The central region of Thailand is a largely flat area of agriculture, particularly rice cultivation, and industry. Most rice fields are concentrated in Saraburi province. The forest, which already grew sparsely here, has been almost all cut down. The central region is home to the country's largest metropolis and its capital, Bangkok.
One of the most interesting provinces located in the center of the country is Nakhon Nayok.
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It is home to the Khao Ya National Nature Park with several waterfalls (Sarika is the most famous). Several thousand tourists and locals come here every year to swim or enjoy the spectacular view of the water.
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Nearby, you can find the eponymous Sarika Cave, where Saint Luang Pu Man lived half a century ago.
Eastern Region
The eastern region of Thailand is the industrial center of the country. Here, a huge number of export-oriented factories operate in free economic zones.
But they have absolutely no impact on the bordering resort areas of the Gulf of Thailand. The world-famous seaside resort of Pattaya, with its vast array of water and nightlife activities, is just one example.
Southern Region
The southern region of Thailand is located on the Malacca Peninsula and a whole scattering of adjacent islets. The center of the region bristles with mountain ranges, while the coastal areas beckon with long sandy beaches.
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Samui and Phuket. The most popular resort islands among tourists. Local coral reefs beckon divers from around the world. And the resort of Hua Hin has been a vacation destination for Thailand's royal family for nearly a century.
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Pang Nga. The nature of this southern province is almost paradisiacal. Thailand's greenest region is home to many waterfalls, the foothills of which are decorated with statues of local religious and political figures.
Northern Provinces
The northern region of Thailand has long been the center of the world's opium production. On its fertile plains, opium poppies were grown in the so-called "Golden Triangle". Today, the plains are planted with strawberries, potatoes, and apple trees, and an opium museum has been opened to commemorate its narcotic past.
The region is famous for many tribes that belong to different ethnic groups and still retain traditional ways of life. Excursions to such villages are organized from almost every city.
The northern region is famous for its elephant nurseries, where you can also take a tour. There is also mountain climbing, rock climbing. The largest number of such activities are offered in Pai.
Northeast Thailand
The northeastern region of Thailand is the poorest region of Thailand and is home to many nationalities, including Laotians. But tourists visit it for its amazing and majestic natural beauty. On its territory there are two national parks, where wild animals live in a natural environment. The famous Jasmine rice is grown here, and the finest silk is made here.
The most popular towns in this region of Thailand are Pai, which is home to 11th-century temples. The region is known for its archaeological finds of ancient civilizations. Nakhon Province, led by the city of Isan, has much in common with neighboring Cambodia. The locals have a character, dialect of language, and skin color similar to Cambodia's.
Most visitors are surprised to notice how the local people in small towns compare favorably with those in large metropolitan areas in terms of hospitality and openness.
Administrative Division of Regions
Provinces are divided into districts - today there are up to 878 units. Each district has mubans and tambons, i.e., sub-districts. The province itself is analogous to a European province, as it is organized around a capital city.
The capital city is governed by a governor appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. But there is an exception - the fate of Bangkok is decided by the people. The city holds gubernatorial elections.
Dynamics of the Creation of Provinces
The administrative division in Thailand is organized in a distinctive way from the European one. The number of provinces changes quite frequently. In 1993, three new provinces were created:
- Sa Keo (Prahinburi district);
- Nongua Lamphu (spun off from Udon Thani);
- Amnat Charoen (once part of Ubon Ratchankhani province).
The last territorial division changes occurred in 2011. The new province of Buen Kan, until then part of Nong Kai, was formed. As of early 2019, Thailand consists of 77 provinces.
The Specifics of Thailand's Regional Division
The provinces in Thailand vary in size and population density. Nakhon is the largest in terms of area, while Samut is the smallest town in the country. In terms of population, Ranong has the smallest population. And the lowest population density is characterized by Mae Hong Song.
If a province has access to the sea, it includes the nearest island in addition to the coastline. These are the provinces favored by tourists (e.g., Chonburi, Rayong, Phuket, Krabi, Trat).
