The Land of Elephants and the Living Khmer–Isan Cultural Heritage
Surin Province is a culturally rich and historically significant province in Lower Northeastern Thailand (Isan). Internationally known as Thailand’s “Land of Elephants”, Surin is celebrated for its deep Khmer heritage, strong elephant traditions, ancient stone temples, silk weaving, and vibrant cross-border culture near Cambodia.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Surin’s identity is shaped by Khmer civilization and Isan settlement.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| 9th–13th century | Part of the Khmer Empire |
| 18th century | Settlement by Lao–Khmer communities |
| 1763 | Official founding of Surin town |
| 18th–19th century | Integrated into Siam |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
Surin has long been famous for elephant domestication and training.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Surin Province |
| Capital City | Surin |
| Region | Northeastern Thailand (Lower Isan) |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~8,124 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~1.4 million |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai, Isan, Khmer |
| ISO Code | TH-32 |
⚖️ Government & Administration
Surin follows Thailand’s provincial administrative framework.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & Subdistrict Administrative Organizations |
The Surin Provincial Hall coordinates administration.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Surin
Surin Province consists of 17 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Surin
Chumphon Buri
Tha Tum
Chom Phra
Prasat
Kap Choeng
Rattanaburi
Sanom
Sikhoraphum
Sangkha
Lamduan
Samrong Thap
Buachet
Phanom Dong Rak
Si Narong
Khwao Sinarin
Non Narai
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: Plains, low hills
Major Rivers: Mun River tributaries
Borders: Buriram, Sisaket, Cambodia
Natural & Cultural Features
Dongrek (Dangrek) Mountain range
Agricultural plains
Rural elephant villages
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Surin City Municipality
Prasat Municipality
Sikhoraphum Municipality
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Local governance emphasizes cultural preservation and rural welfare.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Key priorities include:
Elephant conservation & eco-tourism
Cultural & heritage tourism
Silk weaving & handicrafts
Agriculture & food security
Cross-border cultural exchange
Surin promotes culture-based sustainable development.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Surin Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Border Patrol Police | Border security |
| Animal Welfare Units | Elephant protection |
Surin is widely considered a safe and community-oriented province.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Buddhism (Theravada) |
| Cultural Identity | Khmer–Isan |
| Local Languages | Isan, Khmer |
| Cultural Icons | Elephants, silk, stone temples |
Major Cultural & Religious Sites
Prasat Sikhoraphum
Prasat Ta Muen Thom
Surin City Pillar Shrine
Surin hosts the famous Surin Elephant Round-up Festival.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Rice, cassava |
| Handicrafts | Silk weaving |
| Tourism | Cultural & festival tourism |
| Services | Local trade |
Elephant-related tourism and silk are economic highlights.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Universities | Surindra Rajabhat University |
| Major Hospitals | Surin Hospital |
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Roads | Regional highways |
| Rail | Northeastern Railway Line |
| Nearest Airport | Buriram Airport |
Surin is well-connected within Isan.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions
Surin Elephant Village (Ban Ta Klang)
Surin Elephant Round-up Festival
Prasat Sikhoraphum
Ta Muen temple complex
Silk weaving villages
Surin tourism emphasizes living culture and heritage.
🌍 Regional & National Role
Thailand’s elephant heritage center
Khmer cultural stronghold
Cultural tourism destination
Border-adjacent heritage province
📝 Summary
Surin Province is a living museum of elephant culture, Khmer heritage, and Isan traditions. With its deep-rooted identity, ancient temples, and globally unique elephant traditions, Surin stands as one of Thailand’s most culturally distinctive provinces.
📢 News & Articles
“Elephant Conservation and Tourism in Surin”
“Preserving Khmer Temples in Northeastern Thailand”
“Surin Silk and Cultural Economy”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, link-ready, and authoritative provincial knowledge.