Cha-am (, or ) is a district (''

amphoe An amphoe (sometimes also ''amphur'', , )—usually translated as "district"—is the second level administrative subdivision of Thailand. Groups of ''amphoe'' or districts make up the Provinces of Thailand, provinces, and are analogous to count ...

'') in the southern part of Phetchaburi province, western

Thailand Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand and historically known as Siam (the official name until 1939), is a country in Southeast Asia on the Mainland Southeast Asia, Indochinese Peninsula. With a population of almost 66 million, it spa ...

. The district was established in 1897 with the name ''Na Yang''. In 1914 the centre of the district was moved to Ban Nong Chok (now in Tha Yang district and its name was changed to Nong Chok. After

World War II World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...

, the government moved the office to tambon Cha-am and also changed the district name to Cha-am. Mrigadayavan Palace (Thai: พระราชนิเวศน์มฤคทายวัน, RTGS: ''Phra Ratchaniwet Maruekkhathayawan'') in Cha-am district is a former residence of King

Vajiravudh Vajiravudh (1 January 188126 November 1925) was the sixth Monarchy of Thailand, king of Siam from the Chakri dynasty, titled Rama VI. He reigned from 1910 until his death in 1925. King Vajiravudh is best known for his efforts to create and pro ...

or Rama VI who ruled Siam from 1910 to 1925.

Toponymy

Its name "Cha-am" is said to have originated from the word "Cha-an" (ชะอาน, or ) meaning "to wash the saddle". In the Ayutthaya period,

Viceroy A viceroy () is an official who reigns over a polity in the name of and as the representative of the monarch of the territory. The term derives from the Latin prefix ''vice-'', meaning "in the place of" and the Anglo-Norman ''roy'' (Old Frenc ...

Ekathotsarot (later King Ekathotsarot) raised an army to fight against the Burmese in this area, and washed his saddle here. Hence the name "Cha-an" and was distorted into "Cha-am" like today

Location

Cha-am lies south of Bangkok on Phet Kasem Road. Just a few trains stop at the town's railway station. Frequent bus and minibus services link Cha-am with neighbouring towns, such as Hua Hin, and with

Bangkok Bangkok, officially known in Thai language, Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon and colloquially as Krung Thep, is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. The city occupies in the Chao Phraya River delta in central Thailand and has an estim ...

. The district to the north is Tha Yang district. to the south is Hua Hin district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, also a beach resort.

Administration

Cha-am district is divided into nine sub-districts (''tambons'').

Economy

Tourism plays a significant role in the economy of Cha-am and Phetchaburi Province. The province, however, has dropped from the fourth to the sixth most popular destination in Thailand due to

coastal erosion Coastal erosion is the loss or displacement of land, or the long-term removal of sediment and rocks along the coastline due to the action of Wind wave, waves, Ocean current, currents, tides, wind-driven water, waterborne ice, or other impacts ...

, much of it in Cha-am, caused by rising sea levels leading to "deteriorating scenery".

Education

Several tertiary educational institutions and universities are in Cha-am and surrounding districts including Silpakorn University (Phetchaburi IT Campus), Suan Dusit Rajaphat University, Stamford International University, and Webster University Thailand.

References

External links

* {{Amphoe Phetchaburi Districts of Phetchaburi province Populated places in Phetchaburi province Beaches of Thailand Cities and towns in Thailand