The Green Industrial–Agricultural Gateway of Eastern Thailand
Prachinburi Province is a strategically located province in Eastern Thailand, acting as a bridge between Central Thailand, the Eastern Seaboard, and the Northeastern region. Known for its fertile river plains, national parks, and growing industrial estates, Prachinburi balances agriculture, conservation, and industrial development within Thailand’s eastern growth corridor.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Prachinburi has a long history shaped by rivers, trade routes, and frontier administration.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| Ancient era | Early river-based settlements |
| Ayutthaya period | Frontier agricultural and trade region |
| Rattanakosin era | Administrative consolidation |
| 1899 | Administrative reforms |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
| Late 20th century | Industrial and infrastructure expansion |
The province historically served as a gateway between central plains and eastern forests.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Prachinburi Province |
| Capital City | Prachinburi |
| Region | Eastern Thailand |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~4,762 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~490,000 |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai |
| ISO Code | TH-25 |
Prachinburi retains a low population density compared to nearby industrial provinces.
⚖️ Government & Administration
Prachinburi follows Thailand’s provincial administrative framework.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & SAOs |
The Prachinburi Provincial Hall oversees governance and development coordination.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Prachinburi
Prachinburi Province consists of 7 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Prachinburi
Kabin Buri
Na Di
Ban Sang
Prachantakham
Si Maha Phot
Si Mahosot
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: River plains, plateaus, forested hills
Major Rivers: Prachinburi River, Bang Pakong River system
National Parks: Khao Yai National Park (parts), Thap Lan National Park
Borders: Nakhon Nayok, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Ratchasima
Large forest areas form part of the Dong Phaya Yen–Khao Yai Forest Complex (UNESCO-listed).
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Prachinburi City Municipality
Kabin Buri Municipality
Si Maha Phot Municipality
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Local governance focuses on balanced land use and environmental protection.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Key development focuses include:
Sustainable industrial estates
Agriculture & agro-processing
Environmental conservation
Transport connectivity
Workforce development
Prachinburi supports eco-friendly industrial growth.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Prachinburi Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Forest rangers | Wildlife & forest protection |
| Disaster Response Units | Flood & forest fire response |
Safety management emphasizes natural hazard preparedness.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Buddhism (Theravada) |
| Cultural Identity | Eastern Thai |
| Language | Thai |
| Traditional Lifestyle | River & farming communities |
Major Religious & Cultural Sites
Wat Kaew Phichit
Si Mahosot ancient city ruins
Local forest monasteries
The province preserves ancient Dvaravati-era heritage.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Rice, fruits, cassava |
| Industry | Manufacturing & industrial estates |
| Energy | Power generation |
| Services | Trade & logistics |
The economy is diversifying with controlled industrialization.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Higher Education | Local colleges |
| Major Hospitals | Prachinburi Hospital |
Healthcare supports rural communities and industrial workers.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Roads | Highways linking Central & Eastern regions |
| Rail | Eastern Railway Line |
| Nearest Airports | Bangkok (DMK / BKK) |
Connectivity supports industry, agriculture, and logistics.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions
Thap Lan National Park
Si Mahosot ancient ruins
Prachinburi River scenery
Forest waterfalls
Rural eco-tourism villages
Tourism is nature- and heritage-oriented.
🌍 Regional & National Role
Eastern agricultural support province
Green industrial growth area
Forest conservation corridor
Transport gateway to the Northeast
📝 Summary
Prachinburi Province stands at the intersection of nature and development. With fertile farmlands, UNESCO-listed forest complexes, and carefully planned industrial zones, Prachinburi plays a crucial role in Eastern Thailand’s sustainable growth—linking conservation, agriculture, and industry in a balanced model.
📢 News & Articles
“Sustainable Industrial Development in Prachinburi”
“Forest Conservation in the Dong Phaya Yen–Khao Yai Complex”
“Agro-Processing Growth in Eastern Thailand”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, link-ready, and authoritative provincial knowledge.