The Ancient Capital of Siam and a UNESCO World Heritage Province
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, commonly known as Ayutthaya, is one of Thailand’s most historically significant provinces. Located in Central Thailand, Ayutthaya was once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam for over 400 years and served as a major political, economic, and cultural center of Southeast Asia. Today, it is globally renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, ancient ruins, and continuing national importance.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Ayutthaya’s legacy shaped Thai civilization, governance, and identity.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| 1350 | Founding of Ayutthaya Kingdom by King Ramathibodi I |
| 14th–18th century | Ayutthaya becomes a major global trading empire |
| 1767 | City destroyed by Burmese invasion |
| 1767–1782 | Transition period leading to Thonburi & Bangkok |
| 1899 | Administrative reforms |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
| 1991 | Ayutthaya Historical Park listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site |
Ayutthaya played a foundational role in Thai monarchy, diplomacy, and culture.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province |
| Capital City | Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya |
| Region | Central Thailand |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~2,556 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~820,000 |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai |
| ISO Code | TH-14 |
Ayutthaya lies just north of Bangkok, making it highly accessible.
⚖️ Government & Administration
Ayutthaya follows Thailand’s standard provincial administrative system.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & Subdistrict Administrative Organizations |
The Ayutthaya Provincial Hall manages provincial governance.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya Province consists of 16 districts (Amphoe):
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Tha Ruea
Nakhon Luang
Bang Sai
Bang Ban
Bang Pa-in
Bang Pahan
Phak Hai
Phachi
Lat Bua Luang
Wang Noi
Sena
Bang Sai (Mai)
Uthai
Maha Rat
Ban Phraek
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: Flat river plains
Major Rivers: Chao Phraya, Pa Sak, Lopburi
Borders: Pathum Thani, Saraburi, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Lopburi
Ayutthaya’s river network historically supported trade, defense, and agriculture.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Ayutthaya City Municipality
Bang Pa-in Municipality
Sena Municipality
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Urban planning emphasizes heritage conservation and flood management.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Key development focuses include:
Heritage conservation & tourism
Industrial estates & logistics
Flood control & water management
Cultural preservation
Sustainable urban planning
Ayutthaya balances heritage protection with modern industry.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Ayutthaya Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Tourist Police | Heritage site protection |
| Disaster Response Units | Flood response |
Special focus is given to tourist safety and heritage preservation.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Buddhism (Theravada) |
| Cultural Identity | Classical Siamese |
| Language | Thai |
| Heritage | Royal temples & palaces |
Major Religious & Cultural Sites
Wat Mahathat (Buddha head in tree roots)
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Bang Pa-in Royal Palace
Ayutthaya is considered the cradle of classical Thai culture.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Tourism | UNESCO heritage tourism |
| Industry | Automotive & manufacturing |
| Agriculture | Rice cultivation |
| Logistics | Central transport hub |
| Services | Hospitality & trade |
Ayutthaya is one of Thailand’s key industrial provinces.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Universities | Rajabhat University Ayutthaya |
| Major Hospitals | Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital |
Education and healthcare serve both locals and industrial workforce.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Roads | Asian Highway, major expressways |
| Rail | Northern Railway Line |
| River Transport | Chao Phraya River |
| Nearest Airport | Bangkok (Don Mueang / Suvarnabhumi) |
Ayutthaya is one of Thailand’s best-connected provinces.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions
Ayutthaya Historical Park (UNESCO)
Wat Mahathat
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Bang Pa-in Royal Palace
River cruises
Ayutthaya is among Thailand’s top international tourist destinations.
🌍 Regional & National Role
Former capital of Siam
UNESCO World Heritage province
Central Thailand industrial hub
Cultural identity anchor of Thailand
📝 Summary
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province stands as the historic heart of Thailand. From royal temples and ancient ruins to modern industry and logistics, Ayutthaya bridges Thailand’s glorious past with its dynamic present—remaining a symbol of national identity and resilience.
📢 News & Articles
“Ayutthaya Heritage Conservation Efforts”
“Balancing Industry and History in Ayutthaya”
“Flood Management in Central Thailand”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, link-ready, and authoritative provincial knowledge.