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]
See main article: Provinces of Thailand. Changwat (th|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]
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. 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. 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.
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]
| 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) |
See main article: Rattanakosin Kingdom (1782–1932).
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. 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]
| Singhanavati Kingdom | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yonok Nahaphan(BC) 691-545 (AD) Capital Destroyed | |||||||||
| Vieng Preuksa545-638 Kingdom Reestablished, Capital Moved | |||||||||
| Lavo Kingdom | Hiran Kingdom | ||||||||
| Lavo (Lopburi)468-1082 | Hiran638 - 850 | ||||||||
| Suphanburi Confederation | Ngoenyang850-1262 | Phayao Kingdom | |||||||
| Ayutthaya1082-1351 Ayutthaya Ceceeded | Suphanburi1000s-1351 Joined Ayutthaya | Chiang Rai1262-1275 | Phayao1094–1338 Lanna Annexed | ||||||
| Fang1275–1281 | |||||||||
| Wiang Kum Kam1281–1292 Kingdom Reestablished | |||||||||
| Sukhothai Kingdom | Lavo (Lopburi)1351-1388 Joined Ayutthaya | Nakhon Si Thammarat Kingdom | Lanna Kingdom | ||||||
| Sukhothai1238-1347 | Ayutthaya Kingdom | Nakhon Si Thammarat1200s-1782Rattanakosin Annexed | Chiang Mai1292–1775 Direct Governance then Kingdom Partitioned into Rattanatingsa, Nan, Lampang, Lamphun, Phrae, Thoen | ||||||
| Songkhwae (Phitsanulok)1347–1438 Ayutthaya Annexed | Ayutthaya 1351–1463 | ||||||||
| Phitsanulok1463-1488 | |||||||||
| Ayutthaya 1488-1680 | Phitsanulok1488-1590 (co-capital) | ||||||||
| Lopburi1680-1688 | |||||||||
| Ayutthaya 1688-1767 Kingdom Partitioned into Phimai, Thonburi, Phitsanulok, Sawangkhaburi | |||||||||
| Phimai Kingdom | Thonburi Kingdom | Phitsanulok Kingdom | Sawangkhaburi | ||||||
| Phimai1767 Thonburi Annexed | Thonburi1767–1782 Coup & Refounded | Phitsanulok1767 Thonburi Annexed | Sawangkhaburi1767 Thonburi Annexed | ||||||
| Rattanakosin Kingdom | RattanatingsaKingdom | NanKingdom | LampangPrincipality | LamphunPrincipality | PhraePrincipality | ||||
| Pra Nakhon (Bangkok)1782–1932 Kingdom Restructured | Chiang Mai1802–1899 | Nan1802–1899 | Lampang1802–1899 | Lamphun1802–1899 | Phrae1802–1899 | ||||
| Rattanakosin Annexed | |||||||||
| Thailand | |||||||||
| Bangkok1932-Now | |||||||||
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. 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]
| Provinces(Thai Name) | Original Namesor Native Names | Made Province / Founded in | Ceased to be Province in | Fate | Today Part of | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bang Lamungบางละมุง | บ้านนาเกลือBan Na Kleua | 1782 | 1910s | merged with Bang Pla Soi | ||
| Bang Pla Soi | บางปลาสร้อย | 1376 | 1910s | merged with Bang Lamung and Phanat Nikhom to form Chonburi | ||
| Chaibadan | ชัยบาดาล | 700s | 1902 | merged into Wichianburi | ||
| Chiayaไชยา | ครหิ Khri | 1820s | 1890s | merged into Kanchanadit | ||
| Inburi | อินทร์บุรี | 1369 | 1897 | merged into Singburi | ||
| Kabinburiกะบิ่นบุรี (กระบินทร์บุรี) | ด่านหนุมานDan Nu Man | 1901 | 1926 | merged with Prachinburi | ||
| Khirirat Nikhomคีรีรัฐนิคม | ท่าขนอนTha Khanon | 1820s | 1890s | merged into Kanchanadit | ||
| Kraburiกระบุรี | ตระTra | 1870s | 1896 | merged into Ranong | ||
| Lang Suanหลังสวน | คลังสวนKlang Suan | 1870s | 1932 | merged into Chumphon | ||
| Lom Sakหล่มสัก | วัดป่าWat Pa | 1767 | 1916 | partitioned between Phetchabun and Loei | ||
| Manorom | มโนรมย์ | before 1770s | 1897 | merged into Chai Nat | ||
| Min Buriมีนบุรี | ท้องนากว้างใหญ่Thongna Kwangyai | 1901 | 1931 | merged into Phra Nakhon | ||
| Nakhon Chai Si | นครชัยศรี | 1570s | 1910s | capital moved to Nakhon Pathom | ||
| Nakhon Khuan Khan | นครเขื่อนขันธ์ | 1819 | 1915 | renamed Phra Pradaeng | ||
| Phanat Nikhomพนัสนิคม | พระรถPhra Rot | before 1770s | 1910s | merged with Bang Pla Soi | ||
| Phanom Sarakhamพนมสารคาม | ดงยางDong Yang | before 1770s | 1910s | merged into Chachoengsao | ||
| Phayu Ha Khiriพยุหะคีรี | บ้านพยุแดนBan Phayu Daen | before 1770s | 1890s | merged into Nakhon Sawan | ||
| Phichai | พิชัย | 1500s | 1887 | capital moved to Uttaradit | ||
| Phra Nakhonพระนคร | ชนะสงครามChana Songkhram | 1782 | 1972 | merged with Thonburi to form Bangkok | ||
| บางกอก Bang Kok | ||||||
| Phromburiพรหมบุรี | พรหมนครPhrom Nakhon | 1350s | 1890s | merged into Singburi | ||
| Pra Pradaengพระประแดง | นครเขื่อนขันธ์Nakhon Kheuan Khan | 1915 | 1932 | merged with Samut Prakan, partitioned from Pra Nakhon and Samut Prakan, merged between Samut Prakan and Thonburi | ||
| Sangkhaburiสรรคบุรี | แพรกศรีราชาPhraek Siracha | 1300s | 1897 | merged into Chai Nat | ||
| ไตรตรึงส์Trai Treung | ||||||
| Sawankhalok | สวรรคโลก | 1894 | 1939 | merge with Sukhothai to form Sawankhalok, later changing the name to Sukhothai | ||
| Si Thepศรีเทพ | อภัยสาลีAphai Sali | before 1770s | 1820s | capital moved to Wichianburi | ||
| Takua Paตะกั่วป่า | ตะโกลาTaloka | 1870s | 1932 | merged into Pang Nga | ||
| Takua Thungตะกั่วทุ่ง | กราภูงาKra Phunga | 1820s | 1899 | merged into Pang Nga | ||
| Thalang | ถลาง | 1820s | 1812 | destroyed during the Burmese–Siamese War (1809–1812), which then the territory is administered by Nakhon Si Thammarat | ||
| Thanyaburiธัญบุรี | รังสิตRangsit | 1901 | 1932 | merged into Pathum Thani | ||
| Thonburi Si Mahasamutธนบุรีศรีมหาสมุทร | บางกอก Bang Kok | 1767 | 1972 | merged with Phra Nakhon to form Bangkok | ||
| Wichianburiวิเชียรบุรี | ท่าโรงTha Rong | 1830s | 1898 | merged into Phetchabun |
| Provinces(Thai Name) | Native Names(Local/Original Names) | Made Province in | Ceased to be Province in | Fate | Today Part of | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiang Khaengเชียงแขง | ဝဵင်းၵဵင်းၸဵင်Weng Keng Cheng | 1892 | 1893 | partitioned between France and Britain, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | ||
| Saharat Thai Doem | สหรัฐไทยเดิม | 1943 | 1945 | ceded to Britain | ||
| Uthai อุทัย Lan Chang ล้านช้าง | ປາກລາຍ Paklay | 1940 | 1945 | ceded to France |
| Provinces(Thai Name) | Native Names(Local/Original Names) | Made Province in | Ceased to be Province in | Fate | Today Part of | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attapueอัตตะปือ | ອັດກະປືAtkapu | 1778 | 1893 | ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | ||
| Borikhan Nikhomบริคัณฑ์นิคม | ປະຊຸມພະນາລັຍPaxoumphanalai | 1830 | 1893 | ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | ||
| Chaiburiไชยบุรี | ປາກນ້ຳສົງຄາມPaknam Songkham | 1830 | 1914 | merged with Nong Khai | ||
| Chiang Khouangเชียงขวาง | ພວນPhouan | 1828 | 1893 | ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | ||
| Chonnabotชนบท | ຫນອງແກ້ວ Nongkeo(ບຶງແກ້ວ) (Bungkeo) | 1792 | 1914 | partitioned between Chaiyaphum and Khon Kaen | ||
| Det Udomเดชอุดม | ປາກໂດມ Pakdom(ໂດມໃຫຍ່) (Domnyai) | 1845 | 1912 | merged into Sisaket | ||
| Kamalasaiกมลาสัย | ສະປົວດົງມະຂາມເກົ່າSapouadongmakhamkao | 1840 | 1913 | partitioned between Kalasin and Roi Et | ||
| Kham Kertคำเกิด | ຄຳເກີດKhamkeut | 1839 | 1893 | ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | ||
| Kham Muanคำม่วน | ຄຳມ່ວນKhammouan | 1839 | 1893 | ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | ||
| Kham Thong Luangคำทองหลวง | ແກ້ງອາເຣີມKengareum | 1828 | 1893 | ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | ||
| Khemmaratเขมราฐ (เขมราฐธานี) | ໂຄກກົ່ງດົງພະນຽງKhokkongdongphaniang | 1814 | 1893 | partitioned between Siam and France, merged into Ubon Ratchathani, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | ||
| Khon Sanคอนสาร | ຄອນສານKhonsan | 1787 | 1890s | partitioned between Chaiyaphum and Khon Kaen | ||
| Khukhanขุขันธ์ (คุขันธ์) | ປາສາດສີ່ຫຼ່ຽມPasat 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 | ||
| Phra Tabongพระตะบอง | បាត់ដំបងBadthumbang | 1795 | 1893 | ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | ||
| Nang Rongนางรอง | ນະຮອງNahong | 1820s | 1892 | merged into Buriram | ||
| Nongนอง | ນອງNong | 1825 | 1890s | merged with Mukdahan | ||
| Nong Hanหนองหาร (หนองละหาร) | ຫນອງຫານນ້ອຍNonghannoy | 1787 | 1910s | merged with Nong Khai | ||
| Phon Phisaiโพนพิสัย | ໂພນແພງPhonpheng | 1830 | 1906 | merged with Nong Khai | ||
| Phu Khiao | ภูเขียว | 1810s | 1899 | merged into Chaiyaphum | ||
| Phu Len Changภูแล่นช้าง | ພູແດນຊ້າງPhoudenxang | 1840 | 1910s | merged into Kalasin | ||
| Phutthaisongพุทไธสง | ຫມາກເຟືອງຫົວແຮດMakfuang Houahet | 1820s | 1892 | merged into Buriram | ||
| Pra Khon Chaiประโคนชัย (ตะลุง) | ຕະລຸມດອTaloumdo ตลุง Talung | 1820s | 1892 | merged into Buriram | ||
| Rattanaburiรัตนบุรี | เมืองศรีนครเตาMuang Si Nakhon Tao | 1820s | 1892 | merged into Buriram | ||
| Salawanสาละวัน | ເມືອງມັ່ນMuangman | 1828 | 1893 | ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | ||
| Sangkhaสังขะ(สังฆะ) | ໂຄກອັຈຈະKhokachcha | 1759 | 1893 | partitioned between Siam and France, merged into Surin, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | ||
| Suwannaphumสุวรรณภูมิ | ສີພູມSiphum | 1772 | 1908 | partitioned between Maha Sarakham and Roi Et | ||
| Tha Uthenท่าอุเทน | ທ່າບຶງອຸThabungou | 1830 | 1907 | merged with Nakhon Phanom | ||
| Wangวัง | ວັງVang | 1830 | 1890s | merged with Mukdahan |
| Provinces(Thai Name) | Native Names(Local/Original Names) | Made Province in | Ceased to be Province in | Fate | Today Part of | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiang Taengเชียงแตง | ស្ទឹងត្រែងStoengtrang | 1784 | 1893 | ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | ||
| 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. | ||
| Phanom Sokพนมสก | ភ្នំស្រុកPhnomsrok | 1835 | 1893 | ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | ||
| Phibunsongkhram | พิบูลสงคราม | 1941 | 1946 | concession to France, allowing the Kingdom of Thailand to join the United Nation, passing the French veto. | ||
| Nakhon Champassakนครจัมปาศักดิ์ | ເມືອງຄັນເດີງMuang Khandeung | 1941 | 1946 | concession to France, allowing the Kingdom of Thailand to join the United Nation, passing the French veto. | ||
| Phra Tabongพระตะบอง | បាត់ដំបងBadthumbang | 1941 | 1946 | concession to France, allowing the Kingdom of Thailand to join the United Nation, passing the French veto. | ||
| Prachan Khiri Khetประจันตคีรีเขตร | ខេមរភូមិន្ទKhemaraphoumin | 1855 | 1893 | partitioned between Siam and France, merged into Trat, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | ||
| Saen Pangแสนปาง | សៀមប៉ាងSiempang | 1798 | 1893 | ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | ||
| Siemmaratเสียมราฐ | សៀមរាបSiemreab | 1835 | 1893 | ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | ||
| Sisophonศรีโสภณ | សិរីសោភ័ណSerisaophoan | 1835 | 1893 | ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | ||
| Sitandonสี่ตันดอน | ເມືອງໂຂງMuang Khong | 1828 | 1893 | ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 |
| Provinces(Thai Name) | Native Names(Local/Original Names) | Made Province in | Ceased to be Province in | Fate | Today Part of | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalantanกลันตัน | Klate | 19001943 | 19091945 | 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) | ||
| Nong Chikหนองจิก | Tujong(Tawar/Nuachi) | 1900 | 1900s | joied as a part of the Pattani Kingdom, partitioned and then merged into Pattani | ||
| Palienปะเหลียน | Palanda(Tanjong Sala) | 1900 | 1891 | merged into Kantang | ||
| Palitปะลิส | Perlis | 19001943 | 19091945 | 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) | ||
| Ra'Ngaeระแงะ | 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 | ||
| Ramanรามัน | 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 | ||
| Sai Buriสายบุรี | Selindungbayu-Semalanbulan-Matanduwah | 1900 | 1932 | joied as a part of the Pattani Kingdom, partitioned between Pattani and Narathiwat | ||
| Syburiไทรบุรี | Kedah | 19001943 | 19091945 | 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) | ||
| Trangkanuตรังกานู | Tranung | 19001943 | 19091945 | 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) | ||
| Yaringยะหริ่ง | Jaring | 1900 | 1900s | joied as a part of the Pattani Kingdom, partitioned and then merged into Pattani |
| Seal | Name[20] | จังหวัด | Made Province in | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thai: อำนาจเจริญ | ||||
| Thai: อ่างทอง | ||||
| (special administrative area) | Thai: กรุงเทพมหานคร | |||
| Thai: บึงกาฬ | ||||
| Thai: บุรีรัมย์ | 1775 | |||
| Thai: ฉะเชิงเทรา | ||||
| Thai: ชัยนาท | ||||
| Thai: ชัยภูมิ | ||||
| Thai: จันทบุรี | ||||
| Thai: เชียงใหม่ | ||||
| Thai: เชียงราย | ||||
| Thai: ชลบุรี | ||||
| Thai: ชุมพร | ||||
| Thai: กาฬสินธุ์ | 1791 | |||
| Thai: กำแพงเพชร | ||||
| Thai: กาญจนบุรี | ||||
| Thai: ขอนแก่น | 1797 | |||
| Thai: กระบี่ | ||||
| Thai: ลำปาง | ||||
| Thai: ลำพูน | ||||
| Thai: เลย | ||||
| Thai: ลพบุรี | ||||
| Thai: แม่ฮ่องสอน | ||||
| Thai: มหาสารคาม | 1865 | |||
| Thai: มุกดาหาร | 1770 | |||
| Thai: นครนายก | ||||
| Thai: นครปฐม | ||||
| Thai: นครพนม | 1796 | |||
| Thai: นครราชสีมา | 1768 | |||
| Thai: นครสวรรค์ | ||||
| Thai: นครศรีธรรมราช | ||||
| Thai: น่าน | ||||
| Thai: นราธิวาส | ||||
| Thai: หนองบัวลำภู | ||||
| Thai: หนองคาย | 1827 | |||
| Thai: นนทบุรี | ||||
| Thai: ปทุมธานี | ||||
| Thai: ปัตตานี | ||||
| Thai: พังงา | ||||
| Thai: พัทลุง | ||||
| Thai: พะเยา | ||||
| Thai: เพชรบูรณ์ | ||||
| Thai: เพชรบุรี | ||||
| Thai: พิจิตร | ||||
| Thai: พิษณุโลก | ||||
| Thai: แพร่ | ||||
| Thai: พระนครศรีอยุธยา | ||||
| Thai: ภูเก็ต | ||||
| Thai: ปราจีนบุรี | ||||
| Thai: ประจวบคีรีขันธ์ | ||||
| Thai: ระนอง | ||||
| Thai: ราชบุรี | ||||
| Thai: ระยอง | ||||
| Thai: ร้อยเอ็ด | 1775 | |||
| Thai: สระแก้ว | ||||
| Thai: สกลนคร | 1826 | |||
| Thai: สมุทรปราการ | ||||
| Thai: สมุทรสาคร | ||||
| Thai: สมุทรสงคราม | ||||
| Thai: สระบุรี | ||||
| Thai: สตูล | ||||
| Thai: สิงห์บุรี | ||||
| Thai: ศรีสะเกษ | 1782 | |||
| Thai: สงขลา | ||||
| Thai: สุโขทัย | ||||
| Thai: สุพรรณบุรี | ||||
| Thai: สุราษฎร์ธานี | ||||
| Thai: สุรินทร์ | 1759 | |||
| Thai: ตาก | ||||
| Thonburi | ธนบุรี | |||
| Thai: ตรัง | ||||
| Thai: ตราด | ||||
| Thai: อุบลราชธานี | 1791 | |||
| Thai: อุดรธานี | ||||
| Thai: อุทัยธานี | ||||
| Thai: อุตรดิตถ์ | ||||
| Thai: ยะลา | ||||
| Thai: ยโสธร | 1814 | |||
| Total | ยอดรวม |
See main article: Districts of Thailand.
Amphoe (th|อำเภอ) or districts are the second level of administration. There are 878 amphoe throughout Thailand. They are led by a Nai Amphoe (th|นายอำเภอ) or district chief who is appointed by the central government. These districts vary greatly in size and population. Amphoe mueang)th|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]
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 (th|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.
See main article: Tambon.
Tambon (th|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]
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.
See main article: Muban.
Muban (th|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 (th|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 (th|ชุมชน) is used, although this is an unofficial title and is unrelated to the central government.
See main article: Thesaban. Thesaban (th|เทศบาล) or municipalities is the second level of administration. There are three types of municipalities: thesaban nakhon, thesaban muang, and thesaban tambon.
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 (th|สุขาภิบาล) created to manage waste. Sukhaphiban used to co-exist with thesaban until it was abolished in 1999.
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.
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.
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.
See main article: Bangkok Metropolitan Region. Bangkok Metropolitan Region (th|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]
See main article: Regions of Thailand.
Phak (th|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:
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]
| 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 | |||||||||
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.
See main article: Monthon.
Monthon (th|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 | 18991907 | 1903 - merged into Monthon Phitsanulok1916 - 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 |
See main article: Boriwen.
Boriwen (th|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).
See main article: 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]
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.
| Vassal States and Dependencies | Thai Name | Period Under Suzerainty | Today Part of | Fate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keng Tung StatePrincipality of Keng Tung | เมืองเชียงตุงMeuang Chiang Tung | 1802–1812 |
| ||
Sipsong PannaFederation of 12 Thai Cantons
| สิบสองปันนาSipsong Panna | 1805–1812 |
| ||
| Keng Lat StateCanton of Chiang Lap | เมืองเชียงลาบMuang Chiang Lab | 1802–1812 |
| ||
| Keng Cheng StatePrincipality of Chiang Khaeng | เชียงแขงChiang Khaeng | 1st | 1802–1812 |
| |
| 2nd | 1892–1893** | ||||
| Vassal States and Dependencies | Thai Name | Period Under Suzerainty | Today Part of | Fate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anachak SukhothaiKingdom of Sukhothai | อาณาจักรสุโขทัยAnachak Sukhothai | 1378–1438 |
| ||
| Meuang ThoenPrincipality of Thoen | เมืองเถินMeuang Thoen | 1776-1915 |
| ||
| Rattana Tingsa Aphinawapuri Si Khuru Rattha Phra NakhonKingdom of Chiang Mai | นครเชียงใหม่Nakhon Chiang Mai | 1775–1939 |
| ||
| Nakhon Meuang LampangPrincipality of Lampang | นครเมืองลำปางNakhon Meuang Lampang | 1775–1922 |
| ||
| Nakhon Muang NanPrincipality of Nan | นครเมืองน่านNakhon Meuang Nan | 1775–1931 |
| ||
| Nakhon LamphunPrincipality of Lamphun | นครลำพูนNakhon Lamphun | 1775–1926 |
| ||
| Meuang PhraePrincipality of Phrae | เมืองแพร่Meuang Phrae | 1775–1902 |
|
| Vassal States and Dependencies | Thai Name | Period Under Suzerainty | Today Part of | Fate | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingdom of LigorKingdom of Nakhon Si Thammarat | อาณาจักรนครศรีธรรมราชAnachak Nakhon Si Thammarat | 1st | 1238–1767 |
| ||
| 2nd | 1769–1784 | |||||
| Kesultanan KedahSultanate of Kedah | อาณาจักรเกอดะฮ์Anachak Koeda | 1821–1909 |
| |||
| Kerajaan Setul Mambang SegaraKingdom of Setul Mambang Segara | ราชอาณาจักรเซอตุลRacha Anachak Seotun | 1808–1909 |
| |||
| Perlis Indera KayanganKingdom of Perlis | อาณาจักรปะลิสAnachak Palit | 1843–1909 |
| |||
| Kerajaan Kubang Pasu Darul QiyamKingdom of Kubang Pasu Darul Qiyam | อาณาจักรกุปังปาสูAnachak Kubang Pasu | 1839–1864 |
| |||
| Kesultanan PattaniSultanate of Patani | อาณาจักรปัตตานีAnachak Pattani | 1786–1902 |
| |||
| Kerajaan RemanKingdom of Rahman | อาณาจักรรามันAnachak Raman | 1902-1909 |
| |||
| Kesultanan TerengganuSultanate of Terengganu | อาณาจักรตรังกานูAnachak Trangkanu | 1786–1909 |
| |||
| Kerajaan Besut Darul ImanKingdom of Besut Darul Iman | อาณาจักเบอซุตAnachak Boesut | 1780–1899 |
| |||
| Kesultanan KelantanSultanate of Kelantan | อาณาจักรกลันตันAnachak Klantan | 1786–1909 |
| |||
| Vassal States and Dependencies | Thai Name | Period Under Suzerainty | Today Part of | Fate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Krong KampoucheathibteiKingdom of Cambodia | อาณาจักรกัมพูชาAnachak Kampucha | 1st | 1594–1831 |
| |
| 2nd | 1845–1863 | ||||
| Principality of Hà TiênHa Tien Protectorate | เมืองพุทไธมาศMeuang Phutthaimat | 1785–1809 |
| ||
| Muang Si PhumPrincipality of Si Phum | เมืองศรีภูมิMuang Si Phum | 1768–1772 |
| ||
| Anachak ChampassakKingdom of Champasak | อาณาจักรจำปาศักดิ์Anachak Champasak | 1779–1904 |
| ||
| Muang Don Mot DaengPrincipality of Don Mot Daeng | เมืองดอนมดแดงMuang Don Mot Daeng | 1777-1778 |
| ||
| Anachak ViengchanKingdom of Vientiane | อาณาจักรเวียงจันทน์Anachak Viengchan | 1779–1828 |
| ||
| Muang PhuanPrincipality of Phuan | เมืองพวนMuang Phuan | 1779–1888 |
| ||
| Houa Phanh Than Ha Thang HocFederation of the Six Hua Phan Cantons | หัวพันทั้งห้าทั้งหกHua Phan Thang Ha Thang Hok | 1779–1888 |
| ||
| Anachak Luang PhrabangKingdom of Luang Prabang | อาณาจักรหลวงพระบางAnachak Luang Phrabang | 1779–1893 |
| ||
| Muang PhongsaliPrincipality of Phongsali | เมืองพงสาลีMuang Phongsali | 1779–1893 |
| ||
Sip Song Chau TaiFederation of the 12 Tai Cantons*
| สิบสองจุไทยSipsong Ju Thai | 1st | 1779–1806 |
| |
| 2nd | 1835–1888 | ||||
| Vassal States and Dependencies | Thai Name | Period Under Suzerainty | Today Part of | Fate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingdom of HongsarwatoiKingdom of Hanthawaddy | อาณาจักรหงสาวดีArnajak Hongsawadi | 1st | 1287–1298 |
| |
| 2nd | 1307–1317 | ||||
| 3rd | 1330 | ||||
**Chiang Khaeng was merged with the Principality of Nan after the transfer.
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.
| Salaween Territory | ดินแดนสาละวิน | 1802–1892 | Traded to Karenni State and Shan State, British Burma,gaining Chiang Khaeng. | , | ||
| Chiang Khaeng Territory | ดินแดนเมืองเชียงแขง | 1892–1893 | Transferred to the French Third Republic | |||
| Koh Song Territory | ดินแดนเกาะสอง | 1769–1864 | Ceded to the British Empire | |||
| Miawdi Territory | ดินแดนเมียวดี | 1768–1834 | Gifted to the British Empire, from the Kingdom of Chiang Mai | |||
| Mohtahmah Territory | ดินแดนเมาะตะมะ | 1287–15481594–1613 1662 | Ceded to the Toungoo Dynasty, regainedCeded to the Toungoo Dynasty, regained Ceded to the Konbaung Dynasty (Third Burmese Empire) | |||
| Thawai Territory | ดินแดนทวาย | 1287–15481593–1613 1662 | Ceded to the Toungoo Dynasty, regainedCeded to the Toungoo Dynasty, regained Ceded to the Konbaung Dynasty (Third Burmese Empire) | |||
| Tanaosi Territory | ดินแดนตะนาวสี | 1287–15641593–1614 1756–1760 | Ceded to the Toungoo Dynasty, regainedCeded to the Toungoo Dynasty, regained Ceded to the Konbaung Dynasty (Third Burmese Empire) |