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 Cambodia.

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.

History

Even though the area of Surin was an important part of the Khmer empire in the 12th century, only the temple ruins from that time remain. The city was probably abandoned. In 1763 a village was moved to be present position of the city Surin, and was then upgraded to a city with the name Mueang Prathai Saman. At that time there was a man named Chiangpum who tributed a white elephant 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.

Demographics

47.2% of the population are speaking Khmer.

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).

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.

External links

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