Administrative divisions of Thailand

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Thailand is a unitary state, which means the territories are separated into central co-dependencies, with the central government deciding everything for the provinces.[1] The kingdom is separated into multiple levels including regions, provinces, and many more. Though, formally, Thailand is separated into three levels: provinces, districts, and sub-districts, there are also informal divisions such as parimonthon, and phak.[2] Furthermore, there are administrative divisions of the same level with different names such as the first-level divisions of the province and the special administrative region. The governance is separated into two branches, regular and municipal administration.[3] The regular administration is governed by the central government directly, with the municipal administration being given more autonomy by the central government, though still heavily restricted due to the over centralization of the Thai administrative system. This system arose during Rama V's reign where the governing system of the Kingdom of Siam was changing rapidly due to westernization.[4]

Provincial administrative divisions

Provinces

File:Chulalongkorn colorized.png
Chulalongkorn, Father of Modern Thailand

Changwat (Thai: จังหวัด) or provinces is the first level of administration, the highest level, of Thailand. Thailand is separated into 76 provinces, though commonly mistaken as 77 provinces due to Bangkok's former status as a province itself. This is the highest level of administrative division within the kingdom. Each of the provinces are led by governor. The changwat is responsible for implementing state policy and enforcing laws.[5]

Governance

The provinces are governed by a governor appointed by the central government. Specifically, the Ministry of the Interior is a part of the Bangkok Government. [citation needed] The norm for naming the provinces is using the provincial capital as the name, which is why they are called namesake cities. A notable difference from history was during the post-Franco-Siamese crisis period when there was a DMZ around the border which falls on the Mekong river. During this time, there was a province called Nong Khai but the capital was in Ban Makkhaeng.[citation needed] A province is administered by a governor (ผู้ว่าราชการจังหวัด) who is appointed by the Minister of Interior. The provinces are named after their namesake cities, a cities which were the "capital" at the time of its founding. Also, in several provinces the administration has been moved into a new building outside the city.[citation needed]

History

Ayutthaya Kingdom

Most provinces date back to the time of subservient city-states, chiefdoms, and even vassal kingdoms. The polity was called muangs, not to be confused with modern muangs which means cities, which had their own satellite muangs.[6] Traditionally ruled by a local ruling family, these muangs had a high level of autonomy. The highest king of these muangs, phaya or khun luang,[7] though the titles changes over history, ruled these muangs through a system of tributes. The king did not have much control over these muangs which lead to uprisings and rebellions. During the war, these muangs often switched sides which leads to the downfall of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The provinces were separated into two classes and four different levels.[8]

Ayutthaya's Administration Division
Levels First Second Third Forth
Central Wiang (เวียง) Wang (วัง) Khlang (คลัง) Na (นา)
Vassal Muang Luk Luang (เมืองลูกหลวง) Inner Hua Muang (หัวเมืองชั้นใน) Outer Hua Muang (หัวเมืองชั้นนอก) Muang Prathetsarat (เมืองประเทศราช)
Rattanakosin Kingdom
File:Siam in 1893, During Rama V's Reign.jpg
Administrative divisions during the Rattanakosin Kingdom

During this era, nothing changed much at the beginning. But when the western colonial powers started to eye the region, The Siamese government took to reform their administrative division into a form that much resembles the modern structure. In 1882, much of the current political geography of Siam had changed drastically. Rama V, who had been ramping up the reformation of Siam, had devised a plan to divide Siam into several levels of administration. During this era, the province wasn't the highest level of division. This falls to the monthon and the vassal kingdoms.[citation needed] At the time, Siam was a minor power, controlling several minor kingdoms on their frontiers with the major colonial powers. By, 1892, much of the divisions had already been formed, though this is far from modern Thailand's divisional structure, and by 1900 most of the territory gained during the rule of Rama III were lost to France and Britain.[9] In 1908, a new division called boriwen was introduced, though later abolished due to its overlapping duties with other local governments, and the bureaucratic costs to maintain the divisions.[10] In 1932, there were major reforms all over the kingdom, monthon was abolished, provinces merged, and several other divisions dissolved into higher divisions to cut costs. The former provinces that were lost are merged into other provinces or ceded to western powers. During the 20th century, a massive reform occurred gradually over the century, which saw the formation of several provinces through partitions. The newest province is Bueng Kan which split from Nong Khai on 23 March 2011.[11]

Current and Former Capital of Thailand

Singhanavati Kingdom
Yonok Nahaphan

(BC) 691-545 (AD) Capital Destroyed

Vieng Preuksa

545-638 Kingdom Reestablished, Capital Moved

Lavo Kingdom Hiran Kingdom
Lavo (Lopburi)

468-1082

Hiran

638 - 850

Suphanburi Confederation Ngoenyang

850-1262

Phayao Kingdom
Ayutthaya

1082-1351 Ayutthaya Ceceeded

Suphanburi

1000s-1351 Joined Ayutthaya

Chiang Rai

1262-1275

Phayao

1094–1338 Lanna Annexed

Fang

1275–1281

Wiang Kum Kam

1281–1292 Kingdom Reestablished

Sukhothai Kingdom Lavo (Lopburi)

1351-1388 Joined Ayutthaya

Nakhon Si Thammarat Kingdom Lanna Kingdom
Sukhothai

1238-1347

Ayutthaya Kingdom Nakhon Si Thammarat

1200s-1782 Rattanakosin Annexed

Chiang Mai

1292–1775 Direct Governance then Kingdom Partitioned into Rattanatingsa, Nan, Lampang, Lamphun, Phrae, Thoen

Songkhwae (Phitsanulok)

1347–1438 Ayutthaya Annexed

Ayutthaya

1351–1463

Phitsanulok

1463-1488

Ayutthaya

1488-1680

Phitsanulok

1488-1590 (co-capital)

Lopburi

1680-1688

Ayutthaya

1688-1767 Kingdom Partitioned into Phimai, Thonburi, Phitsanulok, Sawangkhaburi

Phimai Kingdom Thonburi Kingdom Phitsanulok Kingdom Sawangkhaburi
Phimai

1767 Thonburi Annexed

Thonburi

1767–1782 Coup & Refounded

Phitsanulok

1767 Thonburi Annexed

Sawangkhaburi

1767 Thonburi Annexed

Rattanakosin Kingdom Rattanatingsa

Kingdom

Nan

Kingdom

Lampang

Principality

Lamphun

Principality

Phrae

Principality

Pra Nakhon (Bangkok)

1782–1932 Kingdom Restructured

Chiang Mai

1802–1899

Nan

1802–1899

Lampang

1802–1899

Lamphun

1802–1899

Phrae

1802–1899

Rattanakosin Annexed
Thailand
Bangkok

1932-Now

Former Provinces of Thailand

The former of provinces are administrative divisions which were either ceded, partitioned, or merged with the neighbouring territories. Over the course of history, the definition of provinces may change, thus the provinces listed under here are definitive provinces, or provinces which are created according to decrees. Furthermore, the list also includes provinces which were created during the mandala system era. These mandala provinces are defined as cities which controlled the surrounding cities, which in itself has subservient townships and villages. Examples of definite province include the province of Minburi,[12] which was created through a decree passed by Rama V. Examples of mandala provinces include the province of Nakhon Ratchasima. Though Nakhon Ratchasima may be classified as a definite province these days, back in the days of King Rama I, Nakhon Ratchasima was the very definition of a mandala province. For example, the city of Nakhon Ratchasima oversaw the city of Si Phum, which inturn oversaw the city of Kalasin, which inturn oversaw the neighbouring townships and villages' affairs.[13] What is not listed here are muang prathetsarat. These polities are not provinces by any definition, but are vassal states. Though, some may be in the grey area, by which treads the line between full provincialship and vassalage. For example, the Principality of Thoen.[13][14][15][16][17][18][19]

File:Siamese Territory and Dominion in 1805.jpg
Maximum Siamese influence within south east Asia (1806) (quickly losing territory their after)

Core Provinces

Provinces

(Thai Name)

Original Names

or Native Names

Made Province / Founded in Ceased to be Province in Fate Today Part of
Bang Lamung

บางละมุง

บ้านนาเกลือ

Ban Na Kleua

1782 1910s merged with Bang Pla Soi Chonburi File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Bang Pla Soi บางปลาสร้อย 1376 1910s merged with Bang Lamung and Phanat Nikhom to form Chonburi Chonburi File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Chaibadan ชัยบาดาล 700s 1902 merged into Wichianburi Phetchabun File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Chiaya

ไชยา

ครหิ

Khri

1820s 1890s merged into Kanchanadit Surat Thani File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Inburi อินทร์บุรี 1369 1897 merged into Singburi Singburi File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Kabinburi

กะบิ่นบุรี (กระบินทร์บุรี)

ด่านหนุมาน

Dan Nu Man

1901 1926 merged with Prachinburi Prachinburi and Sa Kaeo File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Khirirat Nikhom

คีรีรัฐนิคม

ท่าขนอน

Tha Khanon

1820s 1890s merged into Kanchanadit Surat Thani File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Kraburi

กระบุรี

ตระ

Tra

1870s 1896 merged into Ranong Ranong File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Lang Suan

หลังสวน

คลังสวน

Klang Suan

1870s 1932 merged into Chumphon Chumphon File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Lom Sak

หล่มสัก

วัดป่า

Wat Pa

1767 1916 partitioned between Phetchabun and Loei Phetchabun and Loei File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Manorom มโนรมย์ before 1770s 1897 merged into Chai Nat Chai Nat File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Min Buri

มีนบุรี

ท้องนากว้างใหญ่

Thongna Kwangyai

1901 1931 merged into Phra Nakhon Bangkok File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Nakhon Chai Si นครชัยศรี 1570s 1910s capital moved to Nakhon Pathom Nakhon Pathom File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Nakhon Khuan Khan นครเขื่อนขันธ์ 1819 1915 renamed Phra Pradaeng Bangkok and Samut Prakan File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Phanat Nikhom

พนัสนิคม

พระรถ

Phra Rot

before 1770s 1910s merged with Bang Pla Soi Chonburi File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Phanom Sarakham

พนมสารคาม

ดงยาง

Dong Yang

before 1770s 1910s merged into Chachoengsao Chachoengsao File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Phayu Ha Khiri

พยุหะคีรี

บ้านพยุแดน

Ban Phayu Daen

before 1770s 1890s merged into Nakhon Sawan Nakhon Sawan File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Phichai พิชัย 1500s 1887 capital moved to Uttaradit Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, and Loei File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand, Sainyaburi and Vientiane File:Flag of Laos.svg Laos
Phra Nakhon

พระนคร

ชนะสงคราม

Chana Songkhram

1782 1972 merged with Thonburi to form Bangkok Bangkok File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
บางกอก

Bang Kok

Phromburi

พรหมบุรี

พรหมนคร

Phrom Nakhon

1350s 1890s merged into Singburi Singburi File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Pra Pradaeng

พระประแดง

นครเขื่อนขันธ์

Nakhon Kheuan Khan

1915 1932 merged with Samut Prakan, partitioned from Pra Nakhon and Samut Prakan, merged between Samut Prakan and Thonburi Samut Prakan and Bangkok File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Sangkhaburi

สรรคบุรี

แพรกศรีราชา

Phraek Siracha

1300s 1897 merged into Chai Nat Chai Nat File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
ไตรตรึงส์

Trai Treung

Sawankhalok สวรรคโลก 1894 1939 merge with Sukhothai to form Sawankhalok, later changing the name to Sukhothai Sukhothai File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Si Thep

ศรีเทพ

อภัยสาลี

Aphai Sali

before 1770s 1820s capital moved to Wichianburi Phetchabun File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Takua Pa

ตะกั่วป่า

ตะโกลา

Taloka

1870s 1932 merged into Pang Nga Pang Nga File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Takua Thung

ตะกั่วทุ่ง

กราภูงา

Kra Phunga

1820s 1899 merged into Pang Nga Pang Nga File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Thalang ถลาง 1820s 1812 destroyed during the Burmese–Siamese War (1809–1812), which then the territory is administered by Nakhon Si Thammarat Phuket File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Thanyaburi

ธัญบุรี

รังสิต

Rangsit

1901 1932 merged into Pathum Thani Pathum Thani File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Thonburi Si Mahasamut

ธนบุรีศรีมหาสมุทร

บางกอก

Bang Kok

1767 1972 merged with Phra Nakhon to form Bangkok Bangkok File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Wichianburi

วิเชียรบุรี

ท่าโรง

Tha Rong

1830s 1898 merged into Phetchabun Phetchabun File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand

Lanna Frontier

Provinces

(Thai Name)

Native Names

(Local/Original Names)

Made Province in Ceased to be Province in Fate Today Part of
Chiang Khaeng

เชียงแขง

ဝဵင်းၵဵင်းၸဵင်

Weng Keng Cheng

1892 1893 partitioned between France and Britain, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 Shan State File:Flag of Myanmar.svg Myanmar, Luang Namtha and Bokeo File:Flag of Laos.svg Laos
Saharat Thai Doem สหรัฐไทยเดิม 1943 1945 ceded to Britain Shan State File:Flag of Myanmar.svg Myanmar
Uthai

อุทัย Lan Chang ล้านช้าง

ປາກລາຍ

Paklay

1940 1945 ceded to France Sainyabuli and Luang Prabang File:Flag of Laos.svg Laos

Lan Chang Frontier

Provinces

(Thai Name)

Native Names

(Local/Original Names)

Made Province in Ceased to be Province in Fate Today Part of
Attapue

อัตตะปือ

ອັດກະປື

Atkapu

1778 1893 ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 Attapeu File:Flag of Laos.svg Laos, Kon Tum and Gia Lai File:Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
Borikhan Nikhom

บริคัณฑ์นิคม

ປະຊຸມພະນາລັຍ

Paxoumphanalai

1830 1893 ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 Bolikhamxai File:Flag of Laos.svg Laos
Chaiburi

ไชยบุรี

ປາກນ້ຳສົງຄາມ

Paknam Songkham

1830 1914 merged with Nong Khai Bueng Kan File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Chiang Khouang

เชียงขวาง

ພວນ

Phouan

1828 1893 ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 Xiangkhouang File:Flag of Laos.svg Laos
Chonnabot

ชนบท

ຫນອງແກ້ວ Nongkeo

(ບຶງແກ້ວ) (Bungkeo)

1792 1914 partitioned between Chaiyaphum and Khon Kaen Chaiyaphum and Khon Kaen File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Det Udom

เดชอุดม

ປາກໂດມ Pakdom

(ໂດມໃຫຍ່) (Domnyai)

1845 1912 merged into Sisaket Ubon Ratchathani File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Kamalasai

กมลาสัย

ສະປົວດົງມະຂາມເກົ່າ

Sapouadongmakhamkao

1840 1913 partitioned between Kalasin and Roi Et Kalasin and Roi Et File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Kham Kert

คำเกิด

ຄຳເກີດ

Khamkeut

1839 1893 ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 Khammouane File:Flag of Laos.svg Laos
Kham Muan

คำม่วน

ຄຳມ່ວນ

Khammouan

1839 1893 ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 Khammouane File:Flag of Laos.svg Laos
Kham Thong Luang

คำทองหลวง

ແກ້ງອາເຣີມ

Kengareum

1828 1893 ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 Stung Teng File:Flag of Cambodia.svg Cambodia
Khemmarat

เขมราฐ (เขมราฐธานี)

ໂຄກກົ່ງດົງພະນຽງ

Khokkongdongphaniang

1814 1893 partitioned between Siam and France, merged into Ubon Ratchathani, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 Ubon Ratchathani and Yasothon File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand, Savannakhet File:Flag of Laos.svg Laos
Khon San

คอนสาร

ຄອນສານ

Khonsan

1787 1890s partitioned between Chaiyaphum and Khon Kaen Chaiyaphum and Khon Kaen File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Khukhan

ขุขันธ์ (คุขันธ์)

ປາສາດສີ່ຫຼ່ຽມ

Pasat Siliam

1759 1938 partitioned between Siam and France, merged with Sisaket and Det Udom District, but later the province moved the capital to Sisaket, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 Ubon Ratchathani and Sisaket File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand, Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear File:Flag of Cambodia.svg Cambodia
Phra Tabong

พระตะบอง

បាត់ដំបង

Badthumbang

1795 1893 ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap, Pailin, and Battambang File:Flag of Cambodia.svg Cambodia
Nang Rong

นางรอง

ນະຮອງ

Nahong

1820s 1892 merged into Buriram Buriram File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Nong

นอง

ນອງ

Nong

1825 1890s merged with Mukdahan Savannakhet File:Flag of Laos.svg Laos
Nong Han

หนองหาร (หนองละหาร)

ຫນອງຫານນ້ອຍ

Nonghannoy

1787 1910s merged with Nong Khai Nong Khai File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Phon Phisai

โพนพิสัย

ໂພນແພງ

Phonpheng

1830 1906 merged with Nong Khai Nong Khai and Bueng Kan File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Phu Khiao ภูเขียว 1810s 1899 merged into Chaiyaphum Chaiyaphum File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Phu Len Chang

ภูแล่นช้าง

ພູແດນຊ້າງ

Phoudenxang

1840 1910s merged into Kalasin Kalasin File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Phutthaisong

พุทไธสง

ຫມາກເຟືອງຫົວແຮດ

Makfuang Houahet

1820s 1892 merged into Buriram Buriram File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Pra Khon Chai

ประโคนชัย (ตะลุง)

ຕະລຸມດອ

Taloumdo ตลุง Talung

1820s 1892 merged into Buriram Buriram File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Rattanaburi

รัตนบุรี

เมืองศรีนครเตา

Muang Si Nakhon Tao

1820s 1892 merged into Buriram Surin File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Salawan

สาละวัน

ເມືອງມັ່ນ

Muangman

1828 1893 ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 Salavan and Sekong File:Flag of Laos.svg Laos
Sangkha

สังขะ (สังฆะ)

ໂຄກອັຈຈະ

Khokachcha

1759 1893 partitioned between Siam and France, merged into Surin, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 Surin File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand, Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap File:Flag of Cambodia.svg Cambodia
Suwannaphum

สุวรรณภูมิ

ສີພູມ

Siphum

1772 1908 partitioned between Maha Sarakham and Roi Et Maha Sarakham and Roi Et File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Tha Uthen

ท่าอุเทน

ທ່າບຶງອຸ

Thabungou

1830 1907 merged with Nakhon Phanom Nakhon Phanom File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Wang

วัง

ວັງ

Vang

1830 1890s merged with Mukdahan Savannakhet File:Flag of Laos.svg Laos

Khmer Frontier

Provinces

(Thai Name)

Native Names

(Local/Original Names)

Made Province in Ceased to be Province in Fate Today Part of
Chiang Taeng

เชียงแตง

ស្ទឹងត្រែង

Stoengtrang

1784 1893 ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 Kratié, Stung Treng, Ratanakiri, and Mondulkiri File:Flag of Cambodia.svg Cambodia, Đắk Lắk, Đắk Nông and Gia Lai File:Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
Khlung ขลุง 1820s 1898 partitioned between Chanthaburi and Trat, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893, when the province of Chanthaburi came under French occupation, in which a 10 km DMZ was declared on the Thai side of the Mekong river. Chanthaburi and Trat File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Phanom Sok

พนมสก

ភ្នំស្រុក

Phnomsrok

1835 1893 ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap, and Oddar Meanchey File:Flag of Cambodia.svg Cambodia
Phibunsongkhram พิบูลสงคราม 1941 1946 concession to France, allowing the Kingdom of Thailand to join the United Nation, passing the French veto. Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap, Oddar Meanchey, and Preah Vihear File:Flag of Cambodia.svg Cambodia
Nakhon Champassak

นครจัมปาศักดิ์

ເມືອງຄັນເດີງ

Muang Khandeung

1941 1946 concession to France, allowing the Kingdom of Thailand to join the United Nation, passing the French veto. Preah Vihear and Stung Teng File:Flag of Cambodia.svg Cambodia, Champasak File:Flag of Laos.svg Laos
Phra Tabong

พระตะบอง

បាត់ដំបង

Badthumbang

1941 1946 concession to France, allowing the Kingdom of Thailand to join the United Nation, passing the French veto. Battambang File:Flag of Cambodia.svg Cambodia
Prachan Khiri Khet

ประจันตคีรีเขตร

ខេមរភូមិន្ទ

Khemaraphoumin

1855 1893 partitioned between Siam and France, merged into Trat, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 Koh Kong File:Flag of Cambodia.svg Cambodia
Saen Pang

แสนปาง

សៀមប៉ាង

Siempang

1798 1893 ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 Kratié, Stung Treng, Ratanakiri, and Mondulkiri File:Flag of Cambodia.svg Cambodia
Siemmarat

เสียมราฐ

សៀមរាប

Siemreab

1835 1893 ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 Siem Reap File:Flag of Cambodia.svg Cambodia
Sisophon

ศรีโสภณ

សិរីសោភ័ណ

Serisaophoan

1835 1893 ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 Banteay Meanchey File:Flag of Cambodia.svg Cambodia
Sitandon

สี่ตันดอน

ເມືອງໂຂງ

Muang Khong

1828 1893 ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 Stung Teng File:Flag of Cambodia.svg Cambodia

Malay Frontier

Provinces

(Thai Name)

Native Names

(Local/Original Names)

Made Province in Ceased to be Province in Fate Today Part of
Kalantan

กลันตัน

Klate 1900

1943

1909

1945

joined as a vassal, partitioned between Siam and Britain, merged with Narathiwat, regained and ceded to Britain again, as part of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909, and World War II as a part of Si Rat Malai (The four Malay states) Narathiwat File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand, Kelantan File:Flag of Malaysia.svg Malaysia
Nong Chik

หนองจิก

Tujong

(Tawar/Nuachi)

1900 1900s joied as a part of the Pattani Kingdom, partitioned and then merged into Pattani Pattani File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Palien

ปะเหลียน

Palanda

(Tanjong Sala)

1900 1891 merged into Kantang Trang File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Palit

ปะลิส

Perlis 1900

1943

1909

1945

joined as a vassal, ceded to Britain, regained and ceded to Britain again, as part of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909, and World War II as a part of Si Rat Malai (The four Malay states) Perlis File:Flag of Malaysia.svg Malaysia
Ra'Ngae

ระแงะ

Tanjong Mas 1900 1909 joied as a part of the Pattani Kingdom, partitioned between Siam and Britain, merged into Narathiwat, as part of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 Narathiwat File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand, Kelantan File:Flag of Malaysia.svg Malaysia
Raman

รามัน

Reman 1900 1909 joied as a part of the Pattani Kingdom, partitioned between Siam and Britain, merged into Yala, as part of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 Yala File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand, Perak File:Flag of Malaysia.svg Malaysia
Sai Buri

สายบุรี

Selindungbayu-Semalanbulan-Matanduwah 1900 1932 joied as a part of the Pattani Kingdom, partitioned between Pattani and Narathiwat Chumphon File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Syburi

ไทรบุรี

Kedah 1900

1943

1909

1945

joined as a vassal, ceded to Britain, regained and ceded to Britain again, as part of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909, and World War II as a part of Si Rat Malai (The four Malay states) Kedah File:Flag of Malaysia.svg Malaysia
Trangkanu

ตรังกานู

Tranung 1900

1943

1909

1945

joined as a vassal, ceded to Britain, regained and ceded to Britain again, as part of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909, and World War II as a part of Si Rat Malai (The four Malay states) Terengganu File:Flag of Malaysia.svg Malaysia
Yaring

ยะหริ่ง

Jaring 1900 1900s joied as a part of the Pattani Kingdom, partitioned and then merged into Pattani Pattani File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
  • these provinces were formed in different periods but lost during 19th and 20th century

Current Provinces

Seal Name[20] จังหวัด Made Province in
File:Seal Amnatcharoen.png File:Flag Amnatcharoen Province.png Amnat Charoen อำนาจเจริญ
File:Seal Ang Thong.png File:Ang Thong Flag.png Ang Thong อ่างทอง
File:Seal Bangkok Metropolitan Admin (green).svg File:Flag of Bangkok.svg Bangkok (special administrative area) กรุงเทพมหานคร
File:Seal Bueng Kan.png File:Flag of Bueng Kan Province.png Bueng Kan บึงกาฬ
File:Seal Buriram.png File:Flag Buriram Province.png Buriram บุรีรัมย์ 1775
File:Seal Chachoengsao.png File:Flag of Chachoengsao Province.png Chachoengsao ฉะเชิงเทรา
File:Seal Chainat.png File:Chai Nat Flag.png Chai Nat ชัยนาท
File:Seal Chaiyaphum.png File:Chaiyaphum Flag.png Chaiyaphum ชัยภูมิ
File:Seal Chanthaburi (1).svg File:Flag of Chanthaburi.svg Chanthaburi จันทบุรี
File:Seal Chiang Mai.png File:Flag of Chiang Mai.svg Chiang Mai เชียงใหม่
File:Seal Chiang Rai.svg File:Chiangrai Flag.png Chiang Rai เชียงราย
File:Seal Chonburi.png File:Flag of Chonburi.svg Chonburi ชลบุรี
File:Seal Chumphon.png File:Chumphon Flag.png Chumphon ชุมพร
File:Seal Kalasin.png File:Flag of Kalasin.svg Kalasin กาฬสินธุ์ 1791
File:Seal Kamphaeng Phet.png File:Flag Kamphaeng Phet Province.png Kamphaeng Phet กำแพงเพชร
File:Seal Kanchanaburi.png File:Kanchanaburi Flag.png Kanchanaburi กาญจนบุรี
File:Seal Khon Kaen.png File:Khon Kaen Flag.png Khon Kaen ขอนแก่น 1797
File:Seal Krabi.png File:Flag of Krabi Province.jpg Krabi กระบี่
File:Seal Lampang.png File:Flag Lampang Province.png Lampang ลำปาง
File:Seal Lamphun.svg File:Flag of Lamphun.svg Lamphun ลำพูน
File:Seal Loei.png File:Loei Flag.png Loei เลย
File:Seal Lopburi.png File:Flag Lop Buri Province.png Lopburi ลพบุรี
File:Seal Mae Hong Son.svg File:Flag Mae Hong Son Province.png Mae Hong Son แม่ฮ่องสอน
File:Seal Maha Sarakham.png File:Mahasarakham PV Flag.png Maha Sarakham มหาสารคาม 1865
File:Seal of Mukdahan Province.png File:Flag Mokdahan Province.png Mukdahan มุกดาหาร 1770
File:Seal Nakhon Nayok.png File:Flag Nakhon Nayok Province.png Nakhon Nayok นครนายก
File:Seal Nakhon Pathom.svg File:Flag of Nakhon Pathom Province.jpg Nakhon Pathom นครปฐม
File:Seal of Nakhon Phanom Province (color version).svg File:Flag of Nakhon Phanom Province.svg Nakhon Phanom นครพนม 1796
File:Seal Nakhon Ratchasima.svg File:Nakhon Ratchasima Flag.png Nakhon Ratchasima นครราชสีมา 1768
File:Seal Nakhon Sawan.png File:Nakhon Sawan Flag.png Nakhon Sawan นครสวรรค์
File:Seal Nakhon Si Thammarat.svg File:Nakhon Si Thammarat Flag.svg Nakhon Si Thammarat นครศรีธรรมราช
File:Seal of Nan Province (color version, Thai Fine Art Department).svg File:ธงประจำจังหวัดน่าน.svg Nan น่าน
File:Seal Narathiwat.png File:Flag Naratiwat Province.png Narathiwat นราธิวาส
File:Seal Nong Bua Lamphu.png File:Nong Bua Lam Phu Flag.png Nong Bua Lamphu หนองบัวลำภู
File:Seal Nong Khai.png File:Flag Nong Khai Province.png Nong Khai หนองคาย 1827
File:Nonthaburi Province Seal.svg File:ธงจังหวัดนนทบุรี.svg Nonthaburi นนทบุรี
File:Seal Pathum Thani.png File:Flag of Pathum Thani.svg Pathum Thani ปทุมธานี
File:Seal Pattani.png File:Pattani Flag.png Pattani ปัตตานี
File:Seal Phang Nga.png File:Phangnga Flag.png Phang Nga พังงา
File:Provincial Seal of Phatthalung.svg File:Phattalung provincial flag .png Phatthalung พัทลุง
File:Seal Phayao.png File:Phayao flag.svg Phayao พะเยา
File:Seal Phetchabun.png File:Flag Phetchabun Province.png Phetchabun เพชรบูรณ์
File:Seal Phetchaburi.png File:Flag Petchaburi Province.png Phetchaburi เพชรบุรี
File:Seal Phichit.png File:Flag of Phichit Province.png Phichit พิจิตร
File:Seal of Phitsanulok Province.svg File:Pitsanulok flag.svg Phitsanulok พิษณุโลก
File:Seal of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province (color version, Thai Fine Art Department).svg File:Flag of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.svg Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya แพร่
File:Seal of Phrae Province (colour version, as the provincial administration used).svg File:Phrae flag.svg Phrae พระนครศรีอยุธยา
File:Seal Phuket (blue).png File:Phuket Flag.png Phuket ภูเก็ต
File:Seal Prachinburi.png File:Flag of Prachin Buri Province.jpg Prachinburi ปราจีนบุรี
File:Seal Prachuap Khiri Khan.png File:Flag of Prachuap Khiri Khan.svg Prachuap Khiri Khan ประจวบคีรีขันธ์
File:Seal Ranong.png File:Flag of Ranong.svg Ranong ระนอง
File:Seal Ratchaburi.png File:Ratchaburi Flag.png Ratchaburi ราชบุรี
File:Seal Rayong.png File:Rayong Flag.png Rayong ระยอง
File:Seal Roi Et.png File:Flag Roi-Et Province.png Roi Et ร้อยเอ็ด 1775
File:Old picture Seal Sakaeo.png File:Flag of Sa Kaeo.svg Sa Kaeo สระแก้ว
File:Seal Sakon Nakhon.png File:Flag of Sakon Nakhon.svg Sakon Nakhon สกลนคร 1826
File:Samutphakhan.png File:Flag Samut Prakan Province.png Samut Prakan สมุทรปราการ
File:Seal Samut Sakhon.png File:Flag Samut Sakhon Province.png Samut Sakhon สมุทรสาคร
File:Seal Samut Songkhram.png File:Flag Samut Songkhram Province.png Samut Songkhram สมุทรสงคราม
File:Seal Saraburi (2564).png File:Provincial Flag of Saraburi.svg Saraburi สระบุรี
File:Seal Satun.png File:Satun Flag.png Satun สตูล
File:Seal Sing Buri.png File:Flag of Sing Buri Province.png Sing Buri สิงห์บุรี
File:Seal Sisaket.png File:Si Sa Ket Flag.png Sisaket ศรีสะเกษ 1782
File:Seal Songkhla.png File:Flag Songkhla Province.png Songkhla สงขลา
File:Seal of Sukhothai Province (color version).svg File:Flag of Sukhothai Province.svg Sukhothai สุโขทัย
File:Seal Suphanburi.png File:Flag Suphan Buri Province.png Suphan Buri สุพรรณบุรี
File:Seal Surat Thani.png File:Flag Surat Thani Province.png Surat Thani สุราษฎร์ธานี
File:Seal Surin.png File:Flag of Surin Province.png Surin สุรินทร์ 1759
File:Seal Tak.png File:Flag of Tak Province.png Tak ตาก
Thonburi ธนบุรี
File:Seal Trang.png File:Trang Flag.png Trang ตรัง
File:Seal Trat.png File:Trat Flag.png Trat ตราด
File:Seal Ubon Ratchathani.png File:Ubon Ratchathani Province Flags.svg Ubon Ratchathani อุบลราชธานี 1791
File:Seal Udon Thani.png File:Udon Thani Flag.png Udon Thani อุดรธานี
File:Seal Uthaithani.png File:Flag of Uthai Thani Province.jpg Uthai Thani อุทัยธานี
File:Seal Uttaradit.png File:Uttaradit provincial flag.png Uttaradit อุตรดิตถ์
File:Seal Yala.png File:Yala Flag 2.png Yala ยะลา
File:Seal of Yasothon Province.png File:Yasothon Flag.png Yasothon ยโสธร 1814
Total ยอดรวม

Amphoe (Districts)

File:Kanchanadit district office.jpg
Kanchanadit District Office

Amphoe (Thai: อำเภอ) or districts are the second level of administration. There are 878 amphoe throughout Thailand. They are led by a Nai Amphoe (Thai: นายอำเภอ) or district chief who is appointed by the central government. These districts vary greatly in size and population. Amphoe mueang )Thai: อำเภอเมือง) are a term for amphoe that serve as or contain the capital of the province. Within these amphoe, there is either a thesaban nakhon or a thesaban mueang. Amphoe are responsible for general administrative work, clerical work and archives, and the public relations operations of the district. Furthermore, they are responsible for operations related to receptions, ceremonies, government ceremonies, religious ceremonies and various traditional events, operations of the Thai Red Cross Society and other charitable activities.[21]

History

Amphoe originated from the RS115(1896) bill named Local Governing Regulations R.E. 115.[22] At this time, the method for determining the area of an amphoe was to assign 10,000 citizens to a district. Previously, another administrative division called king amphoe (Thai: กิ่งอำเภอ) or minor districts was in use. These were set up when a district was too large and became inconvenient to govern. In practice, these districts were effectively identical to normal amphoe. A king amphoe could have been promoted to an amphoe proper if it met sufficient requirements regarding infrastructure and population. The opposite was also possible, where an amphoe lost influence and was further downgraded into a king amphoe. In 2007, all king amphoe were upgraded to amphoe proper in order to streamline governance. There were 81 king amphoe in 2007 at the time.

Tambon (sub-districts)

File:Tambon 9204.png
Tambons of Palien district

Tambon (Thai: ตำบล) or sub-districts are the third-level of administration. There are 7,255 tambon in Thailand. Tambon are responsible for the economic, societal, and cultural development of the area, organizing public services for the benefit of the people of their own locality.[23] In addition, under the 2001-2006 Thaksin Shinawatra government, the OTOP (One Tambon One Product) program was launched, aiming to promote and recognize unique traditions, cultures, and products from every tambon.[24]

History

Tambon were previously the second-level of administration before the establishment of amphoe. They were previously governed by a provincial capital who appointed a kamnan or phan as its leader. In 1892, they were downgraded into the third-level of administration.

Muban (villages)

Muban (Thai: หมู่บ้าน) or Villages are the fourth-level of administration in Thailand. There are 74,944 muban[25] in Thailand. A muban is led by a phuyaiban (Thai: ผู้ใหญ่บ้าน), who is chosen through local elections. All elected phuyaiban must be approved by the central government. Once in office, they can serve for a 5-year term with no limits on re-election. In cities, the term chumchon (Thai: ชุมชน) is used, although this is an unofficial title and is unrelated to the central government.

Local administrative divisions

Ordinary local administrative divisions

Thesaban (municipalities)

Thesaban (Thai: เทศบาล) or municipalities is the second level of administration. There are three types of municipalities: thesaban nakhon, thesaban muang, and thesaban tambon.

  • Thesaban nakhon (เทศบาลนคร) is the highest of these municipalities and there are 30 of them. To qualify for a thesaban nakhon, an area needs to have at least 50,000 citizens and the necessary infrastructure for a city.
  • Thesaban muang (เทศบาลเมือง) needs to have at least 10,000 citizens.
  • Thesaban tambon (เทศบาลตำบล) is the lowest administrative level for a municipality. In order to qualify as a thesaban tambon, there needs to be an income of 5 million baht, 5,000 citizens, and a density of 1,500 per square km.

They are known for being complicated geographically. It can extend over a few tambons or be contained within a tambon. Their responsibility are to maintain public order, provide and maintain land and waterways, maintain cleanliness of roads. or corridors and public places Including the disposal of solid waste and sewage, and prevent and suppress contagious diseases.[26] Originally thesaban were sanitation districts called sukhaphiban (Thai: สุขาภิบาล) created to manage waste. Sukhaphiban used to co-exist with thesaban until it was abolished in 1999.

Special local administrative divisions

There are two special administrative regions within Thailand: Bangkok and Pattaya. The SAR is an autonomous region governed separately from the central government. The mayor of the SARs is elected directly by the citizen of their respective SARs. The SAR category is an exclusive administration category where the central government had to have a bill passed exclusively to make a city a SAR. Note that the degree of autonomy is different between these two SARs. Bangkok is recognized as its own polity while Pattaya is under the administration of Chonburi province. Bangkok has its own khaet-khwang system and Pattaya uses the tambon-muban system. This makes Pattaya closer to a thesaban nakhon than a SAR, still, it is classified as a SAR.

File:Nakhon Suvarnabhumi SAR.png
Nakhon Suvarnabhumi SAR

Currently, there are plans to make Chiang Mai and Mae Sot a special local administrative area.[27] Though the plans for Chiang Mai is controversial due to the extreme centralization of the government. Especially within the parliament, conservatives called it separatism. A recent bill passed in 2005 and withdrawn in 2007 proposed a new province, Nakhon Suvarnabhumi, and was planned to be structured as a special local administrative area. As a result of a coup, the project was cancelled and withdrawn.

Khet and Khwang (special districts and sub-districts)

File:Districts and Sub-districts of Bangkok.png
Districts and Sub-districts of Bangkok

Only used in Bangkok, the khet-khwang system acts similarly to the amphoe-tambon system, with the Bangkok government (not to be confused with the central Thai government) appointing the directors of these districts. There are 50 khet and 180 khwang within Bangkok.

Informal administrative division

Krungthepmahanakhon lae Parimonthon (Bangkok Metropolitan Region)

File:Bangkok Metropolitan Area's Municipalities.png
Bangkok Metropolitan Area's Municipalities
File:Thailand Regions.png
Thailand Regions
File:Promthep Partition.png
This map depicts the Region of Promthep in 1837, with the partition occurring in the 1840s.

Bangkok Metropolitan Region (Thai: กรุงเทพมหานครและปริมณฑล) refers to the surrounding provinces of Bangkok SAR. This division is used to refer to the whole Bangkok and its suburb. Since Bangkok has outgrown its own SAR borders, neighboring provinces’ city is being absorbed into the Bangkok metropolis, though retaining their respective local government. The polity is defined as Bangkok and the five surrounding provinces of Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, and Samut Sakhon. This definition of Bangkok is commonly used in radio, news, and everyday life when people refer to Bangkok.[28]

Phak (region)

Phak (Thai: ภาค) refers to the grouping of multiple provinces with regard to history, culture, and geography. There are ten types of phak divisions: 6-regions, 5-4-regions, meteorological, tourism, economic, highway, landlines, postal, electoral, and scouts. In everyday life, one would expect to be using the 4-regions system due to its simplicity and wide understanding of this system. The four regions system is composed of:

  • North
  • Isan
  • Central
  • South

The northern region closely resembles the former Kingdom of Lanna. This kingdom was split into five minor kingdoms in the 1800s and fully absorbed into Siam. Owing to their cultural differences, people from the central plains discriminate against the people of the frontiers regions of Siam. This ingrained the division between us and them within the Siamese psyche. The Isan region resembles the old territory annexed from the Kingdom of Vientiane and Champassak. The southern region resembles the former territories of the Malay sultanates and the Kingdom of Nakhon Si Thammarat.[29]

Populations

Regions[30] Male Female Total
Central 10,984,989 11,857,239 22,842,228
Bangkok Metropolitan Area 5,126,677 5,745,423 10,872,100
Bangkok Special Administrative Area 2,592,292 2,935,702 5,527,994
Pattaya Special Administrative Area[31] 47,773 50,598 98,372
North 5,871,707 6,138,317 12,010,024
Isan 10,814,540 11,012,380 21,826,920
South 4,667,882 4,824,385 9,492,267
Total 32,339,118 33,960,884 66,171,439

Unorganized Administrative Region

During the reign of Rama III, there was a massive settlement effort, in which many city and town were created during this time. This caused a "great reshuffling" of the provinces' territory. This ended up leading to the creation of the unorganized region of Promthep. This region was the result of the breaking up of the Kingdom of Cambodia's northern region and annexing it as a part of Siam. Later, this region was partitioned and merged into the Kingdom of Champassak, Kingdom of Cambodia, Khukhan and Siemmarat.

Abolished administrative divisions

Monthon

File:Map of Siam in 1900.png
Monthon of 1900

Monthon (Thai: มณฑล) were administrative subdivisions of Thailand at the beginning of the 20th century. The Thai word monthon is a translation of the word mandala (maṇḍala, literally "circle"). The monthon were created as a part of the Thesaphiban[32] (เทศาภิบาล, literally "local government") bureaucratic administrative system, introduced by Prince Damrong Rajanubhab which, together with the monthon, established step-by-step today's present provinces (changwat), districts (amphoe), and communes (tambon) throughout Thailand. Each monthon was led by a royal commissioner called Thesaphiban (เทศาภิบาล), later renamed to Samuhathesaphiban (สมุหเทศาภิบาล). The system was officially adopted by the 1897 Local Administration Act.[10] In 1915 there were 19 monthons containing 72 provinces. Due to economic problems, several monthon were merged in 1925. Monthon Phetchabun had been dissolved in 1915. Only 14 monthon remained: Ayutthaya, Bangkok (Krung Thep), Chanthaburi, Nakhon Chaisi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pattani, Phayap, Phitsanulok, Phuket, Prachinburi, Ratchaburi, and Udon Thani. In 1932 another four were abolished: Chanthaburi, Nakhon Chaisi, Nakhon Sawan, and Pattani. Finally in 1933 the whole monthon system was abolished by the Provincial Administration Act 2476 B.E./A.D. 1933, part of the changes made after the coup d'état, which changed from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy.

Monthon มณฑล Established Fate
Lao Klang ลาวกลาง 1890 1893 - renamed Monthon Nakhon Ratchasima
Lao Tawan Ok ลาวตะวันออก 1890 1891 - merged with Monthon Lao Tawan Ok Chiang Nua becoming Monthon Lao Kao
Lao Tawan Ok Chiang Nua ลาวตะวันออกเฉียงเหนือ 1890 1891 - merged with Monthon Lao Tawan Ok becoming Monthon Lao Kao
Lao Phuan ลาวพวน 1890 1893 - renamed Monthon Udon after ceding the west bank of the Mekong.
Lao Kao ลาวกาว 1891 1893 - renamed Monthon Isan
Lao Phung Khao ลาวพุงขาว 1893 1893 - abolished, due to the annexation of territory to French Third Republic
Lao Chiang ลาวเฉียง 1893 1900 - renamed into Monthon Tawan Ok Chiang Neua
Krung Kao กรุงเก่า 1893 1933 - abolished, abolishment of the monthon system
Prachinburi ปราจิณบุรี 1893 1933 - abolished, abolishment of the monthon system
Khamen เขมร 1893 1899 - renamed Monthon Burapha
Nakhon Ratchasima นครราชสีมา 1893 1933 - abolished, abolishment of the monthon system
Isan อีสาน 1893 1912 - partitioned into Monthon Roi Et and Monthon Ubon
Phitsanulok พิษณุโลก 1894 1933 - abolished, abolishment of the monthon system
Nakhon Sawan นครสวรรค์ 1895 1932 - merged into Monthon Krung Kao - Ayutthaya
Ratchaburi ราชบุรี 1895 1933 - abolished, abolishment of the monthon system
Nakhon Chai Si นครไชยศรี 1895 1932 - merged into Monthon Ratchaburi
Chumphon ชุมพร 1896 1925 - merged into Monthon Nakhon Si Thammarat
Nakhon Si Thammarat นครศรีธรรมราช 1896 1933 - abolished, abolishment of the monthon system
Syburi ไทรบุรี 1897 1909 - abolished, due to the annexation of territory to British Empire
Krung Thep กรุงเทพ 1897 1922 - merged into Monthon Krung Kao - Ayutthaya
Phuket ภูเก็จ 1898 1933 - abolished, abolishment of the monthon system
Phetchabun เพชรบูรณ์ 1899

1907

1903 - merged into Monthon Phitsanulok

1916 - merged into Monthon Phitsanulok

Burapha บูรพา 1899 1906 - abolished, due to the annexation of territory to French Third Republic
Tawan Ok Chiang Neua ตะวันตกเฉียงเหนือ 1900 1901 - renamed into Monthon Phayap
Phayap พายัพ 1901 1933 - abolished, abolishment of the monthon system
Udon อุดร 1901 1933 - abolished, abolishment of the monthon system
Pattani ปัตตานี 1906 1932 - merged into Monthon Nakhon Si Thammarat
Chanthaburi จันทบุรี 1906 1933 - merged into Prachinburi
Roi Et ร้อยเอ็จ 1912 1932 - merged into Nakhon Ratchasima
Ubon อุบล 1912 1932 - merged into Nakhon Ratchasima
Maharat มหาราษฎร์ 1915 1926 - merged into Monthon Phayap
File:Map of Siam's subdivision.png
Boriwen Map
  • Monthon Lao Chiang is the same as Monthon Phayap, to ease understanding in this table but in all cases, they are the same.
  • Monthon Lao Kao which became Monthon Isan, and Monthon Lao Phuan which became Monthon Udon.
  • The use of the name is up to interpretation and use on case-by-case basis, but name changes occurs due to Rama V integration policy of minorities and achieving assimilation.
  • Province merger not shown, only monthon partition and merger are

Boriwen

Boriwen (Thai: บริเวณ) was created due to the size of the three largest monthon hence a subdivision of monthons. Several provinces were grouped together into one boriwen. In 1908 the boriwen were renamed to changwat, which became the name of provinces in 1916. The monthon with between three and five boriwen were Phayap, Udon Thani and Isan. Each boriwen was administered by a commissioner (khaluang boriwen, ข้าหลวงบริเวณ).

Sukhaphiban

Sukhaphiban (Thai: สุขาภิบาล) were administrative divisions of Thailand. Sukhaphiban were the first sub-autonomous entities established in Thailand. A first such district was created in Bangkok by a royal decree of King Chulalongkorn in 1897. Tha Chalom District became the second such district, created in 1906 and responsible for parts of Mueang Samut Sakhon District, Samut Sakhon Province. In 1907 the act on operations of sanitary districts codified the regulations, and with the Local Administration Act of 1914 two levels of sukhaphiban were introduced, the sukhaphiban mueang for towns and sukhaphiban tambon for rural areas. The number of sanitary districts grew to 35 in 1935, when these however were converted into municipalities (thesaban). New sanitary district were again established starting in 1952 by prime minister Phibun Songkhram. With the Act to Upgrade Sanitary Districts to Thesaban of May 1999 they were again abolished, and all became thesaban tambon.[33]

Muang Prathetsarat

File:Siamese Territory and Dominion in 1805.jpg
The maximum extent of the Kingdom of Rattanakosin's sphere of influence

Vassal states (Thai: เมืองประเทศราช) existed within Thailand for centuries since the founding of Sukhothai. Though not directly part of the country or even arguably an administrative division. Nonetheless, these states deserve a mention which is due to the fact that they are an entity within a certain polity. Describing past vassals of Thailand requires the understanding of the mandala system. The mandala system is a largely diffused and dispersed power structure. This means that a vassal is largely independent to the central state, with the vassal also retaining sub-servient city-state-vassals. To explain this power structure, imagine if the United States is the central state, and Washington DC is the central state with 50 surrounding vassal states giving tributes to the central state and having open borders within these polities. These state-vassals also have subservient counties with autonomy in their internal affairs with these counties having their own autonomous sub-divisions. Thus, creating a pyramid of subservient cities and polities. It is not the current political structure of the United States due to the fact that the individual states could not just declare independence, which these vassal could, and had more autonomy from the central state. If the vassal states were to declare independence, it would incur the wrath of the central state. In history this was seen even when the Kingdom of Vientiane, a vassal, rebelled and lost which then was dissolved and absorbed into the central state. The relationships between Thailand and its vassal varies over the centuries. It could be as amicable and the relationship that of the Kingdom of Nakhon Si Thammarat. Compared with the less amicable, aforementioned, Kingdom of Vientiane, which started a rebellion in 1826 under King Anouvong (Xaiya Setthathirath V). The last vassal state to be subservient to Thailand was the Malay states, which was subsequently dissolved, ceded, and merged into provinces and British Malaya in 1909, and the Kingdom of Champassak, which was downgraded into a province.[13][14][15][16][17][18][19]

Far Northern Frontier

Vassal States and Dependencies Thai Name Period Under Suzerainty Today Part of Fate
Keng Tung State

Principality of Keng Tung

เมืองเชียงตุง

Meuang Chiang Tung

1802–1812 File:Flag of Myanmar.svg Myanmar
Sipsong Panna

Federation of 12 Thai Cantons

สิบสองปันนา

Sipsong Panna

1805–1812 File:Flag of Myanmar.svg Myanmar

File:Flag of Laos.svg Laos File:Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China

  • Escaped suzerainty
Keng Lat State

Canton of Chiang Lap

เมืองเชียงลาบ

Muang Chiang Lab

1802–1812 File:Flag of Laos.svg Laos

File:Flag of Myanmar.svg Myanmar

Keng Cheng State

Principality of Chiang Khaeng

เชียงแขง

Chiang Khaeng

1st 1802–1812 File:Flag of Myanmar.svg Myanmar
2nd 1892–1893**

Northern Frontier

Vassal States and Dependencies Thai Name Period Under Suzerainty Today Part of Fate
Anachak Sukhothai

Kingdom of Sukhothai

อาณาจักรสุโขทัย

Anachak Sukhothai

1378–1438 File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
  • Annexed
Meuang Thoen

Principality of Thoen

เมืองเถิน

Meuang Thoen

1776-1915 File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
  • Merged with Lampang Principality
Rattana Tingsa Aphinawapuri Si Khuru Rattha Phra Nakhon

Kingdom of Chiang Mai

นครเชียงใหม่

Nakhon Chiang Mai

1775–1939 File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
  • Downgraded to province
Nakhon Meuang Lampang

Principality of Lampang

นครเมืองลำปาง

Nakhon Meuang Lampang

1775–1922 File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
  • Downgraded to province
Nakhon Muang Nan

Principality of Nan

นครเมืองน่าน

Nakhon Meuang Nan

1775–1931 File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
  • Downgraded to province
Nakhon Lamphun

Principality of Lamphun

นครลำพูน

Nakhon Lamphun

1775–1926 File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
  • Downgraded to province
Meuang Phrae

Principality of Phrae

เมืองแพร่

Meuang Phrae

1775–1902 File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
  • Downgraded to province

Southern Frontier

Vassal States and Dependencies Thai Name Period Under Suzerainty Today Part of Fate
Kingdom of Ligor

Kingdom of Nakhon Si Thammarat

อาณาจักรนครศรีธรรมราช

Anachak Nakhon Si Thammarat

1st 1238–1767 File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
  • Annexed
2nd 1769–1784
Kesultanan Kedah

Sultanate of Kedah

อาณาจักรเกอดะฮ์

Anachak Koeda

1821–1909 File:Flag of Malaysia.svg Malaysia
Kerajaan Setul Mambang Segara

Kingdom of Setul Mambang Segara

ราชอาณาจักรเซอตุล

Racha Anachak Seotun

1808–1909 File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
  • Downgraded to province
Perlis Indera Kayangan

Kingdom of Perlis

อาณาจักรปะลิส

Anachak Palit

1843–1909 File:Flag of Malaysia.svg Malaysia
Kerajaan Kubang Pasu Darul Qiyam

Kingdom of Kubang Pasu Darul Qiyam

อาณาจักรกุปังปาสู

Anachak Kubang Pasu

1839–1864 File:Flag of Malaysia.svg Malaysia
  • Merged with Syburi (Kedah) province
Kesultanan Pattani

Sultanate of Patani

อาณาจักรปัตตานี

Anachak Pattani

1786–1902 File:Flag of Thailand.svg ThailandFile:Flag of Malaysia.svg Malaysia
  • Annexed
  • Partitioned
    • Pattani
    • Nong Chik
    • Yaring
    • Saiburi
    • Yala
    • Ra'Ngae
    • Kingdom of Reman
Kerajaan Reman

Kingdom of Rahman

อาณาจักรรามัน

Anachak Raman

1902-1909 File:Flag of Thailand.svg ThailandFile:Flag of Malaysia.svg Malaysia
  • Partitioned & Merged
    • Pattani
    • Narathiwat
    • Yala
  • Partly transferred to the British Empire
Kesultanan Terengganu

Sultanate of Terengganu

อาณาจักรตรังกานู

Anachak Trangkanu

1786–1909 File:Flag of Malaysia.svg Malaysia
Kerajaan Besut Darul Iman

Kingdom of Besut Darul Iman

อาณาจักเบอซุต

Anachak Boesut

1780–1899 File:Flag of Malaysia.svg Malaysia
Kesultanan Kelantan

Sultanate of Kelantan

อาณาจักรกลันตัน

Anachak Klantan

1786–1909 File:Flag of Malaysia.svg Malaysia

Eastern Frontier

Vassal States and Dependencies Thai Name Period Under Suzerainty Today Part of Fate
Krong Kampoucheathibtei

Kingdom of Cambodia

อาณาจักรกัมพูชา

Anachak Kampucha

1st 1594–1831 File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
2nd 1845–1863
Principality of Hà Tiên

Ha Tien Protectorate

เมืองพุทไธมาศ

Meuang Phutthaimat

1785–1809 File:Flag of Vietnam.svg VietnamFile:Flag of Cambodia.svg Cambodia
Muang Si Phum

Principality of Si Phum

เมืองศรีภูมิ

Muang Si Phum

1768–1772 File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
  • Annexed
Anachak Champassak

Kingdom of Champasak

อาณาจักรจำปาศักดิ์

Anachak Champasak

1779–1904 File:Flag of Laos.svg LaosFile:Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam

File:Flag of Cambodia.svg Cambodia

  • Downgraded to province
Muang Don Mot Daeng

Principality of Don Mot Daeng

เมืองดอนมดแดง

Muang Don Mot Daeng

1777-1778 File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Anachak Viengchan

Kingdom of Vientiane

อาณาจักรเวียงจันทน์

Anachak Viengchan

1779–1828 File:Flag of Laos.svg LaosFile:Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
Muang Phuan

Principality of Phuan

เมืองพวน

Muang Phuan

1779–1888 File:Flag of Laos.svg LaosFile:Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
Houa Phanh Than Ha Thang Hoc

Federation of the Six Hua Phan Cantons

หัวพันทั้งห้าทั้งหก

Hua Phan Thang Ha Thang Hok

1779–1888 File:Flag of Laos.svg LaosFile:Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
Anachak Luang Phrabang

Kingdom of Luang Prabang

อาณาจักรหลวงพระบาง

Anachak Luang Phrabang

1779–1893 File:Flag of Laos.svg LaosFile:Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
Muang Phongsali

Principality of Phongsali

เมืองพงสาลี

Muang Phongsali

1779–1893 File:Flag of Laos.svg LaosFile:Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
Sip Song Chau Tai

Federation of the 12 Tai Cantons*

สิบสองจุไทย

Sipsong Ju Thai

1st 1779–1806 File:Flag of Laos.svg LaosFile:Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
2nd 1835–1888

Western Frontier

Vassal States and Dependencies Thai Name Period Under Suzerainty Today Part of Fate
Kingdom of Hongsarwatoi

Kingdom of Hanthawaddy

อาณาจักรหงสาวดี

Arnajak Hongsawadi

1st 1287–1298 File:Flag of Myanmar.svg Myanmar
  • Escaped suzerainty
2nd 1307–1317
3rd 1330

*Twelve Cantons were actually composed of twelve to sixteen different cantons. Note that throughout the centuries, different cantons held the same seats. The number of seats range from 12 to 16. **Chiang Khaeng was merged with the Principality of Nan after the transfer.

Lost Territories

There are various territories which were partitioned and transferred to another political entity over the centuries. This could be either that the central government gave an order, or an independent action acted upon by the individual muang prathetsarat.

Map Territory เขตการปกครอง Period Under Suzerainty Fate Today part of
File:Salaween Territory.png
Salaween Territory ดินแดนสาละวิน 1802–1892 Traded to Karenni State and Shan State, British Burma,

gaining Chiang Khaeng.

File:Flag of Myanmar.svg Myanmar,

File:Flag of Laos.svg Laos

File:Chiang Khaeng Territory.png Chiang Khaeng Territory ดินแดนเมืองเชียงแขง 1892–1893 Transferred to the French Third Republic File:Flag of Myanmar.svg Myanmar
File:Kawtaung Territory.png Koh Song Territory ดินแดนเกาะสอง 1769–1864 Ceded to the British Empire File:Flag of Myanmar.svg Myanmar
File:Miawady Territory.png Miawdi Territory ดินแดนเมียวดี 1768–1834 Gifted to the British Empire, from the Kingdom of Chiang Mai File:Flag of Myanmar.svg Myanmar
File:Mohtahmah Territory.png Mohtahmah Territory ดินแดนเมาะตะมะ 1287–1548

1594–1613 1662

Ceded to the Toungoo Dynasty, regained

Ceded to the Toungoo Dynasty, regained Ceded to the Konbaung Dynasty (Third Burmese Empire)

File:Flag of Myanmar.svg Myanmar
File:Thawai Territory.png Thawai Territory ดินแดนทวาย 1287–1548

1593–1613 1662

Ceded to the Toungoo Dynasty, regained

Ceded to the Toungoo Dynasty, regained Ceded to the Konbaung Dynasty (Third Burmese Empire)

File:Flag of Myanmar.svg Myanmar
File:Tanaosi Territory.png
Tanaosi Territory ดินแดนตะนาวสี 1287–1564

1593–1614 1756–1760

Ceded to the Toungoo Dynasty, regained

Ceded to the Toungoo Dynasty, regained Ceded to the Konbaung Dynasty (Third Burmese Empire)

File:Flag of Myanmar.svg Myanmar

Former administrative division maps

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