Thailand’s Narrow Southern Gateway of Beaches, Royal Projects, and National Parks
Prachuap Khiri Khan Province is a geographically unique province in Western–Southern Thailand, located along the Gulf of Thailand and forming Thailand’s narrowest land corridor between the sea and the Myanmar border. Famous for Hua Hin, pristine beaches, royal development projects, and extensive national parks, the province plays a crucial role in tourism, conservation, and coastal security.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Prachuap Khiri Khan has long served as a strategic coastal and frontier region.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| Ancient era | Coastal settlements and maritime trade |
| Ayutthaya period | Southern frontier town |
| Rattanakosin era | Military and coastal defense importance |
| 1868 | Renamed Prachuap Khiri Khan |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
The province’s history reflects its role as a gateway to Southern Thailand.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Prachuap Khiri Khan Province |
| Capital City | Prachuap Khiri Khan |
| Region | Western / Southern Thailand |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~6,368 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~560,000 |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai |
| ISO Code | TH-77 |
The province is home to Thailand’s narrowest land section (about 11 km wide).
⚖️ Government & Administration
Prachuap Khiri Khan follows Thailand’s provincial administrative framework.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & Subdistrict Administrative Organizations |
The Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Hall oversees governance.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Prachuap Khiri Khan
Prachuap Khiri Khan Province consists of 8 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan
Kui Buri
Thap Sakae
Bang Saphan
Bang Saphan Noi
Pran Buri
Hua Hin
Sam Roi Yot
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: Coastal plains, hills, limestone mountains
Mountain Range: Tenasserim Hills
National Parks: Kui Buri, Khao Sam Roi Yot
Coastline: Gulf of Thailand
Borders: Phetchaburi, Chumphon, Myanmar
The province is known for marine ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Hua Hin Municipality
Prachuap Khiri Khan Municipality
Pran Buri Municipality
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Local governance prioritizes tourism management and conservation.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Key development focuses include:
Coastal and beach tourism
Royal development projects
Wildlife conservation
Sustainable fisheries
Cross-regional transport connectivity
Prachuap Khiri Khan follows a balanced tourism–conservation model.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Marine Police | Coastal security |
| National Park Rangers | Wildlife protection |
| Disaster Response Units | Storm & flood management |
Safety planning emphasizes coastal hazards and wildlife protection.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Buddhism (Theravada) |
| Cultural Identity | Central–Southern Thai |
| Language | Thai |
| Royal Connection | Strong royal development presence |
Major Religious & Cultural Sites
Wat Thammikaram Worawihan
Wat Ao Noi
Royal project centers
The province reflects royal patronage and traditional Thai culture.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Tourism | Beaches & resorts (Hua Hin) |
| Fisheries | Coastal fishing |
| Agriculture | Pineapple, coconut |
| Services | Hospitality & trade |
Hua Hin is one of Thailand’s oldest and most prestigious resort towns.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Higher Education | Local colleges |
| Major Hospitals | Prachuap Khiri Khan Hospital, Hua Hin Hospital |
Healthcare supports residents and tourists.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Roads | Highways to Bangkok & South |
| Rail | Southern Railway Line |
| Airports | Hua Hin Airport |
| Ports | Fishing & coastal ports |
Infrastructure supports tourism and regional connectivity.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions
Hua Hin Beach
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Kui Buri National Park (wild elephants)
Ao Manao
Pran Buri Forest Park
Tourism emphasizes nature, relaxation, and wildlife.
🌍 Regional & National Role
Coastal tourism gateway
Wildlife conservation hub
Royal development showcase
Strategic narrow land corridor
📝 Summary
Prachuap Khiri Khan Province stands as one of Thailand’s most distinctive regions—where royal heritage, wildlife conservation, and coastal tourism converge. With iconic destinations like Hua Hin, protected national parks, and a critical geographic position, the province plays a vital role in Thailand’s sustainable development and southern connectivity.
📢 News & Articles
“Wildlife Conservation at Kui Buri National Park”
“Sustainable Tourism Development in Hua Hin”
“Royal Projects and Rural Development”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, link-ready, and authoritative provincial knowledge.