Amnat Charoen Province

Amnat Charoen (Thai : อำนาจเจริญ) is one of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (clockwise from the south) Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon and Mukdahan. To the east it borders Salavan of Laos.

Amnat Charoen Geography

The province is located in the Mekong valley. A long footpath along some of the river allows people to enjoy the view. In dry season, from February to May, water in Mekong River descends, and allows islands to appear. Such famous islands include Kaeng Tanglang at Si Sombun Village, close to Amphoe Chanuman, and Kaeng Hin Khan at Ban Hin Khan, 30 kilometres south of Amphoe Chanuman. The other two rivers in the province are the Lam Sae Bok and Lam Sae Bai.

Phu Sa Dok Bua National Park is partially located in Amnat Charoen Province.

Amnat Charoen History

Amnat Charoen gained city status during the reign of King Rama III. It was first administered from Nakhon Khemarat, and later from Ubon Ratchathani. It became a province in its own right on January 12, 1993, when it was split off from Ubon Ratchathani. It is thus one of the three youngest provinces of Thailand, together with Nong Bua Lam Phu and Sa Kaeo.

Amnat Charoen Economy

Chidsakol Farm (สวนเกษตรชิตสกนต์). Located close to Chidsakol Resort, the famous farm features flower and beautiful plants. Its huge plantation of African marigold always turn the whole field into bright yellow hue when in full bloom.

Ban Kham Phra Handicraft Centre (ศูนย์จำหน่ายหัตถกรรมบ้านคำพระ). The centre is located at Ban Kham Phra, on Hua Taphan-Amnat Charoen highway, 2 kilometres from Amphoe Hua Taphan’s Office. The centre offers various handicrafts made by housewife.

Ban Chang Tho Royal Folk Arts and Craft Training Centre (ศูนย์ศิลปาชีพบ้านสร้างถ่อ). Located 5 kilometres from Amphoe Hua Taphan, the centre offers training course on various local crafts such as weaving and gems cutting. The centre here produces world-class gems cutting technician.

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided into 7 districts (Amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 56 communes (tambon) and 653 villages (muban).

1. Mueang Amnat Charoen
2. Chanuman
3. Pathum Ratchawongsa
4. Phana
5. Senangkhanikhom
6. Hua Taphan
7. Lue Amnat

Amnat Charoen Symbols

In the middle of the provincial seal is an image of the Buddha called Phra Mongkol Ming Muang. Also known as Phra Yai (Big Buddha), this 20m high statue is the most sacred one in the city of Amnat Charoen. To the left and right are two trees, to the bottom two elephants.

The provincial tree is Hopea ferrea.

The provincial slogan is Phra Mongkhon, Seven River basils, Sacred caves, Phra Lao, Beautiful islands and mountain, precious silk and religious people.

Amnat Charoen Culture

Major wats in Amnat Charoen include Wat Tham Saeng Phet and Wat Phra Lao Thep Nimit.

Buddha Utthayan park, located just north of the town of Amnat Charoen, is known for its major Buddha image, Phra Mongkhon Ming Muang, which is the logo of Amnat Charoen province.

The village of Ban Pla Khao is known nationwide for its mo lam performances.

Don Chao Pu Botanical Park (วนอุทยานดอนเจ้าปู่). Located 40 kilometres from Amnat Charoen city, the park acquires 260 rais area of mixed deciduous forest. The park is home to various wildlife particularly crab-eating macaques, plenty of which can be easily spotted. The park houses a sacred shrine, as well as Buddha image in the attitude of birth, enlightenment, the first sermon, and reclining in the park.

Amnat Charoen Festivals

Amnat Charoen attach their lifestyle to local tradition and festivals that are held throughout year such as festival to mark the end of Buddhist’s Lent, Rocket festival, Loi Krathong, and Songkran for example. Moreover, they practice 14 moral regulations such as cleaning feet before getting inside the house, donating food to the monk, avoiding to step of monk’s shadow, paying respect to the parent, paying homage to the Buddha image with flower, candle and joss stick, and learning Dhamma everyday and etc. Amnat Charoen is well known for its silk products.

Most people in Amphoe Chanuman are descendant of Phu Thai ethnic group that migrated from Lao. They specialise in weaving “Khit” cloth which has unique patterns. Their traditional musical performance “Mo Lam” always support the democratic constitutional monarchy. Amnat Charoen people is trying to retain “Long Khuang” tradition. The traditional once was meeting time between teenagers to do activities together such as weaving or silk spinning, among lively traditional music.

Boat Race Tradition (ประเพณีการแข่งเรือยาว). Held every November, the boat race is a big tournament for boat from Amphoe Khemarat of Ubon Ratchathani, Amphoe Chanuman of Amnat Charoen, and Lao. The race takes place in Mekong River, in front of Amphoe Chanuman’s office. The fair goer can enjoy the race at day and shopping and entertainment at night.

Provided by Wikipedia.org