Western Thailand
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Thailand's long mountainous border with Myanmar continues south from Northern Thailand into Western Thailand and follows the Tenasserim Hills. The 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.
Western Thailand's geography is characterised by high mountains and steep river valleys. The region hosts much of the country's less-disturbed forest areas. Water and minerals are important natural resources. Western Thailand is home to many of the country's major dams, and mining is an important industry. Village names in the region are often based on its physical geography.
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Provinces
According to the six geographical regions established by the National Research Council of Thailand, Western Thailand includes the following provinces:
- Kanchanaburi (กาญจนบุรี)
- Phetchaburi (เพชรบุรี)
- Prachuap Khiri Khan (ประจวบคีรีขันธ์)
- Ratchaburi (ราชบุรี)
- Tak (ตาก)
Economy
For economic statistics of Western Thailand, Suphan Buri and Samut Songkhram provinces are listed by National Statistical Office (Thailand). However Tak Province is listed by (lower) Northern Thailand.
For FY 2018, Western Thailand Region had a combined economic output of 579.815 billion baht (US$18.7 billion), or 3.5 percent of Thailand's GDP. Ratchaburi province had an economic output of 189.68 billion baht (US$6.12 billion). This amounts to a GPP per capita of 233,258 baht (US$7,524), more than double for Suphan Buri province, lowest in the ranking.
Weather forecast
Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Suphan Buri, and Samut Songkhram Provinces have been added to the central region by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD).
Petchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan Provinces are part of the southern region (east coast).