Khao Kala
Khao Kala
เขากะลา | |
|---|---|
| Khao Kala | |
| Etymology: "coconut shell mountain" | |
Interactive map of Khao Kala | |
| Coordinates: 15°34′0″N 100°17′0″E / 15.56667°N 100.28333°E | |
| Country | Thailand |
| Province | Nakhon Sawan |
| District | Phayuha Khiri |
| Named after | Kala mountains |
| Government | |
| • Type | Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO) |
| • Mayor | Prachuap Meethong |
| • Vice mayor | FS1 Samran Khlaisaeng |
| Area | |
• Total | 217.23 km2 (83.87 sq mi) |
| Population | |
• Total | 8,458 |
| Time zone | UTC+7 (ICT) |
| Postcode | 60130 |
| Area code | (+66) 02 |
Khao Kala (Thai: เขากะลา, pronounced [kʰǎw kā.lāː]) is a tambon (sub-district) and neighbourhood in Nakhon Sawan Province, upper central Thailand.
Geography
Khao Kala is a line of low mountains shaped like an inverted coconut shell. This unique form gave rise to its name, "Khao Kala", which means "coconut shell hill". The range extends from Tambon Khao Kala in Phayuha Khiri District to Tambon Phra Non in Mueang Nakhon Sawan District, the provincial capital. From the top of Khao Kala, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view stretching far into the horizon, including the vast Bung Boraphet, Thailand's largest freshwater lake.[1]
Most of the area is plateau and mountainous. Khao Kala is located about 24 km (14.9 mi) east of downtown Phayuha Khiri.
Khao Kala has a total area of 217.23 square kilometers (about 135,768.75 rais).
Adjoining areas are (from north clockwise): Phra Non in Mueang Nakhon Sawan District, Hua Thanon in Tha Tako District, Nikhom Khao Bo Kaeo in its district, Udom Thanya in Tak Fa District, and Khao Thong with Nikhom Khao Bo Kaeo in its district, respectively.[2]
Demography
Total population of 8,458 people (4,114 men, and 4,344 women) in 2,999 households.
Economy
Most of the population has a career in sugarcane farming. The occupation of the rice farmers is a minority.
Administration
Khao Kala is governed by the Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO) Khao Kala (เทศบาลตำบลเขากะลา).
The tambon is divided into 19 administrative mubans (village)[2]
| No. | Name | Thai |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ban Huai Bong | บ้านห้วยบง |
| 2. | Ban Khao Sam Yot | บ้านเขาสามยอด |
| 3. | Ban Phu Wa | บ้านพุหว้า |
| 4. | Ban Nong Tao | บ้านหนองเต่า |
| 5. | Ban Than Lamyai | บ้านธารลำไย |
| 6. | Ban Nong Khloi | บ้านหนองกลอย |
| 7. | Ban Sab Pakkard | บ้านซับผักกาด |
| 8. | Ban Sa Bua | บ้านสระบัว |
| 9. | Ban Sa Bua Tai | บ้านสระบัวใต้ |
| 10. | Ban Phu Wiset | บ้านพุวิเศษ |
| 11. | Ban Hua Khao Phra Krai | บ้านหัวเขาพระไกร |
| 12. | Ban Khao Sanam Chai | บ้านเขาสนามชัย |
| 13. | Ban Phu Ta Mueang | บ้านพุตาเมือง |
| 14. | Ban Khao Khat | บ้านเขาขาด |
| 15. | Ban Dong Man | บ้านดงมัน |
| 16. | Ban Hang Nam | บ้านหางน้ำ |
| 17. | Ban Khao Wong Nuea | บ้านเขาวงค์เหนือ |
| 18. | Ban Khao Wong Klang | บ้านเขาวงค์กลาง |
| 19. | Ban Mai Tha Nam Oi | บ้านใหม่ท่าน้ำอ้อย |
Utilities
Khao Kala has four local hospitals, 19 local health centres, four drugstores.
There are a total of nine temples and two abbeys.
In education, Khao Kala consists of five child development centres, six primary schools, one secondary school, six public libraries, and one non-formal education centre.
In communication, there are two post offices, 16 public telephone booths.
Every household has electricity and water supply.
UFO hotspot
Khao Kala is best known as Thailand's only UFO hotspot. Some locals believe it is a place where UFOs frequently appear or may even land, although others, including many locals and outsiders, remain skeptical. Nevertheless, Khao Kala has earned the nickname "Thailand's Area 51".[1][3][4]
References
- ^ a b "เรื่องน่ารู้ เขากะลา นครสวรรค์ ภูเขาศักดิ์สิทธิ์ของคนเชื่อเรื่องมนุษย์ต่างดาว" [Things to know Khao Kala Nakhon Sawan, a sacred hill of alien believers]. Kapook.com (in Thai). 2020-08-27. Retrieved 2021-08-30.
- ^ a b "อบต.เขากะลา" [SAO Khao Kala]. Khaokala.go.th (in Thai).
- ^ S. Ehrlich, Richard (2019-10-06). "The UFO seekers flocking to a remote Thai hilltop in search of Buddhist aliens". CNN. Retrieved 2021-08-30.
- ^ Hookway, James (2011-05-06). "E.T. Phones Thailand and Picks Up the Tab for the Call". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2021-08-30.