Tak, Ban Tak,Mae Ramat, Mae Sot,Pho Phra,Sam Ngao,Tha Song Yang, Umpahng,King Amphoe, Wangchao
General Information
Tak is one of the northern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani and Kanchanaburi. The western edge of province has a long boundary with Kayin State of Myanmar (Burma). The Bhumibol Dam (named after king Bhumibol Adulyadej, the old name was Yanhee Dam) stops the river Ping, one of the two sources of the Chao Phraya river. The artificial lake created covers an area of 300 km� and is the largest of Thailand. The Taksin Maharat and the Lan Sang National parks are located in the province. Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary shared a half with Kanchanaburi and Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary at border with Uthai Thani are declared as a World Heritage site.
History Tak was a historical kingdom built over 2,000 years ago, even before the Sukhothai period. The ancient kingdom had its peak during around 1st century. By the 5th century the capital of this kingdom was move south to Lavo (present day Lopburi Province). A city named Ban Tak were established by Cham Thewi princess of Lavo king, around 663 AD. It became part of Sukhothai kingdom through battles by Ramkhamhaeng the Great and formed the main fortress on the western front. The city were moved to further west and renamed Mueang Rahang when Ayuthaya kingdom were lost to Burma during King Maha Thammaracha reign. The city were moved back to east of river during early Bangkok period. King Taksin was vice-governor of Tak before the Ayutthaya kingdom fell during the war with Burma. As his name was Sin, he became called Tak-Sin during his duty in Tak.
