Wat Phrik

Wat Phrik (วัดพริก) is a subdistrict in the Mueang Phitsanulok District of Phitsanulok Province, Thailand. The area is urban and lowland area. In 2022 it had a population of 8,533 and 3,454 households.

Geography
The topography of Wat Phrik subdistrict is fertile lowlands and is located in the lower northern part of Thailand. The subdistrict is bordered to the north by Tha Pho and Bueng Phra subdistricts, to the east by Bueng Phra subdistrict and Wang Thong district, to the south by Wang Nam Khu and Ngio Ngam subdistricts and to the west by Bang Rakam district and Tha Pho subdistrict. Wat Phrik subdistrict lies in the Nan Basin, which is part of the Chao Phraya Watershed. The Nan river flows through the subdistrict. An irrigation canal (Huai Nong Khlong Bueng) flows from Chom Thong subdistrict, through Phlai Chumphon, Wat Chan, Tha Thong and Tha Pho subdistricts to Wat Phrik subdistrict and is an important water source for agricultural consumption and also a raw water source to produce village water supply.

History
According to legend, planting chili became interesting to the locals. During the reign of King Naresuan the Great, a camp was set up to fight against the Burmese. Gunpowder ammunition was produced on the campgrounds. One of the components of making gunpowder is chile and chili leaves, which are widely grown in this subdistrict. Wat Phrik Subdistrict Administrative Organization - SAO (ongkan borihan suan tambon) was established.

Central government
The administration of Wat Phrik subdistrict (tambon) is responsible for an area that covers 36,806 rai ~ 58.9 sqkm and consists of twelve administrative villages (muban), of which five villages (Moo1 to Moo5) are east (tawan ok) and seven villages (Moo6 to Moo12) are west (tawan tok) of this river. As of 2022: 8,533 people and 3,454 households.

Local government
Wat Phrik Subdistrict Administrative Organization - Wat Phrik SAO (องค์การบริหารตำบลวัดพริก) covers the whole Wat Phrik subdistrict.

Temples
Wat Phrik subdistrict is home to the following active temples, where Theravada Buddhism is practised by local residents:

Economy
The economy of Wat Phrik subdistrict depends on rice farming, trading, general contractor, mixed farming, lotus farming, chili, maize, fruits, etc.

Education
The following elementary schools are located in Wat Phrik.
 * Tha Rong Tawan Ok school - Moo2
 * Wat In See school - Moo4
 * Wat Sao Hin school - Moo7
 * Tha Rong Tawan Tok - Moo10

There is Wat Prik child development center - Moo3

Healthcare
There are Wat Phrik and Ban Sao Hin health-promoting hospitals in Moo6 and Moo7.

Transport
National road 1063 (Phitsanulok-Bang Krathum)

Electricity
The rate of households in Wat Phrik subdistrict that have access to the electricity grid of Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) is 90 percent.

Waterworks
Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) supplied tap water to 3,185 households or 92 percent. All households have access to the village water supply system in every village.

Communications
All households in Wat Phrik subdistrict have access to the fixed and mobile telephone network. Nearby post office is in Ban Mai subdistrict municipality.