Development and Structure of Thailand Provincial Administration from Ancient Times to Present

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to review the development and structure of Thailand provincial administration since Sukhothai period until present. It can be summarized that provincial administration from Sukhothai period till the early Rattanakosin period was arranged by ruling of cities in the kingdom until King Chulalongkorn had reformed the provincial administration to Tesapibal bureaucratic administrative system approach by establishing Monthon which consisted of city (later became provinces), district, sub-district, villages respectively. All Monthon were under Ministry of the Interior. After the Siamese revolution in 1932, Monthon were dismissed and provincial administration was left only provinces and district. Later region was established but it got canceled later. Currently, Thailand provincial administration are in accordance with Government Administration Act, B.E. 2534 and Local Government Act, B.E. 2457. In conclusion, current provincial administration consists of provinces, district, sub-district and villages.