The Gateway to Southern Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand
Chumphon Province is a strategically important province in Southern Thailand, located along the Gulf of Thailand. Often called the “Gateway to the South”, Chumphon connects Central Thailand with the southern peninsula. Known for its quiet beaches, diving sites, coffee plantations, and transport connectivity, the province plays a vital role in logistics, agriculture, and coastal tourism.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Chumphon has long served as a transitional region between central and southern Thailand.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| Ancient era | Coastal and riverine settlements |
| Ayutthaya period | Strategic coastal and military zone |
| Rattanakosin era | Transport and administrative hub |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
Chumphon has historically functioned as a defensive and transit province.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Chumphon Province |
| Capital City | Chumphon |
| Region | Southern Thailand |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~6,009 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~510,000 |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai |
| ISO Code | TH-86 |
Chumphon is known for its low-density development and natural coastline.
⚖️ Government & Administration
Chumphon follows Thailand’s provincial administrative framework.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & Subdistrict Administrative Organizations |
The Chumphon Provincial Hall oversees governance and transport coordination.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Chumphon
Chumphon Province consists of 8 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Chumphon
Tha Sae
Pathio
Lang Suan
Lamae
Sawi
Thung Tako
Mueang Chumphon (Tha Taphao area administered separately)
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: Coastal plains, hills, forests
Sea: Gulf of Thailand
National Parks: Mu Ko Chumphon National Park
Borders: Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Surat Thani
Chumphon features coral reefs, islands, waterfalls, and coffee-growing highlands.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Chumphon Municipality
Lang Suan Municipality
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Local governance emphasizes transport services, agriculture, and eco-tourism.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Key development focuses include:
Transport and logistics hub development
Sustainable coastal and diving tourism
Coffee and agricultural value chains
Fisheries and marine conservation
Disaster and coastal resilience
Chumphon is positioned as a support province for southern growth.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Chumphon Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Marine Police | Coastal and island security |
| Disaster Response Units | Storm & flood response |
| National Park Rangers | Marine protection |
Safety planning focuses on marine travel and monsoon preparedness.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Buddhism |
| Cultural Identity | Southern Thai |
| Language | Thai |
| Cultural Feature | Naval and coastal traditions |
Major Religious & Cultural Sites
Prince of Chumphon Shrine
Wat Chao Fa Sala Loi
Coastal fishing villages
Chumphon honors Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, founder of the Royal Thai Navy.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Coffee, rubber, palm oil |
| Fisheries | Gulf of Thailand fishing |
| Tourism | Diving, islands & beaches |
| Transport | Rail, road & ferry services |
Chumphon is Thailand’s leading Robusta coffee-producing province.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Higher Education | Local colleges |
| Major Hospitals | Chumphon Khet Udomsak Hospital |
Healthcare supports residents and transit populations.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airports | Chumphon Airport |
| Rail | Southern Railway Line |
| Roads | Major north–south highways |
| Ports | Fishing ports & ferry piers |
Chumphon is a critical transport junction for Southern Thailand.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions
Mu Ko Chumphon National Park
Thung Wua Laen Beach
Koh Tao ferry gateway
Prince of Chumphon Shrine
Coffee plantations & waterfalls
Tourism remains quiet, nature-focused, and low-impact.
🌍 Regional & National Role
Gateway to Southern Thailand
Transport and logistics connector
Coffee and agriculture hub
Gulf of Thailand coastal province
📝 Summary
Chumphon Province stands as the essential bridge between Central and Southern Thailand. With its strategic transport role, peaceful beaches, marine parks, and agricultural strengths—especially coffee—Chumphon supports the broader southern economy while maintaining its identity as a calm, nature-oriented coastal province.
📢 News & Articles
“Coffee Industry Expansion in Chumphon”
“Marine Conservation in Mu Ko Chumphon National Park”
“Transport Infrastructure Development in Southern Thailand”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, link-ready, and authoritative provincial knowledge.