Old City Walls and moat of Phitsanulok are highly significant historical sites that provide important insights into the political history and geography of Thailand in the past. Phitsanulok was strategically located as a transportation hub connecting the North and Central regions. It also served as a frontier city that played a crucial role in defending against invasions, especially from the Lanna Kingdom and Burma. As a result, the Old City Walls and moat of Phitsanulok were constructed and renovated multiple times throughout different eras to meet the changing threats and challenges of each period.

 

During the reign of King Borommatrailokkanat, the Old City Walls of Phitsanulok were built to withstand attacks from King Tilokaraj of Lanna, which at that time was a powerful northern kingdom that frequently clashed with Ayutthaya. Phitsanulok even served as the temporary capital of Ayutthaya and became a vital strategic stronghold. The construction of earthen Old City Walls and defensive moats provided essential protection against enemy forces and reassured the local population that they had a secure refuge during times of war.

 

Later, during the reign of King Maha Chakkraphat, the Old City Walls of Phitsanulok were repaired and reinforced to prepare for Burmese invasions, as Burma had become the most significant adversary of Siam. The restoration of the Old City Walls demonstrates the continued role of Phitsanulok as a military base and frontier city. The repeated Burmese attempts to capture Phitsanulok highlight its importance whoever controlled Phitsanulok would have a clear path to invade the Central Plains and Ayutthaya.

 

In the era of King Narai the Great, the Old City Walls of Phitsanulok were further developed when the king commissioned French engineers to construct new fortifications with bricks, making them stronger and more durable. This represented an early integration of Western engineering knowledge into Thai architecture. The use of brick Old City Walls provided the city with more advanced defenses, capable of withstanding modern attacks more effectively than before.

 

However, during the reign of King Rama I (Phra Phutthayotfa Chulalok the Great), the Old City Walls and fortifications were dismantled. The king feared that if Burma invaded, these structures could instead serve as strongholds for enemy forces. The demolition was therefore a strategic decision to prevent the city from being used against Siam itself. Although this meant losing valuable architectural heritage, it reflects a pragmatic military mindset that prioritized national security.

 

Today, remnants of Phitsanulok’s Old City Walls can still be seen in several areas, such as around Wat Phothiyan, Wat Noi, and near the Phitsanulok Provincial Police Station. Parts of the moat are still visible along Phra Ruang Road, particularly behind Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University. These surviving traces stand as tangible evidence of the city’s historic struggles and strategic role in Thailand’s past.

 

Beyond their historical significance, the Old City Walls and moat also serve as a lesson in ancient military strategy. The evolution from earthen Old City Walls and water-filled moats to brick fortifications reflects how defensive architecture adapted to the changing demands of warfare over the centuries. Phitsanulok was not merely an administrative center but also a battlefield of national importance. Preserving the remains of its Old City Walls and moat is thus like safeguarding valuable lessons from history for future generations.

 

For travelers visiting Phitsanulok, exploring the Old City Walls and moat offers a deeper understanding of the city’s cultural and historical roots. It is not only an opportunity to witness ancient ruins but also a chance to learn about wars, resilience, and adaptation across different eras. Phitsanulok is therefore more than just another province in Lower Northern Thailand it is a city rich with heritage and stories of national significance. The surviving Old City Walls and moat remain as monuments that remind us of the sacrifices, courage, and perseverance of the Thai ancestors who fought to protect their land and preserve it for the present day.