Western Thailand

Western Thailand according to the six-region grouping system

Western Thailand is a region of Thailand bordering Myanmar on the west and central Thailand on the east.

Geography

Thailand's long mountainous border with Myanmar continues south from northern Thailand into western Thailand following the Tenasserim Hills. This narrow region stretches from Bangkok's outer reaches to the border with Myanmar and from the Shan Hills in the north to Chumphon Province in the south.

The geography of the western region is characterised by high mountains and steep river valleys. Western Thailand hosts much of Thailand's less-disturbed forest areas. Water and minerals are important natural resources. The region is home to many of the country's major dams, and mining is an important industry. Many village names in western Thailand rely heavily on the physical geography of the region.

Administrative divisions

According to the six geographical regions established by the National Research Council of Thailand, the western region includes the following provinces:

1. Kanchanaburi (กาญจนบุรี)
2. Phetchaburi (เพชรบุรี)
3. Prachuap Khiri Khan (ประจวบคีรีขันธ์)
4. Ratchaburi (ราชบุรี)
5. Tak (ตาก)

See also

• Regions of Thailand
• Tenasserim Hills