Monthon

A monthon (English circle, Thai มณฑล) was a subdivision of Thailand in the beginning of the 20th century. They were created as a part of the thesaphiban (เทศาภิบาล - literally translates to control over territory) administrative system, introduced by Prince Damrong Rajanubhab. Together with the monthon also the still existing provinces (changwat), districts (amphoe) and communes (tambon) were established nationwide. Each monthon was led by a royal commissoner also called thesaphiban. The system was officially adopted by the 1897 Local Administration Act, after some monthon were established before and the details of administration were tried out.

Related Topics:
Thailand - 20th century - Damrong Rajanubhab - Provinces - Amphoe - Tambon - 1897

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In 1915 there were 19 circles containing 72 provinces, however due to economic problems several monthon were merged in 1925, monthon Phetchabun was already dissolved in 1915. Only 14 monthon remained: Chanthaburi, Nakhon Chaisi, Nakhon Sawan, Pattani, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachinburi, Phayap, Phitsanulok, Phuket, Ratchaburi, Ayutthaya, Udon Thani and Krung Theb. They were finally abolished in 1933 with the Provincial Administration Act B.E. 2476, part of the changes made after the coup d'etat which the absolut monarchy to a democracy. Since then the 70 provinces were the second level administrative division.

Related Topics:
1915 - 1925 - 1933 - Coup d'etat

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