Country Thailand Time zone THA (UTC+7) Area 1,160 km² Province Surat Thani Province | Seat Phanom Postal code 84250 Population 33,513 (2005) Geocode 8410 | |
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Phanom (Thai: พนม) is a district (Amphoe) in the southwest of Surat Thani Province of southern Thailand.
Contents
Map of Phanom District, Surat Thani 84250, Thailand
Geography
The district is located within the hills of the Phuket mountain range, with around 60% of the area consisting of mountains and forests. The northwestern part of the district is protected in the Khao Sok national park, in the southwest the Khlong Phanom National Park. The district marks the eastern end of the pass through the mountains, connecting Takua Pa with Surat Thani. This historic pass along the Sok river valley is now the route of Thailand Route 401.
Neighboring districts are (from north clockwise) Ban Ta Khun, Khiri Rat Nikhom, Khian Sa and Phrasaeng of Surat Thani, Plai Phraya of Krabi Province, Thap Put, Mueang Phang Nga, Kapong, Takua Pa and Khura Buri of Phang Nga Province.
History
The district was created in 1890, at that time named Khlong Cha Un (คลองชะอุ่น). It was later renamed to Pak Phanom (ปากพนม), as the district office was moved to a new located at Phak Phanom, which was then shortened to simply Phanom. The first district officer was Khun Phanom Thana Rak. In 1910 the district was reduced to a minor district (king amphoe) and made a subordinate of Khirirat Nikhom district. On November 14, 1971 it regained full district status.
Symbols
The slogan of the district is Beautiful Rafflesia, rich in hills covered by mist.
Administration
The district is subdivided into 6 subdistricts (tambon), which are further subdivided into 56 villages (muban). Phanom itself has a township (thesaban tambon) status and covers tambon Phang Kan and parts of tambon Phanom. Each of the 6 tambon is administrated by a Tambon administrative organization (TAO).