Samut Sakhon (Thai สมุทรสาคร) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from the southwest clockwise) Samut Songkhram, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom and Bangkok.

Geography

Samut Sakhon is located at the mouth of the Tha Chin Klong river to the Gulf of Thailand. At the coast to the sea are many fields used for sea salt production.

History

The oldest name of the area is Tha Chin, probably referring to the fact that it was a trading port where Chinese junks arrived. In 1548 the city Sakhon Buri was established, and was renamed in 1704 to Mahachai after the khlong Mahachai which was dug then and connected with the Tha Chin river near the town. It was renamed by King Mongkut to its current name, however the old name Mahachai is still sometimes used by the locals.

Symbols

The seal shows a Chinese junk in front of the coast, with a smoking chimney. Both refer to the old trading tradition as well as the local industries. Provincial tree is the Devil Tree (Alstonia scholaris).

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided into 3 districts (Amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 40 communes (tambon) and 288 villages.

1. Mueang Samut Sakhon
2. Krathum Baen
3. Ban Phaeo

External links

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