KHON KAEN PROVINCE


'Khon Kaen' (Thai ขอนแก่น) is the second-largest of the north-eastern provinces (''changwat'') of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Nongbua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Buriram, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Phetchabun and Loei.

Contents
Geography
History
Symbols
Administrative divisions
External links

Geography


Khon Kaen is located in the heart of the Khorat Plateau. The Chi River flows through this province.

History


The first city of the area was established in 1783 when Rajakruluang settled there with 330 people. King Rama I made Rajakruluang the first governor of the area when establishing tighter connections with the Isan area. The main city was moved six times until in 1879 it reached its modern location at Nuang Kaw. Khon Kaen became the administrative centre in the beginning of the 20th century.

Symbols


Seal of the Khon Kaen province
The seal of the province shows the ''stupa'' (tower) of Phra That Kham Kaen, which is believed to contain relics of Buddha. Two trees are depicted on both sides, one is a banyan tree (''Ficus benghalensis''), the other a Golden Shower Tree (''Cassia fistula''). The Thai name of the golden shower means ''providing support and preventing a decline'', and it is also the provincial flower. The provincial tree is the pink shower tree (''Cassia bakeriana''), the Thai name of which translates as "wishing tree".

Administrative divisions


Map of Amphoe

The province is subdivided into 20 districts (''Amphoe'') and 6 minor districts (''King Amphoe''). The districts are further subdivided into 198 communes (''tambon'') and 2139 villages (''muban'').
''Amphoe''''King Amphoe''
#Mueang Khon Kaen#Ban Fang#Phra Yuen#Nong Ruea#Chum Phae#Si Chomphu#Nam Phong#Ubolratana#Kranuan#Ban Phai
  1. Pueai Noi
  2. Phon
  3. Waeng Yai
  4. Waeng Noi
  5. Nong Song Hong
  6. Phu Wiang
  7. Mancha Khiri
  8. Chonnabot
  9. Khao Suan Kwang
  10. Phu Pha Man
  1. Sam Sung
  2. Khok Pho Chai
  3. Nong Na Kham
  4. Ban Haet
  5. Non Sila
  1. Wiang Kao[1]

1. The numbers 26 to 28 are reserved for three other planned minor districts - Phu Kham Noi (ภูคำน้อย), Nong Kae (หนองแก) and Non Hin (โนนหัน).

There are plans to split off the northwestern part to form a new province centered at Phu Wiang. The other districts which will belong to this new province are Nong Ruea, Chum Phae, Si Chomphu, Phu Pha Man, Nong Na Kham and Wiang Kao.

External links



★ Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand

★ Inofficial website

★ Official website of province (Thai only)

★ Khon Kaen provincial map, coat of arms and postal stamp

★ Private Website about Khon Kaen City

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