Mueang Phetchabun is the capital district (amphoe mueang) of Phetchabun province, northern Thailand.

History

Mueang Phetchabun was an ancient frontier city, established in Sukhothai era. Prince Damrong Rajanubhab founded the forts on both banks of the Pa Sak River. Inside the old city is a Wat Mahathat, the symbol of an important city. During the Thesaphiban administrative reform, Phetchabun Province was merged with Lom Sak, and became part of the Monthon Phetchabun in 1899. Monthon Phetchabun was included as part of Monthon Phitsanulok in 1904 and re-established in 1907. The monthon was again included in Phitsanulok in 1915. Due to its strategic location, in 1943 Mueang Phetchabun was proposed as the new capital of Thailand, to be named Nakhonban Phetchabun (นครบาลเพชรบูรณ์). This proposal, by Prime Minister Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram, was not approved by parliament, thus it continued to be a district as before.

Geography

Neighboring districts are (from the south clockwise) Nong Phai, Chon Daen, Wang Pong of Phetchabun Province, Noen Maprang of Phitsanulok province, Khao Kho, Lom Sak of Phetchabun Province, Khon San and Nong Bua Daeng of Chaiyaphum province. Tat Mok National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติตาดหมอก) is in the district. The main water resource is the Pa Sak River.

Administration

Central administration

Mueang Phetchabun is divided into 17 subdistricts (tambons), which are further subdivided into 221 administrative villages (mubans).

Local administration

There is one town (thesaban mueang) in the district: There are three sub-district municipalities (thesaban tambons) in the district: There are 15 sub-district administrative organizations (SAO) in the district: