Phetchabun

Phetchabun, a province in north-central Thailand, lies in the Pa Sak River valley between parallel ranges of the Phetchabun Mountains. Si Thep Historical Park, in the south of the province, contains the ruins of an ancient city built during the Khmer Empire, including sculptures and religious monuments. Khao Kho National Park in the northwest is characterized by forested mountains, streams and a cooler climate.Phetchabun was established by two kingdoms: the Sukhothai Kingdom, and the Ayutthaya Period of the King Narai.In the Thesaphiban administrative reforms at the beginning of the 20th century, the province, together with Lom Sak Province to the north, formed monthon Phetchabun. As it was the smallest monthon, it was also the first monthon to be dissolved in 1915, after being temporarily administered from Monthon Phitsanulok between 1903 and 1907. Lom Sak Province was abolished and merged into Phetchabun in 1932.During the period between 1968 and 1982 communist insurgents established bases in the mountains in the province. From hidden locations they fought occasional skirmishes against the Thai Army.