prices of para rubber were the highest of Baht 20.60 per kilogram, and the lowest prices were Baht 16.30 per kilogram, or an average process of Baht 18.45 per kilograms. 80

During the year 2000, the prices of old coconuts were the highest of Baht 5.07 per kilogram in March, and the lowest prices were Baht 2.27 per kilogram in September, or an average of Baht 3.67 per kilogram. The prices of young coconuts were the highest of Baht 10 per kilogram in May, and the lowest prices were Baht 8 per kilogram in September, or an average of Baht 9 per kilogram b. Old coconuts - There is a total plantation area of 18,077 rai, with 17,232 rai of area providing production, for an overall production of 24,568.01 tons or an average of 1,425 kilogram/rai. c. Young coconuts - There is a total plantation area of 1,424 rai, with 950 rai of area providing production, for an overall production of 912.94 tons or an average of 962 kilogram/rai. d. Azadirachta indica - There is a total plantation area of 3,453 rai, with 2,364 rai of area providing production, for an overall production of 1,829.64 tons or an average of 733 kilogram/rai. The prices of azadirachta indica were the highest of Baht 37.33 per kilogram in June, and the lowest prices were Baht 10 per kilogram in August, or an average of Baht 18.67 per kilogram. 81

e. Pineapples - There is a total plantation area of 1,622 rai, with 343 rai of area providing production, for an overall production of 39,685 tons or an average of 3,624 kilogram/rai. The prices of pineapples have varied depending on the quantity and the market prices of fruits in different periods. However, the average prices of mixed pineapples during the year 1999 were Baht 7,00-8.00 per each fruit

f. “Champa Da” (a kind of Jackfruit) - There is a total plantation area of 475 rai, with 421 rai of area providing production, for an overall production of 396.23 tons or an average of 945 kilogram/rai. The prices of Champada were the highest of Baht 25 per kilogram in May, and the lowest prices were Baht 15 per kilogram in July, or an average of Baht 20 per kilogram

g. Lansium domesticums- There is a total plantation area of 1,117 rai, with 282 rai of area providing production, for an overall production of 172.90 tons or an average of 613 kilogram/rai. The prices of lansium domesticums were the highest of Baht 83.33 per kilogram in August, and the lowest prices were Baht 41.67 per kilogram in September, or an average of Baht 62.50 per kilogram

h. Rice - There is a total plantation area of 3,225 rai, with 2,260 rai of area providing production, for an overall production of 1,243 tons or an average 82

of 550 kilogram/rai. However, the production is not adequate for consumption. It is therefore necessary to import from other sites every year. i. Vegetables - There is a total plantation area of 3,873 rai. However, the production is not adequate for consumption due to limited land areas, expensive land prices, and lack of water sources during dry season. It is therefore necessary to import from other sites.

7. Nakhon Sri Thammarat Town

Nakhon Sri Thammarat is a town in southern Thailand, capital of the Nakhon Sri Thammarat Province and the Nakhon Sri Thammarat district. The city was the administrative center of southern Thailand during most of its history. Originally a coastal city, silting moved the coastline away from the city. The city has a much larger north to south extension then west to east, which dates back to its original location on a flood-save dune. The modem city centre around the train station is located north of Old Town.

As of 2005, the city has a population of 105,417^.

^ Nakhon Sri Thammarat - The Archaeology, History and Tegends of a Southern Thai Town 83

7.1 History

The town of Nakhon Sri Thammarat is one of the oldest towns of southern Thailand. Its origins are not fully known. Most historians recognize the Tambralinga kingdom of Chinese records as a precursor of the modem town Nakhon Sri Thammarat. The town chronicles of this time are hardly divisible from legends, but talk of a abandon and refounding of the town, which would explain the break of history between Tambralinga and Nakhon Sri Thammarat. At the time of the Sukhothai kingdom, the Nakhon Sri Thammarat kingdom was already listed as one of the kingdoms under control of the Thai, which is stayed during most of its history. To the European merchants of the 16th century the town was usually known as Tigor. At the end of the 19th century the kingdom was finally fully absorbed into Siam by converting it into the Monthon Nakhon Sri Thammarat. Since the abolishment of the monthon in 1932 the town is now only a provincial capital.

According to the synopsis*^ of the overall economic survey done in every province countrywide during 1997 by Office of National Economic and Social Development Committee, it was found that Nakhon Sri Thammarat province maintained a gross provincial product. Most of the provincial incomes were from service sector and were worth Baht 11,514 Million or 33.62%, followed by transport sector worth Baht 4,539 Million or 13.25%, and agricultural sector worth Baht 4,459 Million or 13.02%. From the preliminary figures during 1998, the gross provincial product

Office of National Economic and Social Development Committee 84

increased to Baht 37.929 Million. Meanwhile, the first 3 sectors creating highest incomes to Nakhon Sri Thammarat province were service sector worth Baht 14,365 Million, agricultural sector worth Baht 5,518 Million Baht, and transport sector worth Baht 4,673 Million, respectively.

Table 2.2

Gross Provincial Product at Current Market Prices

NAKHON SI THAMMARA T (MILLIONS OF BAHT) 1998R 1999R 2000R 200IR 2002R 2003R 2004P 2005P1 Agriculture 19,279 17,361 19,444 18,341 20,520 24,913 27,629 28,034 Agriculture,Hunting and Forestry 10,302 7,592 8,557 8,764 11,269 15,909 18,317 18,565 Fishing 8,977 9,770 10,887 9,577 9,251 9,004 9,312 9,468 Non-Agriculture 56,599 54,901 55,377 57,389 60,520 65,501 70,869 79,290 Mining and quarrying 6,613 6,577 8,624 9,715 10,248 1 1,121 12,630 16,674 Manufacturing 5,731 5,907 9,055 9,442 10,192 11,622 12,719 13,994 Electricity,Gas and Water Supply 5,609 4,944 5,393 6,062 5,729 6,029 5,807 5,420 Construction 3,279 4,762 2,989 2,473 3,615 4,248 4,232 4,395 Wholesale and Retail 13,696 11,022 11,566 11,014 10,942 11,904 12,933 13,809 Trade;Repair of Motor Vehicles,Motorcycles and Personal and Household Goods Hotels and Restaurants 478 485 353 315 426 387 455 472 Transport, Storage and 2,283 2,755 2,510 2,727 2,409 2,356 2,591 2,943 Communications Financial Intermediation 2,643 1,514 1,209 1,328 1,514 1,576 1,849 2,381 Real Estate,Renting and Business 2,824 2,912 3,017 3,094 3,291 3,419 3,467 3,525 Activities Public Administration and 6,993 7,385 3,958 3,912 4,453 4,702 5,287 5,740 Defence,Compulsory Social Security Education 4,791 4,726 4,631 5,131 5,508 5,834 6,405 7,157 Health and Social Work 1,322 1,491 1,562 1,667 1,619 1,687 1,784 2,023 Other Community, Social and 293 378 464 463 527 566 658 704 Personal Services Activities Private Households with 44 44 45 47 48 51 53 55 Employed Persons Gross Provincial Product (GPP) 75,878 72,263 74,821 75,730 81,039 90,414 98,499 107,324 Per Capita GPP (Baht) 49,209 46,646 48,210 48,339 51,226 56,576 60,999 6 5,759 Population( 1,000 persons) 1,542 1,549 1,552 1,567 1,582 1,598 1,615 1,632

Source : Provincial National Statistical Office. 85

The table 2.2 above gives the gross provincial product at the current market price. The agriculture sector in the province shows a very fast growth from the year 1998 to 2005. Gross provincial product which was 75,878 in the year 1998 took a ver>' steep growth and reached 107,324 in 2005, Compared to GPP, the population growth was noticed to be slow which gave rise to economic growth.

Forthcoming chapters are related to economic growth and economic development. Chapter four gives detail of growth of overall economy from 1990 to present.