The Birthplace of Thailand and the Cradle of Thai Civilization
Sukhothai Province holds a unique and sacred place in Thai history as the first capital of the Thai people and the origin of Thai statehood, culture, language, and governance. Located in Lower Northern Thailand, Sukhothai is globally renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage historical park and its foundational role in shaping Thailand’s national identity.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Sukhothai is widely regarded as the birthplace of the Thai nation.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| 1238 | Establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom |
| 13th century | Reign of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great |
| 1283 | Development of Thai script |
| 14th century | Sukhothai absorbed into Ayutthaya Kingdom |
| 1767 | Thai kingdoms consolidate after Ayutthaya fall |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
The Sukhothai era is remembered as a golden age of Thai culture and governance.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Sukhothai Province |
| Capital City | Sukhothai |
| Region | Lower Northern Thailand |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~6,596 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~600,000 |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai |
| ISO Code | TH-64 |
⚖️ Government & Administration
Sukhothai follows Thailand’s provincial administrative system.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & Subdistrict Administrative Organizations |
The Sukhothai Provincial Hall manages administration.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Sukhothai
Sukhothai Province consists of 9 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Sukhothai
Ban Dan Lan Hoi
Khiri Mat
Kong Krailat
Si Satchanalai
Si Samrong
Sawankhalok
Si Nakhon
Thung Saliam
These districts include ancient cities, river plains, and rural communities.
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: River plains, low hills
Major River: Yom River
Borders: Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Phrae, Lampang
Natural & Historical Features:
Sukhothai Historical Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Si Satchanalai Historical Park
Fertile agricultural plains
Sukhothai combines cultural landscapes with rural agriculture.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Local administration includes:
Sukhothai City Municipality
Sawankhalok Municipality
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Local governance emphasizes heritage conservation.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Sukhothai focuses on:
Historical preservation & tourism
Cultural education
Agriculture (rice, fruits)
Handicrafts & ceramics
Sustainable tourism development
Sukhothai is a heritage-first development province.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Sukhothai Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Tourist Police | Visitor safety |
| Heritage Protection Units | Site conservation |
| Disaster Response Units | Flood management |
Tourist safety is a key priority due to UNESCO sites.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Buddhism (Theravada) |
| Cultural Identity | Sukhothai Thai civilization |
| National Contributions | Thai script, art, governance |
| Traditional Arts | Ceramics (Sangkhalok ware) |
Major Religious Sites:
Wat Mahathat
Wat Si Chum
Wat Sa Si
Sukhothai art style is foundational to Thai aesthetics.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Tourism | Historical & cultural tourism |
| Agriculture | Rice, bananas, fruits |
| Handicrafts | Ceramics, crafts |
| Services | Local commerce |
Tourism and agriculture dominate the provincial economy.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Higher Education | Sukhothai-area universities & colleges |
| Major Hospitals | Sukhothai Hospital |
Education emphasizes culture and regional development.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport | Sukhothai Airport |
| Roads | Highways linking northern provinces |
| Public Transport | Buses & local transport |
Sukhothai is accessible yet maintains a peaceful atmosphere.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions:
Sukhothai Historical Park (UNESCO)
Si Satchanalai Historical Park
Ramkhamhaeng National Museum
Wat Si Chum
Old city ruins & lotus ponds
Sukhothai is considered Thailand’s most important historical destination.
🌍 Regional & National Role
Birthplace of Thai civilization
UNESCO World Heritage province
Cultural education hub
Symbol of Thai national identity
📝 Summary
Sukhothai Province is the foundation of Thailand itself — the birthplace of Thai culture, language, and governance. Its ancient ruins, timeless landscapes, and historical legacy make Sukhothai one of the most important provinces in the nation’s history.
📢 News & Articles
“UNESCO Conservation at Sukhothai Historical Park”
“The Legacy of King Ramkhamhaeng”
“Sustainable Cultural Tourism in Sukhothai”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering authoritative, structured, and expandable provincial knowledge.