Thailand’s Rainiest Province and the Andaman Gateway to Myanmar
Ranong Province is a small but strategically important province in Southern Thailand, located along the Andaman Sea and sharing a long maritime and river border with Myanmar. Known as Thailand’s rainiest province, Ranong is famous for its hot springs, mangrove forests, islands, and role as a key maritime border and trade gateway.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Ranong’s history is closely linked to maritime trade, tin mining, and border administration.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| Ancient era | Coastal settlements and seafaring communities |
| 19th century | Tin mining boom under Chinese influence |
| Rattanakosin era | Development as a port and border town |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
Ranong was historically known as Rattana Rangsan, reflecting royal patronage.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Ranong Province |
| Capital City | Ranong |
| Region | Southern Thailand |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~3,298 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~200,000 |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai |
| ISO Code | TH-85 |
Ranong has one of the lowest population densities in Southern Thailand.
⚖️ Government & Administration
Ranong follows Thailand’s provincial administrative framework with strong border and maritime coordination.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & Subdistrict Administrative Organizations |
The Ranong Provincial Hall oversees administration and border affairs.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Ranong
Ranong Province consists of 5 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Ranong
La-un
Kapoe
Kra Buri
Suk Samran
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: Mountains, coastal plains, islands
Mountain Range: Tenasserim Hills
Coastline: Andaman Sea
Major Rivers: Pak Chan River
Islands: Ranong Archipelago
Borders: Chumphon, Myanmar
Ranong has extensive mangrove forests and marine ecosystems.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Ranong Municipality
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Local governance emphasizes environmental protection and coastal management.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Key development focuses include:
Border trade and port services
Eco-tourism and island tourism
Mangrove and marine conservation
Fisheries and aquaculture
Disaster and climate resilience
Ranong promotes low-impact, nature-based development.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Ranong Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Marine Police | Coastal & maritime security |
| Border Patrol Police | Border control |
| Disaster Response Units | Storm & flood management |
Security planning focuses on maritime borders and weather risks.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religions | Buddhism, Islam |
| Cultural Identity | Southern Thai with Myanmar influence |
| Language | Thai |
| Cultural Mix | Thai, Chinese, Myanmar communities |
Major Religious & Cultural Sites
Wat Ban Lang Suan
Ranong City Pillar Shrine
Local mosques and coastal temples
Cultural life reflects cross-border diversity.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Fisheries | Marine fishing & processing |
| Trade | Border & port trade |
| Tourism | Hot springs & islands |
| Agriculture | Rubber, palm oil |
The economy is maritime- and border-oriented.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Higher Education | Local colleges |
| Major Hospitals | Ranong Hospital |
Healthcare services support residents and migrant populations.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airports | Ranong Airport |
| Roads | Highway connections to Chumphon |
| Ports | Ranong Port |
| Border Routes | Kra Buri crossings |
Infrastructure supports trade and tourism connectivity.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions
Raksawarin Hot Springs
Ngao Mangrove Forest
Koh Phayam
Koh Chang (Ranong)
Andaman coastal viewpoints
Ranong is ideal for eco-tourism and wellness travel.
🌍 Regional & National Role
Andaman Sea maritime gateway
Thailand–Myanmar coastal border province
Mangrove and marine conservation hub
Low-density sustainable tourism destination
📝 Summary
Ranong Province stands as Thailand’s lush western coastline on the Andaman Sea. With its rainforests, hot springs, islands, and strategic maritime border, Ranong plays a vital role in cross-border trade, marine conservation, and eco-tourism—offering a quieter, greener alternative to mass tourism destinations.
📢 News & Articles
“Eco-Tourism Growth in Ranong”
“Mangrove Conservation Along the Andaman Coast”
“Thailand–Myanmar Maritime Trade Developments”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, link-ready, and authoritative provincial knowledge.