The Mountain Kingdom of Lower Northern Thailand and a Natural Green Corridor
Phetchabun Province is a geographically unique province in Lower Northern Thailand, often described as a natural fortress surrounded by mountain ranges. Known for its cool climate, fertile valleys, national parks, and historical resilience, Phetchabun serves as a bridge between Northern, Central, and Northeastern Thailand.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Phetchabun’s mountainous terrain shaped its history as a refuge and strategic region.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| Ancient era | Early settlements in mountain valleys |
| 13th–15th century | Influenced by Sukhothai & Ayutthaya |
| 1940s | Briefly proposed as Thailand’s wartime capital |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
Phetchabun’s geography made it historically secure and self-sustaining.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Phetchabun Province |
| Capital City | Phetchabun |
| Region | Lower Northern Thailand |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~12,668 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~990,000 |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai |
| ISO Code | TH-67 |
⚖️ Government & Administration
Phetchabun follows Thailand’s provincial administrative system.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & Subdistrict Administrative Organizations |
The Phetchabun Provincial Hall oversees administration.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Phetchabun
Phetchabun Province consists of 11 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Phetchabun
Chon Daen
Lom Sak
Lom Kao
Wichian Buri
Si Thep
Nong Phai
Bueng Sam Phan
Nam Nao
Wang Pong
Khao Kho
These districts include fertile basins, highlands, and national park areas.
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: Mountains, valleys, plateaus
Major Ranges: Phetchabun Mountains
Borders: Phitsanulok, Loei, Chaiyaphum, Lopburi
Natural Features:
Khao Kho highlands
Nam Nao National Park
Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park
Cool climate zones & foggy valleys
Phetchabun is often called “Thailand’s Little Switzerland.”
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Local administration includes:
Phetchabun City Municipality
Lom Sak Municipality
Khao Kho local administration
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Local governance emphasizes eco-tourism and land management.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Phetchabun focuses on:
Eco-tourism & mountain tourism
Agriculture (tamarind, corn, vegetables)
Climate-resilient farming
Infrastructure & regional connectivity
Environmental conservation
Phetchabun is a model province for green development.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Phetchabun Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Forestry & Park Rangers | Environmental protection |
| Disaster Response Units | Landslide & flood response |
The province is considered safe and environmentally protected.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Buddhism (Theravada) |
| Cultural Identity | Central–Northern Thai blend |
| Local Language | Central Thai |
| Traditional Life | Mountain & valley communities |
Major Religious & Cultural Sites:
Wat Phra That Pha Son Kaew
Si Thep Historical Park (UNESCO candidate site)
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Tamarind (nationally famous), maize |
| Tourism | Mountain & eco-tourism |
| Services | Hospitality & local trade |
| Agro-Processing | Food products |
Phetchabun is Thailand’s leading tamarind-producing province.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Higher Education | Local universities & colleges |
| Vocational Training | Agriculture & tourism |
| Major Hospitals | Phetchabun Hospital |
Education supports sustainable regional development.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Roads | Highways linking North–Central–Isan |
| Nearest Airports | Phitsanulok, Loei |
| Public Transport | Buses & vans |
Road connectivity is the province’s main transport strength.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions:
Khao Kho viewpoints
Wat Phra That Pha Son Kaew
Nam Nao National Park
Phu Hin Rong Kla
Si Thep Historical Park
Phetchabun is a major cool-climate tourism destination.
🌍 Regional Role
Natural barrier & green corridor
Eco-tourism and agriculture hub
Strategic link between three regions
Climate-resilient province
📝 Summary
Phetchabun Province is a land of mountains, mist, and fertile valleys — a natural sanctuary that blends eco-tourism, agriculture, and cultural heritage. Its unique geography and sustainable development vision make Phetchabun one of Thailand’s most distinctive provinces.
📢 News & Articles
“Khao Kho Eco-Tourism Development”
“Tamarind Industry and Rural Economy”
“Si Thep and Thailand’s Ancient Civilizations”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, expandable, and regionally accurate provincial documentation.