In the past, the area of Rangsit was part of a vast plain stretching from northern Bangkok and Pathum Thani to
Saraburi, located on the eastern side of the
Chao Phraya River. This area was known as "Thung Luang" (ทุ่งหลวง), meaning "the great field", and covered approximately 2,000 km² (about 772 mi²). At that time, it was home to many species of
wildlife, including
wild elephants, which gave rise to the name "Tha Khlong" (ท่าโขลง), meaning "pier of elephant herds." Wild elephants from
Khao Yai often roamed here. Remarkably, the area was also the only known natural habitat of the now-extinct
Schomburgk's deer (
Rucervus schomburgki), a medium-sized deer species. During the reign of King
Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in the mid-
Rattanakosin period, Thailand's first irrigation canal,
Khlong Rangsit, was constructed through this area. It was named in honor of his son, Prince
Rangsit Prayurasakdi, Prince of Chainat. The canal transformed Rangsit into a prosperous agricultural region, particularly for
rice cultivation and fruit orchards, including
tangerines. ==Transportation==