Nakhon Pathom, Thailand

Nakhon Pathom, Thailand [Si].
Large proto-historic and early historic site in the lower Chao Phraya Valley of central Thailand. Local tradition records that it is the oldest city in Thailand and is said to have been visited by the Buddha. The town, which covers an area of nearly 4km by 2km is thought to have been the capital of the Dvaravati state. Artefacts dating from the 6th century ad onwards have been found. The Phra Pathom, the highest stupa in Thailand, rises to 116m. The rectangular moat may have been added around AD 1000 during the period of Khmer control of the region.[Sum.: G. Coedès, 1966, The making of South East Asia. Berkeley: University of California Press]