Ranong province

Not to be confused with Rayong province.

Province in Thailand

Ranong

ระนอง

Province

Other transcription(s)
• Southern Thai| ระนอง (pronounced [ràʔ.nɔ̂ːŋ])

From top: Kam Tok island, Phu Khao Ya, Raksawarin Hot Springs, Crinum thaianum also known locally as Hom nam, The province main street, Ranong Governor's Grave

Flag

Seal

Motto(s):

คอคอดกระ ภูเขาหญ้า กาหยูหวาน ธารน้ำแร่ มุกแท้เมืองระนอง
("The Kra Isthmus. Grassy hills. Sweet cashews. Mineral streams. The true pearl, Ranong City.")

Map of Thailand highlighting Ranong province

Country| Thailand
Capital| Ranong
Government

• Governor| Supoj Putikiatkhajon
Area

[1]

• Total

| 3,230 km2 (1,250 sq mi)
• Rank| 61st
Population

(2024)[2]

• Total

| 192,927
• Rank| 76th
• Density| 60/km2 (200/sq mi)
• Rank| 69th
Human Achievement Index

[3]

• HAI (2022)| 0.6291 "somewhat low"
Ranked 56th
GDP

[4]

• Total| baht 27 billion
(US$0.9 billion) (2019)
Time zone| UTC+7 (ICT)
Postal code|

85xxx

Calling code| 077
ISO 3166 code| TH-85
Website| ranong.go.th

Provincial Administrative Organization

Ranong Provincial Administrative Organization

องค์การบริหารส่วนจังหวัดระนอง

Provincial Administrative Organization

Government

• Type| Local administrative divisions
• Body| Ranong Provincial Administrative Organization
• President| Siharat Sapakul
Website| ranongpao.go.th
Rattanarangsan Palace (Ranong)

Ranong (Thai: ระนอง [rá.nɔ̄ːŋ]; Malay: Rundung, روندوڠ; not to be confused with Rayong) is one of Thailand's southern provinces (changwat), on the west coast along the Andaman Sea. It has the fewest inhabitants of all Thai provinces (making it the least populous of all the Thai provinces). Provinces neighboring Ranong are (clockwise) Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Phang Nga. To the west, it borders Kawthaung, Tanintharyi, Myanmar.

## Geography

[edit]

Ranong is on the Kra Isthmus, a narrow strip of land, only 44 kilometres (27 mi) wide,[5] that connects Thailand with the Malay Peninsula, on the west of the Phuket mountain range. It has a long coast on the Andaman Sea. The province, together with Trat province, is known for being one of the wettest places in Thailand, the rainy season lasting for about eight months.[6]

Ranong is the least populated province. The total forest area is 1,726 km2 (666 sq mi) or 53.5 percent of provincial area, and 67 percent is mountainous.[7] In former years the major industry was tin mining, but most mines are now exhausted. White clay mining (for the production of porcelain) and fishing are now the main industries, along with rubber and cashew nuts.

The Ngao Mangrove Forest Research Centre, also known as the Ranong Biosphere Reserve, in the north of Kapoe District, covering 189,431 rai[5] (303.09 km2), was declared in 1997. It is the fourth biosphere reserve of Thailand, and the only one on the seacoast protecting mangrove forests.

### National parks

[edit]

There are four national parks, along with seven other national parks, make up region 4 (Surat Thani) of Thailand's protected areas.

* Namtok Ngao National Park, 668 km2 (258 sq mi)[8]: 93
* Mu Ko Ranong National Park, 357 km2 (138 sq mi)[8]: 119
* Laem Son National Park, 315 km2 (122 sq mi)[8]: 46
* Lam Nam Kra Buri National Park, 160 km2 (62 sq mi)[8]: 91

### Wildlife sanctuaries

[edit]

* Khlong Nakha Wildlife Sanctuary, 530 km2 (200 sq mi)[9]: 10
* Khuan Mae Yai Mon Wildlife Sanctuary, 464 km2 (179 sq mi)[9]: 4
* Thung Raya–Na Sak Wildlife Sanctuary, 338 km2 (131 sq mi)[9]: 9
* Prince Chumphon South Park Wildlife Sanctuary, 315 km2 (122 sq mi)[9]: 3

## History

[edit]

Ranong province once was a deputy town of Chumphon in the Ayutthaya era (1350–1767).[10] It was a small, mountainous town that protected Chumphon from Burma. The population was very low until the discovery of tin, when people from many cities and foreigners started to visit Ranong to do tin business there. This also gave rise to the name Ranong, which was a distorted form of rae nong (แร่นอง), meaning "full of minerals".[11] The ruler of Ranong was known after the town as Luang Ranong (Thai: หลวงระนอง)

At the start of the Rattanakosin era (1781–present), a wealthy Chinese merchant, Kho Su Jiang bought a majority share of the tin business in Ranong and was appointed tax collector of the region, with the title Luang Rattana Setti (Thai: หลวงรัตนเศรษฐี), by King Nangklao (Rama III). In 1854, the Luang Ranong died. King Mongkut (Rama IV) then promoted Kho Su Jiang to the position, promoting him to Phra Rattana Setti (Thai: พระรัตนเศรษฐี). By then, Ranong's wealth had increased greatly and through taxation was a significant source of income for the capital, thus in 1877 King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) elevated Ranong to provincial status, answering directly to Bangkok as opposed to Chumphon, with Phra Rattana Setti becoming its first governor.[10]

After the First Anglo-Burmese War, when the British assumed control of Tenasserim and the Kraburi River became the demarcation line between Siam and British-controlled Burma, Ranong became an important border city where goods were exchanged, a status that it still holds today.

Being located on the Kra Isthmus, the narrowest part (44 kilometres) of the Malay Peninsula, a proposal of a canal through the area has been long suggested, particularly by the French. If successful, traveling from Europe to China would be faster through this route instead of circumnavigating the Malay Peninsula. This was seen as a threat to the financial growth of the harbors of Singapore and Penang, which at the time were owned by Britain, who therefore forced the suspension of the project. At the end of World War II, Thailand signed a British-imposed treaty called "The Termination of The State of War Between Siam and Allies", which forbade Thailand from digging such a canal without British permission. This treaty was revoked in 1954.[12] Since then, plans for the canal have continued to be suggested and discussed, even in the present day, though Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said in 2018 that it was not a government priority.[13]

Ranong has also been historically significant as a residence for royal tours of the southern provinces, with many kings of Thailand visiting Ranong in the past. The first was King Chulalongkorn, who stayed at Rattana Ransan palace for three nights in 1890. The palace is now a landmark in Ranong. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) visited in 1928, and King Bhumibol (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit visited in 1959.

## Climate

[edit]

Most of Thailand receives from 1,200 to 1,600 mm of precipitation per year. Two provinces, Ranong and Trat, receive more than 4,500 mm a year making them the wettest places in the country.[14]

## Symbols

[edit]

The provincial seal shows a castle on top of a hill, as an aide memoire that King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) once visited Ranong and stayed at the Ratana Rangsan Castle on top of the Niveskiri Hill. The number five refers to King Rama V; the castle is Ratana Rangsan Palace; the mountain is Niveshkiri; the royal tray refers to the people of Ranong.[15]

The provincial slogan is, "Kra Isthmus, mountain grass, cashew nut, mineral water stream, and real pearl of Ranong."[15]

The provincial tree is the Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa), and the provincial flower is the orchid Dendrobium formosum. The endemic terrestrial crab Phricotelphusa sirindhorn is the provincial aquatic life.

## Administrative divisions

[edit]

### Central government

[edit]

Map with five districts

Ranong is divided into five districts (amphoe). These are further divided into 30 subdistricts (tambon) and 178 villages (muban).[16]

No. | District | Thai | Malay | Pop. | subdistricts | Villages

|
|
|
|
|
|

1. | Mueang Ranong | เมืองระนอง | Bandar Raya Rundung | 93,271 | 9 | 38
2. | La-un | ละอุ่น | Pak Un | 15,240 | 7 | 30
3. | Kapoe | กะเปอร์ | Kapur | 22,093 | 5 | 34
4. | Kra Buri | กระบุรี | Segenting Kera | 48,163 | 7 | 61
5. | Suk Samran | สุขสำราญ | - | 14,594 | 2 | 15
|  | - | Total | 193,371 | 30 | 178

### Local government

[edit]

As of December 2023 there are: one Ranong provincial administrative organization - PAO (ongkan borihan suan changwat - o bo cho) and 12 municipal areas (thesaban) in the province. Ranong and Bang Rin have town (thesaban mueang) status. Further 10 subdistrict municipalities (thesaban tambon).[16]

Town municipality | Pop. | website

|
|

Bang Rin | 22,7830 | bangrin.go.th
Ranong | 17,779 | ranongcity.go.th
Subdistrict municipality | Pop. | website

|
|

Bang Non | 14,443 | bangnoncity.go.th
Choporo | 12,950 | jpr.go.th
Ratchakrut | 9,766 | ratchakrudcity.go.th
Pak Nam Tha Ruea | 8,071 | paknamtarua.go.th
Kamphuan | 7,029 | kumpuan.go.th
Nam Chuet | 3,503 | namchuet.go.th
La-un | 2,629 | tesabanlaun.go.th
Ngao | 2,399 | ngaotown-ranong.go.th
Pak Nam | 2,385 |
Kapoe | 1,485 | kapercity.go.th

The non-municipal areas are administered by 19 subdistrict administrative organisations - SAO (ongkan borihan suan tambon).

## Healthcare

[edit]

### Hospitals

[edit]

There are five hospitals in the province:

* Ranong hospital with 300 beds.
* Kapoe hospital with 35 beds.
* Kra Buri hospital with 30 beds.
* La-un hospital with 16 beds.
* Suk Samran hospital with 10 beds.

### Health promoting hospitals

[edit]

There are total forty five health-promoting hospitals, of which:[17]

* 16 in Mueang Ranong district
* 8 in La-un district
* 6 in Kapoe district
* 11 in Kra Buri district
* 4 in Suk Samran district

## Demographics

[edit]

### Population

[edit]

Population history of Ranong province is as follows: [18] [19]

1947 | 1960 | 1970 | 1980 | 1990 | 2000 | 2011 | 2020

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

21,488 | 38,000 | 59,000 | 83,707 | 117,440 | 161,210 | 183,849 | 194,372

## Religion

[edit]

There are forty five Theravada Buddhist temples in the province.

* 16 in Mueang Ranong district
* 9 in La-un district
* 6 in Kapoe district
* 12 in Kra Buri district
* 2 in Suk Samran district

## Transportation

[edit]

Phet Kasem Road (Thailand Route 4) runs through the city. Ranong Airport is about 24 kilometres (15 mi) south of town.

The Port Authority of Thailand operates the Ranong Port, which is Thailand's principal Indian Ocean port. In 2008, the Ranong human-smuggling incident resulted in 54 deaths.[20]

## Human achievement index 2022

[edit]

Health  | Education  | Employment  | Income

|
|
|

|  |  |
20  | 67  | 31  | 33
Housing  | Family  | Transport  | Participation
|  |  |
63  | 10  | 50  | 64
Province Ranong, with an HAI 2022 value of 0.6291 is "somewhat low", occupies place 56 in the ranking.

Since 2003, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand has tracked progress on human development at sub-national level using the Human achievement index (HAI), a composite index covering all the eight key areas of human development. National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) has taken over this task since 2017.[3]

Rank | Classification

|

1–13 | High
14–29 | Somewhat high
30–45 | Average
46–61 | Somewhat low
62–77 | Low
Map with provinces and HAI 2022 rankings

## Tourism

[edit]

Namtok Ngao National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติน้ำตกหงาว) Covering a total area of approximately 417,500 rai (668 km2) it was declared a national park on 3 June 1999.[21]

Ko Chang (Ranong) (เกาะช้าง) island in tambon Ko Phayam. With an area of 18 square kilometres and 80 homes on the entire island. Cashew and para rubber plantations as well as coastal fisheries are the main industries.[22]

Laem Son National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติแหลมสน) It covers a total area of 196,875 rai (31.5 hectares). It also includes islands in the Andaman Sea; namely, Ko Khangkhao and Mu Ko Kam.[23] Places of interest within the national park include:

* Hat Bang Ben (หาดบางเบน) is a long sandy beach shaded by pine trees where the national park headquarters is located.
* Hat Laem Son (หาดแหลมสน) is a white sandy beach approximately four kilometres next to Hat Bang Ben.
* Hat Praphat or Hat Hin Thung (หาดประพาส หรือ หาดหินทุ่ง) Similar to Hat Bang Ben, Hat Praphat is a large beach shaded by pine trees.
* Ko Khangkhao (เกาะค้างคาว) is an island with fine sandy beaches and a gravel beach known as Hat Hin Ngam in the north.
* Ko Kam Yai (เกาะกำใหญ่) is a scenic island with white sandy beaches.
* Ko Kam Nui (เกาะกำนุ้ย) is not far from Ko Kam Yai with beaches on one side and many other nearby islets.

Raksawarin Hot Springs and Public Park (บ่อน้ำพุร้อนรักษะวาริน) The most famous and popular hot spring of Ranong. It have been analysed by the Department of Science Service to contain important minerals, and it is the only source in Thailand that does not contain any sulphur additives. It is possible to drink from the source, and it is also regarded as pure water. The hot springs and public park is in Ranong town.[24]

Phu Khao Ya (ภูเขาหญ้า) The bald mountain with grass growing all over the mountain, it is extraordinary in that it is a geographical anomaly. This average-sized hill is entirely void of trees leaving it looking, as local residents say, like a "Swiss pasture". Phu Khao Ya can also change color according to the season and time of day. It is situated 12 kilometres (7.4 mi) to the south of Ranong town.[25]

Khlong Naka (คลองนาคา) This wildlife sanctuary is the only home for the aquatic plant Crinum thaianum. This species of plant is endemic to the local stream, and from October till November is when the flowers bloom at their most.[26]

Wat Hat Som Paen (วัดหาดส้มแป้น) The local Ranong Buddhist temple. Its highlight, besides worshiping the Buddha, is also admiring the beauty of the stream that flows through the temple, which is also home to a large number of the rock mahseer.[27]

* Laem Son National Park

* Namtok Chum Saeng, Kra Buri District

* Namtok Punyaban, Mueang Ranong District

* Ko Phayam

* Kamphuan, Suk Samran District

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Table 2 Forest area Separate province year 2019". Royal Forest Department. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
2. ^ "Official statistics registration systems". Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA). Retrieved 10 February 2025, year 2024 >provincial level >Excel File >no.85`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
3. ^ a b "ข้อมูลสถิติดัชนีความก้าวหน้าของคน ปี 2565 (PDF)" [Human Achievement Index Databook year 2022 (PDF)]. Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) (in Thai). Retrieved 12 March 2024, page 62`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
4. ^ "Gross Regional and Provincial Product, 2019 Edition". <>. Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). July 2019. ISSN 1686-0799. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
5. ^ a b Svasti, Pichaya (19 July 2018). "Another Pearl of the Andaman". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
6. ^ "Ranong". Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Retrieved 26 May 2015.
7. ^ "ตารางที่ 2 พี้นที่ป่าไม้ แยกรายจังหวัด พ.ศ.2562" [Table 2 Forest area Separate province year 2019]. Royal Forest Department (in Thai). 2019. Retrieved 6 April 2021, information, Forest statistics Year 2019`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
8. ^ a b c d "ข้อมูลพื้นที่อุทยานแห่งชาติ ที่ประกาศในราชกิจจานุบกษา 133 แห่ง" [National Park Area Information published in the 133 Government Gazettes]. Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (in Thai). December 2020. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
9. ^ a b c d "ตาราง 5 พื้นที่เขตรักษาพันธุ์สัตว์ป่า พ.ศ. 2562" [Table 5 Wildlife Sanctuary Areas in 2019] (PDF). Department of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Plant Conservation (in Thai). 2019. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
10. ^ a b Ministry of Culture (26 March 2017). "พัฒนาการทางประวัติศาสตร์ระนอง". Retrieved 20 August 2019.
11. ^ Provincial Community Development Office of Ranong (4 October 2016). "ประวัติความเป็นมา". Retrieved 20 August 2019.
12. ^ "Proposed Thai canal project: Between myth and reality". Malay Mail. 28 June 2013. Retrieved 20 August 2019.
13. ^ "Proposed Kra Canal not priority project for Thai govt". The Straits Times. 13 February 2018. Retrieved 20 August 2019.
14. ^ "The Climate of Thailand" (PDF). Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). p. 4. Retrieved 21 June 2019.
15. ^ a b "Symbol of Ranong". OSM Andamnan: The Office of Strategy Management for Southern province Cluster. Retrieved 26 May 2015.
16. ^ a b "Official statistics registration systems". Department of Provincial Administration. Retrieved 6 January 2025, year 2023 >village level >ExcelFile >no.8501-8599 >Excel line 85759-85992`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
17. ^ "Name-of-the-hospital-service-unit". Ministry of Public Health. Retrieved 2 February 2025, >health zone 11`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
18. ^ "Statistical Yearbook Thailand 2012". National Statistical Office Thailand. Retrieved 25 April 2025, year 2011`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
19. ^ "Statistical Yearbook Thailand 2021". National Statistical Office Thailand. Retrieved 25 April 2025, year 2020`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
20. ^ "54 Burmese dead in trafficking horror". Phuket Gazette. April 10, 2008. Archived from the original on January 12, 2013. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
21. ^ "Namtok Ngao National Park". Department of National Parks (DNP) Thailand. Archived from the original on 26 May 2015. Retrieved 26 May 2015.
22. ^ "Koh Chang". Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Retrieved 19 July 2018.
23. ^ "Laemson National Park". Department of National Parks (DNP) Thailand. Retrieved 26 May 2015.
24. ^ "Raksawarin Hot Springs and Public Park". Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). 2024-12-02. Retrieved 2024-12-02.
25. ^ "Phu Khao Ya". Discovery Thailand. 2024-12-02. Retrieved 2024-12-02.
26. ^ "Klong Naka Wildlife Sanctuary". Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). 2024-12-02. Retrieved 2024-12-02.
27. ^ "Wat Hat Som Paen". Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). 2024-12-02. Retrieved 2024-12-02.

## External links

[edit]

* Ranong travel guide from Wikivoyage

Places adjacent to Ranong province

|  Tanintharyi Region,  Myanmar |  |

|
|

|  |

Ranong province

| Chumphon province
|  |
Andaman Sea | Phang Nga province | Surat Thani province

* v
* t
* e

Provinces of Thailand

Capital: Bangkok (Krung Thep Maha Nakhon)

Northern|

* Chiang Mai
* Chiang Rai
* Lampang
* Lamphun
* Mae Hong Son
* Nan
* Phayao
* Phrae
* Uttaradit

Northeastern
(Isan)|

* Amnat Charoen
* Bueng Kan
* Buriram
* Chaiyaphum
* Kalasin
* Khon Kaen
* Loei
* Maha Sarakham
* Mukdahan
* Nakhon Phanom
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* Nong Bua Lamphu
* Nong Khai
* Roi Et
* Sakon Nakhon
* Sisaket
* Surin
* Ubon Ratchathani
* Udon Thani
* Yasothon

Western|

* Kanchanaburi
* Phetchaburi
* Prachuap Khiri Khan
* Ratchaburi
* Tak

Central|

* Ang Thong
* Chai Nat
* Kamphaeng Phet
* Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
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* Nakhon Pathom
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* Samut Prakan
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* Uthai Thani

Eastern|

* Chachoengsao
* Chanthaburi
* Chonburi
* Prachinburi
* Rayong
* Sa Kaeo
* Trat

Southern|

* Chumphon
* Krabi
* Nakhon Si Thammarat
* Narathiwat
* Pattani
* Phang Nga
* Phatthalung
* Phuket
* Ranong
* Satun
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* Trang
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Authority control databases

International|

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9°58′01″N 98°38′08″E﻿ / ﻿9.96694°N 98.63556°E﻿ / 9.96694; 98.63556
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