The Hidden Green Province and a Sanctuary of Forests, Rivers, and Ancient Communities
Uthai Thani Province is one of Thailand’s least urbanized and most naturally preserved provinces, located in Central Thailand along the western edge of the Chao Phraya River basin. Known for its dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries, traditional river communities, and peaceful lifestyle, Uthai Thani represents Thailand’s quieter, greener heartland.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Uthai Thani has a long history rooted in river settlements and forest communities.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| Ancient era | Early Mon and Thai settlements |
| Ayutthaya period | Important river transport & supply area |
| 18th century | Integrated into unified Siam |
| 1899 | Administrative restructuring |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
Historically, Uthai Thani functioned as a support province for central Thai kingdoms.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Uthai Thani Province |
| Capital City | Uthai Thani |
| Region | Central Thailand |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~6,730 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~330,000 |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai |
| ISO Code | TH-61 |
Uthai Thani is among Thailand’s least populated provinces.
⚖️ Government & Administration
Uthai Thani follows Thailand’s provincial administrative framework.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & Subdistrict Administrative Organizations |
Administration is coordinated from Uthai Thani Provincial Hall.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Uthai Thani
Uthai Thani Province consists of 8 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Uthai Thani
Thap Than
Sawang Arom
Nong Chang
Nong Khayang
Ban Rai
Lan Sak
Huai Khot
These districts include river towns, forest villages, and agricultural communities.
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: Forested mountains, river plains
Major Rivers: Sakae Krang River, Chao Phraya River
Borders: Nakhon Sawan, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Tak
Natural Features:
Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary (adjacent ecosystem)
Forest reserves & river wetlands
Uthai Thani is part of Thailand’s Western Forest Complex.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Local administration includes:
Uthai Thani City Municipality
Town municipalities (Thap Than, Nong Chang)
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Local governance prioritizes conservation and rural welfare.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Uthai Thani focuses on:
Wildlife and forest conservation
Sustainable agriculture
Eco-tourism & nature education
Community-based development
Water resource protection
The province promotes low-impact, environmentally friendly growth.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Uthai Thani Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Wildlife & Forestry Rangers | Conservation enforcement |
| Disaster Response Units | Flood & forest fire response |
Uthai Thani is widely considered safe and peaceful.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Buddhism (Theravada) |
| Cultural Identity | Central Thai river culture |
| Local Language | Central Thai |
| Traditional Life | Raft houses & river communities |
Major Religious & Cultural Sites:
Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri (Wat Khao Sakae Krang)
Sakae Krang River raft communities
Uthai Thani preserves some of Thailand’s last traditional river lifestyles.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Rice, sugarcane, cassava |
| Forestry-related Services | Conservation employment |
| Tourism | Eco & cultural tourism |
| Services | Local trade |
The economy is modest and sustainability-oriented.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Higher Education | Local colleges |
| Major Hospitals | Uthai Thani Hospital |
Advanced medical care is accessed in nearby provinces.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Roads | National highways to central Thailand |
| Rail | Nearby rail access via Nakhon Sawan |
| Public Transport | Buses & local services |
Transport remains simple, supporting a quiet lifestyle.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions:
Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary (UNESCO)
Wat Khao Sakae Krang
Sakae Krang River raft houses
Lan Sak forest areas
Local rural markets
Uthai Thani attracts eco-tourists and slow travelers.
🌍 Regional & National Role
Guardian of UNESCO wildlife sanctuaries
Central Thailand’s green buffer
Conservation and biodiversity stronghold
Traditional river culture preservation zone
📝 Summary
Uthai Thani Province is a hidden gem of Thailand — a land of forests, rivers, wildlife, and enduring traditions. With its low population density and strong conservation focus, Uthai Thani stands as a sanctuary of nature and cultural continuity in Central Thailand.
📢 News & Articles
“Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Protection Efforts”
“Preserving River Raft Communities”
“Eco-Tourism in Uthai Thani”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, accurate, and expandable provincial knowledge.