Administrative divisions of Thailand

Administrative divisions
of Thailand

Provincial divisions

* Province (Changwat)
* District (Amphoe)
* Subdistrict (Tambon)
* Village (Muban)

Local divisions
|  First-level

* Provincial administrative organisation
(Ongkan borihan suan changwat)

* * *

* Bangkok†
(Krung Thep Maha Nakhon)

Second-level

* City municipality
(Thesaban nakhon)

* * *

* Town municipality
(Thesaban mueang)

* * *

* Subdistrict municipality
(Thesaban tambon)

* * *

* Subdistrict administrative organisation
(Ongkan borihan suan tambon)

* * *

* Pattaya City†
(Mueang Pattaya)

Subdivisions of Bangkok

* District (Khet)
* Subdistrict (Khwaeng)

Subdivisions of City municipality

* Khwaeng

Note: † Special administrative area

* v
* t
* e

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

[edit]

### Provinces

[edit]

Main article: Provinces of Thailand

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

It has been suggested that this section be split out into another article titled History of the administrative divisions of Thailand. (Discuss) (June 2024)

|

##### Ayutthaya Kingdom

[edit]

Main article: 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

[edit]

Main article: Rattanakosin Kingdom (1782–1932)

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

[edit]

|  |  |  | Singhanavati Kingdom |

|
|
|
|
|

Yonok Nahaphan

(BC) 691-545 (AD)

Capital Destroyed

Vieng Preuksa

545-638

Kingdom Reestablished, Capital Moved

Lavo Kingdom | Hiran-Ngoenyang Kingdom
Lavo (Lopburi)

468-1082

| Hiran

638 - 850

Suphannaphum 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

[edit]

It has been suggested that this section be split out into another article titled History of the administrative divisions of Thailand. (Discuss) (June 2024)

|

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]

Maximum Siamese influence within south east Asia (1806) (quickly losing territory their after)

#### Core Provinces

[edit]

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 Thailand
Bang Pla Soi | บางปลาสร้อย | 1376  | 1910s  | merged with Bang Lamung and Phanat Nikhom to form Chonburi  | Chonburi Thailand
Chaibadan | ชัยบาดาล | 700s  | 1902  | merged into Wichianburi  | Phetchabun Thailand
Chiaya

ไชยา

| ครหิ

Khri

| 1820s  | 1890s  | merged into Kanchanadit  | Surat Thani Thailand
Inburi | อินทร์บุรี | 1369  | 1897  | merged into Singburi  | Singburi Thailand
Kabinburi

กะบิ่นบุรี

(กระบินทร์บุรี)

| ด่านหนุมาน

Dan Nu Man

| 1901  | 1926  | merged with Prachinburi  | Prachinburi and Sa Kaeo Thailand
Khirirat Nikhom

คีรีรัฐนิคม

| ท่าขนอน

Tha Khanon

| 1820s  | 1890s  | merged into Kanchanadit  | Surat Thani Thailand
Kraburi

กระบุรี

| ตระ

Tra

| 1870s  | 1896  | merged into Ranong  | Ranong Thailand
Lang Suan

หลังสวน

| คลังสวน

Klang Suan

| 1870s  | 1932  | merged into Chumphon  | Chumphon Thailand
Lom Sak

หล่มสัก

| วัดป่า

Wat Pa

| 1767  | 1916  | partitioned between Phetchabun and Loei  | Phetchabun and Loei Thailand
Manorom | มโนรมย์ | before 1770s  | 1897  | merged into Chai Nat  | Chai Nat Thailand
Min Buri

มีนบุรี

| ท้องนากว้างใหญ่

Thongna Kwangyai

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

พนัสนิคม

| พระรถ

Phra Rot

| before 1770s  | 1910s  | merged with Bang Pla Soi  | Chonburi Thailand
Phanom Sarakham

พนมสารคาม

| ดงยาง

Dong Yang

| before 1770s  | 1910s  | merged into Chachoengsao  | Chachoengsao Thailand
Phayu Ha Khiri

พยุหะคีรี

| บ้านพยุแดน

Ban Phayu Daen

| before 1770s  | 1890s  | merged into Nakhon Sawan  | Nakhon Sawan Thailand
Phichai | พิชัย | 1500s  | 1887  | capital moved to Uttaradit  | Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, and Loei Thailand, Sainyaburi and Vientiane Laos
Phra Nakhon

พระนคร

| ชนะสงคราม

Chana Songkhram

| 1782  | 1972  | merged with Thonburi to form Bangkok  | Bangkok Thailand
บางกอก

Bang Kok

Phromburi

พรหมบุรี

| พรหมนคร

Phrom Nakhon

| 1350s  | 1890s  | merged into Singburi  | Singburi 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 Thailand
Sangkhaburi

สรรคบุรี

| แพรกศรีราชา

Phraek Siracha

| 1300s  | 1897  | merged into Chai Nat  | Chai Nat Thailand
ไตรตรึงส์

Trai Treung

Sawankhalok | สวรรคโลก | 1894  | 1939  | merge with Sukhothai to form Sawankhalok, later changing the name to Sukhothai  | Sukhothai Thailand
Si Thep

ศรีเทพ

| อภัยสาลี

Aphai Sali

| before 1770s  | 1820s  | capital moved to Wichianburi  | Phetchabun Thailand
Takua Pa

ตะกั่วป่า

| ตะโกลา

Taloka

| 1870s  | 1932  | merged into Pang Nga  | Pang Nga Thailand
Takua Thung

ตะกั่วทุ่ง

| กราภูงา

Kra Phunga

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

ธัญบุรี

| รังสิต

Rangsit

| 1901  | 1932  | merged into Pathum Thani  | Pathum Thani Thailand
Thonburi Si Mahasamut

ธนบุรีศรีมหาสมุทร

| บางกอก

Bang Kok

| 1767  | 1972  | merged with Phra Nakhon to form Bangkok  | Bangkok Thailand
Wichianburi

วิเชียรบุรี

| ท่าโรง

Tha Rong

| 1830s  | 1898  | merged into Phetchabun  | Phetchabun Thailand

#### Lanna Frontier

[edit]

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 Myanmar, Luang Namtha and Bokeo Laos
Saharat Thai Doem | สหรัฐไทยเดิม | 1943  | 1945  | ceded to Britain  | Shan State Myanmar
Uthai

อุทัย

Lan Chang

ล้านช้าง

| ປາກລາຍ

Paklay

| 1940  | 1945  | ceded to France  | Sainyabuli and Luang Prabang Laos

#### Lan Chang Frontier

[edit]

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 Laos, Kon Tum and Gia Lai Vietnam
Borikhan Nikhom

บริคัณฑ์นิคม

| ປະຊຸມພະນາລັຍ

Paxoumphanalai

| 1830  | 1893  | ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | Bolikhamxai Laos
Chaiburi

ไชยบุรี

| ປາກນ້ຳສົງຄາມ

Paknam Songkham

| 1830  | 1914  | merged with Nong Khai  | Bueng Kan Thailand
Chiang Khouang

เชียงขวาง

| ພວນ

Phouan

| 1828  | 1893  | ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | Xiangkhouang Laos
Chonnabot

ชนบท

| ຫນອງແກ້ວ Nongkeo

(ບຶງແກ້ວ) (Bungkeo)

| 1792  | 1914  | partitioned between Chaiyaphum and Khon Kaen  | Chaiyaphum and Khon Kaen Thailand
Det Udom

เดชอุดม

| ປາກໂດມ Pakdom

(ໂດມໃຫຍ່) (Domnyai)

| 1845  | 1912  | merged into Sisaket  | Ubon Ratchathani Thailand
Kamalasai

กมลาสัย

| ສະປົວດົງມະຂາມເກົ່າ

Sapouadongmakhamkao

| 1840  | 1913  | partitioned between Kalasin and Roi Et  | Kalasin and Roi Et Thailand
Kham Kert

คำเกิด

| ຄຳເກີດ

Khamkeut

| 1839  | 1893  | ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | Khammouane Laos
Kham Muan

คำม่วน

| ຄຳມ່ວນ

Khammouan

| 1839  | 1893  | ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | Khammouane Laos
Kham Thong Luang

คำทองหลวง

| ແກ້ງອາເຣີມ

Kengareum

| 1828  | 1893  | ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | Stung Teng 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 Thailand, Savannakhet Laos
Khon San

คอนสาร

| ຄອນສານ

Khonsan

| 1787  | 1890s  | partitioned between Chaiyaphum and Khon Kaen  | Chaiyaphum and Khon Kaen 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 Thailand, Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear 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 Cambodia
Nang Rong

นางรอง

| ນະຮອງ

Nahong

| 1820s  | 1892  | merged into Buriram  | Buriram Thailand
Nong

นอง

| ນອງ

Nong

| 1825  | 1890s  | merged with Mukdahan  | Savannakhet Laos
Nong Han

หนองหาร

(หนองละหาร)

| ຫນອງຫານນ້ອຍ

Nonghannoy

| 1787  | 1910s  | merged with Nong Khai  | Nong Khai Thailand
Phon Phisai

โพนพิสัย

| ໂພນແພງ

Phonpheng

| 1830  | 1906  | merged with Nong Khai  | Nong Khai and Bueng Kan Thailand
Phu Khiao | ภูเขียว | 1810s  | 1899  | merged into Chaiyaphum  | Chaiyaphum Thailand
Phu Len Chang

ภูแล่นช้าง

| ພູແດນຊ້າງ

Phoudenxang

| 1840  | 1910s  | merged into Kalasin  | Kalasin Thailand
Phutthaisong

พุทไธสง

| ຫມາກເຟືອງຫົວແຮດ

Makfuang Houahet

| 1820s  | 1892  | merged into Buriram  | Buriram Thailand
Pra Khon Chai

ประโคนชัย

(ตะลุง)

| ຕະລຸມດອ

Taloumdo

ตลุง

Talung

| 1820s  | 1892  | merged into Buriram  | Buriram Thailand
Rattanaburi

รัตนบุรี

| เมืองศรีนครเตา

Muang Si Nakhon Tao

| 1820s  | 1892  | merged into Buriram  | Surin Thailand
Salawan

สาละวัน

| ເມືອງມັ່ນ

Muangman

| 1828  | 1893  | ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | Salavan and Sekong 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 Thailand, Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap Cambodia
Suwannaphum

สุวรรณภูมิ

| ສີພູມ

Siphum

| 1772  | 1908  | partitioned between Maha Sarakham and Roi Et  | Maha Sarakham and Roi Et Thailand
Tha Uthen

ท่าอุเทน

| ທ່າບຶງອຸ

Thabungou

| 1830  | 1907  | merged with Nakhon Phanom  | Nakhon Phanom Thailand
Wang

วัง

| ວັງ

Vang

| 1830  | 1890s  | merged with Mukdahan  | Savannakhet Laos

#### Khmer Frontier

[edit]

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 Cambodia, Đắk Lắk, Đắk Nông and Gia Lai 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 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 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 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 Cambodia, Champasak 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 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 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 Cambodia
Siemmarat

เสียมราฐ

| សៀមរាប

Siemreab

| 1835  | 1893  | ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | Siem Reap Cambodia
Sisophon

ศรีโสภณ

| សិរីសោភ័ណ

Serisaophoan

| 1835  | 1893  | ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | Banteay Meanchey Cambodia
Sitandon

สี่ตันดอน

| ເມືອງໂຂງ

Muang Khong

| 1828  | 1893  | ceded to France, as part of the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 | Stung Teng Cambodia

#### Malay Frontier

[edit]

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 Thailand, Kelantan Malaysia
Nong Chik

หนองจิก

| Tujong

(Tawar/Nuachi)

| 1900  | 1900s  | joied as a part of the Pattani Kingdom, partitioned and then merged into Pattani  | Pattani Thailand
Palien

ปะเหลียน

| Palanda

(Tanjong Sala)

| 1900  | 1891  | merged into Kantang  | Trang 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 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 Thailand, Kelantan 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 Thailand, Perak Malaysia
Sai Buri

สายบุรี

| Selindungbayu-Semalanbulan-Matanduwah | 1900  | 1932  | joied as a part of the Pattani Kingdom, partitioned between Pattani and Narathiwat  | Chumphon 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 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 Malaysia
Yaring

ยะหริ่ง

| Jaring | 1900  | 1900s  | joied as a part of the Pattani Kingdom, partitioned and then merged into Pattani  | Pattani Thailand

* these provinces were formed in different periods but lost during 19th and 20th century

### Current Provinces

[edit]

Seal  | Name[20] | จังหวัด  | Made Province in

|
|
|

|  Amnat Charoen | อำนาจเจริญ |
|  Ang Thong | อ่างทอง |
|  Bangkok (special administrative area)  | กรุงเทพมหานคร |
|  Bueng Kan | บึงกาฬ |
|  Buriram | บุรีรัมย์ | 1775
|  Chachoengsao | ฉะเชิงเทรา |
|  Chai Nat | ชัยนาท |
|  Chaiyaphum | ชัยภูมิ |
|  Chanthaburi | จันทบุรี |
|  Chiang Mai | เชียงใหม่ |
|  Chiang Rai | เชียงราย |
|  Chonburi | ชลบุรี |
|  Chumphon | ชุมพร |
|  Kalasin | กาฬสินธุ์ | 1791
|  Kamphaeng Phet | กำแพงเพชร |
|  Kanchanaburi | กาญจนบุรี |
|  Khon Kaen | ขอนแก่น | 1797
|  Krabi | กระบี่ |
|  Lampang | ลำปาง |
|  Lamphun | ลำพูน |
|  Loei | เลย |
|  Lopburi | ลพบุรี |
|  Mae Hong Son | แม่ฮ่องสอน |
|  Maha Sarakham | มหาสารคาม | 1865
|  Mukdahan | มุกดาหาร | 1770
|  Nakhon Nayok | นครนายก |
|  Nakhon Pathom | นครปฐม |
|  Nakhon Phanom | นครพนม | 1796
|  Nakhon Ratchasima | นครราชสีมา | 1768
|  Nakhon Sawan | นครสวรรค์ |
|  Nakhon Si Thammarat | นครศรีธรรมราช |
|  Nan | น่าน |
|  Narathiwat | นราธิวาส |
|  Nong Bua Lamphu | หนองบัวลำภู |
|  Nong Khai | หนองคาย | 1827
|  Nonthaburi | นนทบุรี |
|  Pathum Thani | ปทุมธานี |
|  Pattani | ปัตตานี |
|  Phang Nga | พังงา |
|  Phatthalung | พัทลุง |
|  Phayao | พะเยา |
|  Phetchabun | เพชรบูรณ์ |
|  Phetchaburi | เพชรบุรี |
|  Phichit | พิจิตร |
|  Phitsanulok | พิษณุโลก |
|  Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya | พระนครศรีอยุธยา |
|  Phrae | แพร่ |
|  Phuket | ภูเก็ต |
|  Prachinburi | ปราจีนบุรี |
|  Prachuap Khiri Khan | ประจวบคีรีขันธ์ |
|  Ranong | ระนอง |
|  Ratchaburi | ราชบุรี |
|  Rayong | ระยอง |
|  Roi Et | ร้อยเอ็ด | 1775
|  Sa Kaeo | สระแก้ว |
|  Sakon Nakhon | สกลนคร | 1826
|  Samut Prakan | สมุทรปราการ |
|  Samut Sakhon | สมุทรสาคร |
|  Samut Songkhram | สมุทรสงคราม |
|  Saraburi | สระบุรี |
|  Satun | สตูล |
|  Sing Buri | สิงห์บุรี |
|  Sisaket | ศรีสะเกษ | 1782
|  Songkhla | สงขลา |
|  Sukhothai | สุโขทัย |
|  Suphan Buri | สุพรรณบุรี |
|  Surat Thani | สุราษฎร์ธานี |
|  Surin | สุรินทร์ | 1759
|  Tak | ตาก |
|  Trang | ตรัง |
|  Trat | ตราด |
|  Ubon Ratchathani | อุบลราชธานี | 1791
|  Udon Thani | อุดรธานี |
|  Uthai Thani | อุทัยธานี |
|  Uttaradit | อุตรดิตถ์ |
|  Yala | ยะลา |
|  Yasothon | ยโสธร | 1814
| Total | ยอดรวม |

### Amphoe (Districts)

[edit]

Main article: Districts of Thailand

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

[edit]

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)

[edit]

Main article: Tambon

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

[edit]

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)

[edit]

Main article: Muban

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

[edit]

### Ordinary local administrative divisions

[edit]

#### Thesaban (municipalities)

[edit]

Main article: Thesaban

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

[edit]

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.

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)

[edit]

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

[edit]

### Krungthepmahanakhon lae Parimonthon (Bangkok Metropolitan Region)

[edit]

Main article: Bangkok Metropolitan Region

Bangkok Metropolitan Area's Municipalities Thailand Regions 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)

[edit]

Main article: Regions of Thailand

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

### Monthon

[edit]

Main article: Monthon

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
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

[edit]

Main article: 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

[edit]

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]

### Muang Prathetsarat

[edit]

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]

#### Constituent States of Ayutthaya

[edit]

The Kingdom of Ayutthaya was founded on a merger between two confederative states: Lavapura, and Suphannaphum. The city of Ayutthaya was chosen as this new state's capital, even though Ayutthaya and Lopburi was already in a similar situation to this new state (Ayothaya and Lopburi was a federation in itself). This merger would led to a termoil which would last for half a century where the Supannaphum dynasty would emerge victorious.

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

|
|
|
|

Suvarnabhumi

Confederation of Suphannaphum

| แคว้นสุพรรณภูมิ

Khwaen Suphannaphum

| 1351–1409  |  Thailand |

* King Somdet Phra Intharachathirat emerged victorious and abolished the federation, centralizing Ayutthaya into a proper feudal state

Anachak Lavo

Kingdom of Lavo

| อาณาจักรละโว้

Anachak Lavo

| 1351–1409  |  Thailand

#### Far Northern Frontier

[edit]

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  |  Myanmar |

* Suzerainty lost to the Third Burmese Empire

Sipsong Panna

Federation of 12 Thai Cantons

* Canton of Hokamchenghung(นครเมืองหอคำเชียงรุ่ง)
* Canton of Je (นครเมืองแจ)
* Canton of Luang (นครเมืองลวง)
* Canton of Hon (นครเมืองหน)
* Canton of Hai (นครเมืองราย)
* Canton of Ngad (นครเมืองงาด)
* Canton of Lha (นครเมืองหล้า)
* Canton of Hing (นครเมืองฮิง)
* Canton of Chiang Neua (นครเมืองเชียงเหนือ)
* Canton of Ou Neua (นครเมืองอูเหนือ)
* Canton of Chiang Thong (เมืองเชียงทอง )
* Canton of Phuthaen Luang (นครเมืองภูแถนหลวง)

| สิบสองปันนา

Sipsong Panna

| 1805–1812  |  Myanmar

Laos

China

* Escaped suzerainty

Keng Lat State

Canton of Chiang Lap

| เมืองเชียงลาบ

Muang Chiang Lab

| 1802–1812  |  Laos

Myanmar

* Suzerainty lost to the Third Burmese Empire

Keng Cheng State

Principality of Chiang Khaeng

| เชียงแขง

Chiang Khaeng

| 1st  | 1802–1812  |  Myanmar |

* Suzerainty lost to the Third Burmese Empire

2nd  | 1892–1893**

#### Northern Frontier

[edit]

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

|
|
|
|

Anachak Sukhothai

Kingdom of Sukhothai

| อาณาจักรสุโขทัย

Anachak Sukhothai

| 1378–1438  |  Thailand |

* Annexed

Anachak Lan Na

Kingdom of Lan Na

| อาณาจักรล้านนา

Anachak Lan Na

| 1602–1605  |  Thailand |

* Suzerainty lost to the Second Burmese Empire

Meuang Thoen

Principality of Thoen

| เมืองเถิน

Meuang Thoen

| 1776-1915  |  Thailand |

* Merged with Lampang Principality

Rattana Tingsa Aphinawapuri Si Khuru Rattha Phra Nakhon

Kingdom of Chiang Mai

| นครเชียงใหม่

Nakhon Chiang Mai

| 1775–1939  |  Thailand |

* Downgraded to province

Nakhon Meuang Lampang

Principality of Lampang

| นครเมืองลำปาง

Nakhon Meuang Lampang

| 1775–1922  |  Thailand |

* Downgraded to province

Nakhon Muang Nan

Principality of Nan

| นครเมืองน่าน

Nakhon Meuang Nan

| 1775–1931  |  Thailand |

* Downgraded to province

Nakhon Lamphun

Principality of Lamphun

| นครลำพูน

Nakhon Lamphun

| 1775–1926  |  Thailand |

* Downgraded to province

Meuang Phrae

Principality of Phrae

| เมืองแพร่

Meuang Phrae

| 1775–1902  |  Thailand |

* Downgraded to province

#### Southern Frontier

[edit]

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  |  Thailand |

* Annexed

2nd  | 1769–1784
Kesultanan Kedah

Sultanate of Kedah

| อาณาจักรเกอดะฮ์

Anachak Koeda

| 1821–1909  |  Malaysia |

* Downgraded to province
* Transferred to the British Empire

Kerajaan Setul Mambang Segara

Kingdom of Setul Mambang Segara

| ราชอาณาจักรเซอตุล

Racha Anachak Seotun

| 1808–1909  |  Thailand |

* Downgraded to province

Perlis Indera Kayangan

Kingdom of Perlis

| อาณาจักรปะลิส

Anachak Palit

| 1843–1909  |  Malaysia |

* Downgraded to province
* Transferred to the British Empire

Kerajaan Kubang Pasu Darul Qiyam

Kingdom of Kubang Pasu Darul Qiyam

| อาณาจักรกุปังปาสู

Anachak Kubang Pasu

| 1839–1864  |  Malaysia |

* Merged with Syburi (Kedah) province

Kesultanan Pattani

Sultanate of Patani

| อาณาจักรปัตตานี

Anachak Pattani

| 1786–1902  |  Thailand Malaysia |

* Annexed
* Partitioned
* Pattani
* Nong Chik
* Yaring
* Saiburi
* Yala
* Ra'Ngae
* Kingdom of Reman

Kerajaan Reman

Kingdom of Rahman

| อาณาจักรรามัน

Anachak Raman

| 1902-1909  |  Thailand Malaysia |

* Partitioned & Merged
* Pattani
* Narathiwat
* Yala
* Partly transferred to the British Empire

Kesultanan Terengganu

Sultanate of Terengganu

| อาณาจักรตรังกานู

Anachak Trangkanu

| 1786–1909  |  Malaysia |

* Downgraded to province
* Transferred to the British Empire

Kerajaan Besut Darul Iman

Kingdom of Besut Darul Iman

| อาณาจักเบอซุต

Anachak Boesut

| 1780–1899  |  Malaysia |

* Annexed by the Sultanate of Terengganu

Kesultanan Kelantan

Sultanate of Kelantan

| อาณาจักรกลันตัน

Anachak Klantan

| 1786–1909  |  Malaysia |

* Downgraded to province
* Transferred to the British Empire

#### Eastern Frontier

[edit]

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

|
|
|
|

Krong Kampoucheathibtei

Kingdom of Cambodia

| อาณาจักรกัมพูชา

Anachak Kampucha

| 1st  | 1594–1831  |  Cambodia |

* Suzerainty lost to Nguyen Dynasty
* Transferred to the French Third Republic

2nd  | 1845–1863
Principality of Hà Tiên

Ha Tien Protectorate

| เมืองพุทไธมาศ

Meuang Phutthaimat

| 1785–1809  |  Vietnam Cambodia |

* Suzerainty lost to Nguyen Dynasty

Muang Si Phum

Principality of Si Phum

| เมืองศรีภูมิ

Muang Si Phum

| 1768–1772  |  Thailand |

* Annexed

Anachak Champassak

Kingdom of Champasak

| อาณาจักรจำปาศักดิ์

Anachak Champasak

| 1779–1904  |  Laos Vietnam

Cambodia

* Downgraded to province

Muang Don Mot Daeng

Principality of Don Mot Daeng

| เมืองดอนมดแดง

Muang Don Mot Daeng

| 1777-1778  |  Thailand |

* Annexed by the Kingdom of Champassak

Anachak Viengchan

Kingdom of Vientiane

| อาณาจักรเวียงจันทน์

Anachak Viengchan

| 1779–1828  |  Laos Vietnam |

* Annexed as a result of the Lao Rebellion in 1826

Muang Phuan

Principality of Phuan

| เมืองพวน

Muang Phuan

| 1779–1888  |  Laos Vietnam |

* Transferred to the French Third Republic

Houa Phanh Than Ha Thang Hoc

Federation of the Six Hua Phan Cantons

* Canton of Hiam (เมืองเหียม)
* Canton of Son (เมืองซ่อน)
* Canton of Cham Neua (เมืองชำเหนือ)
* Canton of Cham Tay (เมืองชำใต้)
* Canton of Kho (เมืองเชียงฆอ)
* Canton of Sop'et (เมืองสบแอด)
* Canton of Hua Muang (เมืองหัวเมือง)

| หัวพันทั้งห้าทั้งหก

Hua Phan Thang Ha Thang Hok

| 1779–1888  |  Laos Vietnam |

* Transferred to the French Third Republic

Anachak Luang Phrabang

Kingdom of Luang Prabang

| อาณาจักรหลวงพระบาง

Anachak Luang Phrabang

| 1779–1893  |  Laos Vietnam |

* Transferred to the French Third Republic

Muang Phongsali

Principality of Phongsali

| เมืองพงสาลี

Muang Phongsali

| 1779–1893  |  Laos Vietnam |

* Transferred to the French Third Republic

Sip Song Chau Tai

Federation of the 12 Tai Cantons*

* Canton of Lai (เมืองไล)
* Canton of Te (เมืองแต่)
* Canton of Jian (เมืองเจียน)
* Canton of Mun (เมืองมุน)
* Canton of Bang (เมืองบาง)
* Canton of Thaeng (เมืองแถง)
* Canton of Khwai (เมืองควาย)
* Canton of Dung (เมืองดุง)
* Canton of Muai (เมืองม่วย)
* Canton of La (เมืองลา)
* Canton on Moh (เมืองโมะ)
* Canton of Wat (เมืองหวัด)
* Canton of Sang (เมืองซาง)
* Canton of So (เมืองสอ)
* Canton of Than (เมืองถาน)
* Canton of Lo (เมืองลอ)

| สิบสองจุไทย

Sipsong Ju Thai

| 1st  | 1779–1806  |  Laos Vietnam |

* Transferred to the French Third Republic

2nd  | 1835–1888

#### Western Frontier

[edit]

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  |  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

[edit]

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

|
|
|
|
|

| Salaween Territory | ดินแดนสาละวิน | 1802–1892  | Traded to Karenni State and Shan State, British Burma,

gaining Chiang Khaeng.

|  Myanmar,

Laos

| Chiang Khaeng Territory | ดินแดนเมืองเชียงแขง | 1892–1893  | Transferred to the French Third Republic |  Myanmar
| Koh Song Territory | ดินแดนเกาะสอง | 1769–1864  | Ceded to the British Empire |  Myanmar
| Miawdi Territory | ดินแดนเมียวดี | 1768–1834  | Gifted to the British Empire, from the Kingdom of Chiang Mai  |  Myanmar
| 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)

|  Myanmar
| 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)

|  Myanmar
| 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)

|  Myanmar

## Former administrative division maps

[edit]

* Sukhothai administrative division in 1293 (Ramkhamhaeng)

* Ayutthaya administrative division in 1468 (Borommatrailokkanat)

* Ayutthaya administrative division in 1603 (Sanphet II)

* Ayutthaya administrative division in 1767 (Borommaracha III)

* Thonburi administrative division in 1780 (Borommaracha IV)

* Rattanakosin administrative division in 1800 (Rama I)

* Rattanakosin administrative division in 1805 (Rama I)

* Rattanakosin administrative division in 1824 (Rama II)

* Rattanakosin administrative division in 1837 (Rama III)

* Rattanakosin administrative division in 1850 (Rama III)

* Rattanakosin administrative division in 1882 (Rama V)

* Siamese administrative division in 1890 (Rama V)

* Siamese administrative division in 1893 (Rama V)

* Siamese administrative division in 1900 (Rama V)

* Siamese monthon division in 1900 (Rama V)

* Siamese administrative division in 1906 (Rama V)

* Siamese administrative division in 1908 (Rama V)

* Siamese administrative division in 1916 (Rama VI)

* Siamese administrative division in 1932 (Rama VII)

* Thai administrative division in 1941 (Rama VIII)

* Thai administrative division in 1945 (Rama VIII)

* Thai administrative division in 1950 (Rama IX)

* Thai administrative division in 1973 (Rama IX)

* Thai administrative division in 2023 (Rama X)

## References

[edit]

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