Chanthaburi (Thai จันทบุรี) is a province (changwat) of Thailand. It is located in the east of Thailand, at the border to Cambodia and the shore to the Gulf of Thailand. The neighboring provinces are Trat in the east and Rayong, Chonburi, Chachoengsao and Srakaeo.

History

After the Paknam crisis in 1893 the French colonist troops occupied Chanthaburi, returning it in 1905 when Thailand gave up ownership of the western part of Cambodia. A significant minority of Chanthaburi citizens are native Vietnamese, who came there in three waves - first in the 19th century during a anti-catholic persecution in Cochin China, a second wave cam in the 1920s to 1940s fleeing from French Indochina, and a third one after the communist victory in Vietnam in 1975.

Geography

While the southern part of the province is located at the shore to the Gulf of Thailand and thus is mostly coastal alluvial plains, the hinterlands of the province are quite mountainously. The Chanthaburi Mountain Range in the north has the highest elevation of the province, the 1556 m high Soi Dao Nua Peak.

Together with the neighboring province Trat Chanthaburi is the center of gemstone mining, especially rubies and sapphires. Tropical fruits are also among the main products of the province.

Symbols

The provincial seal shows the moon surrounded by a aura. Inside the moon disc is a rabbit, as in Thai tradition the dark areas on the moon (maria) form a rabbit shape. The seal symbolizes the peace and tranquility of the province. By the way, name Chanthaburi means city of moon. The flag of the province also shows the seal in the middle - a white rabbit on the yellow moon disc, on a blue disc. The background of the flag is red, with the name of province in yellow written below the seal. The provincial tree is Diospyros decandra , provincial flower is a orchid.

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided in 9 districts (Amphoe) and one minor district (King Amphoe). These are further subdivided into 76 communes (tambon) and 690 villages (mubaan).

External links

• Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand
• Golden Jubilee Network province guide