Southern Thailand’s Andaman Gateway of Islands, Caves, and Cultural Heritage
Trang Province is a scenic and culturally rich province located in Southern Thailand along the Andaman Sea. Known for its pristine islands, limestone caves, rubber plantations, and unique culinary traditions, Trang offers a quieter alternative to mass tourism while playing an important role in southern agriculture, eco-tourism, and coastal conservation.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Trang’s development has been shaped by trade, agriculture, and early modernization.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| Ancient era | Coastal and inland settlements |
| Srivijaya period | Maritime trade influence |
| 1890s | Administrative modernization under Prince Damrong |
| Early 20th century | Rubber plantation expansion |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
Trang is notable as the first province where rubber trees were planted in Thailand.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Trang Province |
| Capital City | Trang |
| Region | Southern Thailand |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~4,917 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~640,000 |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai |
| ISO Code | TH-92 |
Trang combines Andaman coastline and inland agricultural zones.
⚖️ Government & Administration
Trang follows Thailand’s standard provincial administrative system.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & Subdistrict Administrative Organizations |
The Trang Provincial Hall oversees governance and development planning.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Trang
Trang Province consists of 10 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Trang
Kantang
Yan Ta Khao
Palian
Sikao
Huai Yot
Wang Wiset
Na Yong
Ratsada
Hat Samran
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: Coastal plains, limestone hills, forests
Sea: Andaman Sea
National Parks: Hat Chao Mai National Park
Islands: Koh Kradan, Koh Muk, Koh Libong
Borders: Krabi, Phatthalung, Satun
Trang is famous for emerald waters, coral reefs, and cave systems.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Trang City Municipality
Kantang Municipality
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Local governance emphasizes coastal management, agriculture, and tourism services.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Key development focuses include:
Sustainable island and marine tourism
Rubber and agricultural value chains
Fisheries and coastal livelihoods
Eco-tourism and cave conservation
Transport and port development
Trang promotes community-based tourism over mass tourism.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Trang Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Marine Police | Coastal & island security |
| National Park Rangers | Marine and forest protection |
| Disaster Response Units | Storm & flood management |
Safety planning prioritizes marine tourism and seasonal weather risks.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religions | Buddhism, Islam |
| Cultural Identity | Southern Thai |
| Language | Thai |
| Cultural Feature | Unique southern cuisine |
Major Religious & Cultural Sites
Wat Tantayapirom
Trang City Pillar Shrine
Coastal mosques and temples
Trang is famous nationwide for Trang-style roasted pork and dim sum breakfasts.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Rubber, palm oil |
| Fisheries | Andaman Sea fishing |
| Tourism | Islands, caves & eco-tourism |
| Services | Trade & hospitality |
Rubber remains a core economic pillar.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Higher Education | Local colleges |
| Major Hospitals | Trang Hospital |
Healthcare supports residents and growing tourism activity.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airports | Trang Airport |
| Roads | Highways to Krabi & Satun |
| Ports | Kantang Port |
| Sea Routes | Island ferries |
Infrastructure supports regional and island connectivity.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions
Koh Kradan (regularly ranked among world’s best beaches)
Koh Muk Emerald Cave
Koh Libong (dugong habitat)
Hat Chao Mai National Park
Trang Old Town
Trang is emerging as a top eco-island destination.
🌍 Regional & National Role
Andaman eco-tourism province
Thailand’s rubber industry pioneer
Marine conservation zone
Southern coastal agriculture hub
📝 Summary
Trang Province represents Southern Thailand at its most authentic. With untouched islands, limestone caves, rubber plantations, and a strong local culture, Trang balances economic activity with environmental preservation—offering a sustainable and community-focused model of Andaman coastal development.
📢 News & Articles
“Eco-Tourism Growth in Trang’s Island Clusters”
“Marine Conservation Around Koh Libong”
“Rubber Industry Development in Southern Thailand”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, link-ready, and authoritative provincial knowledge.