Provinces of Thailand#List of provinces
{{short description|First-level administrative subdivision of Thailand}}
{{More citations needed|date=April 2021}}{{Infobox subdivision type
|name = Provinces of Thailand
|alt_name = {{transliteration|th|RTGS|changwat}} ({{lang|th|จังหวัด}})
|map =
|category = Unitary state
|territory = Kingdom of Thailand
|start_date =
|current_number = 76 provinces + 1 special administrative area (Bangkok)
|number_date =
|population_range = 187,000 (Samut Songkhram) – 5,456,000 (Bangkok) (2024){{cite web |url=https://stat.bora.dopa.go.th/stat/statnew/statMenu/newStat/home.php |publisher=Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) |title=Official statistics registration systems |access-date=10 February 2025 |postscript= , year 2024 >provincial level >ExcelFile >no.10-96}}
|area_range = {{Convert|414|km²|abbr=on}} Samut Songkhram – {{Convert| 22,311 |km²|abbr=on}} Chiang Mai{{cite web |url=https://www.forest.go.th |title=ตารางที่ 2 พี้นที่ป่าไม้ แยกรายจังหวัด พ.ศ.2562 |year=2019 |department=Royal Forest Department |language=Thai |trans-title=Table 2 Forest area Separate province year 2019 |access-date=6 April 2021 |postscript=, }} information, Forest statistics Year 2019, Thailand boundary from Department of Provincial Administration in 2013.[http://www.chiangmai.go.th/managing/public/D4/4D12Dec2023134018.pdf As of 2023 total area of Chiang Mai province is 22,311 sq.km]
|government = Provincial government
Provincial Administrative Organization (Local)
Special local authority organisation (Bangkok)
|subdivision = Districts
}}
The provinces of Thailand are administrative divisions of the government of Thailand.Office of the Council of State of Thailand, [https://www.dga.or.th/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/file_d6aa2b69e43a56c5456d54cad64411b0.pdf National Administration Act 1991 and its amendments]. The country is divided into 76 provinces ({{langx|th|จังหวัด}}, {{RTGS|changwat}}, {{IPA|th|tɕāŋ.wàt|pron}}) proper, with one additional special administrative area (the capital, Bangkok).{{cite web |title=Administrative information |url=https://multi.dopa.go.th/pab/news/cate9/view46 |website=Department of Provincial Affairs (DOPA) |publisher=Provincial Affairs Bureau |access-date=22 August 2019 |date=21 April 2017}}{{cite web |title=The World Factbook: Thailand |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/thailand/ |website=U.S. Central Intelligence Agency |access-date=13 June 2018}} They are the primary local government units and act as juristic persons. They are divided into amphoe (districts) which are further divided into tambon (sub districts), the next lower level of local government.
All provinces form part of the partially devolved central government, or the regional government (ราชการส่วนภูมิภาค {{transliteration|th|ratchakan suan phumiphak}}). Majority of public services, including police, prison, transport, public relation and others are still overseen and managed by the province on behalf of the central government. In 1938–1996, the Royal Thai Government proposed that each province should have a council, elected from people resided within that province. The council acts as an advisory and auditing body to the governor (ผู้ว่าราชการจังหวัด {{transliteration|th|phu wa ratchakan changwat}}), who is appointed by the central government. In 1997, each province has its own provincial administrative organization (องค์การบริหารส่วนจังหวัด {{transliteration|th|ongkan borihan suan changwat}}), presided over by the president. The PAO manages some public services related to the province. It was expected that the PAO president will become the elected governor (instead of a centrally-appointed one), but the full devolution of the government has not happened. The PAO as well as other municipalities form part of the local self-governing government (ราชการส่วนท้องถิ่น {{transliteration|th|ratchakan suan thongthin}}).
Bangkok, the sole special administrative area, combines the tasks of the provinces with that of a municipality, including having an elected governor. The average area of the 76 provinces of Thailand plus Bangkok is about {{cvt|6,663.89|km2|sqmi}}, while its average population of all 77 divisions of Thailand is about 908,064 people.
76 provinces in Thailand
{{Clear}}
{{Provinces of Thailand Image Map}}
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! Name ! Name ! Population ! Capital ! HS{{cite web|url=http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/nomenclature/overview/what-is-the-harmonized-system.aspx|title=What is the Harmonized System (HS)?|work=World Customs Organization}} ! ISO{{cite web|url=https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:code:3166:TH|title=ISO 3166-2:TH}} ! FIPS |
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| {{flag|Bangkok}} | {{lang|th|กรุงเทพมหานคร}} | style="text-align:right;" |5,456,000 | style="text-align:right;" |1,564 | style="text-align:right;" |3,488 | Bangkok | BKK | TH-10 | TH40 |
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| {{flag|Amnat Charoen}} | {{lang|th|อำนาจเจริญ}} | style="text-align:right;" |372,000 | style="text-align:right;" |3,290 | style="text-align:right;" |113 | ACR | TH-37 | TH77 |
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| {{flag|Ang Thong}} | {{lang|th|อ่างทอง}} | style="text-align:right;" |269,000 | style="text-align:right;" |950 | style="text-align:right;" |283 | ATG | TH-15 | TH35 |
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| {{flag|Bueng Kan}} | {{lang|th|บึงกาฬ}} | style="text-align:right;" |419,000 | style="text-align:right;" |4,003 | style="text-align:right;" |105 | BKN | TH-38 | TH81 |
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| {{flag|Buriram}} | {{lang|th|บุรีรัมย์}} | style="text-align:right;" |1,566,000 | style="text-align:right;" |10,080 | style="text-align:right;" |155 | Buriram | BRM | TH-31 | TH28 |
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| {{flag|Chachoengsao}} | {{lang|th|ฉะเชิงเทรา}} | style="text-align:right;" |733,000 | style="text-align:right;" |5,169 | style="text-align:right;" |142 | CCO | TH-24 | TH44 |
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| {{flag|Chai Nat}} | {{lang|th|ชัยนาท}} | style="text-align:right;" |314,000 | style="text-align:right;" |2,506 | style="text-align:right;" |131 | Chai Nat | CNT | TH-18 | TH32 |
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| {{flag|Chaiyaphum}} | {{lang|th|ชัยภูมิ}} | style="text-align:right;" |1,106,000 | style="text-align:right;" |12,698 | style="text-align:right;" |88 | CPM | TH-36 | TH26 |
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| {{flag|Chanthaburi}} | {{lang|th|จันทบุรี}} | style="text-align:right;" |536,000 | style="text-align:right;" |6,415 | style="text-align:right;" |83 | CTI | TH-22 | TH48 |
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| {{flag|Chiang Mai}} | {{lang|th|เชียงใหม่}} | style="text-align:right;" |1,799,000 | style="text-align:right;" |22,311 | style="text-align:right;" |79 | CMI | TH-50 | TH02 |
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| {{flag|Chiang Rai}} | {{lang|th|เชียงราย}} | style="text-align:right;" |1,298,000 | style="text-align:right;" |11,503 | style="text-align:right;" |112 | CRI | TH-57 | TH03 |
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| {{flag|Chonburi}} | {{lang|th|ชลบุรี}} | style="text-align:right;" |1,636,000 | style="text-align:right;" |4,508 | style="text-align:right;" |363 | Chonburi | CBI | TH-20 | TH46 |
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| {{flag|Chumphon}} | {{lang|th|ชุมพร}} | style="text-align:right;" |508,000 | style="text-align:right;" |5,998 | style="text-align:right;" |84 | Chumphon | CPN | TH-86 | TH58 |
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| {{flag|Kalasin}} | {{lang|th|กาฬสินธุ์}} | style="text-align:right;" |962,000 | style="text-align:right;" |6,936 | style="text-align:right;" |139 | Kalasin | KSN | TH-46 | TH23 |
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| {{flag|Kamphaeng Phet}} | {{lang|th|กำแพงเพชร}} | style="text-align:right;" |701,000 | style="text-align:right;" |8,512 | style="text-align:right;" |82 | KPT | TH-62 | TH11 |
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| {{flag|Kanchanaburi}} | {{lang|th|กาญจนบุรี}} | style="text-align:right;" |896,000 | style="text-align:right;" |19,385 | style="text-align:right;" |46 | KRI | TH-71 | TH50 |
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| {{flag|Khon Kaen}} | {{lang|th|ขอนแก่น}} | style="text-align:right;" |1,772,000 | style="text-align:right;" |10,659 | style="text-align:right;" |166 | KKN | TH-40 | TH22 |
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| {{flag|Krabi}} | {{lang|th|กระบี่}} | style="text-align:right;" |484,000 | style="text-align:right;" |5,323 | style="text-align:right;" |91 | Krabi | KBI | TH-81 | TH63 |
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| {{flag|Lampang}} | {{lang|th|ลำปาง}} | style="text-align:right;" |704,000 | style="text-align:right;" |12,488 | style="text-align:right;" |56 | Lampang | LPG | TH-52 | TH06 |
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| {{flag|Lamphun}} | {{lang|th|ลำพูน}} | style="text-align:right;" |397,000 | style="text-align:right;" |4,478 | style="text-align:right;" |89 | Lamphun | LPN | TH-51 | TH05 |
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| {{flag|Loei}} | {{lang|th|เลย}} | style="text-align:right;" |632,000 | style="text-align:right;" |10,500 | style="text-align:right;" |60 | Loei | LEI | TH-42 | TH18 |
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| {{flag|Lopburi}} | {{lang|th|ลพบุรี}} | style="text-align:right;" |725,000 | style="text-align:right;" |6,493 | style="text-align:right;" |111 | Lopburi | LRI | TH-16 | TH34 |
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| {{flag|Mae Hong Son}} | {{lang|th|แม่ฮ่องสอน}} | style="text-align:right;" |288,000 | style="text-align:right;" |12,765 | style="text-align:right;" |23 | MSN | TH-58 | TH01 |
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| {{flag|Maha Sarakham}} | {{lang|th|มหาสารคาม}} | style="text-align:right;" |930,000 | style="text-align:right;" |5,607 | style="text-align:right;" |165 | MKM | TH-44 | TH24 |
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| {{flag|Mukdahan}} | {{lang|th|มุกดาหาร}} | style="text-align:right;" |351,000 | style="text-align:right;" |4,126 | style="text-align:right;" |85 | Mukdahan | MDH | TH-49 | TH78 |
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| {{flag|Nakhon Nayok}} | {{lang|th|นครนายก}} | style="text-align:right;" |260,000 | style="text-align:right;" |2,141 | style="text-align:right;" |121 | NYK | TH-26 | TH43 |
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| {{flag|Nakhon Pathom}} | {{lang|th|นครปฐม}} | style="text-align:right;" |926,000 | style="text-align:right;" |2,142 | style="text-align:right;" |432 | NPT | TH-73 | TH53 |
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| {{flag|Nakhon Phanom}} | {{lang|th|นครพนม}} | style="text-align:right;" |711,000 | style="text-align:right;" |5,637 | style="text-align:right;" |125 | NPM | TH-48 | TH73 |
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| {{flag|Nakhon Ratchasima}} | {{lang|th|นครราชสีมา}} | style="text-align:right;" |2,620,000 | style="text-align:right;" |20,736 | style="text-align:right;" |126 | NMA | TH-30 | TH27 |
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| {{flag|Nakhon Sawan}} | {{lang|th|นครสวรรค์}} | style="text-align:right;" |1,014,000 | style="text-align:right;" |9,526 | style="text-align:right;" |106 | NSN | TH-60 | TH16 |
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| {{flag|Nakhon Si Thammarat}} | {{lang|th|นครศรีธรรมราช}} | style="text-align:right;" |1,535,000 | style="text-align:right;" |9,885 | style="text-align:right;" |154 | NRT | TH-80 | TH64 |
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| {{flag|Nan}} | {{lang|th|น่าน}} | style="text-align:right;" |471,000 | style="text-align:right;" |12,130 | style="text-align:right;" |39 | Nan | |NAN | TH-55 | TH04 |
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| {{flag|Narathiwat}} | {{lang|th|นราธิวาส}} | style="text-align:right;" |824,000 | style="text-align:right;" |4,491 | style="text-align:right;" |183 | NWT | TH-96 | TH31 |
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| {{flag|Nong Bua Lamphu}} | {{lang|th|หนองบัวลำภู}} | style="text-align:right;" |504,000 | style="text-align:right;" |4,099 | style="text-align:right;" |123 | NBP | TH-39 | TH79 |
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| {{flag|Nong Khai}} | {{lang|th|หนองคาย}} | style="text-align:right;" |512,000 | style="text-align:right;" |3,275 | style="text-align:right;" |156 | NKI | TH-43 | TH17 |
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| {{flag|Nonthaburi}} | {{lang|th|นนทบุรี}} | style="text-align:right;" |1,318,000 | style="text-align:right;" |637 | style="text-align:right;" |2,069 | NBI | TH-12 | TH38 |
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| {{flag|Pathum Thani}} | {{lang|th|ปทุมธานี}} | style="text-align:right;" |1,236,000 | style="text-align:right;" |1,520 | style="text-align:right;" |813 | PTE | TH-13 | TH39 |
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| {{flag|Pattani}} | {{lang|th|ปัตตานี}} | style="text-align:right;" |741,000 | style="text-align:right;" |1,977 | style="text-align:right;" |375 | Pattani | PTN | TH-94 | TH69 |
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| {{flag|Phang Nga}} | {{lang|th|พังงา}} | style="text-align:right;" |266,000 | style="text-align:right;" |5,495 | style="text-align:right;" |49 | PNA | TH-82 | TH61 |
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| {{flag|Phatthalung}} | {{lang|th|พัทลุง}} | style="text-align:right;" |519,000 | style="text-align:right;" |3,861 | style="text-align:right;" |135 | PLG | TH-93 | TH66 |
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| {{flag|Phayao}} | {{lang|th|พะเยา}} | style="text-align:right;" |455,000 | style="text-align:right;" |6,189 | style="text-align:right;" |74 | Phayao | PYO | TH-56 | TH41 |
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| {{flag|Phetchabun}} | {{lang|th|เพชรบูรณ์}} | style="text-align:right;" |961,000 | style="text-align:right;" |12,340 | style="text-align:right;" |75 | PNB | TH-67 | TH14 |
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| {{flag|Phetchaburi}} | {{lang|th|เพชรบุรี}} | style="text-align:right;" |484,100 | style="text-align:right;" |6,172 | style="text-align:right;" |76 | PBI | TH-76 | TH56 |
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| {{flag|Phichit}} | {{lang|th|พิจิตร}} | style="text-align:right;" |517,000 | style="text-align:right;" |4,319 | style="text-align:right;" |120 | Phichit | PCT | TH-66 | TH13 |
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| {{flag|Phitsanulok}} | {{lang|th|พิษณุโลก}} | style="text-align:right;" |839,000 | style="text-align:right;" |10,589 | style="text-align:right;" |78 | PLK | TH-65 | TH12 |
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| {{flag|Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya}} | {{lang|th|พระนครศรีอยุธยา}} | style="text-align:right;" |823,000 | style="text-align:right;" |2,548 | style="text-align:right;" |323 | AYA | TH-14 | TH36 |
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| {{flag|Phrae}} | {{lang|th|แพร่}} | style="text-align:right;" |422,000 | style="text-align:right;" |6,483 | style="text-align:right;" |65 | Phrae | PRE | TH-54 | TH07 |
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| {{flag|Phuket}} | {{lang|th|ภูเก็ต}} | style="text-align:right;" |430,000 | style="text-align:right;" |547 | style="text-align:right;" |786 | PKT | TH-83 | TH62 |
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| {{flag|Prachinburi}} | {{lang|th|ปราจีนบุรี}} | style="text-align:right;" |501,000 | style="text-align:right;" |5,026 | style="text-align:right;" |100 | PRI | TH-25 | TH74 |
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| {{flag|Prachuap Khiri Khan}} | {{lang|th|ประจวบคีรีขันธ์}} | style="text-align:right;" |552,000 | style="text-align:right;" |6,414 | style="text-align:right;" |87 | PKN | TH-77 | TH57 |
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| {{flag|Ranong}} | {{lang|th|ระนอง}} | style="text-align:right;" |193,000 | style="text-align:right;" |3,230 | style="text-align:right;" |59 | Ranong | RNG | TH-85 | TH59 |
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| {{flag|Ratchaburi}} | {{lang|th|ราชบุรี}} | style="text-align:right;" |864,000 | style="text-align:right;" |5,189 | style="text-align:right;" |167 | RBR | TH-70 | TH52 |
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| {{flag|Rayong}} | {{lang|th|ระยอง}} | style="text-align:right;" |782,000 | style="text-align:right;" |3,666 | style="text-align:right;" |213 | Rayong | RYG | TH-21 | TH47 |
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| {{flag|Roi Et}} | {{lang|th|ร้อยเอ็ด}} | style="text-align:right;" |1,276,000 | style="text-align:right;" |7,873 | style="text-align:right;" |162 | Roi Et | RET | TH-45 | TH25 |
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| {{flag|Sa Kaeo}} | {{lang|th|สระแก้ว}} | style="text-align:right;" |562,000 | style="text-align:right;" |6,831 | style="text-align:right;" |80 | Sa Kaeo | SKW | TH-27 | TH80 |
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| {{flag|Sakon Nakhon}} | {{lang|th|สกลนคร}} | style="text-align:right;" |1,138,000 | style="text-align:right;" |9,580 | style="text-align:right;" |118 | SNK | TH-47 | TH20 |
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| {{flag|Samut Prakan}} | {{lang|th|สมุทรปราการ}} | style="text-align:right;" |1,381,000 | style="text-align:right;" |947 | style="text-align:right;" |1,458 | SPK | TH-11 | TH42 |
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| {{flag|Samut Sakhon}} | {{lang|th|สมุทรสาคร}} | style="text-align:right;" |591,000 | style="text-align:right;" |866 | style="text-align:right;" |682 | SKN | TH-74 | TH55 |
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| {{flag|Samut Songkhram}} | {{lang|th|สมุทรสงคราม}} | style="text-align:right;" |187,000 | style="text-align:right;" |414 | style="text-align:right;" |452 | SKM | TH-75 | TH54 |
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| {{flag|Saraburi}} | {{lang|th|สระบุรี}} | style="text-align:right;" |639,000 | style="text-align:right;" |3,499 | style="text-align:right;" |182 | Saraburi | SRI | TH-19 | TH37 |
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| {{flag|Satun}} | {{lang|th|สตูล}} | style="text-align:right;" |325,000 | style="text-align:right;" |3,019 | style="text-align:right;" |108 | Satun | STN | TH-91 | TH67 |
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| {{flag|Sing Buri}} | {{lang|th|สิงห์บุรี}} | style="text-align:right;" |200,000 | style="text-align:right;" |817 | style="text-align:right;" |245 | SBR | TH-17 | TH33 |
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| {{flag|Sisaket}} | {{lang|th|ศรีสะเกษ}} | style="text-align:right;" |1,442,000 | style="text-align:right;" |8,936 | style="text-align:right;" |161 | Sisaket | SSK | TH-33 | TH30 |
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| {{flag|Songkhla}} | {{lang|th|สงขลา}} | style="text-align:right;" |1,431,000 | style="text-align:right;" |7,741 | style="text-align:right;" |185 | Songkhla | SKA | TH-90 | TH68 |
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| {{flag|Sukhothai}} | {{lang|th|สุโขทัย}} | style="text-align:right;" |573,000 | style="text-align:right;" |6,671 | style="text-align:right;" |86 | STI | TH-64 | TH09 |
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| {{flag|Suphan Buri}} | {{lang|th|สุพรรณบุรี}} | style="text-align:right;" |822,000 | style="text-align:right;" |5,410 | style="text-align:right;" |152 | SPB | TH-72 | TH51 |
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| {{flag|Surat Thani}} | {{lang|th|สุราษฎร์ธานี}} | style="text-align:right;" |1,077,000 | style="text-align:right;" |13,079 | style="text-align:right;" |81 | SNI | TH-84 | TH60 |
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| {{flag|Surin}} | {{lang|th|สุรินทร์}} | style="text-align:right;" |1,360,000 | style="text-align:right;" |8,854 | style="text-align:right;" |153 | Surin | SRN | TH-32 | TH29 |
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| {{flag|Tak}} | {{lang|th|ตาก}} | style="text-align:right;" |699,000 | style="text-align:right;" |17,303 | style="text-align:right;" |40 | Tak | TAK | TH-63 | TH08 |
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| {{flag|Trang}} | {{lang|th|ตรัง}} | style="text-align:right;" |635,000 | style="text-align:right;" |4,726 | style="text-align:right;" |134 | Trang | TRG | TH-92 | TH65 |
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| {{flag|Trat}} | {{lang|th|ตราด}} | style="text-align:right;" |227,000 | style="text-align:right;" |2,866 | style="text-align:right;" |77 | Trat | TRT | TH-23 | TH49 |
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| {{flag|Ubon Ratchathani}} | {{lang|th|อุบลราชธานี}} | style="text-align:right;" |1,868,000 | style="text-align:right;" |15,626 | style="text-align:right;" |119 | UBN | TH-34 | TH75 |
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| {{flag|Udon Thani}} | {{lang|th|อุดรธานี}} | style="text-align:right;" |1,552,000 | style="text-align:right;" |11,072 | style="text-align:right;" |140 | UDN | TH-41 | TH76 |
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| {{flag|Uthai Thani}} | {{lang|th|อุทัยธานี}} | style="text-align:right;" |320,000 | style="text-align:right;" |6,647 | style="text-align:right;" |48 | UTI | TH-61 | TH15 |
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| {{flag|Uttaradit}} | {{lang|th|อุตรดิตถ์}} | style="text-align:right;" |436,000 | style="text-align:right;" |7,906 | style="text-align:right;" |55 | UTD | TH-53 | TH10 |
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| {{flag|Yala}} | {{lang|th|ยะลา}} | style="text-align:right;" |553,000 | style="text-align:right;" |4,476 | style="text-align:right;" |124 | Yala | YLA | TH-95 | TH70 |
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| {{flag|Yasothon}} | {{lang|th|ยโสธร}} | style="text-align:right;" |525,000 | style="text-align:right;" |4,131 | style="text-align:right;" |127 | Yasothon | YST | TH-35 | TH72 |
Governance
{{see also|List of provincial governors in Thailand}}
{{Administrative divisions of Thailand}}
Thailand's national government organisation is divided into three types: central government (ministries, bureaus and departments), provincial government (provinces and districts) and local government (Bangkok, Pattaya, provincial administrative organisations, etc.).
A province, as part of the provincial government, is administered by a governor (ผู้ว่าราชการจังหวัด) who is appointed by the Minister of Interior. Bangkok, as part of the local government, is administered by a corporation called Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. The corporation is led by the Governor of Bangkok (ผู้ว่าราชการกรุงเทพมหานคร) who is directly elected by the citizens of Bangkok.
The provinces are named after their original main city, which may not necessarily still be the most populous city within the province today. Also, in several provinces the administration has been moved into a new building outside the city.
History
=Before 1892=
Many provinces date back to semi-independent local chiefdoms or kingdoms, which made up the Ayutthaya Kingdom. 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 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 was not paid by the king, but instead financed himself and his administration by imposing local taxes himself. 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 by splitting them from other provinces. Fourth-class were provinces near the capital. Additionally tributary states like the principalities of Lan Na, the Laotian kingdoms of Vientiane and Luang Prabang, Cambodia, or the Malay sultanate Kedah were also part of the country, but with more 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 was the case with 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. Agents were sent, especially to border areas, to impose more control on the provinces or tributary states.
=Administrative reform of 1892=
At the end of the 19th century King Chulalongkorn reformed the central government. In 1892 the ministry, which previously had many overlapping responsibilities, was reorganized with clear missions 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 commissionaireships in some parts of the country were renamed "superintendent commissioner" (khaluang Thesaphiban), and their area of responsibility was called a 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 an amphoe (district) or even lower to a tambon (sub-district) and included in a neighboring province, sometimes for administrative reasons, but sometimes 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. It was initially a messianic doomsday sect, but it also attacked government representatives in the northeast. The provincial town Khemarat was even burned by the rebels. After a few months the rebellion was beaten back.{{cite book|author=Tej Bunnag|title=The Provincial Administration of Siam from 1892 to 1915|page=273ff|url=https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:08391faa-da5e-41f5-8c0f-eafa67c696b3/datastreams/ATTACHMENT1|date=1969}}
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.{{cite journal|journal=Royal Gazette|volume=33|issue=ก|pages=51–53|script-title=th:ประกาศกระทรวงมหาดไทย เรื่อง ทรงพระกรุณาโปรดเกล้า ฯ ให้เปลี่ยนคำว่าเมืองเรียกว่าจังหวัด|url=http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2459/A/51.PDF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080409014441/http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2459/A/51.PDF|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 9, 2008|date=1916-05-28|language=th}}
When Prince Damrong resigned in 1915, the whole country was divided into 19 monthon (including the area around Bangkok, which was 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 administration and reduce costs.
=Since 1932=
The monthons were 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. These changes were undone after the war. Also the occupied area from French Indochina was organized into four provinces: Phra Tabong, Phibunsongkhram, Nakhon Champasak and Lan Chang. The current province of Sukhothai was at first known as Sawankhalok. It was renamed Sukhothai in 1939 (which is why the railway system goes to Sawankhalok city and not Sukhothai city). The province, Kalasin, was reestablished in 1947 after having been dissolved in 1932.
In 1972 Phra Nakhon and Thonburi provinces 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. In 1993 three provinces were created: Sa Kaeo (split from Prachinburi), Nong Bua Lamphu province (split from Udon Thani), and Amnat Charoen (split from Ubon Ratchathani). The newest province is Bueng Kan, which was split off from Nong Khai effective 23 March 2011.
Former provinces and administrative areas
=Former provinces merged into other provinces=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Province
! Capital ! Merged in ! Fate |
|---|
| Kabin Buri
| Merged into Prachinburi province |
| Sukhothai (before 1932)
| Merged into Sawankhalok province. However, the province's name and location of capital was changed back to Sukhothai in 1938. |
| Lom Sak
| Lom Sak | Merged into Phetchabun province |
| Thanyaburi
| Merged into Pathum Thani province |
| Kalasin
| Kalasin | Merged into Maha Sarakham province, Split out again in 1947 |
| Lang Suan
| Merged into Chumphon province |
| Takua Pa
| Takua Pa | Merged into Phang Nga province |
| Sai Buri
| Sai Buri | Merged into Pattani province (except Bacho District which was merged into Narathiwat province) |
| Phra Pradaeng
| Merged into Samut Prakan province (except Rat Burana District which was merged into Thonburi province) |
| Min Buri
| Min Buri | Merged into Phra Nakhon province (Nong Chok District was merged into Chachoengsao province first then reallocated back in 1933) |
| Samut Prakan (before 1943)
| Merged into Phra Nakhon province (except Ko Sichang District which was merged into Chonburi province). The part of Phra Nakhon was split out again in 1946 |
| Nakhon Nayok
| Merged into Prachinburi province (except Ban Na District which was merged into Saraburi province). Split out again in 1946 |
| Samut Sakhon
| Merged into Thonburi province. Split out again in 1946 |
| Nonthaburi
| Merged into Phra Nakhon province (except Bang Kruai District, Bang Yai District, Bang Bua Thong District which was merged into Thonburi province). Split out again in 1946 |
| Phra Nakhon
| rowspan = "2" | Merged to form the current Bangkok |
| Thonburi
| Thonburi |
=Conceded territories (including protectorates)=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Territory
! Capital ! Period ! Fate ! Today part of |
|---|
| Salaween Territory
|1802–1892 |Karenni State and Shan State, {{Flagicon|United Kingdom}} British Burma |Kayah State and Shan State {{Flag|Myanmar}} |
| Kawtaung Territory
|1769–1864 |Mergui {{Flagicon|United Kingdom}} British Burma |Thanintharyi {{Flagicon|Myanmar}} Myanmar |
| Chiang Mai Territory
|1768–1834 |Thaton {{Flagicon|United Kingdom}} British Burma |Myawaddy, Kayin State {{Flag|Myanmar}} |
| Sip Song Ju Tai
|none |1779–1888 |4e Territoire Millitaire, Son La, Lao Kay, Yen Bay, Pho Tho, Hoa Bin {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina |Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Phu Tho, Yen Bai, Hoa Binh {{flag|Vietnam}} |
| Chiang Khaeng (Muang Sing)
|1892–1893 |Shan State {{Flagicon|United Kingdom}} British Burma and Haut Mekong {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina |Shan State {{Flag|Myanmar}} and Luang Namtha {{flag|Laos}} |
| Luang Phrabang
|1778–1893 |Luang Phrabang {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina |Luang Phrabang {{flag|Laos}} |
| Chiang Khouang
|1828–1893 |Tran Ninh {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina |Xiangkhouang {{flag|Laos}} |
| Borikhan Nikhom
|1828–1893 |Vientiane {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina |Bolikhamsai {{flag|Laos}} |
| Kham Kert
|1828–1893 |Khammouane {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina |Bolikhamsai {{flag|Laos}} |
| Kham Meun
|1828–1893 |Khammouane {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina |Khammouane {{flag|Laos}} |
| Nakhon Phanom
|1893 |Partitioned between Nakhon Phanom {{flag|Siam}} and Khammouane {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina | Nakhon Phanom {{flag|Thailand}} and Khammouane {{flag|Laos}} |
| Mukdahan
|1893 |Partitioned between Mukdahan {{flag|Siam}} and Savannakhet {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina |Mukdahan {{flag|Thailand}} and Savannakhet {{flag|Laos}} |
| Khemmarat
|1893 |Partitioned between Khemmarat {{flag|Siam}} and Salavan {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina |Ubon Ratchathani {{flag|Thailand}} and Salavan {{flag|Laos}} |
| Nakhon Champassak
|1780–1826 1829–1904 |Partitioned between Det Udom {{flag|Siam}} and Bassac, Attapeu, Stung Treng {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina |Stung Treng {{flag|Cambodia}} and Salavan, Attapeu {{flag|Laos}} |
| Kham Thong Luang
|1829–1893 |Salavan {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina |Salavan {{flag|Laos}} |
| Salawan
|1829–1893 |Salavan {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina |Salavan {{flag|Laos}} |
| Attapeu
|1829–1893 |Attapeu {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina |Attapeu {{flag|Laos}} |
| Sitadon
|1829–1893 |Bassac {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina |Champassak {{flag|Cambodia}} |
| Saen Pang
|1829–1893 |Stung Treng {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina |Stung Treng {{flag|Cambodia}} |
| Chiang Taeng
|1829–1893 |Stung Treng {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina |Stung Treng {{flag|Cambodia}} |
| Chaiburi
|1893–1904 |Luang Phrabang {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina |Sainyabuli {{flag|Laos}} |
| Khukhan
|1907 |Partitioned between Khukhan {{flag|Siam}} and Kampong Thom {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina |Sisaket {{flag|Thailand}} and Stung Treng, Kampong Thom {{flag|Cambodia}} |
| Sangkha
|1907 |Partitioned between Sangkha {{flag|Siam}} and Battambang {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina |Surin {{flag|Thailand}} and Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey {{flag|Cambodia}} |
| Siemmarat
|1845–1907 |Siem Reap {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina |Siem Reap {{flag|Cambodia}} |
| Phanom Sok
|1845–1907 |Siem Reap, Battambang {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina |Siem Reap, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey {{flag|Cambodia}} |
| Sisophon
|1845–1907 |Battambang {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina |Banteay Meanchey {{flag|Cambodia}} |
| Phra Tabong
|1769–1907 |Battambang {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina |Battambang, Banteay Meanchey {{flag|Cambodia}} |
| Prachankiriket{{cite web |date=27 June 2018 |title=ร.๔ พระราชทานชื่อเมือง ประจวบคีรีขันธ์ กับ ปัจจันตคีรีเขตร ให้คู่กัน! แต่วันนี้อีกเมืองหายไปไหน!! |url=https://mgronline.com/onlinesection/detail/9610000063767}}
|Prachankiriket |1855–1904 |Pursat and Kampot, {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina |
| Penang
|1786–1867 |Penang {{Flagicon|United Kingdom}} British Malaya |Penang {{Flag|Malaysia}} |
| Lan Chang
| 1941–1946 | Luang Prabang, {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina | Sainyabuli and Luang Prabang, {{flag|Laos}} |
| Phra Tabong
| 1941–1946 | Battambang, {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina | Battambang and Pailin, {{flag|Cambodia}} |
| Phibunsongkhram
| Sisophon | 1941–1946 | Battambang, Siem Reap, Kompong Thom and Stung Treng, {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina | Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap, {{flag|Cambodia}} |
| Nakhon Champassak
| 1941–1946 | Kompong Thom, Stung Treng and Bassac, {{Flagicon|France}} French Indochina | Preah Vihear and Stung Treng, {{flag|Cambodia}} |
| Syburi
| 1821–1909 | Kedah, {{Flagicon|United Kingdom}} British Malaya | Kedah, {{Flag|Malaysia}} |
| Palit
| Kangar | 1839–1909 | Perlis, {{Flagicon|United Kingdom}} British Malaya | Perlis, {{Flag|Malaysia}} |
| Kalantan
| 1786–1909 | Kelantan, {{Flagicon|United Kingdom}} British Malaya | Kelantan, {{Flag|Malaysia}} |
| Trangkanu
| 1786 –1909 | Terengganu, {{Flagicon|United Kingdom}} British Malaya | Terengganu, {{Flag|Malaysia}} |
| Saharat Thai Doem
| 1943–1945 | Karenni State and Shan State, {{Flagicon|United Kingdom}} British Burma | Kayah State and Shan State {{Flag|Myanmar}} |
| Tanaosi
|until–1767 |Dawei {{Flagicon|Myanmar}} Konbaung Dynasty |Thanintharyi {{Flagicon|Myanmar}} Myanmar |
= Map of Siam in early 1893 =
Historic administrative divisions of Thailand
File:Map of Ayutthaya Kingdom in 1468.jpg|Ayutthaya administrative division in 1468 (Borommarachathirat III)
File:Map of Ayutthaya Kingdom in 1767.jpg|Ayutthaya administrative division in 1767 (Borommaracha III)
File:Map of Thonburi Kingdom in 1780.jpg|Thonburi administrative division in 1780 (Borommaracha IV)
File:Map of Rattanakosin Kingdom in 1800.jpg|Rattanakosin administrative division in 1800 (Rama I)
File:Map of Rattanakosin Kingdom in 1805.jpg|Rattanakosin administrative division in 1805 (Rama I)
File:Map of Rattanakosin Kingdom in 1824.jpg|Rattanakosin administrative division in 1824 (Rama II)
File:Map of Rattanakosin Kingdom in 1837.jpg|Rattanakosin administrative division in 1837 (Rama III)
File:Map of Rattanakosin Kingdom in 1850.jpg|Rattanakosin administrative division in 1850 (Rama III)
File:Map of Rattanakosin Kingdom in 1882.jpg|Rattanakosin administrative division in 1882 (Rama V)
File:Map of Siamese Kingdom in 1890.jpg|Siamese administrative division in 1890 (Rama V)
File:Map of Siamese Kingdom in 1893.jpg|Siamese administrative division in 1893 (Rama V)
File:Map of Siamese Kingdom in 1900.jpg|Siamese administrative division in 1900 (Rama V)
File:Map of Siamese Kingdom in 1906.jpg|Siamese administrative division in 1906 (Rama V)
File:Map of Siamese Kingdom in 1908.jpg|Siamese administrative division in 1908 (Rama V)
File:Map of Siamese Kingdom in 1916.jpg|Siamese administrative division in 1916 (Rama VI)
File:Map of Thai Kingdom in 1932.jpg|Siamese administrative division in 1932 (Rama VII)
File:Map of Siam Kingdom in 1941.jpg|Thai administrative division in 1941 (Rama VIII)
File:Map of Thai Kingdom in 1945.jpg|Thai administrative division in 1945 (Rama VIII)
File:Map of Thai Kingdom in 1950.jpg|Thai administrative division in 1950 (Rama IX)
File:Map of Thai Kingdom in 1973.jpg|Thai administrative division in 1973 (Rama IX)
File:Map of Thai Kingdom in 2023.jpg|Thai administrative division in 2023 (Rama X)
See also
References
{{reflist}}
Further reading
- {{cite book|author=Tej Bunnag|title=The Provincial Administration of Siam, 1892–1915: the Ministry of the Interior under Prince Damrong Rajanubhab|isbn=0-19-580343-4|location=Kuala Lumpur; New York|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=1977}}
External links
{{Commons category|Provinces of Thailand}}
- [http://www.dopa.go.th/ Department of Provincial Administration]
- [http://www.forvo.com/tag/provinces_in_thailand/ Pronunciation of provinces in Thailand at www.forvo.com]
{{Provinces of Thailand|state=uncollapsed}}
{{Articles on first-level administrative divisions of Asian countries}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Provinces Of Thailand}}
Category:Subdivisions of Thailand