NONTHABURI

city, south-central Thailand, just north of Bangkok. The city, a northern, fast-growing suburb of Bangkok, lies on the east (left) bank of the Chao Phraya River and is linked to the metropolis by riverboats and major roads. Nonthaburi has a lively market near the river and is the site of national job-training centres, the Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (founded 1978), and a large prison. Across the river from the city is the Chalerm Phra Kiat Temple, which was built during the reign (182451) of Rama III of Siam and is partly decorated in multicoloured ceramic tiles. Rice growing and fruit and vegetable cultivation are important in the surrounding area. Pop. (1990) 232,843; (1993 est.) 261,335.