Trat (Thai ตราด) is a province (changwat) of Thailand. It is located in the east of Thailand, at the border to Cambodia, at the shore to the Gulf of Thailand. The neighboring province is Chanthaburi to the northeast.

History

During the Paknam crisis in 1893 the French colonist army occupied the western part of Chantaburi. In 1904 in order to get back Chantaburi Siam had to give Trat to French Indochina. Trat became part of Thailand again on March 23, 1906 as a exchange with many areas east of the Mekong river like Battambang, Siemreap and Sisophon.

Geography

The Banthat mountain range forms the boundary to Cambodia in the east of the province. The second biggest island of Thailand is Ko Chang , belonging to the province. The island, together with more than 40 surrounding smaller islands, forms the Mu Ko Chang Marine National Park. Trat is most famous for gemstone mining as well as gem trading.

Other islands of the province include: Ko Kham, Ko Mak, Ko Phi.

Symbols

The provincial seal shows the sea with a mountain in the background. Provincial tree is the Tropical Almond (Terminalai catappa ).

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided in 5 districts (Amphoe) and two minor district (King Amphoe). These are further subdivided into 38 communes (tambon) and 254 villages (mubaan).

External links

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