List of settlements in Thailand facts for kids
In Thailand, local areas are organized into different types of communities called thesaban, which is like saying "municipalities." These are places where people live and work, and they have their own local governments to manage things like roads, schools, and public services. Thailand sorts these communities into three main types based on how many people live there.
The three types are:
- Thesaban Nakhon: These are the biggest cities.
- Thesaban Mueang: These are towns.
- Thesaban Tambon: These are smaller townships.
It's important to know that Thailand's capital city, Bangkok, and the popular tourist city of Pattaya are special. They have their own unique ways of being governed and don't fit into these three main thesaban types.
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Understanding Thailand's Cities and Towns
Thailand's system for organizing its local areas helps manage services for everyone. Each type of thesaban has different responsibilities and powers, depending on its size and population.
Thesaban Nakhon: Major Cities
The thesaban nakhon are the largest and most populated areas in Thailand, often called "cities." To become a thesaban nakhon, a place usually needs to have a population of at least 50,000 people and enough income to run its services. These cities are important centers for business, culture, and education.
Here are some examples of major cities in Thailand:
- Chiang Mai, in Chiang Mai - A famous city in northern Thailand.
- Hat Yai, in Songkhla - A large city in the south.
- Khon Kaen, in Khon Kaen - A key city in the northeast.
- Nakhon Ratchasima, in Nakhon Ratchasima - One of the biggest cities in the northeast.
- Nonthaburi, in Nonthaburi - A very populated city close to Bangkok.
- Phuket, in Phuket - Known for its beautiful beaches and tourism.
- Udon Thani, in Udon Thani - Another important city in the northeast.
Thesaban Mueang: Towns
Thesaban mueang are towns. They are smaller than thesaban nakhon but still have a significant population, usually over 10,000 people. These towns serve as important centers for their local areas, providing services to the surrounding villages and communities. They often have local markets, schools, and hospitals.
There are many thesaban mueang across Thailand. Some examples include:
- Chon Buri, in Chon Buri
- Hua Hin, in Prachuap Khiri Khan
- Krabi, in Krabi
- Lop Buri, in Lop Buri
- Mae Sot, in Tak
- Pattani, in Pattani
- Ratchaburi, in Ratchaburi
- Sakon Nakhon, in Sakon Nakhon
- Saraburi, in Saraburi
- Si Racha, in Chon Buri
- Sukhothai Thani, in Sukhothai
Thesaban Tambon: Townships
The smallest type of municipality is the thesaban tambon, or "township." These are often made up of a few villages or a small urban area. They are the most common type of municipality in Thailand, with over a thousand of them across the country. They focus on providing basic services to their local residents.
