The Ancient City of Empires, Monkeys, and Strategic Central Thailand
Lopburi Province is a historically rich and strategically important province located in Central Thailand. Known as one of Thailand’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Lopburi is famous for its Khmer-era ruins, monkey population, and long-standing role as a military and administrative center. The province blends ancient heritage with modern strategic significance.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Lopburi’s history spans multiple civilizations and kingdoms.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| Ancient era | Dvaravati settlements |
| 11th–13th century | Khmer rule; city known as Lavo |
| 14th–18th century | Part of Ayutthaya Kingdom |
| 17th century | Second capital under King Narai the Great |
| 1767 | Decline after fall of Ayutthaya |
| 1899 | Administrative reforms |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
King Narai the Great made Lopburi a center of diplomacy and foreign relations.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Lopburi Province |
| Capital City | Lopburi |
| Region | Central Thailand |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~6,200 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~750,000 |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai |
| ISO Code | TH-16 |
Lopburi lies north of Bangkok and east of Ayutthaya.
⚖️ Government & Administration
Lopburi follows Thailand’s provincial administrative framework.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & Subdistrict Administrative Organizations |
The Lopburi Provincial Hall oversees governance.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Lopburi
Lopburi Province consists of 11 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Lopburi
Phatthana Nikhom
Khok Samrong
Chai Badan
Tha Wung
Ban Mi
Tha Luang
Sa Bot
Khok Charoen
Lam Sonthi
Nong Muang
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: Plains, hills, limestone areas
River System: Lopburi River, Pa Sak River
Borders: Saraburi, Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri, Chai Nat, Phetchabun
The geography supports agriculture and military facilities.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Lopburi City Municipality
Ban Mi Municipality
Phatthana Nikhom Municipality
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Urban planning balances heritage preservation and defense infrastructure.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Key development focuses include:
Heritage tourism & conservation
Agriculture & irrigation
Military & security infrastructure
Urban development
Water resource management
Lopburi plays a key role in national defense logistics.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Lopburi Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Military Police | Security coordination |
| Disaster Response Units | Drought & flood management |
The province maintains high security importance.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Buddhism (Theravada) |
| Cultural Identity | Khmer–Thai heritage |
| Language | Thai |
| Unique Feature | Monkey population |
Major Religious & Cultural Sites
Phra Prang Sam Yot
King Narai’s Palace
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat
The Lopburi Monkey Festival is internationally known.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Rice, corn, sunflowers |
| Military & Government | Bases & facilities |
| Tourism | Historical & cultural tourism |
| Services | Local commerce |
Sunflower fields are a seasonal attraction.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Universities | Lopburi Rajabhat University |
| Major Hospitals | Lopburi Hospital |
Education supports regional workforce development.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Roads | Major highways |
| Rail | Northern Railway Line |
| Nearest Airport | Bangkok (Don Mueang) |
Lopburi serves as a transport corridor to the North.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions
Phra Prang Sam Yot (Monkey Temple)
King Narai’s Palace
Sunflower fields (seasonal)
Lopburi Old Town
Historical museums
Tourism combines ancient ruins and unique urban wildlife.
🌍 Regional & National Role
Ancient capital of Lavo
Central Thailand military hub
Heritage conservation province
Agricultural support region
📝 Summary
Lopburi Province is a living testament to Thailand’s layered history — from Dvaravati and Khmer civilizations to the royal era of King Narai and modern military significance. With its ancient ruins, cultural uniqueness, and strategic role, Lopburi remains a vital province in Central Thailand.
📢 News & Articles
“King Narai and International Diplomacy”
“Managing Urban Wildlife in Lopburi”
“Heritage Conservation and Tourism”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, link-ready, and authoritative provincial knowledge.