Provinces of Thailand
Encyclopedia
Thailand
is divided into 76 province
s , which are geographically grouped into 6 regions. The capital Bangkok
is not a province but a special administrative area and is included as the 77th province since it is administered at the same level as the other 76 provinces. The name of the provinces are the same as that of their respective capital cities. The only 6 provinces whose capitals are not the biggest cities in their provinces are Tak
(Mae Sot
is the biggest city), Pathum Thani (Rangsit is the biggest city), Songkhla
(Hat Yai
is the biggest city), Chonburi
(Pattaya
is the biggest city), Narathiwat
(Su-ngai Kolok
is the biggest city) and Prachuap Khiri Khan
(Hua Hin
is the biggest city).
Bangkok
is both the highest population and the highest population density. The biggest province by area is Nakhon Ratchasima
, the smallest Samut Songkhram
. Ranong
has the lowest population number, while Mae Hong Son
has the lowest population density (facts according to the year 2000 census).
Each province is administered by a governor, who is appointed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The only exception is Bangkok, whose governor is elected by its population.
Thailand is subdivided into 878 districts (amphoe
, อำเภอ). The fifty districts of Bangkok are called khet (เขต), but even in official documents they are sometimes misidentified as amphoe. The number of districts in each provinces varies, from three in the smallest provinces to fifty in Bangkok. Further subdivision levels are tambon
(subdistricts) and finally, muban
(villages). In Bangkok the tambon are called khwaeng.
. As today, the provinces were created around a capital city (mueang
), and included surrounding villages or satellite towns. The provinces were administered either by a governor, who was appointed by the king; or by a local ruling family, who were descendants of the old local kings and princes of that area and had been given this privilege by the central king. De facto the king did not have much choice but to choose someone from the local nobility or an economically strong man, as against these local power groups the administration would have become impossible. The governor wasn't paid by the king, but instead financed himself and his administration by imposing taxes by himself, thus effectively a kleptocracy
. Every province was required to send an annual tribute to Bangkok.
The provinces were divided into four different classes. The first class were the border provinces. The second class were those that once had their own princely house. Third class were provinces that were created recently by splitting them from other provinces. Fourth class were provinces near the capital. Additionally tributary states like the principalities of Lannathai, the Laotian
kingdoms of Vientiane
and Luang Prabang
, Cambodia
, or the Malay sultanate Kedah
were also part of the country, but with an even higher autonomy than the provinces. In this Mandala system the semi-independent countries sometimes were tributary to more than one country.
New provinces were created when the population of an area outgrew the administration, but also for political reasons if a governor became too dominant in a region former satellite cities were elevated to provincial status, as in the founding of the Maha Sarakham Province
.
Reforms of the provincial administration started in the 1870s under increased pressure from the colonial
states of the United Kingdom
and France
. Especially to the areas near the borders commissionaries were sent to have a stronger control on the provinces or tributary states.
reformed the central government drastically. In 1892 the ministry, which previously had many overlapping responsibilities, was reorganized with clear areas as in western administrations. Prince Damrong Rajanubhab
became minister of the Ministry of the North (Mahatthai), originally responsible for the northern administration. When the Ministry of the South (Kalahom) was dissolved in 1894, Prince Damrong became Minister of the Interior, responsible for the provincial administration of the whole country.
Starting in 1893 the already existing commissionarships in some parts of the country were renamed to superintendent commissioner (khaluang thesaphiban), and their area of responsibility was called monthon
. In strategically important areas the monthon were created first, while in other areas the provinces kept their independence a bit longer. Several smaller provinces were reduced in status to a Amphoe (district) or even lower to a tambon (subdistrict) and included in a neighboring province, sometimes for administrative reasons, but sometimes also to remove an uncooperative governor.
In some regions rebellions broke out against the new administrative system, usually induced by the local nobility fearing their loss of power. The most notable was the Holy Man rebellion in 1902 in Isan
, which even though it was at first a messianic doomsday sect, it also attacked government representative in the North-East. The provincial town Khemarat
was even burned by the rebels. After a few months the rebellion fought back.
After 1916 the word changwat became common to use for the provinces, partly to distinguish them from the provincial capital city (Mueang or Amphoe Mueang), but also to stress the new administrative structure of the provinces.
When Prince Damrong resigned in 1915, the whole country was subdivided into 19 monthon (including the area around Bangkok, which was however under the responsibility of another ministry until 1922), with 72 provinces.
In December 1915 King Vajiravudh
announced the creation of regions (phak), each administered by a viceroy (upparat), to cover several monthon. Until 1922 four regions were established, however in 1925 they were dissolved again. At the same time several monthon were merged, in an attempt to streamline the administration and reduce the costs.
In 1972 the two provinces Phra Nakhon and Thonburi were merged to form the special administrative area of Bangkok, which combines the tasks of the provinces with that of a municipality
, including having an elected governor.
Starting in the second half of the 20th century some provinces were newly created by splitting them off from bigger provinces. In 1975, Yasothon province was split off from Ubon Ratchathani. In 1977, Phayao province was created from districts formerly part of Chiang Rai. In 1982, Mukdahan was split off from Nakhon Phanom. 1993 three provinces were created: Sa Kaeo
(split from Prachinburi), Nongbua Lamphu
(split from Udon Thani), and Amnat Charoen
(split from Ubon Ratchathani). The newest province is Bueng Kan
, which was split off fron Nong Khai effective March 23 2011.
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
is divided into 76 province
Province
A province is a territorial unit, almost always an administrative division, within a country or state.-Etymology:The English word "province" is attested since about 1330 and derives from the 13th-century Old French "province," which itself comes from the Latin word "provincia," which referred to...
s , which are geographically grouped into 6 regions. The capital Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
is not a province but a special administrative area and is included as the 77th province since it is administered at the same level as the other 76 provinces. The name of the provinces are the same as that of their respective capital cities. The only 6 provinces whose capitals are not the biggest cities in their provinces are Tak
Tak Province
Tak is one of the northern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani and Kanchanaburi...
(Mae Sot
Mae Sot
- External links :* * : an audio documentary.* *...
is the biggest city), Pathum Thani (Rangsit is the biggest city), Songkhla
Songkhla Province
Songkhla is one of the southern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Satun, Phatthalung, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pattani and Yala. To the south it borders Kedah and Perlis of Malaysia....
(Hat Yai
Hat Yai
Hat Yai is a city in southern Thailand near the Malaysian border. Located at , it has a population of 157,359 in the city itself and about 800,000 in the greater Hat Yai area. Hat Yai is the largest city of Songkhla Province, the largest metropolitan area in Southern, and third largest...
is the biggest city), Chonburi
Chonburi Province
Chonburi is a province of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi and Rayong. To the west is the Gulf of Thailand. The eastern seaboard is heavily industrialized and underpinned by shipping, transportation, tourism, and manufacturing industries, and second to only Bangkok...
(Pattaya
Pattaya
Pattaya is a city in Thailand, located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 165 km southeast of Bangkok located within but not part of Amphoe Bang Lamung in the province of Chonburi....
is the biggest city), Narathiwat
Narathiwat Province
Narathiwat is one of the southern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Yala and Pattani. To the south it borders the Malaysian state of Kelantan. The southern railway line ends in this province that is one of the nation’s five provinces that borders Malaysia. The name of this...
(Su-ngai Kolok
Su-ngai Kolok
Su-ngai Kolok is a main border town of Malaysia-Thailand Border in Narathiwat Province, Thailand. It is the capital of the Su-ngai Kolok district. As of 2005, the town has a population of 38,612...
is the biggest city) and Prachuap Khiri Khan
Prachuap Khiri Khan Province
Prachuap Khiri Khan is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Phetchaburi in the north and Chumphon in the south. To the west it borders Tanintharyi Division of Myanmar....
(Hua Hin
Hua Hin
Hua Hin is a famous beach resort town in Thailand, in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula, some 200 km south of Bangkok. It has a population of 84,883 in an area of 911 km², and is one of eight districts of the Prachuap Khiri Khan province.Hua Hin is closely associated with the...
is the biggest city).
Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
is both the highest population and the highest population density. The biggest province by area is Nakhon Ratchasima
Nakhon Ratchasima Province
Nakhon Ratchasima or , often shortened to Korat or Khorat , is one of the north-eastern provinces of Thailand...
, the smallest Samut Songkhram
Samut Songkhram Province
Samut Songkhram ) is one of the central provinces of Thailand.Neighboring provinces are Phetchaburi, Ratchaburi and Samut Sakhon. Local people call Samut Songkhram Mae Klong. The province is the smallest of all Thai provinces areawise...
. Ranong
Ranong Province
Ranong is one of the southern provinces of Thailand, on the coast of the Andaman Sea. It is the province with the fewest citizens. Neighboring provinces are Chumphon, Surat Thani and Phang Nga...
has the lowest population number, while Mae Hong Son
Mae Hong Son Province
Most of the areas of Mae Hong Son Province are complex mountain ranges and likely still pristine virgin forest. Of the approximately 6,976,650 rai of national forest reserves, 88.02% is thought to be pristine virgin forest...
has the lowest population density (facts according to the year 2000 census).
Each province is administered by a governor, who is appointed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The only exception is Bangkok, whose governor is elected by its population.
Thailand is subdivided into 878 districts (amphoe
Amphoe
An amphoe is the second level administrative subdivision of Thailand. Usually translated as district, amphoe make up the provinces, and are analogous to a county seat...
, อำเภอ). The fifty districts of Bangkok are called khet (เขต), but even in official documents they are sometimes misidentified as amphoe. The number of districts in each provinces varies, from three in the smallest provinces to fifty in Bangkok. Further subdivision levels are tambon
Tambon
Tambon is a local government unit in Thailand. Below district and province , they form the third administrative subdivision level. As of the 2009 there are 7255 tambon, not including the 169 khwaeng of Bangkok, which are set at the same administrative level, thus every district contains 8-10 tambon...
(subdistricts) and finally, muban
Muban
Muban is the lowest administrative subdivision of Thailand. Usually translated as village, they are the subdivision of tambon. As of 2008, there are 74944 administrative villages in Thailand. As of the 1990 census, the average village consisted of 144 households or 746 persons.A muban does not...
(villages). In Bangkok the tambon are called khwaeng.
List of provinces
| Seal | Name | Capital | Population | Area (km²) | Density | HDI | ISO ISO 3166-2:TH ISO 3166-2:TH is the entry for Thailand in ISO 3166-2, part of the ISO 3166 standard published by the International Organization for Standardization , which defines codes for the names of the principal subdivisions of all countries coded in ISO 3166-1.Currently for Thailand, ISO 3166-2 codes are... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Bangkok (Krung Thep Maha Nakhon) Special Governed District Bangkok Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom... |
Bangkok (Krung Thep Maha Nakhon) Bangkok Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom... |
9,100,000 | 1,568.7 | 5,801 | 0.933 | TH-10 |
| Samut Prakan Province Samut Prakan Province Samut Prakan is one of the central provinces of Thailand. It is part of the Bangkok Metropolitan Region. Neighboring provinces are Bangkok, to the north and west, and Chachoengsao to the east.... |
Samut Prakan | 1,126,485 | 1,004.1 | 1,121.9 | 0.825 | TH-11 | |
| Nakhon Nayok Province Nakhon Nayok Province Nakhon Nayok is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachinburi, Chachoengsao and Pathum Thani.... |
Nakhon Nayok | 241,081 | 2,122.0 | 113.6 | 0.758 | TH-26 | |
| Nakhon Sawan Province Nakhon Sawan Province Nakhon Sawan is one of the provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phetchabun, Lop Buri, Sing Buri, Chai Nat, Uthai Thani and Tak.- Etymology :... |
Nakhon Sawan Nakhon Sawan Nakhon Sawan is a city in Thailand, the name literally means "Heavenly City". The city is the capital of Nakhon Sawan Province, and covers the complete subdistrict Pak Nam Pho and parts of Khwae Yai, Nakhon Sawan Tok, Nakhon Sawan Ok and Wat Sai, all of Mueang Nakhon Sawan district... |
1,090,379 | 9,597.7 | 113.6 | 0.752 | TH-60 | |
 |
Nonthaburi Province Nonthaburi Province Nonthaburi is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom.... |
Nonthaburi | 1,039,619 | 622.3 | 1,670.6 | 0.743 | TH-12 |
| Pathum Thani Province | Pathum Thani Pathum Thani Pathum Thani is a town in central Thailand, directly north of Bangkok. It is the capital of the Pathum Thani Province, Thailand as well as the Mueang Pathum Thani district. As of 2005, it has a population of 18,320, covering the complete subdistrict Bang Parok.... (The largest city is Rangsit) |
853,649 | 1,525.9 | 559.4 | 0.805 | TH-13 | |
| Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province | Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Ayutthaya (city) Ayutthaya city is the capital of Ayutthaya province in Thailand. Located in the valley of the Chao Phraya River. The city was founded in 1350 by King U Thong, who went there to escape a smallpox outbreak in Lop Buri and proclaimed it the capital of his kingdom, often referred to as the Ayutthaya... |
769,126 | 2,556.6 | 300.8 | 0.729 | TH-14 | |
| Ang Thong Province Ang Thong Province Ang Thong is one of the central provinces of Thailand. The name means "golden bowl" which refer to Angthong as a central for prosperity as it has a lot of rice fields.... |
Ang Thong Ang Thong Ang Thong ) is a town in Thailand, capital of the Ang Thong Province. The town covers the whole tambon Talat Luang and Bang Kaeo as well as parts of the tambon Sala Daeng, Ban Hae, Ban It, Pho Sa and Yansue, all of Mueang Ang Thong district, and as of 2006 has a population of 13,738... |
269,419 | 968.4 | 278.2 | 0.720 | TH-15 | |
 |
Lopburi Province Lopburi Province Lop Buri is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Phetchabun, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri and Nakhon Sawan.-Geography:... |
Lopburi Lopburi Lopburi ) is the capital city of Lopburi Province in Thailand. It is located about 150 km north-east of Bangkok. As of 2006 it has a population of 26,500... |
745,506 | 6,199.8 | 120.2 | 0.742 | TH-16 |
 |
Sing Buri Province | Sing Buri Sing Buri Sing Buri is a town in Thailand, capital of the Sing Buri province. The town covers the whole tambon Bang Phutsa and parts of Bang Man, Muang Mu, Ton Pho and Bang Krabue, all within Mueang Sing Buri district. As of 2006 it has a population of 19,470.-External links:* *... |
232,766 | 822.5 | 283 | 0.739 | TH-17 |
| Chainat Province Chainat Province Chainat is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Nakhon Sawan, Sing Buri, Suphan Buri and Uthai Thani.-Geography:... |
Chainat | 359,829 | 2,469.7 | 145.7 | 0.756 | TH-18 | |
 |
Saraburi Province Saraburi Province Saraburi is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Lopburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Pathum Thani and Ayutthaya. Saraburi has been an important town since ancient times... |
Saraburi Saraburi Saraburi is a town in central Thailand, capital of the Saraburi Province. As of 2005, it has a population of 61,900, and covers the complete tambon Pak Phriao of the Mueang Saraburi district.... |
575,053 | 3,576.5 | 160.8 | 0.798 | TH-19 |
 |
Uthai Thani Province Uthai Thani Province Uthai Thani is one of the provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Nakhon Sawan, Chai Nat, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi and Tak.-Geography:... |
Uthai Thani Uthai Thani Uthai Thani is a town in Thailand, capital of the Uthai Thani province, in the Lower North of the country. It covers the whole tambon Uthai Mai of Mueang Uthai Thani district. The town is situated on the right bank of the Sakae Krang River, a few kilometers upstream from where it flows into the... |
304,122 | 6,730.2 | 45.2 | 0.704 | TH-61 |
| Kamphaeng Phet Province Kamphaeng Phet Province Kamphaeng Phet is one of the provinces of Thailand, located in the north of the country. Neighboring provinces are Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Nakhon Sawan and Tak.- Etymology :... |
Kamphaeng Phet Kamphaeng Phet Kamphaeng Phet is a town in northern Thailand, capital of the Kamphaeng Phet Province. It covers the complete tambon Nai Mueang of the Mueang Kamphaeng Phet district. As of 2005 it has a population of 30,114.-External links:... |
674,027 | 8,607.5 | 78.3 | 0.725 | TH-61 | |
| Sukhothai Province Sukhothai Province Sukhothai is one of the northern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Phrae, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, and Lampang... |
Sukhothai | 593,264 | 6,596.1 | 89.9 | 0.738 | TH-64 | |
 |
Phitsanulok Province Phitsanulok Province Phitsanulok is a provinces of Thailand, located in the north. Neighboring provinces are Loei, Phetchabun, Phichit, Kamphaeng Phet, Sukhothai, Uttaradit. In the north-east it also has a short border with Xaignabouli of Laos.... |
Phitsanulok Phitsanulok Phitsanulok is an important and historic city in lower northern Thailand and is the capital of Phitsanulok Province, which stretches all the way to the Laotian border. Phitsanulok is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, founded over 600 years ago... |
792,678 | 10,815.8 | 73.3 | 0.724 | TH-65 |
| Phichit Province | Phichit Phichit Phichit is a town in northern Thailand, capital of the Phichit Province. It covers the whole tambon Nai Mueang of Mueang Phichit district, an area of 12.017 km²... |
572,989 | 4,531.0 | 126.5 | 0.693 | TH-66 | |
 |
Phetchabun Province Phetchabun Province Phetchabun is one of the northern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Loei, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Lopburi, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit and Phitsanulok.- Geography :... |
Phetchabun | 965,784 | 12,668.4 | 76.2 | 0.745 | TH-67 |
| Samut Songkhram Province Samut Songkhram Province Samut Songkhram ) is one of the central provinces of Thailand.Neighboring provinces are Phetchaburi, Ratchaburi and Samut Sakhon. Local people call Samut Songkhram Mae Klong. The province is the smallest of all Thai provinces areawise... |
Samut Songkhram Samut Songkhram Samut Songkhram ) is a town in Thailand, capital of the Samut Songkhram Province and the Samut Songkhram district. It covers the area of the tambon Mae Klong, which is also the old name of the town as well as the Mae Klong River, which enters the Gulf of Thailand near the town.... |
204,177 | 416.7 | 490 | 0.762 | TH-75 | |
 |
Samut Sakhon Province Samut Sakhon Province Samut Sakhon ) is one of the central provinces of Thailand.Neighboring provinces are Samut Songkhram, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom and Bangkok.- Etymology :... |
Samut Sakhon Samut Sakhon Samut Sakhon is a town in Thailand, capital of the Samut Sakhon province.... |
466,281 | 872.3 | 534.5 | 0.758 | TH-74 |
| Nakhon Pathom Province Nakhon Pathom Province Nakhon Pathom ) is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Nonthaburi, Bangkok, Samut Sakhon, Ratchaburi and Kanchanaburi... |
Nakhon Pathom Nakhon Pathom Nakhon Pathom is a city in central Thailand, capital of the Nakhon Pathom Province. One of the most important landmarks is the giant Phra Pathom Chedi... |
815,122 | 2,168.3 | 375.9 | 0.682 | TH-73 | |
| Suphan Buri Province | Suphan Buri Suphanburi Suphan Buri is a town in central Thailand, capital of the Suphan Buri Province. It covers the whole tambon Tha Philiang and parts of the tambon Rua Yai and Tha Rahat, all within the Mueang Suphan Buri district... |
855,949 | 5,358.0 | 159.8 | 0.744 | TH-72 | |
 |
Chonburi Province Chonburi Province Chonburi is a province of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi and Rayong. To the west is the Gulf of Thailand. The eastern seaboard is heavily industrialized and underpinned by shipping, transportation, tourism, and manufacturing industries, and second to only Bangkok... |
Chonburi Chonburi (city) Chonburi is the capital of Chonburi Province in Thailand. It is located about 100km east of Bangkok, on the coast to the Gulf of Thailand. The name means city of water.Chonburi has had town status since 1935.-External links:... (The largest city is Pattaya Pattaya Pattaya is a city in Thailand, located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 165 km southeast of Bangkok located within but not part of Amphoe Bang Lamung in the province of Chonburi.... ) |
1,040,865 | 4,363.0 | 238.6 | 0.889 | TH-20 |
| Rayong Province Rayong Province Rayong province is a province of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Chon Buri and Chanthaburi. To the south is the Gulf of Thailand.-History:... |
Rayong Rayong Rayong is a city located on the shore of the Gulf of Thailand, in the east coast region of Thailand. It is the capital of Rayong Province, and covers the tambon Tha Pradu and Pak Nam and parts of tambon Choeng Noen and Noen Phra, all within Mueang Rayong district... |
522,133 | 3,552.0 | 147 | 0.761 | TH-21 | |
| Chanthaburi Province Chanthaburi Province Chanthaburi is a province of Thailand. It is located in the east of Thailand, at the border to Battambang and Pailin of Cambodia and the shore to the Gulf of Thailand... |
Chanthaburi Chanthaburi Chanthaburi ) is a town in the east of Thailand, at the banks of the Chanthaburi River. It is the capital of the Chanthaburi Province and the Mueang Chanthaburi district.... |
480,064 | 6,338.0 | 75.7 | 0.754 | TH-22 | |
 |
Trat Province Trat Province Trat is a province of Thailand. It is located in the east of Thailand, and has borders with Chanthaburi Province to the northwest, Cambodia to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the south.Trat is most famous for gemstone mining and trading.... |
Trat Trat Trat is a town in Thailand, capital of Trat Province and the Mueang Trat district. The town is located in the east of Thailand, at the mouth of the Trat River, near the border with Cambodia.-Travel and Accommodation:... |
219,345 | 2,819.0 | 77.8 | 0.675 | TH-23 |
| Chachoengsao Province Chachoengsao Province Chachoengsao is a province of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, Chon Buri, Samut Prakan, Bangkok, Pathum Thani and Nakhon Nayok. It also has a short coast to the Gulf of Thailand.-History:Chachoengsao or Paet Rio is a province in the Central region... |
Chachoengsao Chachoengsao Chachoengsao ) is a town in central Thailand, capital of the Chachoengsao Province. It is located on the bank of the Bang Pakong River. It occupies the tambon Na Mueang and parts of Ban Mai, Bang Tin Pet, Wang Takhian and Sothon of Mueang Chachoengsao district... |
635,153 | 5,351.0 | 118.7 | 0.708 | TH-24 | |
| Prachinburi Province Prachinburi Province Prachin Buri is a province of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Nakhon Ratchasima, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao and Nakhon Nayok.-Geography:... |
Prachinburi Prachinburi Prachinburi is a town in Thailand, capital of the Prachinburi Province.... |
406,732 | 4,762.4 | 85.4 | 0.755 | TH-25 | |
 |
Sa Kaeo Province Sa Kaeo Province Sa Kaeo is a province of Thailand.It is located in the east of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Chanthaburi, Chachoengsao, Prachin Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima and Buri Ram... |
Sa Kaeo Sa Kaeo Sa Kaeo is a town in Thailand, located about 30 miles from the Thai-Cambodian border. It is the capital of the Sa Kaeo Province and the Sa Kaeo district. As of 2005, it has a population of 16,591. The town covers part of the tambon Sa Kaeo and Tha Kasem within the Sa Kaeo district.In 1979-80 Sa... |
485,632 | 7,195.1 | 67.5 | 0.688 | TH-27 |
| Nakhon Ratchasima Province Nakhon Ratchasima Province Nakhon Ratchasima or , often shortened to Korat or Khorat , is one of the north-eastern provinces of Thailand... |
Nakhon Ratchasima Nakhon Ratchasima Nakhon Ratchasima or is a city in the north-east of Thailand and gateway to Isan. It is the capital of the Nakhon Ratchasima Province and Nakhon Ratchasima district... |
2,565,117 | 20,494.0 | 125.2 | 0.815 | TH-30 | |
| Buriram Province Buriram Province Buri Ram or is one of the north-eastern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Sa Kaeo, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham and Surin. To the south-east it borders Oddar Meancheay of Cambodia... |
Buriram Buriram Buri Ram is a town in Thailand, capital of the Buriram Province, about 410 km northeast of Bangkok. The town covers the whole tambon Nai Mueang of Mueang Buriram district... |
1,493,359 | 10,322.9 | 144.7 | 0.729 | TH-31 | |
| Surin Province Surin Province Surin is one of the north-eastern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Buriram, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et and Sisaket... |
Surin Surin, Thailand Surin is a town in Thailand, capital of Surin province. It is the site of the annual Surin Elephant Round-up. Surin has many farangs living within its Centre and Suburbs.-Etymology:... |
1,375,257 | 8,124.1 | 169.3 | 0.751 | TH-32 | |
 |
Sisaket Province Sisaket Province Sisaket , is one of the north-eastern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Surin, Roi Et, Yasothon and Ubon Ratchathani. To the south it borders Oddar Meancheay and Preah Vihear of Cambodia.-Geography:... |
Sisaket | 1,405,500 | 8,840.0 | 159 | 0.734 | TH-33 |
| Ubon Ratchathani Province Ubon Ratchathani Province -History:The area was part of the Khmer Empire. Before the late eighteenth century, this area evidently was outside Siamese or Thai Ayutthaya Kingdom.... |
Ubon Ratchathani Ubon Ratchathani Ubon Ratchathani is a city on the Mun River in the south-east of the Isan region of Thailand. It is known as Ubon for short. The name means "Royal Lotus City." The provincial seal features a pond with a lotus flower and leaves in a circular frame. Ubon is the administrative centre of Ubon... |
1,803,754 | 16,112.6 | 111.9 | 0.800 | TH-34 | |
| Yasothon Province Yasothon Province Yasothon is one of the provinces of Thailand, located in the North-East of Thailand on the Chi River. Neighboring provinces are Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket and Roi Et.-Geography:... |
Yasothon Yasothon Yasothon is a town on the Chi River in the northeastern region of Thailand. It is the capital and administrative center of Yasothon Province and seat of its City District. Within this district, subdistrict Nai Mueang comprises the bounds of the town proper, which had a population of 21,134 in 2005... |
561,430 | 4,161.7 | 134.9 | 0.782 | TH-35 | |
| Chaiyaphum Province Chaiyaphum Province Chaiyaphum is one of the north-eastern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Lopburi and Phetchabun.- Etymology :... |
Chaiyaphum | 1,095,360 | 12,778.3 | 85.7 | 0.748 | TH-36 | |
| Amnat Charoen Province Amnat Charoen Province Amnat Charoen is one of the north-eastern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon and Mukdahan. To the east it borders Salavan of Laos.-Geography:... |
Amnat Charoen Amnat Charoen Amnat Charoen ) is a town in Thailand, capital of the Amnat Charoen province. It covers parts of the subdistrict Bung of Mueang Amnat Charoen district.-External links:*http://www.amnatmu.net/ Website of town... |
359,360 | 3,161.2 | 113.7 | 0.712 | TH-37 | |
| N/A |
Bueng Kan Province Bueng Kan Province Bueng Kan is the 76th province of Thailand, established by the Act Establishing Changwat Bueng Kan, BE 2554 which entered into force on and from March 23, 2011. The province, consisting of the districts partitioned off Nong Khai Province, is situated in the northeastern region of the country,... |
Bueng Kan | 385,053 | 4,305 | 89.4 | --- | TH-38 |
| Nong Bua Lamphu Province | Nong Bua Lamphu | 482,207 | 3,859.0 | 125 | 0.714 | TH-39 | |
| Khon Kaen Province Khon Kaen Province -History:The first city of the area was established in 1783 when Rajakruluang settled there with 330 people. King Rama I made Rajakruluang the first governor of the area when establishing tighter connections with the Isan area. The main city was moved six times until in 1879 it reached its modern... |
Khon Kaen Khon Kaen Khon Kaen is a city in Isan, Thailand. It is also the capital of Khon Kaen province and the Khon Kaen district.-Geography and demography:Khon Kaen is located in the Khorat Plateau, in the central-northwestern area of Isaan... |
1,733,434 | 10,886.0 | 159.2 | 0.850 | TH-40 | |
 |
Udon Thani Province Udon Thani Province Udon Thani is one of the north-eastern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Nong Khai, Sakon Nakhon, Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Nong Bua Lamphu and Loei.- Geography :... |
Udon Thani Udon Thani Udon Thani is a city in Isan, north-east Thailand, and the capital of Udon Thani Province.-Location:The province of Udon Thani has a population of 1,467.200, the city alone 500.000. Geographical location and is approximately 560 km from Bangkok... |
1,467,158 | 11,730.3 | 125.1 | 0.885 | TH-41 |
| Loei Province Loei Province Loei is one of the most sparsely populated provinces of Thailand, located in the North-East. Neighboring provinces are Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Nongbua Lamphu, Khon Kaen, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok... |
Loei Loei Loei is a town in the north-east of Thailand. In 2005, it had a population of 22,677. Loei covers the whole tambon Kut Pong of Mueang Loei district.Loei is the capital of the Loei Province.- References :... |
607,083 | 11,424.6 | 53.1 | 0.731 | TH-42 | |
| Nong Khai Province Nong Khai Province Nong Khai is the northernmost of the north-eastern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Udon Thani and Loei... |
Nong Khai Nong Khai Nong Khai is a city in North-East Thailand and is the capital of the Nong Khai Province... |
498,651 | 3,027 | 164.7 | 0.755 | TH-43 | |
| Maha Sarakham Province Maha Sarakham Province Maha Sarakham is one of the provinces of Thailand, located in the northeastern region of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Kalasin, Roi Et, Surin, Buriram and Khon Kaen.... |
Maha Sarakham Maha Sarakham Maha Sarakham is the capital city of Maha Sarakham Province in Thailand's Northeastern region. Sarakham, as it is known to its inhabitants, is located in a rice-growing area on the southern Korat plain, straddling the Chi River.... |
947,313 | 5,291.7 | 179 | 0.729 | TH-44 | |
| Roi Et Province Roi Et Province Roi Et is one of the provinces of Thailand, located in the North-East of Thailand. Neighboring Provinces are Kalasin, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Sisaket, Surin and Maha Sarakham.... |
Roi Et Roi Et Roi Et is a town in Northeastern Thailand, capital of the Roi Et Province. It covers the whole tambon Nai Mueang of Mueang Roi Et district. As of 2006 it has a population of 34,229.... |
1,256,458 | 8,299.4 | 151.4 | 0.732 | TH-45 | |
| Kalasin Province Kalasin Province Kalasin is one of the provinces of Thailand, located in the North-East of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Sakon Nakhon, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Maha Sarakham, Khon Kaen and Udon Thani.-Geography:... |
Kalasin Kalasin Kalasin is a town in the north-east of Thailand, the capital of Kalasin Province. As of 2006, it has a population of 37,653. It covers the whole tambon Kalasin of the Mueang Kalasin district, an area of 16.96 km².... |
921,366 | 6,946.7 | 132.6 | 0.718 | TH-46 | |
| Sakon Nakhon Province Sakon Nakhon Province Sakon Nakhon is one of the north-eastern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Kalasin and Udon Thani... |
Sakon Nakhon Sakon Nakhon Sakon Nakhon is a town in Thailand within the Isan region, and capital city of the Sakon Nakhon Province, with a population of approximately 76,000. It has a regional airport in the north, Sakon Nakhon Airport. During World War II, the town became a haven for Free Thais, and a base for Communist... |
1,040,766 | 9,605.8 | 108.3 | 0.705 | TH-47 | |
| Nakhon Phanom Province Nakhon Phanom Province Nakhon Phanom is one of the north-eastern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Mukdahan, Sakon Nakhon and Bueng Kan. To the north-east it borders Khammouan of Laos.-Geography:... |
Nakhon Phanom Nakhon Phanom Nakhon Phanom is a town in northeastern Thailand, capital of the Nakhon Phanom Province. The town covers the whole tambon Nai Mueang and Nong Saeng and parts of tambon At Samat and Nong Yat, all of Mueang Nakhon Phanom district... |
684,444 | 5,512.7 | 124.2 | 0.778 | TH-48 | |
 |
Mukdahan Province Mukdahan Province Mukdahan is one of the north-eastern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Amnat Charoen, Yasothon, Roi Et, Kalasin, Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom. To the east it borders the Mekong River, across which lies Savannakhet Province of Laos.-Geography:The province is located in the... |
Mukdahan Mukdahan Mukdahan capital of Mukdahan province, became Thailand's 73d province in 1982. Located in the northeastern region of the country, on the banks of the river Mekong, it was formerly as district of Nakhon Phanom Province... |
310,718 | 4,339.8 | 71.6 | 0.728 | TH-49 |
 |
Chiang Mai Province Chiang Mai Province Chiang Mai is the second-largest province of Thailand, located in the north of the country. Neighboring provinces are Chiang Rai, Lampang, Lamphun, Tak, and Mae Hong Son. In the north it borders Shan State of Burma... |
Chiang Mai Chiang Mai Chiang Mai sometimes written as "Chiengmai" or "Chiangmai", is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand. It is the capital of Chiang Mai Province , a former capital of the Kingdom of Lanna and was the tributary Kingdom of Chiang Mai from 1774 until 1939. It is... |
1,649,457 | 20,107.0 | 82.03 | 0.904 | TH-50 |
| Lamphun Province Lamphun Province Lamphun is one of the northern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Chiang Mai, Lampang and Tak.-Geography:Lamphun is located in the river valley of the Ping River, surrounded by mountain chains.... |
Lamphun Lamphun Lamphun is a town in northern Thailand, capital of Lamphun Province. It covers the whole tambon Nai Mueang of Mueang Lamphun district... |
413,299 | 4,505.9 | 91.7 | 0.729 | TH-51 | |
| Lampang Province Lampang Province Lampang is one of the northern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Chiang Rai, Phayao, Phrae, Sukhothai, Tak, Lamphun and Chiang Mai. The old name of Lampang is Khelang Nakhon.-Geography:... |
Lampang Lampang Lampang, also called Nakhon Lampang to differentiate from Lampang Province, is the third largest town in northern Thailand and capital of Lampang Province and the Lampang district. Traditional names for Lampang include Wiang Lakon and Khelang Nakhon. The city is still growing rapidly as trading... |
782,152 | 12,534.0 | 62.4 | 0.748 | TH-52 | |
| Uttaradit Province Uttaradit Province Uttaradit is one of the northern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Phrae and Nan... |
Uttaradit Uttaradit Uttaradit is a town in Thailand, capital of the Uttaradit province. The town covers the whole tambon Tha It of Mueang Uttaradit district... |
464,474 | 7,838.6 | 59.3 | 0.711 | TH-53 | |
| Phrae Province Phrae Province Phrae is one of the northern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Phayao, Nan, Uttaradit, Sukhothai and Lampang.-Geography:Phrae is located in the valley of the river Yom.-History:... |
Phrae Phrae Phrae is a town in northern Thailand, capital of the Phrae Province.The town covers the whole tambon Nai Wiang of the Mueang Phrae district. It covers an area of 9 km² and as of 2005 it has a population of 17,971.... |
492,561 | 6,538.6 | 75.3 | 0.702 | TH-54 | |
| Nan Province Nan Province Nan is one of the northern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Uttaradit, Phrae and Phayao. To the north and east it borders Sainyabuli of Laos.-Geography:... |
Nan Nan, Thailand Nan is a town in Northern Thailand. It is located some 668 km north of Bangkok. Its population exceeds 24.000. It is situated in the centre of the province which bears its name, and of which it is the administrative capital. It covers the whole tambon Nai Wiang of Mueang Nan district, an area... |
475,614 | 11,472.1 | 41.5 | 0.705 | TH-55 | |
| Phayao Province Phayao Province Phayao is one of the northern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Nan, Phrae, Lampang and Chiang Rai. In the north-east it borders Xaignabouli of Laos.- Geography :... |
Phayao Phayao Phayao is a town in northern Thailand, capital of the Phayao Province. It covers the tambon Wiang and Mae Tam of Mueang Phayao district. As of 2005 it has a population of 19,118.The town is located the shore of the Phayao lake.... |
502,780 | 6,335.1 | 79.4 | 0.722 | TH-56 | |
 |
Chiang Rai Province Chiang Rai Province Chiang Rai is the northernmost province of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phayao, Lampang and Chiang Mai. In the north it borders Shan State of Myanmar and Bokeo of Laos.-Geography:... |
Chiang Rai Chiang Rai -Demographics:Official Population count: According to the Thailand National Statistical Office, as of September 2010, Chiang Rai municipal district has a population of 199,699... |
1,129,701 | 11,678.4 | 96.7 | 0.716 | TH-57 |
| Mae Hong Son Province Mae Hong Son Province Most of the areas of Mae Hong Son Province are complex mountain ranges and likely still pristine virgin forest. Of the approximately 6,976,650 rai of national forest reserves, 88.02% is thought to be pristine virgin forest... |
Mae Hong Son Mae Hong Son Mae Hong Son ) is a town in north west Thailand, capital of the Mae Hong Son Province. It is located in the Shan Hills, near the border with Burma along the banks of the river Pai... |
248,748 | 12,681.3 | 19.6 | 0.704 | TH-58 | |
| Tak Province Tak Province Tak is one of the northern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani and Kanchanaburi... |
Tak Tak (town) Tak is a town in northwest of Thailand, capital of the Tak Province and the Tak district. As of 2005 the town has a population of 19,900 and an area of 7.27 km². It covers the tambon Rahaeng, Nong Luang, Chiang Ngoen and Hua Diat, and is located on the Ping River.-External links:*... (The largest city is Mae Sot Mae Sot - External links :* * : an audio documentary.* *... ) |
486,146 | 16,406.6 | 29.6 | 0.735 | TH-63 | |
 |
Ratchaburi Province Ratchaburi Province Ratchaburi is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Pathom,Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram and Phetchaburi... |
Ratchaburi Ratchaburi Ratchaburi ) is a town in western Thailand, capital of the Ratchaburi Province. It covers the whole tambon Nai Mueang of Mueang Ratchaburi district. As of 2006 it has a population of 38,208.-External links:*... |
791,217 | 5,196.5 | 152.3 | 0.726 | TH-70 |
 |
Kanchanaburi Province Kanchanaburi Province - History :Archaeology found in Kanchanaburi dates back to the 4th century which proves of trade with surrounding countries even in that time. Very little is also historically known about the actual Khmer influence in Kanchanaburi but there is evidence of their occupation with Prasat Muang Singh –... |
Kanchanaburi Kanchanaburi Kanchanaburi ) is a town in the west of Thailand and the capital of Kanchanaburi province. In 2006 it had a population of 31,327... |
849,361 | 19,483.2 | 43.6 | 0.733 | TH-71 |
 |
Phetchaburi Province Phetchaburi Province Phetchaburi is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram and Prachuap Khiri Khan... |
Phetchaburi Phetchaburi Phetchaburi , also known as Phetburi, is a town in central Thailand, capital of the Phetchaburi Province. In Thai, Phetchaburi means city of diamonds . It is approximately 160km south of Bangkok, at the northern end of the Thai Peninsula... |
435,377 | 6,225.1 | 69.9 | 0.798 | TH-76 |
| Prachuap Khiri Khan Province Prachuap Khiri Khan Province Prachuap Khiri Khan is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Phetchaburi in the north and Chumphon in the south. To the west it borders Tanintharyi Division of Myanmar.... |
Prachuap Khiri Khan Prachuap Khiri Khan Prachuap Khiri Khan is a town in southern Thailand. It is the capital of Prachuap Khiri Khan province and is on the coast at one of the narrowest stretches in Thailand, only 10 km from the Burmese border at Dansingkhorn. The town can reached from Bangkok by train from Hualampong Station or by... (The largest city is Hua Hin Hua Hin Hua Hin is a famous beach resort town in Thailand, in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula, some 200 km south of Bangkok. It has a population of 84,883 in an area of 911 km², and is one of eight districts of the Prachuap Khiri Khan province.Hua Hin is closely associated with the... ) |
494,299 | 6,367.6 | 77.6 | 0.868 | TH-77 | |
| Nakhon Si Thammarat Province Nakhon Si Thammarat Province Nakhon Si Thammarat is one of the southern provinces of Thailand, at the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand... |
Nakhon Si Thammarat Nakhon Si Thammarat Nakhon Si Thammarat is a town in southern Thailand, capital of the Nakhon Si Thammarat Province and the Nakhon Si Thammarat district. It is about south of Bangkok, on the east coast of the Malay Peninsula. The city was the administrative center of southern Thailand during most of its history. ... |
1,519,811 | 9,942.5 | 152.9 | 0.769 | TH-80 | |
| Krabi Province Krabi Province Krabi is one of the southern provinces of Thailand, at the shore of the Andaman Sea. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Trang. The Phuket province to the west is also neighbouring, but without any land boundary... |
Krabi Krabi Krabi is a town on the west coast of southern Thailand at the mouth of the Krabi River where it empties in Phangnga Bay. As of 2005 the town has a population of 24,986. The town is the capital of Krabi Province and Krabi district... |
336,210 | 4,708.5 | 71.4 | 0.805 | TH-81 | |
| Phang Nga Province Phang Nga Province Phang Nga is one of the southern provinces of Thailand, on the shore to the Andaman Sea. Neighboring provinces are Ranong, Surat Thani and Krabi. To the south is the Phuket province, but without land boundary to Phang Nga.... |
Phang Nga Phang Nga Phang Nga ) is a town in southern Thailand, capital of the Phang Nga Province. The town covers the whole tambon Thai Chang of Mueang Phang Nga district. As of 2005 it has a population of 9,559 and covers an area of 6.75 km².... |
234,188 | 4,170.0 | 56.2 | 0.758 | TH-82 | |
| Phuket Province Phuket Province Phuket , formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon , is one of the southern provinces of Thailand... |
Phuket | 348,504 | 543.0 | 641.82 | 0.921 | TH-83 | |
| Surat Thani Province Surat Thani Province Surat Thani is the largest of the southern provinces of Thailand, on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand. Surat Thani means City of Good People, the title given to the city by King Vajiravudh .... |
Surat Thani Surat Thani Surat Thani is a city in Amphoe Mueang Surat Thani, Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand. It is the capital of the province Surat Thani. The city has a population of 128,179 , and an area of 68.97 square kilometers. The city's population density is 1,858.47 inhabitants per km².Suran Thani is... |
990,592 | 12,891.5 | 76.8 | 0.849 | TH-84 | |
| Ranong Province Ranong Province Ranong is one of the southern provinces of Thailand, on the coast of the Andaman Sea. It is the province with the fewest citizens. Neighboring provinces are Chumphon, Surat Thani and Phang Nga... |
Ranong Ranong Ranong ) is a town in southern Thailand, capital of the Ranong Province and the Mueang Ranong district. The town covers completely the area of the tambon Khao Niwet . As of 2005 it has a population of 16,163, and has town status .The town is located at the estuary of the Pak Chan River, opposite... |
161,210 | 3,298.0 | 48.9 | 0.678 | TH-85 | |
| Chumphon Province Chumphon Province Chumphon ) is one of the southern provinces of Thailand, at the shore of the Gulf of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Prachuap Khiri Khan, Surat Thani and Ranong... |
Chumphon | 446,206 | 6,009.0 | 74 | 0.710 | TH-86 | |
| Songkhla Province Songkhla Province Songkhla is one of the southern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Satun, Phatthalung, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pattani and Yala. To the south it borders Kedah and Perlis of Malaysia.... |
Songkhla Songkhla Songkhla is a city in the Songkhla Province of southern Thailand, near the border with Malaysia. As of 2006 it had a population of 75,048... (The largest city is Hat Yai) |
1,324,915 | 7,393.9 | 179.2 | 0.681 | TH-90 | |
| Satun Province Satun Province Satun is one of the southern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Trang, Phatthalung and Songkhla... |
Satun Satun Satun is a town in southern Thailand, capital of the Satun Province. It covers the whole tambon Phiman of Mueang Satun district. As of 2005 it has a population of 21,498.... |
247,875 | 2,479.0 | 100 | 0.655 | TH-91 | |
| Trang Province Trang Province Trang is one of the southern provinces of Thailand, at the western shore of the Malay Peninsula to the Andaman Sea. Neighboring provinces are Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Satun.... |
Trang | 595,110 | 4,917.5 | 121 | 0.692 | TH-92 | |
| Phatthalung Province Phatthalung Province Phatthalung is one of the southern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Satun and Trang.-Geography:... |
Phatthalung Phatthalung Phatthalung is a town in southern Thailand, capital of the Phatthalung Province.The town covers the whole tambon Khuhu Sawan, and small parts of the tambon Khao Chiak, Tha Mi Ram, Prang Mu, Lampam, Tamnan and Khuan Maphrao, all in Mueang Phatthalung district. As of 2005 it has a population of... |
498,471 | 3,424.5 | 145.6 | 0.713 | TH-93 | |
| Pattani Province Pattani Province Pattani is one of the southern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Narathiwat, Yala and Songkhla.-Geography:... |
Pattani | 595,985 | 1,940.4 | 307.1 | 0.698 | TH-94 | |
| Yala Province Yala Province Yala is the southernmost province of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Songkhla, Pattani and Narathiwat. Yala is the only land-locked province in the south of Thailand... |
Yala Yala, Thailand Yala is a city in the extreme south of Thailand near the Malaysian border, and is administrative capital of Yala Province. The 2005 estimated population was 65,000. The city covers the whole tambon Sateng of Mueang Yala district.... |
415,537 | 4,521.1 | 91.9 | 0.687 | TH-95 | |
 |
Narathiwat Province Narathiwat Province Narathiwat is one of the southern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Yala and Pattani. To the south it borders the Malaysian state of Kelantan. The southern railway line ends in this province that is one of the nation’s five provinces that borders Malaysia. The name of this... |
Narathiwat Narathiwat Narathiwat is a town in southern Thailand, capital of the Narathiwat Province. The town covers the whole subdistrict Bang Nak of Mueang Narathiwat district. The town was established in 1936.-External links:... (The largest city is Su-ngai Kolok Su-ngai Kolok Su-ngai Kolok is a main border town of Malaysia-Thailand Border in Narathiwat Province, Thailand. It is the capital of the Su-ngai Kolok district. As of 2005, the town has a population of 38,612... ) |
662,350 | 4,475.0 | 148 | 0.636 | TH-96 |
Before 1892
Many provinces date back to semi-independent local chiefdoms or kingdoms, which made up the Ayutthaya kingdomAyutthaya kingdom
Ayutthaya was a Siamese kingdom that existed from 1350 to 1767. Ayutthaya was friendly towards foreign traders, including the Chinese, Vietnamese , Indians, Japanese and Persians, and later the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and French, permitting them to set up villages outside the walls of the...
. As today, the provinces were created around a capital city (mueang
Mueang
Mueang were historical semi-independent city-states or principalities in present-day Thailand, Laos, parts of northern Vietnam and the Shan State of Myanmar. Smaller Mueang were subordinate to more powerful neighboring Mueang, which in turn were subordinate to the central king, as described in...
), and included surrounding villages or satellite towns. The provinces were administered either by a governor, who was appointed by the king; or by a local ruling family, who were descendants of the old local kings and princes of that area and had been given this privilege by the central king. De facto the king did not have much choice but to choose someone from the local nobility or an economically strong man, as against these local power groups the administration would have become impossible. The governor wasn't paid by the king, but instead financed himself and his administration by imposing taxes by himself, thus effectively a kleptocracy
Kleptocracy
Kleptocracy, alternatively cleptocracy or kleptarchy, is a form of political and government corruption where the government exists to increase the personal wealth and political power of its officials and the ruling class at the expense of the wider population, often without pretense of honest...
. Every province was required to send an annual tribute to Bangkok.
The provinces were divided into four different classes. The first class were the border provinces. The second class were those that once had their own princely house. Third class were provinces that were created recently by splitting them from other provinces. Fourth class were provinces near the capital. Additionally tributary states like the principalities of Lannathai, the Laotian
Laos
Laos Lao: ສາທາລະນະລັດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນລາວ Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Burma and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south and Thailand to the west...
kingdoms of Vientiane
Vientiane
-Geography:Vientiane is situated on a bend of the Mekong river, which forms the border with Thailand at this point.-Climate:Vientiane features a tropical wet and dry climate with a distinct monsoon season and a dry season. Vientiane’s dry season spans from November through March. April marks the...
and Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, or Louangphrabang , is a city located in north central Laos, where the Nam Khan river meets the Mekong River about north of Vientiane. It is the capital of Luang Prabang Province...
, Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
, or the Malay sultanate Kedah
Kedah
Kedah is a state of Malaysia, located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The state covers a total area of over 9,000 km², and it consists of the mainland and Langkawi. The mainland has a relatively flat terrain, which is used to grow rice...
were also part of the country, but with an even higher autonomy than the provinces. In this Mandala system the semi-independent countries sometimes were tributary to more than one country.
New provinces were created when the population of an area outgrew the administration, but also for political reasons if a governor became too dominant in a region former satellite cities were elevated to provincial status, as in the founding of the Maha Sarakham Province
Maha Sarakham Province
Maha Sarakham is one of the provinces of Thailand, located in the northeastern region of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Kalasin, Roi Et, Surin, Buriram and Khon Kaen....
.
Reforms of the provincial administration started in the 1870s under increased pressure from the colonial
Colonialism
Colonialism is the establishment, maintenance, acquisition and expansion of colonies in one territory by people from another territory. It is a process whereby the metropole claims sovereignty over the colony and the social structure, government, and economics of the colony are changed by...
states of the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
and France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
. Especially to the areas near the borders commissionaries were sent to have a stronger control on the provinces or tributary states.
Administrative reform of 1892
At the end of the 19th century King ChulalongkornChulalongkorn
Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Chulalongkorn Phra Chunla Chom Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Rama V was the fifth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri. He was known to the Siamese of his time as Phra Phuttha Chao Luang . He is considered one of the greatest kings of Siam...
reformed the central government drastically. In 1892 the ministry, which previously had many overlapping responsibilities, was reorganized with clear areas as in western administrations. Prince Damrong Rajanubhab
Damrong Rajanubhab
Ditsawarakuman Damrong Rajanubhab was the founder of the modern Thai education system as well as the modern provincial administration...
became minister of the Ministry of the North (Mahatthai), originally responsible for the northern administration. When the Ministry of the South (Kalahom) was dissolved in 1894, Prince Damrong became Minister of the Interior, responsible for the provincial administration of the whole country.
Starting in 1893 the already existing commissionarships in some parts of the country were renamed to superintendent commissioner (khaluang thesaphiban), and their area of responsibility was called monthon
Monthon
A monthon |]], literally "circle") was a country subdivision of Thailand in the beginning of the 20th century. The Thai word 'monthon' is a translation of the word Mandala. These were created as a part of the thesaphiban bureaucratic administrative system, introduced by Prince Damrong Rajanubhab...
. In strategically important areas the monthon were created first, while in other areas the provinces kept their independence a bit longer. Several smaller provinces were reduced in status to a Amphoe (district) or even lower to a tambon (subdistrict) and included in a neighboring province, sometimes for administrative reasons, but sometimes also to remove an uncooperative governor.
In some regions rebellions broke out against the new administrative system, usually induced by the local nobility fearing their loss of power. The most notable was the Holy Man rebellion in 1902 in Isan
Isan
Isan is the northeastern region of Thailand. It is located on the Khorat Plateau, bordered by the Mekong River to the north and east, by Cambodia to the southeast and the Prachinburi mountains south of Nakhon Ratchasima...
, which even though it was at first a messianic doomsday sect, it also attacked government representative in the North-East. The provincial town Khemarat
Amphoe Khemarat
Khemarat is the northernmost district of Ubon Ratchathani Province, northeastern Thailand.-History:Mueang Khemarat is an ancient city. It was a first class city during Rattanakosin era and reported directly to Bangkok...
was even burned by the rebels. After a few months the rebellion fought back.
After 1916 the word changwat became common to use for the provinces, partly to distinguish them from the provincial capital city (Mueang or Amphoe Mueang), but also to stress the new administrative structure of the provinces.
When Prince Damrong resigned in 1915, the whole country was subdivided into 19 monthon (including the area around Bangkok, which was however under the responsibility of another ministry until 1922), with 72 provinces.
In December 1915 King Vajiravudh
Vajiravudh
Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramentharamaha Vajiravudh Phra Mongkut Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Phra Bat Somdet Phra Ramathibodi Si Sintharamaha Vajiravudh Phra Mongkut Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Rama VI was the sixth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri, ruling from 1910 until his death...
announced the creation of regions (phak), each administered by a viceroy (upparat), to cover several monthon. Until 1922 four regions were established, however in 1925 they were dissolved again. At the same time several monthon were merged, in an attempt to streamline the administration and reduce the costs.
Since 1932
The monthon were finally dissolved when Thailand transformed from an absolute monarchy into a constitutional monarchy in 1932, making the provinces the top level administrative division again. Several smaller provinces were also abolished at that time. During World War II, several provinces around Bangkok were merged together, which was however undone after the war. The current province of Sukhothai was at first known as Sawankhalok; it was renamed to Sukhothai in 1939 (which is why the railway system goes to Sawankhalok city and not Sukhothai city). Also the province Kalasin was reestablished in 1947, after being dissolved in 1932.In 1972 the two provinces Phra Nakhon and Thonburi were merged to form the special administrative area of Bangkok, which combines the tasks of the provinces with that of a municipality
Thesaban
Thesaban are the municipalities in Thailand. There are three levels of municipalities - city, town and subdistrict municipality. Both Bangkok and Pattaya are special municipal entities outside the thesaban system....
, including having an elected governor.
Starting in the second half of the 20th century some provinces were newly created by splitting them off from bigger provinces. In 1975, Yasothon province was split off from Ubon Ratchathani. In 1977, Phayao province was created from districts formerly part of Chiang Rai. In 1982, Mukdahan was split off from Nakhon Phanom. 1993 three provinces were created: Sa Kaeo
Sa Kaeo Province
Sa Kaeo is a province of Thailand.It is located in the east of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Chanthaburi, Chachoengsao, Prachin Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima and Buri Ram...
(split from Prachinburi), Nongbua Lamphu
Nongbua Lamphu Province
Nong Bua Lam Phu is one of the north-eastern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Udon Thani, Khon Kaen and Loei.-History:...
(split from Udon Thani), and Amnat Charoen
Amnat Charoen Province
Amnat Charoen is one of the north-eastern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon and Mukdahan. To the east it borders Salavan of Laos.-Geography:...
(split from Ubon Ratchathani). The newest province is Bueng Kan
Bueng Kan Province
Bueng Kan is the 76th province of Thailand, established by the Act Establishing Changwat Bueng Kan, BE 2554 which entered into force on and from March 23, 2011. The province, consisting of the districts partitioned off Nong Khai Province, is situated in the northeastern region of the country,...
, which was split off fron Nong Khai effective March 23 2011.
See also
- Subdivisions of Thailand
- Seals of The Provinces of ThailandSeals of The Provinces of Thailand-Present-day provinces of Thailand:This list includes all the seals of the Provinces of Thailand. It also includes the special administrative area of the capital, Bangkok.-Former Provinces:-External links:*...
- AmphoeAmphoeAn amphoe is the second level administrative subdivision of Thailand. Usually translated as district, amphoe make up the provinces, and are analogous to a county seat...
- TambonTambonTambon is a local government unit in Thailand. Below district and province , they form the third administrative subdivision level. As of the 2009 there are 7255 tambon, not including the 169 khwaeng of Bangkok, which are set at the same administrative level, thus every district contains 8-10 tambon...
- List of Provinces of Thailand (with census data)
- ISO 3166-2:THISO 3166-2:THISO 3166-2:TH is the entry for Thailand in ISO 3166-2, part of the ISO 3166 standard published by the International Organization for Standardization , which defines codes for the names of the principal subdivisions of all countries coded in ISO 3166-1.Currently for Thailand, ISO 3166-2 codes are...