Mueang Sam Khok is an ancient city, dating to the early-Ayutthaya Kingdom.[citation needed] It was called Thung Phaya Muang before King Uthong established the kingdom in 1350. The first written evidence of its existence—the law on official seals dated 1632—occurs in the reign of King Prasat Thong.[1]
In 1726 a book entitled, Oud En Niew Oost-Indien was published in Holland by the Dutch cartographer, De Groote. In it, De Groote's map called "Siamese Rievier Menam" describes Sam Khok as a Potte Bakkers Drop ('pottery-making village'). Sam Khok is still known for its Mon earthenware jars.[1][2] The name Sam Khok, meaning 'three mounds', refers to the three mounds used to produce jars.[3]
When King Phutthaloetla Naphalai visited Sam Khok in 1815 for the kathin (Buddhist robe ceremony) and rub bua (lotus presentation) the local Mon people gave him many lotus flowers. Impressed by their devotion, the king renamed the city Prathum Thani, meaning 'city of lotus'. At the same time, the king upgraded the city to a third-class city. King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) later renamed the city Pathum Thani, but the meaning is unchanged.[1]
The district is divided into 11 sub-districts (tambons), which are further subdivided into 58 villages (mubans). Bang Toei has township (thesaban tambon) status and covers part of tambon Bang Toei. Each tambon has a tambon administrative organization (TAO).
