The Land of Dinosaurs and Ancient Isan Civilization
Kalasin Province is a culturally rich and historically significant province located in Central Northeastern Thailand (Isan). Widely known as Thailand’s “Land of Dinosaurs”, Kalasin is famous for its prehistoric fossil sites, traditional Isan culture, fertile agricultural lands, and strong community-based lifestyle.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Kalasin’s history spans prehistoric times to modern Thailand.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| Prehistoric era | Dinosaur habitation (fossil evidence) |
| Ancient era | Early Mon–Khmer and Lao settlements |
| 18th century | Integrated into Siam |
| 1899 | Administrative reforms |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
Kalasin gained international attention due to major dinosaur fossil discoveries.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Kalasin Province |
| Capital City | Kalasin |
| Region | Northeastern Thailand (Central Isan) |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~6,947 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~980,000 |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai, Isan (Lao dialect) |
| ISO Code | TH-46 |
⚖️ Government & Administration
Kalasin follows Thailand’s provincial administrative system.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & Subdistrict Administrative Organizations |
The Kalasin Provincial Hall oversees governance.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Kalasin
Kalasin Province consists of 18 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Kalasin
Kamalasai
Rong Kham
Kuchinarai
Yang Talat
Huai Mek
Sam Chai
Khao Wong
Khong Chai
Nong Kung Si
Sahatsakhan
Kham Muang
Tha Khantho
Nong Kung Si (additional admin unit historically referenced)
Don Chan
Na Mon
Yang Talat (municipal expansion zone)
Somdet
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: Plains, low hills, reservoirs
Major River System: Chi River basin
Borders: Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Mukdahan, Sakon Nakhon
Natural Features
Lam Pao Dam & reservoir
Forested hills
Fertile agricultural plains
Kalasin’s geography supports rice farming and inland fisheries.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Kalasin City Municipality
Kuchinarai Municipality
Yang Talat Municipality
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Local governance focuses on rural services and agriculture-based development.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Key development focuses include:
Agriculture & food security
Paleontology & educational tourism
Water resource management
Community-based economy
Rural infrastructure
Kalasin positions itself as an education–heritage province.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Kalasin Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Disaster Response Units | Flood & drought management |
Kalasin is generally considered safe and socially stable.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Buddhism (Theravada) |
| Cultural Identity | Traditional Isan |
| Local Language | Isan (Lao dialect) |
| Cultural Arts | Mor Lam, folk dance |
Major Religious & Cultural Sites
Phra That Yakhu
Wat Phutthawat Phu Po
Kalasin City Pillar Shrine
Kalasin preserves strong rural Isan traditions.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Rice, sugarcane, cassava |
| Fisheries | Reservoir & inland fish |
| Tourism | Dinosaur & cultural tourism |
| Services | Local trade |
Agriculture remains the backbone of the provincial economy.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Universities | Kalasin University |
| Major Hospitals | Kalasin Hospital |
Education focuses on regional development and agriculture.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Roads | Regional highways |
| Rail | Nearby rail via Maha Sarakham |
| Nearest Airport | Roi Et Airport |
Transport supports agriculture and inter-provincial trade.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions
Sirindhorn Dinosaur Museum
Phu Kum Khao Dinosaur Excavation Site
Lam Pao Dam
Traditional Isan villages
Local markets
Kalasin is Thailand’s leading dinosaur tourism destination.
🌍 Regional & National Role
Dinosaur research & education hub
Agricultural support province
Cultural preservation center
Central Isan rural economy contributor
📝 Summary
Kalasin Province bridges prehistoric wonder and living Isan tradition. As Thailand’s dinosaur capital and a stronghold of rural culture and agriculture, Kalasin offers a unique blend of science, heritage, and community life within Northeastern Thailand.
📢 News & Articles
“Dinosaur Research and Tourism in Kalasin”
“Water Management and Agriculture in Central Isan”
“Preserving Isan Folk Culture”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, link-ready, and authoritative provincial knowledge.