The Spiritual, Cultural, and Historical Heart of Southern Thailand
Nakhon Si Thammarat Province is one of Thailand’s oldest and most culturally significant provinces, located on the eastern coast of Southern Thailand along the Gulf of Thailand. Renowned as a historic religious center, the province is home to Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the country. Nakhon Si Thammarat plays a vital role in southern identity, education, agriculture, and regional connectivity.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Nakhon Si Thammarat has a history spanning more than a millennium.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| 7th–13th century | Part of Srivijaya & Tambralinga Kingdom |
| Ancient era | Major Buddhist and maritime trade center |
| Ayutthaya period | Southern administrative and military hub |
| Rattanakosin era | Integrated into Siamese administration |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
Historically known as Tambralinga, the province was a major center of Theravada Buddhism.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Nakhon Si Thammarat Province |
| Capital City | Nakhon Si Thammarat |
| Region | Southern Thailand |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~9,942 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~1.5 million |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai |
| ISO Code | TH-80 |
It is one of the most populous provinces in Southern Thailand.
⚖️ Government & Administration
Nakhon Si Thammarat follows Thailand’s provincial administrative framework.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & Subdistrict Administrative Organizations |
The Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Hall oversees governance and regional coordination.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Nakhon Si Thammarat
Nakhon Si Thammarat Province consists of 23 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat
Phrom Khiri
Lan Saka
Chawang
Phipun
Chian Yai
Cha-uat
Tha Sala
Thung Song
Na Bon
Thung Yai
Pak Phanang
Ron Phibun
Sichon
Khanom
Hua Sai
Bang Khan
Tham Phannara
Chulabhorn
Phra Phrom
Nopphitam
Chang Klang
Chaloem Phra Kiat
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: Mountains, plains, coastline
Mountain Range: Nakhon Si Thammarat Range
Sea: Gulf of Thailand
National Parks: Khao Luang National Park
Borders: Surat Thani, Phatthalung, Songkhla
The province includes dense rainforests, waterfalls, and coastal ecosystems.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Nakhon Si Thammarat City Municipality
Thung Song Municipality
Pak Phanang Municipality
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Local governance focuses on education, agriculture, and urban services.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Key development focuses include:
Religious & cultural tourism
Agricultural modernization
Education and human capital
Coastal fisheries management
Flood and disaster mitigation
Nakhon Si Thammarat is a cultural and educational anchor of Southern Thailand.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Marine Police | Coastal security |
| Disaster Response Units | Flood & storm management |
| Forest Rangers | National park protection |
Safety planning emphasizes flooding and coastal hazards.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religions | Buddhism, Islam |
| Cultural Identity | Southern Thai |
| Language | Thai |
| Cultural Heritage | Classical southern arts |
Major Religious & Cultural Sites
Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan (UNESCO Tentative List)
City Pillar Shrine
Traditional shadow-puppet (Nang Talung) centers
The province is a cradle of southern Thai culture and Buddhism.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Rubber, palm oil, fruits |
| Fisheries | Gulf of Thailand fishing |
| Trade | Regional commerce |
| Tourism | Cultural & nature tourism |
| Education | Universities & institutes |
Agriculture remains the economic backbone.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Universities | Walailak University |
| Major Hospitals | Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital |
The province is a major education hub in Southern Thailand.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airports | Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport |
| Rail | Southern Railway Line |
| Roads | Major north–south highways |
| Ports | Coastal fishing ports |
Connectivity links the province across southern Thailand.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions
Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan
Khao Luang National Park
Khanom Beach & pink dolphins
Pak Phanang river mouth
Southern cultural festivals
Tourism highlights spirituality, forests, and coastline.
🌍 Regional & National Role
Spiritual center of Southern Thailand
Education and cultural hub
Agricultural supply base
Gulf of Thailand coastal province
📝 Summary
Nakhon Si Thammarat Province stands as the spiritual and cultural backbone of Southern Thailand. With its ancient Buddhist heritage, vibrant southern traditions, fertile lands, and educational institutions, the province plays a central role in shaping southern identity while supporting sustainable economic and cultural development.
📢 News & Articles
“UNESCO Nomination Progress for Wat Phra Mahathat”
“Cultural Tourism Development in Southern Thailand”
“Flood Management and Coastal Resilience Projects”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, link-ready, and authoritative provincial knowledge.