Definition
Bang Khan district (Thai: อำเภอบางขัน, pronounced [ʔà‑mêː bâːŋ kʰan]) is an administrative district (amphoe) of Nakhon Si Thammarat province in southern Thailand.
Overview
Bang Khan is situated in the north‑western part of Nakhon Si Thammarat province. The district covers an area of roughly 500 km² and, as of the most recent national census, has a population of about 30 000 inhabitants. The district’s administrative centre is the town of Bang Khan. It shares borders with Thung Song district to the north, Tham Phannara district to the east, Noppharat district of Phatthalung province to the west, and Cha‑uat district to the south.
The district was originally part of Thung Song district. It was created as a minor district (king amphoe) on 15 July 1974 and was upgraded to a full district on 1 April 1995.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Bang Khan” combines two Thai lexical elements: “bang” (บาง) meaning “village or settlement located near a watercourse,” and “khan” (ขัน) which may refer to a local plant, a personal name, or a historic figure associated with the area. The precise origin of the second element is not definitively documented, but the composite name is commonly understood to denote a settlement by a waterway associated with the “Khan” designation.
Characteristics
- Administrative divisions: The district is subdivided into five sub‑districts (tambons), which are further divided into a total of 58 villages (mubans). The tambons are Bang Khan, Khao Phanom, Tha Chang, Ban Khu, and Thung Mai.
- Economy: The local economy is predominantly agricultural. Major crops include rubber, palm oil, rice, and a variety of tropical fruits such as durian and mangosteen. Small‑scale livestock raising and fisheries in the district’s streams also contribute to livelihoods.
- Geography and environment: The terrain is a mixture of low‑lying plains and foothills of the Tenasserim Range. Several small streams flow through the district, supporting irrigation and local water needs. The climate is tropical monsoon, with a pronounced rainy season from May to October.
- Infrastructure and services: Bang Khan district is served by a network of provincial roads linking it to Nakhon Si Thammarat city and neighboring districts. Public education facilities include several primary schools and a secondary school; healthcare is provided by the Bang Khan District Hospital and several health‑promotion centers.
- Cultural aspects: The district hosts annual Buddhist festivals centered on its main temples, such as Wat Bang Khan and Wat Khao Phanom, which serve as community focal points.
Related Topics
- Nakhon Si Thammarat province
- Amphoe (district) – the second‑level administrative division in Thailand
- Tambon – sub‑district administrative unit
- Thai local government structure
- Southern Thailand geography and economy