Thailand’s Southern Gateway to World-Famous Islands and the Gulf of Thailand
Surat Thani Province is the largest province in Southern Thailand by area and a major transport, tourism, and economic hub along the Gulf of Thailand. Internationally known as the gateway to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, Surat Thani connects mainland southern Thailand with some of the country’s most iconic island destinations while maintaining a strong agricultural, fisheries, and logistics base.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Surat Thani has a long history tied to maritime trade and ancient kingdoms.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| Ancient era | Part of Srivijaya maritime influence |
| 7th–13th century | Coastal trade and cultural exchange |
| Rattanakosin era | Integration into Siam |
| 1915 | Renamed Surat Thani (“City of Good People”) |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
The province’s name was given by King Rama VI, reflecting moral and civic ideals.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Surat Thani Province |
| Capital City | Surat Thani |
| Region | Southern Thailand |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~12,891 sq km (largest in Southern Thailand) |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~1.1 million |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai |
| ISO Code | TH-84 |
Surat Thani serves as the main mainland hub for Gulf island tourism.
⚖️ Government & Administration
Surat Thani follows Thailand’s provincial administrative framework.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & Subdistrict Administrative Organizations |
The Surat Thani Provincial Hall oversees governance and regional coordination.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Surat Thani
Surat Thani Province consists of 19 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Surat Thani
Kanchanadit
Don Sak
Ko Samui
Ko Pha-ngan
Chaiya
Tha Chang
Khian Sa
Ban Na San
Ban Na Doem
Khiri Rat Nikhom
Phunphin
Ban Ta Khun
Phanom
Tha Chana
Vibhavadi
Phrasaeng
Wiang Sa
Chai Buri
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: Coastal plains, islands, mountains, forests
Sea: Gulf of Thailand
National Parks: Khao Sok National Park, Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park
Islands: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao
Borders: Chumphon, Krabi, Phang Nga, Nakhon Si Thammarat
Surat Thani hosts one of Southeast Asia’s oldest rainforests.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Surat Thani City Municipality
Ko Samui Municipality
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Local governance balances urban services, island tourism, and rural development.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Key development focuses include:
Island and marine tourism management
Transport and logistics connectivity
Sustainable fisheries and agriculture
Rainforest and biodiversity conservation
Disaster resilience and climate adaptation
Surat Thani acts as a logistics and tourism backbone of Southern Thailand.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Surat Thani Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Tourist Police | Visitor safety |
| Marine Police | Island and maritime security |
| National Park Rangers | Forest & marine protection |
Safety planning prioritizes tourism, marine travel, and natural hazards.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religions | Buddhism, Islam |
| Cultural Identity | Southern Thai |
| Language | Thai |
| Historical Culture | Srivijaya & Chaiya heritage |
Major Religious & Cultural Sites
Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya
Chaiya Old Town
Local island temples and mosques
Surat Thani preserves ancient southern Thai civilization.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Tourism | Islands, eco-tourism, marine parks |
| Agriculture | Rubber, palm oil, fruits |
| Fisheries | Gulf of Thailand fishing |
| Transport | Ports, ferries & logistics |
| Services | Hospitality and trade |
Tourism and agriculture are the main economic pillars.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Higher Education | Prince of Songkla University (Surat Thani campus) |
| Major Hospitals | Surat Thani Hospital |
Healthcare supports residents and millions of annual tourists.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airports | Surat Thani International Airport, Samui Airport |
| Rail | Southern Railway Line |
| Ferry Ports | Don Sak Pier |
| Roads | Highways linking southern provinces |
Surat Thani is the primary transport hub for Gulf island travel.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions
Koh Samui
Koh Phangan (Full Moon Party)
Koh Tao (diving destination)
Khao Sok National Park
Ang Thong Marine Park
The province offers beach, jungle, and adventure tourism.
🌍 Regional & National Role
Gateway to Thailand’s Gulf islands
Southern logistics and transport hub
Rainforest and biodiversity center
Major tourism revenue contributor
📝 Summary
Surat Thani Province stands as the beating heart of Southern Thailand’s tourism and transport network. As the gateway to world-famous islands and home to ancient rainforests, the province connects land, sea, and culture—playing a vital role in Thailand’s economy, biodiversity conservation, and global tourism appeal.
📢 News & Articles
“Sustainable Island Tourism in Surat Thani”
“Rainforest Conservation in Khao Sok National Park”
“Transport Connectivity and Tourism Growth”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, link-ready, and authoritative provincial knowledge.