An Ancient Central Thai Province of Kings, Culture, and Rice Fields
Suphan Buri Province is one of Thailand’s oldest provinces, located in Central Thailand. With a history stretching back over 1,000 years, Suphan Buri has played a crucial role in Thai civilization, royal history, agriculture, and cultural development. Today, it is known for its fertile rice fields, folk culture, and as the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Suphan Buri’s past reflects the rise of early Thai states and kingdoms.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| Ancient era | Dvaravati and early Tai settlements |
| 10th–13th century | Known as Suphannaphum |
| Ayutthaya period | Important military & cultural center |
| 16th century | Birthplace of King Naresuan the Great |
| 1899 | Administrative reforms |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
Suphan Buri is deeply embedded in Thai royal and military history.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Suphan Buri Province |
| Capital City | Suphan Buri |
| Region | Central Thailand |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~5,358 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~850,000 |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai |
| ISO Code | TH-72 |
Suphan Buri is one of the major agricultural provinces of Central Thailand.
⚖️ Government & Administration
Suphan Buri follows Thailand’s provincial administrative framework.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & Subdistrict Administrative Organizations |
The Suphan Buri Provincial Hall oversees provincial governance.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Suphan Buri
Suphan Buri Province consists of 10 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Suphan Buri
Doem Bang Nang Buat
Dan Chang
Bang Pla Ma
Si Prachan
Don Chedi
Song Phi Nong
Sam Chuk
U Thong
Nong Ya Sai
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: Flat plains and river basins
Major Rivers: Tha Chin River
Borders: Ang Thong, Sing Buri, Chai Nat, Nakhon Pathom, Kanchanaburi
The fertile plains support large-scale rice farming.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Suphan Buri City Municipality
Sam Chuk Municipality
Song Phi Nong Municipality
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Local governance emphasizes agriculture, irrigation, and rural development.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Key development focuses include:
Agriculture & food security
Cultural preservation
Water management
Community-based tourism
Rural economic development
Suphan Buri is a leader in traditional Thai culture preservation.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Suphan Buri Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Disaster Response Units | Flood & drought management |
The province is considered safe and community-focused.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Buddhism (Theravada) |
| Cultural Identity | Classical Central Thai |
| Language | Thai |
| Folk Culture | Traditional Thai music & literature |
Major Religious & Cultural Sites
Wat Pa Lelai Worawihan (Luang Pho To)
Don Chedi Monument (King Naresuan)
U Thong National Museum
Suphan Buri is closely associated with Thai folk arts and music.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Rice, sugarcane |
| Livestock | Poultry & cattle |
| Tourism | Cultural & historical tourism |
| Services | Local trade |
Agriculture remains the economic backbone of the province.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Higher Education | Local universities & colleges |
| Major Hospitals | Suphan Buri Hospital |
Healthcare and education support a large rural population.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Roads | Major highways |
| Rail | Southern Line branch |
| River Transport | Tha Chin River |
Transport infrastructure supports agricultural distribution.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions
Sam Chuk 100-Year Market
Wat Pa Lelai Worawihan
Don Chedi Monument
U Thong ancient city
Rice fields & rural landscapes
Tourism highlights traditional Thai life and history.
🌍 Regional & National Role
One of Thailand’s oldest provinces
Central Thailand rice producer
Cultural heritage center
Royal history province
📝 Summary
Suphan Buri Province stands as a living archive of Thai history and culture. From ancient cities and royal heroes to fertile rice fields and vibrant folk traditions, Suphan Buri embodies the enduring spirit of Central Thailand and its foundational role in shaping the Thai nation.
📢 News & Articles
“Preserving Traditional Thai Culture in Suphan Buri”
“Rice Production and Water Management in Central Thailand”
“Historical Tourism and Rural Development”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, link-ready, and authoritative provincial knowledge.