Understand
Due to its close proximity to Bangkok the city is actually a suburb of the national capital, and is more or less considered a part of Greater Bangkok - had it not been for the signposts you'd hardly notice where one ends and the other begins. Officially, however, Nonthaburi is one of the five neighboring provinces of Bangkok. Covering an area of 622.303 square kilometres and separated into 2 parts by the Chao Phraya River, Nonthaburi is administratively divided into six districts: Mueang Nonthaburi, Pak Kret, Bang Kruai, Bang Yai, Bang Bua Thong and Sai Noi.
History
The long history of Nonthaburi dated back 400 years to the era of Ayutthaya Kingdom. Firstly known as Tambon Ban Talad Khwan and noted for its fertile soil and plentiful water where a lot of orchards nest along side the Chao Phraya River, this tambon has been promoted to Nonthaburi City in 1549 under the reign of King Mahajakrapat.
In 1665, King Narai the Great had noticed that the river has changed its own route and it might consequently have a negative effect to the cityâs security. Hence, the fortifications have been established at the delta of Om River where the city pillar has been built as the symbol of the new foundation of Nonthaburi.
At the time of Rattanakosin Kingdom, King Mongkut has had Nonthaburi moved to the entrance of Bang Sue Canal in Tambon Ban Talad Khwan where later in the reign of King Chulalongkorn, the city hall has been founded and lasted till 1928. In the same year, King Pokklao has initiated the idea of building a new city hall at Rajawitthayalai Ban Bang Khwan, Tambon Bang Tanowsri on Pracharaj I road along side the Chao Phraya River which nowadays belongs to the Ministry of Interior Affairs. The building, constructed in a European style, has become one of the ancient remains of Thailand while the current city hall is situated on Rattanathibet Road.