LOEI PROVINCE

'Loei' (Thai เลย) is one of the most sparsely populated provinces (''changwat'') of Thailand, located in the North-East of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from east clockwise) Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Nongbua Lamphu, Khon Kaen, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok. In the north it borders Xaignabouli and Vientiane Province of Laos.

Contents

Geography

History

Symbols

Administrative divisions

External links

Geography

The province is covered with low mountains, and the capital Loei is located in a fertile basin. The river Loei which flows through the province is a tributary of the Mekong river. This river forms the northern boundary of the province with neighboring Laos.
While temperatures in the hot season around April can be more than 40 degrees Celsius, the province is the only place in Thailand which regularly goes below 0 degrees in the nights during the cold season around December.
The province has several mountains including Phu Kradueng, which is part of the Phu Kradueng National Park. Further national parks are Phu Hin Rong Kla, Phu Rua, Phu Pha Man and Phu Suan Sai (also known as Na Haeo).

History

In 1853 king Mongkut (Rama IV) founded the city of Loei to better administer the increased population in the area. In 1907 the province was created.

Symbols

Seal of the Loei province

The seal of the province shows the ''stupa'' (tower) at Phra That Si Song Rak built in 1560. It was built by King Maha Chakrapat of the Ayutthaya kingdom, and King Chai Chetha of Lan Xang, and marked the boundary between the two kingdoms. The provincial tree is the Khasi Pine (''Pinus kesiya'').

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided into 12 districts (''Amphoe'') and 2 minor districts (''King Amphoe''). The districts are further subdivided into 89 communes (''tambon'') and 839 villages (''muban'').

''Amphoe''		''King Amphoe''
#Mueang Loei#Na Duang#Chiang Khan#Pak Chom#Dan Sai#Na Haeo	Phu Ruea Tha Li Wang Saphung Phu Kradueng Phu Luang Pha Khao	Erawan Nong Hin

External links

★ Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand

★ Website of province

★ Loei provincial map, coat of arms and postal stamp