Surin Province
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Statistics | |
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Capital: | Surin |
Area: | 8,124.1 km² Ranked 24th |
Inhabitants: | 1,327,901 (2000) Ranked 10th |
Pop. density: | 163 inh./km² Ranked 16th |
ISO 3166-2: | TH-32 |
Governor: | Phunsak Pranutnoraphan (since November 2006) |
Map | |
Surin (Thai: สุรินทร์) is one of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from west clockwise) Buriram, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et and Sisaket. To the south it borders Oddar Meancheay of Cambodia.
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[edit] Geography
In the north of the province is the valley of the Mun river, a tributary of the Mekong. To the south of the province is the Dongrek mountain chain, which also forms the boundary to Cambodia.
[edit] History
Surin was a part of the Khmer empire. Scattered temple ruins and a large ethnic Khmer population are remnants from that period. In 1763 a village was moved to the location of the modern city of Surin, and was upgraded to a city with the name Mueang Prathai Saman. At that time there was a man named Chiangpum who gave a white elephant in tribute to Rama I before he became king. In return he received the honorary name Luang Surin Phakdi and was assigned as the village leader. Later he became the first governor when Rama I became king. In 1786 the town was renamed in honor of its first governor to its current name, Surin.
[edit] Demographics
60% of the population speak Khmer.
[edit] Symbols
The provincial seal shows a temple in the Khmer architectorial design, as well as an elephant head. Both Khmer temples as well as elephants are commonly found in the province.
Provincial tree as well as provincial flower is the Common Tembusu (Fagraea fragrans). |
[edit] Administrative divisions
The province is subdivided into 13 districts (Amphoe) and 4 minor districts (King Amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 158 communes (tambon) and 2011 villages (muban).
Amphoe | King Amphoe | |
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[edit] External links
- Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand
- Website of province
- Surin provincial map, coat of arms and postal stamp