The Rice Bowl of Central Thailand and a Land of Giant Buddha Images
Ang Thong Province is a small yet culturally rich province in Central Thailand, situated in the fertile Chao Phraya River basin. Known as a traditional rice-growing heartland, Ang Thong is famous for its giant Buddha images, riverine culture, and close historical ties to the Ayutthaya Kingdom.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Ang Thong’s history is deeply connected with Ayutthaya-era settlement and agriculture.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| Ancient era | Early river-based settlements |
| Ayutthaya period | Strategic agricultural support region |
| 1767 | Impacted by fall of Ayutthaya |
| 1899 | Administrative reforms |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
The name “Ang Thong” means “Golden Basin”, reflecting its fertile land.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Ang Thong Province |
| Capital City | Ang Thong |
| Region | Central Thailand |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~968 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~280,000 |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai |
| ISO Code | TH-15 |
Ang Thong is one of Thailand’s smallest provinces by area.
⚖️ Government & Administration
Ang Thong follows Thailand’s provincial administrative framework.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & Subdistrict Administrative Organizations |
The Ang Thong Provincial Hall oversees governance.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Ang Thong
Ang Thong Province consists of 7 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Ang Thong
Chaiyo
Pa Mok
Pho Thong
Sawaeng Ha
Wiset Chai Chan
Samko
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: Flat river plains
Major River: Chao Phraya River
Borders: Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Sing Buri
The province’s fertile soil supports intensive rice cultivation.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Ang Thong City Municipality
Pho Thong Municipality
Wiset Chai Chan Municipality
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Local governance focuses on agriculture, irrigation, and rural welfare.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Key development focuses include:
Agriculture & food security
Water management & flood control
Cultural tourism
Rural infrastructure
Community-based economy
Ang Thong emphasizes sustainable farming and heritage tourism.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Ang Thong Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Disaster Response Units | Flood management |
The province is generally safe and community-oriented.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Buddhism (Theravada) |
| Cultural Identity | Central Thai |
| Language | Thai |
| Traditions | Temple festivals |
Major Religious & Cultural Sites
Wat Muang (giant seated Buddha – one of Thailand’s largest)
Wat Chaiyo Worawihan
Ang Thong City Pillar Shrine
Ang Thong is renowned for large-scale Buddha statues.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Rice, crops |
| Handicrafts | Traditional crafts |
| Tourism | Religious & cultural tourism |
| Services | Local trade |
Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Higher Education | Local colleges |
| Major Hospitals | Ang Thong Hospital |
Healthcare and education primarily serve rural communities.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Roads | Regional highways |
| Rail | Nearby rail in neighboring provinces |
| River Transport | Chao Phraya River |
Transport connectivity supports agriculture and trade.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions
Wat Muang giant Buddha
Wat Chaiyo Worawihan
Chao Phraya river scenery
Local floating markets
Traditional villages
Tourism is low-impact and faith-centered.
🌍 Regional & National Role
Agricultural support province
Cultural & religious tourism site
Ayutthaya heritage-linked region
Central Thailand rice bowl
📝 Summary
Ang Thong Province represents the agricultural and spiritual heart of Central Thailand. With its fertile lands, monumental Buddha images, and deep-rooted river culture, Ang Thong plays a quiet yet vital role in preserving Thailand’s rural heritage and food security.
📢 News & Articles
“Rice Farming and Water Management in Ang Thong”
“Giant Buddha Images and Religious Tourism”
“Preserving Rural Culture in Central Thailand”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, link-ready, and authoritative provincial knowledge.