Rai Khing (Thai: ไร่ขิง, pronounced [râj kʰǐŋ]) is a tambon (subdistrict) of Sam Phran district, Nakhon Pathom province, western outskirts Bangkok.

Rai Khing
ไร่ขิง
Wat Rai Khing as seen from Tha Chin River
Wat Rai Khing as seen from Tha Chin River
Rai Khing is located in Bangkok Metropolitan Region
Rai Khing
Rai Khing
Rai Khing is located in Thailand
Rai Khing
Rai Khing
Coordinates: 13°44′21.3″N 100°15′25.6″E / 13.739250°N 100.257111°E / 13.739250; 100.257111
CountryThailand
ProvinceNakhon Pathom
DistrictSam Phran
Named forGinger Farm
Government
 • MayorChamras Tangtrakultham
 • Deputy MayorWannapha Ror Ritboon
Area
 • Total25.4 km2 (9.8 sq mi)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total33,549[1]
 • Density1,320.83/km2 (3,420.9/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+7 (ICT)
Postcode
73210
Area code(+66) 02
Websitehttps://www.raikhing.go.th/index.php?p=1

History edit

Rai Khing is not known exactly how long this area has been in existence. It only know that there are Chinese who settled in the area because it was suitable for planting ginger. Ginger was widely cultivated in large numbers, hence the name "Rai Khing" (ginger farm) since then.

Famous local Buddhist temple, Wat Rai Khing, according to the history, it was built in 1851 during the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV) and was named Wat Rai Khing, so it is assumed that Rai Khing subdistrict existed before the temple.[1]

In the pre-1960s, Tha Chin water bus from Suphan Buri–Tha Tian in Bangkok also passed in front of the temple.

Geography edit

Rai Khing is considered to be the central part of the district with Tha Chin River (locally known as Nakhon Chai Si River) flows through the area. It is about 8 km (5.0 mi) west of downtown Sam Phran and about 25 km (15.5 mi) from downtown Nakhon Pathom.

It has a total area of approximately 25.4 km2 or approximately 15,875 rai. Most of the general characteristics are vast plains with fertile land, and have good irrigation conditions with Tha Chin River as the main water resource emptying through and can be branched into 20 tributaries. The general condition of all waterways can still be used for consumption such as farming.

The area is hemmed by other subdistricts (from north clockwise): Bang Krathuek and Bang Toei in its district, Krathum Lom in its district and Om Noi in Krathum Baen District of neighbouring Samut Sakhon Province, Om Yai and Tha Kham in its district, and Tha Talat with Song Khanong in its district, respectively.[1]

Administration edit

The entire area of Rai Khing is governed by Rai Khing Municipality (เทศบาลเมืองไร่ขิง). It was promoted from the subdistrict municipality in 2008 and upgraded to a major town municipality in 2015.

Rai Khing also consists of 14 administrative muban (village).

No. Name Thai
01. Ban Rai Khing บ้านไร่ขิง
02. Ban Rai บ้านไร่
03. Ban Khlong Mai บ้านคลองใหม่
04. Ban Khlong Manao บ้านคลองมะนาว
05. Ban Khlong Bang Phrao บ้านคลองบางพร้าว
06. Ban Khlong Ta Jun บ้านคลองตาจุ่น
07. Ban Pracha Ruam Jai บ้านประชาร่วมใจ
08. Ban Khlong Phi Suea บ้านคลองผีเสื้อ
09. Ban Khlong Wat Tha Phut บ้านคลองวัดท่าพูด
010. Ban Khlong Bang Sue บ้านคลองบางซื่อ
011. Ban Tha Kwian บ้านท่าเกวียน
012. Ban Khlong Chang บ้านคลองฉาง
013. Ban Khlong Bang Yang บ้านคลองบางยาง
014. Ban Khlong Rang Toei บ้านคลองรางเตย

The emblem of the town municipality shows Luang Phor Wat Rai Khing, the highly revered principal Buddha statue of Wat Rai Khing.

Its slogan is "Rai Khing's Smile and Happiness".[1]

Places edit

Local traditions edit

  • Worshiping Luang Phor Wat Rai Khing during the Chinese New Year Festival every year.
  • Gilding Luang Phor Wat Rai Khing is held annually at Wat Rai Khing during April shortly before the Songkran Festival.[2]
  • Tak Bat Devo and listening to sermons, including gilding Luang Phor Wat Rai Khing during the Buddhist Lent Festival around October.[3]
  • Loi Krathong Festival at Wat Tha Phut.[4]

Transportation edit

Rai Khing is accessible by the main road, Phet Kasem (Highway 4), that runs through the south to the northwest near the area. The subdistrict is crossed by Phutthamonthon Sai 6 Road (Highway 3316) that runs along Tha Chin River meander in the northwest of the area.

Air-conditioned bus route 84 runs from Krung Thon Buri BTS Station in Bangkok to the destination at Wat Rai Khing. While air-conditioned bus route 556 runs from nearby Don Wai Market and terminates at Bobae in Bangkok, passed in front of Wat Rai Khing as well.[5]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d "เทศบาลเมืองไร่ขิง" [Rai Khing Municipality]. Raikhing.go.th (in Thai).
  2. ^ "Wat Rai Khing, Nakhon Pathom Province". Thailand Tourism Directory.
  3. ^ "งานเทศกาล ประเพณี" [Festival and tradition]. Nkppao.go.th (in Thai).
  4. ^ "เปิดงานฟื้นฟูวัฒนธรรมประเพณีไทยโบราณ "ลอยกระทง"" [Open the event to restore the ancient Thai culture "Loi Krathong"]. Raikhing.go.th (in Thai).
  5. ^ "Bus Lines". BMTA.

External links edit