Thailand’s Eastern Economic Powerhouse and Global Tourism Hub
Chonburi Province is one of Thailand’s most dynamic and economically significant provinces, located in Eastern Thailand along the Gulf of Thailand. Renowned as a major industrial, logistics, and tourism center, Chonburi is home to Pattaya, deep-sea ports, and forms the core of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC)—a flagship national development zone.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Chonburi’s development has been shaped by coastal trade, migration, and modern industrialization.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| Ancient era | Coastal settlements and fishing communities |
| Ayutthaya period | Important coastal town and trade route |
| Rattanakosin era | Expansion of ports and agriculture |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
| 1980s–1990s | Rise of Pattaya as an international resort |
| 2017–present | Core province of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) |
Chonburi’s transformation accelerated with tourism and industrial investment.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Chonburi Province |
| Capital City | Chonburi |
| Region | Eastern Thailand |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~4,363 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~1.6 million |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai |
| ISO Code | TH-20 |
Chonburi is among Thailand’s top GDP-contributing provinces.
⚖️ Government & Administration
Chonburi follows Thailand’s provincial governance structure and hosts special administrative zones.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities, SAOs & special cities |
The Chonburi Provincial Hall oversees governance and EEC coordination.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Chonburi
Chonburi Province consists of 11 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Chonburi
Ban Bueng
Nong Yai
Bang Lamung
Phanat Nikhom
Phan Thong
Si Racha
Ko Sichang
Sattahip
Bo Thong
Ko Chan
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: Coastal plains, hills, islands
Coastline: Gulf of Thailand
Major Bays: Pattaya Bay, Si Racha Bay
Borders: Rayong, Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi
The province includes islands, beaches, ports, and industrial zones.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Chonburi City Municipality
Pattaya City (Special Local Administrative Organization)
Si Racha Municipality
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Local governance balances tourism, industry, and urban growth.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Key development focuses include:
Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) projects
High-tech industry & manufacturing
Tourism diversification
Smart-city & digital infrastructure
Environmental & coastal management
Chonburi is a national engine of economic growth.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Chonburi Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Tourist Police | Visitor safety |
| Marine & Naval Units | Coastal security |
| Disaster Response Units | Coastal & urban emergencies |
Safety planning is crucial due to tourism and industrial density.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Buddhism (Theravada) |
| Cultural Identity | Central Thai |
| Language | Thai |
| Cultural Mix | Thai & international communities |
Major Religious & Cultural Sites
Wat Yansangwararam
Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill)
Ko Sichang historical sites
Chonburi reflects modern multicultural Thailand.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive, electronics, petrochemical |
| Tourism | Beaches, nightlife, conventions |
| Logistics | Ports & supply chains |
| Services | Hospitality & trade |
The province anchors Thailand’s industrial export economy.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Universities | Burapha University |
| Major Hospitals | Chonburi Hospital, Pattaya hospitals |
Education and healthcare support residents, workers, and tourists.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Ports | Laem Chabang Port (largest in Thailand) |
| Roads | Motorways to Bangkok |
| Rail | Dual-track & high-speed rail (EEC) |
| Airports | U-Tapao International Airport (nearby) |
Connectivity places Chonburi at the center of Thailand’s logistics network.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions
Pattaya Beach & Jomtien
Koh Larn
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
Sattahip beaches
Ko Sichang
Tourism ranges from leisure to business and events.
🌍 Regional & National Role
Core province of the Eastern Economic Corridor
Thailand’s largest port hub
International tourism destination
Industrial & logistics powerhouse
📝 Summary
Chonburi Province stands at the forefront of Thailand’s economic transformation. As a coastal province combining world-class tourism, heavy industry, and advanced logistics under the Eastern Economic Corridor, Chonburi plays a decisive role in shaping Thailand’s future growth and global integration.
📢 News & Articles
“Eastern Economic Corridor Progress in Chonburi”
“Sustainable Tourism Development in Pattaya”
“Port Expansion and Logistics Innovation”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, link-ready, and authoritative provincial knowledge.