The Legend of Nakhon Si Thammarat

          Brahman Malee or King Si Thammasokarat had gathered people to find a new place to settle down.  They were on their way by noticing stars in the sky along the Indochinese Peninsula for many nights. There was not any evidence showed how long they had been on their way. With the King’s accumulated merit, they found Sai Keaw Beach and established a city named Nakhon Si Thammarat, the brilliant city of the King of Dhamma.

            In the center of Nakhon Si Thammarat, the King Si Thammasaokarat  built a big pagoda to keep the holy relic of the Buddha. In addition, a big celebration was held for all people in the Srivijaya Kingdom.

While they were cerebrating, Indhabhaddha people from Pak Panang arrived. They painted the Bhuddha’s story in a long white cloth called “Pra Bhot Cloth.” They brought it to wear Pratat in Sri Langka, but their boat wrecked in the ocean. Then they stopped at Pak Panang. Fortunately, they were helped safely and met King Si Thammasokarat. King Si Thammasokarat realized the importance of this tradition so he invited people to bring the cloth to wear Pratat in Nakhon Si Thammarat instead. “Hae Pha Khuen Tat” has become a famous tradition of Nakhon Si Thammarat since then and has been annually held in March.

            Nakhon Si Thammarat people have lived happily and also have beautiful  cultures and games such as bull fighting and cock fighting.

Nakhon Si Thammarat is a beautiful province with plenty of natural resources and has the slogan of “A historical town, the golden Phra That, plentiful minerals, three-metal nielloware, numerous temples, abundant shellfish.”

Translated by Weerasak  Thaweemuang

Faculty of Education, English Major.

  At the cultural centre of Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat  University

May, 27, 11

Proved by Aj.Orada  Opasrattanakorn