A Historic Western Province of Pottery, Mountains, and Border Trade
Ratchaburi Province is a historically significant province located in Western Thailand, bordering Myanmar. Known for its ancient Dvaravati heritage, famous pottery industry, mountain landscapes, and cross-border trade, Ratchaburi serves as a bridge between Central Thailand and the western frontier while maintaining a rich cultural and agricultural identity.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Ratchaburi is one of Thailand’s oldest continuously inhabited regions.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| Ancient era | Dvaravati civilization center |
| Khmer period | Strategic regional city |
| Ayutthaya period | Important western defense town |
| Rattanakosin era | Trade and agriculture expansion |
| 1899 | Administrative reforms |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
Ratchaburi’s name reflects its long-standing role as a royal city in western Siam.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Ratchaburi Province |
| Capital City | Ratchaburi |
| Region | Western Thailand |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~5,196 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~870,000 |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai |
| ISO Code | TH-70 |
Ratchaburi is a key western gateway province.
⚖️ Government & Administration
Ratchaburi follows Thailand’s provincial administrative framework.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & Subdistrict Administrative Organizations |
The Ratchaburi Provincial Hall oversees governance.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Ratchaburi
Ratchaburi Province consists of 10 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Ratchaburi
Chom Bueng
Suan Phueng
Damnoen Saduak
Ban Pong
Bang Phae
Photharam
Pak Tho
Wat Phleng
Ban Kha
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: Plains, hills, and mountains
Mountain Range: Tenasserim Hills
Major Rivers: Mae Klong River
Borders: Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, Phetchaburi, Myanmar
The province features fertile plains and scenic highlands.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Ratchaburi City Municipality
Ban Pong Municipality
Photharam Municipality
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Local governance balances urban growth, agriculture, and conservation.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Key development focuses include:
Agriculture & food processing
Pottery & local industries
Eco-tourism & mountain resorts
Cross-border trade facilitation
Water resource management
Ratchaburi is well known for ceramics and handicrafts.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Ratchaburi Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Border security units | Western border control |
| Disaster Response Units | Flood & landslide management |
Safety planning includes border and environmental risks.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Buddhism (Theravada) |
| Cultural Identity | Central Thai with Mon influences |
| Language | Thai |
| Traditional Craft | Pottery & ceramics |
Major Religious & Cultural Sites
Wat Mahathat Worawihan
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Khao Bin Cave
Ratchaburi is internationally known for ceramic pottery production.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Rice, sugarcane, fruits |
| Industry | Ceramics, food processing |
| Tourism | Floating markets & eco-tourism |
| Trade | Border & regional trade |
The economy is diverse and regionally connected.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Higher Education | Local universities & colleges |
| Major Hospitals | Ratchaburi Hospital |
Education and healthcare support both urban and rural populations.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Roads | Highways to Bangkok & West |
| Rail | Southern Railway Line |
| Nearest Airports | Bangkok (DMK / BKK) |
Transport links support trade and tourism.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Suan Phueng mountain resorts
Khao Bin Cave
Pottery villages
Mae Klong riverfronts
Tourism combines culture, nature, and craftsmanship.
🌍 Regional & National Role
Western trade gateway
Pottery & handicraft center
Agricultural supply province
Tourism hub near Bangkok
📝 Summary
Ratchaburi Province stands as a culturally rich and geographically diverse region of Western Thailand. With its ancient roots, renowned pottery industry, fertile farmlands, and scenic mountain landscapes, Ratchaburi bridges tradition and modern development—playing a vital role in Thailand’s western economic and cultural landscape.
📢 News & Articles
“Ceramic Industry Development in Ratchaburi”
“Eco-Tourism Growth in Suan Phueng”
“Cross-Border Trade in Western Thailand”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, link-ready, and authoritative provincial knowledge.