Pathum Thani (Thai: ปทุมธานี) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Nakhon Nayok, Chachoengsao, Bangkok and Nonthaburi.

The province is located directly north of Bangkok and is part of the Bangkok metropolis. In many parts the boundary between the two provinces is not noticeable anymore, since both sides of the boundary are being equally urbanized.

Geoghaphy

The province is located in the low alluvial flats of the Chao Phraya river, which also flows through the capital city. Many canals (khlongs) cross the province and feed the rice paddies

History

The city dates back to a settlement founded by Mon migrating from Mottama (Thai: เมาะตะมะ) in Myanmar around 1650. The original name was Sam Khok. In 1815 King Rama II visited the city and the citizens offered him many Lotus flowers, which made the king rename the city to Pathum Thani meaning The City of Lotus.