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 Laos.

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 forms the boundary of the province in the north with the 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.

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

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 Khasia 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.

External links

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