Phitsanulok

Phitsanulok, town, north-central Thailand. Phitsanulok lies along the Nan River and the Bangkok–Chiengmai railroad. It is also served by an airport and by a major highway to Sukhothai (west) and Khon Kaen (east). The commercial centre in the southern part of town deals in rice, cotton, and tobacco. The old walled city dates to the 13th century, and from 1350 to 1767 it was second in size and importance to the national capital of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. The temple complex Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat houses the Phra Buddha Jinaraj, an early bronze figure famed for its beauty. Modern buildings in Phitsanulok include a 15-story hotel. Rice is the main crop grown in the surrounding agricultural area. Pop. (2000) 84,311.