Lopburi, Central Thailand

Lop Buri is an interesting town of 153 kilometers north of Bangkok. It was one of the oldest capitals of the Khmers who expanded their power to the town of Lawo and Lop Buri at the beginning of the 10th century and ruled over the area until the middle of the 13rd. century when the Thais, who had already migrated from the North and had settled down in this country, fought against them and declared the independence of the Thais. Since then Lop Buri has been ruled by the Thais. Many monuments in Khmer style were constructed in Lop Buri such as the Hindu Shrine, Phra Kan Shrine etc. These monuments still exist in abundance.

In 1664, King Narai, A King of Ayutthaya, made Lop Buri the second capital with the help of French architects. Therefore, the architectural style of Lop Buri in the region of King Narai was half Thai and half western as can be seen from the Royal Palace, the Royal Reception House etc.

Lop Buri covers an area of 6,199 square kilometers and is administratively divided into nine Amphoes : Muang, Ban Mi, Chai Badan, Khok Charoen, Khuk Samrong, Pattana Nikom, Tha Laung, Tha Wung, Sa Bot, King Amphoe Lam Sonthi and King Amphoe Nong Maung

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