Thailand’s Easternmost Coastal Province and Gateway to Island Paradise
Trat Province is Thailand’s easternmost province, located along the Gulf of Thailand and bordering Cambodia. Despite being one of the country’s smallest provinces by population, Trat is internationally famous for its tropical islands, marine national parks, and role as a cross-border trade and tourism gateway. It is home to iconic destinations such as Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Trat’s history is deeply connected to maritime trade, border defense, and national sovereignty.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| Ancient era | Coastal settlements and maritime trade |
| Ayutthaya period | Important port town |
| 1767–1768 | Strategic support base for King Taksin |
| 1893 | Temporarily ceded to France |
| 1907 | Returned to Siam under Franco-Siamese Treaty |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
Trat holds symbolic importance in Thailand’s history for the peaceful recovery of territory from colonial rule.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Trat Province |
| Capital City | Trat |
| Region | Eastern Thailand |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~2,819 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~230,000 |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai |
| ISO Code | TH-23 |
Trat has one of Thailand’s lowest population densities.
⚖️ Government & Administration
Trat follows Thailand’s provincial administrative system with added importance in border coordination.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & SAOs |
The Trat Provincial Hall manages governance and border affairs.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Trat
Trat Province consists of 7 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Trat
Khlong Yai
Khao Saming
Bo Rai
Laem Ngop
Ko Kut
Ko Chang
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: Coastal plains, mountains, islands
Mountain Range: Cardamom Mountains (edges)
Coastline: Gulf of Thailand
Islands: Koh Chang Archipelago
Borders: Chanthaburi, Cambodia
Much of the province is protected under marine and forest conservation areas.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Trat City Municipality
Ko Chang Municipality
Ko Kut Municipality
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Local governance focuses on island management and sustainable tourism.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Key development focuses include:
Sustainable island tourism
Marine conservation
Fisheries & coastal livelihoods
Border trade facilitation
Disaster & climate resilience
Trat promotes low-impact development to protect ecosystems.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Trat Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Marine Police | Coastal & island security |
| Border Patrol Police | Border control |
| Disaster Response Units | Storm & flood management |
Safety planning includes marine and border security.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Buddhism (Theravada) |
| Cultural Identity | Eastern Thai |
| Language | Thai |
| Lifestyle | Fishing & island communities |
Major Religious & Cultural Sites
Wat Buppharam
Trat City Pillar Shrine
Island temples and fishing villages
Local culture reflects sea-based livelihoods and simplicity.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Tourism | Islands & eco-tourism |
| Fisheries | Coastal & marine fishing |
| Agriculture | Rubber, fruits |
| Trade | Border & maritime trade |
| Services | Hospitality |
Tourism is the dominant economic driver.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Higher Education | Local colleges |
| Major Hospitals | Trat Hospital |
Healthcare supports residents and seasonal tourists.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airports | Trat Airport |
| Roads | Highways to Chanthaburi |
| Ferry Ports | Laem Ngop Pier |
| Border Routes | Cambodia crossings |
Transport systems are optimized for island access.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions
Koh Chang National Park
Koh Kood beaches
Koh Mak eco-island
Khlong Yai border area
Snorkeling & diving sites
Trat is among Thailand’s top island tourism provinces.
🌍 Regional & National Role
Eastern maritime gateway
Thailand–Cambodia border province
Island tourism hub
Marine conservation stronghold
📝 Summary
Trat Province represents Thailand at its most serene and strategic. As an island-rich coastal province with deep historical significance and strong environmental values, Trat balances tourism, conservation, and border connectivity—offering a model for sustainable coastal development in Eastern Thailand.
📢 News & Articles
“Sustainable Tourism in Koh Chang Archipelago”
“Marine Conservation Efforts in Trat”
“Cross-Border Trade at Thailand–Cambodia Frontier”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, link-ready, and authoritative provincial knowledge.