Basic information
The western part of the southern river basin, Part 1 (Main Basin Code 25), has a drainage area of 21,172 square kilometers.
Or approximately 13,232,500 rai, located between latitude 6 degrees 26 minutes North.
Located at latitude 10 degrees 49 minutes North and between longitude 98 degrees 12 minutes East.
At longitude 100 degrees 14 minutes East.
To the north, it borders the eastern part of the southern river basin and the border with Myanmar.
To the south, it borders the Andaman Sea and the border with Malaysia.
To the east, it borders the eastern part of the southern river basin, the Tapi River basin, and the Songkhla Lake basin.
To the west, it borders the Andaman Sea.
The western part of the southern river basin, Part 1, is the area adjacent to the Andaman Sea coast.
The landscape is characterized by mountain ranges extending from Ranong province southward.
It passes through Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang provinces and ends in Satun province, which is its origin.
The tributaries of the river are generally short streams flowing from mountainous areas.
The easterly stream flows into the Andaman Sea, while the west and southwesterly streams flow into the sea.
The landscape features bays and islands such as Phuket Island, Tarutao Island, and Koh Lanta.
Koh Libong, Koh Phra Thong, and Koh Yao Yai feature mangrove forests interspersed with sandy beaches.
The coastline from Ranong province down to Satun province.
The sub-basin divisions: The western southern river basin is divided into 13 sub-basins. As shown, the boundaries of the sub-basin are detailed as follows:
climate
The western part of the southern river basin is influenced by the southwest and northeast monsoons. In addition, tropical depressions and typhoons originating from the South China Sea occasionally pass through, resulting in distinct seasons: the rainy season from April to November and the dry season from December to March.
The key climate variables from seven weather stations of the Meteorological Department located in the watershed area are summarized as follows:
Rainfall
The western part of Southern Thailand's river basin has an average annual rainfall that varies between 1,800 and 4,100 mm per year. This significant variation is due to the basin's elongated topography, stretching over 500 kilometers from north to south. The upper sub-basins, from the Kraburi River to the Takua Pa River, receive relatively high rainfall because they are adjacent to the Andaman Sea, directly receiving the southwest monsoon and various transient storms. Conversely, the lower sub-basins, from the second western part of Southern Thailand's river basin downwards, receive less rainfall despite also being adjacent to the Andaman Sea. This is because the monsoon and transient storms are blocked and their intensity is reduced by the Sumatra island chain of Indonesia. Overall, the western part of Southern Thailand's river basin has an average annual rainfall of approximately 2,467.7 mm per year, with about 92.02% of this average annual rainfall occurring during the rainy season (April-November). This amount of rainfall occurs during the dry season (December-March) and accounts for approximately 7.98% of the average annual rainfall. The month with the highest average monthly rainfall is September, as shown on the annual average rainfall contour map of the western southern river basin. The average monthly rainfall of the western southern river basin is summarized as follows:
The average annual runoff in the western part of the Southern Thailand Basin is 44.23 liters/second/sq km per unit catchment area. This includes 25,940 million cubic meters (87.8%) of runoff during the rainy season (April to November) and 3,593 million cubic meters (12.2%) during the dry season (December to March). The monthly distribution of runoff in each sub-basin of the western part of the Southern Thailand Basin is shown in the diagram. The total annual runoff for the western part of the Southern Thailand Basin is approximately 29,533 million cubic meters.
The average annual runoff for each tributary basin is summarized as follows:
forest resources
The western part of the Southern River Basin, Part 1, comprises designated conservation areas, including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife prohibited areas, and national forest reserves that are protected forests (Zone C forests), some of which overlap. According to land use data from the Department of Land Development in 2003, the western part of the Southern River Basin experiences two types of encroachment on conservation areas: encroachment for rubber or oil palm plantations, and the degradation of forest within conservation areas resulting from agricultural encroachment followed by abandonment. The diagram shows that the western part of the Southern River Basin has 7,442 square kilometers of conservation area, representing 35% of the basin's total area. Approximately 2,241 square kilometers (30% of the conservation area) has been encroached upon for rubber plantations, and 264 square kilometers (3.6% of the conservation area) has been degraded forest. The encroachment on conservation areas is particularly significant in the sub-basins of Trang and Nakhon Si Thammarat provinces. The most common location for rubber plantations is in protected areas, at 71% of the land area. This is followed by Satun province, where 35% of the protected area has been encroached upon for rubber plantations. Regarding land use within forest areas for agriculture and economic purposes, which is mostly flat land with suitable soil for farming, the land has largely been converted to agriculture. Therefore, the remaining forest area in the western part of Southern Thailand is approximately 3.1 million rai, or 23% of the western Southern Thailand watershed area.
Population and socio-economic conditions
The western part of the Southern Thailand Basin, Part 1, comprises the populations of three provinces: Ranong, Phang Nga, and Phuket, based on the population figures from 2005. The economic conditions in the western part of the Southern Thailand Basin show a per capita Gross Provincial Product (GPP) from the highest to the lowest value as follows: Phuket, Phang Nga, and Ranong, with values of 182,543, 85,946, and 63,246 baht per person per year, respectively. The strategic priorities and objectives of each province in the western part of the Southern Thailand Basin, Part 1, prioritize tourism, supporting the enhancement of agricultural product value and the formation of business groups for international trade.
General overview of Ranong Province.
1. Location and geographical conditions.
Ranong Province is located in the upper southern region of Thailand, bordered to the west by the Andaman Sea and Myanmar. It is approximately 568 kilometers from Bangkok via Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road). Covering an area of approximately 3,298.045 square kilometers (2,061,278 rai), it is the 60th largest province in Thailand. The land area is 14% plains and 86% mountainous. There are 62 islands, both large and small, in the Andaman Sea. It shares borders with the following neighboring provinces:
- To the north, it borders Tha Sae District, Chumphon Province.
- To the east, it borders Mueang District, Sawi District, and Phato District of Chumphon Province, and Chaiya District, Thachang District, Ban Ta Khun District, and Wiphawadi Sub-district of Surat Thani Province.
- To the south, it borders Khura Buri District, Phang Nga Province, and Khiri Rat Nikhom District, Surat Thani Province.
- To the west, it borders Myanmar and the Andaman Sea.
2. Topography
Ranong Province has a long, narrow shape, stretching 169 kilometers from its north to its south. Its widest land area is approximately 25 kilometers, while its narrowest is only 9 kilometers. The topography consists of complex mountain ranges and valleys, covered in forests in the east. The land slopes down towards the Andaman Sea in the west. The highest mountain in the province is Khao Pho Ta Chongdong, at 1,700 feet.
The table shows the topography of Ranong Province.
3. Climate characteristics
3.1 Temperature and relative humidity
Ranong Province is influenced by both monsoon seasons, resulting in high humidity and moisture levels. The average annual temperature is approximately 28.01 degrees Celsius, with an average maximum temperature of 35.13 degrees Celsius and an average minimum temperature of 22.16 degrees Celsius. April is the hottest month, with the highest temperature ever recorded at 39.6 degrees Celsius on April 19, 1973, and the lowest at 13.70 degrees Celsius on January 21, 1956. Furthermore, the influence of both monsoon seasons keeps the province humid and at high relative humidity for extended periods. The average annual relative humidity is approximately 77.05%, with an average maximum of 95% and an average minimum of 46.90%.
3.2 Monsoons and Tropical Storms
The monsoon, influenced by the southwest monsoon, covers Thailand from mid-May to October. Originating from a high-pressure area in the Indian Ocean, it blows outwards from the center as a southeasterly wind, changing to a southwesterly wind as it crosses the equator. This monsoon brings moist air masses from the Indian Ocean to Thailand, resulting in widespread cloud cover and rainfall, particularly along the coast of Ranong province and in the windward mountain ranges, which experience more rain than other areas. Tropical storms have different names depending on their origin. The factors that significantly influence Thailand's weather are...
Tropical cyclones originate in the western North Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea. Because Thailand is situated between these two tropical cyclone origin areas—the Pacific Ocean and South China Sea to the east, and the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea to the west—storms are more likely to move from the Pacific Ocean and South China Sea into Thailand from the east than from the west. Ranong province, in particular, has been a frequent route for storms to pass from the east into the Andaman Sea. The last time this occurred was in November 2004, when Typhoon Muifa passed through, but its size and speed were significantly reduced, resulting in only minor damage and impact.
3.3 Seasonal Characteristics
Ranong Province's seasons, based on Thailand's climate, can be divided into three: The hot season, from mid-February to mid-May, is a transitional period between monsoon seasons. Southeasterly winds prevail, resulting in generally hot weather. April is the hottest month, but not excessively so due to Ranong's coastal location; sea breezes and moisture dissipate the heat. The rainy season, from mid-May to mid-October, is characterized by southwesterly monsoons and intermittent low-pressure troughs passing through the south, bringing heavy rainfall throughout the season. July and August are the wettest months of the year. The cool season, from mid-October to mid-February, is dominated by cool, dry northeasterly monsoons from China, causing temperatures to drop and resulting in cooler weather. However, because Ranong is near the sea, temperatures only drop slightly occasionally, and the weather isn't excessively cold. Coastal areas experience light rainfall throughout the season.
4. Natural resources
4.1 Soil
The soil characteristics of Ranong province are not very suitable for cultivation because it is shallow, drains too well, and some areas are acidic, such as...
According to data from the Ranong Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment in 2004, Kraburi District, with a total area of 2,061,278 rai, can be classified according to its conditions...
The land can be used as follows:
(1) Land forest area 1,027,508 rai
(2) Mangrove forest area 156,822 rai
(3) Water source area 1,085 rai
(4) Shrimp farming area 6,171 rai
(5) Unclassified area 869,692 rai
Table showing land use areas in Ranong Province, classified by district/sub-district.
4.2 Forests
Ranong province has two types of forests.
(1) Terrestrial forests are forests that are commonly seen. In 2004, Ranong Province had 1,027,508 rai of terrestrial forest remaining, or 49.80 percent of the province's area. When the mangrove forest area of 156,822 rai is added, the total forest area will be 1,184,330 rai, which is 57.40 percent of the total area of the province.
(2) Ranong Province's mangrove forests are located next to the Andaman Sea. The coastline is flooded with seawater, resulting in another type of forest called a mangrove forest. This forest has very important ecological conditions and is a habitat for juvenile aquatic animals. Important trees include Rhizophora, Cycas, Sonneratia, Pterocarpus, and others. From satellite images.
In 2003, Ranong Province had approximately 158,301.25 rai of intact mangrove forest area, representing 8.09% of the province's area. However, in 2004, the remaining mangrove forest area was 156,822 rai, or 7.61%.
4.3 Water sources
Important water sources of Ranong province.
Ranong Province has many rivers and canals originating from the mountain ranges in the east. These are mostly short waterways flowing into the Andaman Sea in the west. Important rivers include the Kraburi River, a major river that forms the border between Thailand and Myanmar. Its source is in Khao Tun and Khao Chom Hae in the north, and it flows into the Andaman Sea at Pak Nam Subdistrict, Ranong Province. It is approximately 95 kilometers long.
The Lamlieng Canal originates from the Bang Yai and Khao Daen mountain ranges to the north, flowing into the Kraburi River at Ban Lamlieng. It is approximately 20 kilometers long.
Khlong Pak Chan originates from the mountains at the end of Khlong Bang Na in the north and flows into the Kraburi River at Ban Nan Noi. It is approximately 20 kilometers long.
Khlong Wan originates from the Hin Lu mountain range in the north of the province and flows into the Kraburi River at Ban Thap Li. It is approximately 20 kilometers long.
The Kraburi Canal originates from Khao Phak Waen mountain range in Chumphon and Ranong provinces. It flows through Kraburi District and into the Kraburi River at Ban Nam Chueang, Kraburi District, with a length of approximately 20 kilometers.
Khlong La-oon originates from the Huai Siet and Hin Dang mountains to the east, flowing into the Kraburi River at Ban Khao Fa Chi. It is approximately 50 kilometers long.
Khlong Hat Som Paen originates from the Chom Laem and Nom Sao mountain ranges and flows into the Kraburi River at Ban Ko Klang. It is approximately 19 kilometers long.
The Khlong Kapoe canal originates from Khao Yai Mon mountain and flows into the Andaman Sea at Ban Bang Lamphu. It is approximately 32 kilometers long.
The Nakha Canal originates from Khao Nakha and Khao Phra Hmi mountains and flows into the Andaman Sea at Ban Naphru, with a length of approximately 30 kilometers.
The Kamphuan Canal originates from Khao Phra Mi mountain and flows into the Andaman Sea at Ban Kamphuan. It is approximately 19 kilometers long.
Khlong Bang Rin originates from Khao Nom Sao and Khao Pho Ta Khao Sung mountains, flowing into the Kraburi River at Ban Bang Rin. It is approximately 25 kilometers long.
Khlong La-ong originates from Khao Nom Sao mountain and flows into the Andaman Sea at Ban La-ong. It is approximately 12 kilometers long.
The Ratchakrut Canal originates from Khao Pho Ta Chongdong mountain and flows into the Andaman Sea at Ban Ratchakrut. It is approximately 12 kilometers long.
5. Urban planning and land use.
The Ranong Provincial Department of Public Works and Town Planning has developed a comprehensive town plan, issued as a ministerial regulation, for Ranong Province. Covering an area of 19.836 square kilometers, it encompasses Bang Non, Khao Niwet, Bang Rin, and Pak Nam subdistricts in Mueang Ranong District. The plan came into effect on September 14, 1990, and is currently the 382nd ministerial regulation in effect.
In the Royal Gazette, Volume 115, Section 61A, from September 16, 1998 to September 15, 2003, the land use development patterns of Ranong Province are divided into three main parts:
(1) The area designated as a reserve is necessary to preserve for the balance of the ecosystem and natural environment, covering the majority of the area on the side.
The eastern part of the province and parts of the western part.
(2) The area designated as a conservation area is an area where it is necessary to preserve nature or restore it to its original natural state in order to maintain the balance of the ecosystem.
(3) The area designated as a development zone is an area that is important for the economic development of the province, which is divided into agricultural and industrial community zones, which have limitations because the area in the development zone is small.
6.Infrastructure
6.1 Transportation
By car
From Bangkok, take the Thonburi – Pak Thong route for 90 kilometers. Turn left onto Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road), passing through Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan until you reach Pathomporn Intersection (Chumphon). Turn right and continue to Ranong Province. The total distance is 568 kilometers.
railway
There is no direct train service from Bangkok to Ranong. Tourists wishing to travel by train can get off at Chumphon train station and then take a bus.
Chumphon – Ranong, distance 122 kilometers.
bus
The Transport Company Limited operates air-conditioned bus services and regular bus routes between Bangkok and Ranong daily, with 7 trips per day from 08:40 to 21:45.
By air
AirAsia operates flights on the Bangkok – Ranong route three days a week, once a day at 13:15, and Ranong – Bangkok at 15:05. The journey takes 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Transportation within Ranong city.
The transportation network within the province includes paved roads of the national and provincial highways, providing convenient access to all districts, as well as reinforced concrete roads.
Ranong Municipality has 13 shared taxi routes: Tha Muang, Rueang Rat, Chat Chalerm, Phoem Phol, Chon Ra-u, Lu Wang, Kamlang Sap, Dab Kadee, Thawee Sinsak, Phadat, Rat Phanich, Kit Phadung, and Bamrung Sathan, which are conveniently interconnected within the Ranong municipal area. Within Ranong province, shared taxis operate within the municipal area and around the city, including to the hot springs and Chan Som Hot Spa Hotel. For travel between districts of Ranong, large shared taxis are the primary mode of transport. Alternatively, intercity buses are available at the bus station. Car and motorcycle rentals are available for those seeking privacy, while vans with drivers can be hired for groups. Furthermore, Ranong can be traveled to nearby provinces via the Ranong Bus Terminal, with buses to Chumphon, Lang Suan, Surat Thani, Takua Pa, and Phuket.
Transportation within Ranong city consists of shared taxis (songthaew) that run around the city as follows:
Route 1: Tha Muang Market – Kittima Village
Route 2: City loop – Ranong Provincial Bus Terminal
Route 3: Ban Pak Khlong – Khao Phrik Thai Intersection
Route 4: Ban Pak Khlong – Ban Bang Non
Route 5: Phonthep Village – Chaokoh Pier
Route 6: Pak Khlong Village – Ranong Women's School
Transportation from Ranong province to nearby provinces is available via regular and air-conditioned buses on the following routes:
Ranong – Chumphon, distance 122 kilometers.
Ranong – Hat Yai: 508 kilometers.
Ranong – Takua Pa, distance 174 kilometers.
Ranong – Lang Suan – Surat Thani: 223 kilometers.
Ranong – Takua Pa – Phuket, a distance of 300 kilometers.
Ranong – Krabi: 318 kilometers.
Ranong – Nakhon Si Thammarat, distance 356 kilometers.
Water travel to Koh Chang and Koh Phayam.
The best time for tourists to visit the island is from January to April because it's the dry season and safer to travel by boat. There are two trips per day: a morning at 9:00 AM and an afternoon at 3:00 PM. The fare is 60 baht per person.
Number of registered vehicles under the Motor Vehicle Act, classified by type, 2000-2004.
Classified by type, 2001 – 2005.
6.2 Electricity
Ranong Province has a total of 4 electricity authorities: the Provincial Electricity Authority of Ranong, the Provincial Electricity Authority of Kapoe District, the Provincial Electricity Authority of La-oon District, and the Provincial Electricity Authority of Phato District (Chumphon Province). Their service area covers 44,263 households, with 43,005 households having access to electricity and 1,258 households without. Mueang District, Kapoe District, and Suk Samran Sub-district are under the responsibility of the Provincial Electricity Authority of Ranong. Kraburi District and La-oon District are under the responsibility of two agencies: the Provincial Electricity Authority of Ranong (approximately 96%) and the Provincial Electricity Authority of Chumphon (4%). The remaining portion in Kraburi District is under the responsibility of Lamliang Subdistrict (Villages 1-11), Nam Chueat Subdistrict (Villages 4-8), and Bang Yai Subdistrict (Villages 1-5). The remaining portion is under the responsibility of the Provincial Electricity Authority of Chumphon. In La-oon District, the remaining portion is under the responsibility of La-oon Nuea Subdistrict, La-oon Tai Subdistrict, Bang Phra Nuea Subdistrict, and Bang Phra Tai Subdistrict (excluding Nai Wong Nuea and Nai Wong Tai Subdistricts). (Under the responsibility of the Provincial Electricity Authority of Chumphon Province) Regarding the distribution of the electricity system, the Provincial Electricity Authority of Ranong Province has a project to expand the electricity system so that all households will have access to electricity by 2005, in accordance with the government's policy, as follows:
1. Phase 3 of the rural electrification project involves expanding the electrical system by installing poles and stringing wires, with an average investment cost not exceeding 30,000 baht per household.
2. The installation of solar power generation systems will focus on areas where it is not yet possible to erect poles and wires, such as protected forests, watershed areas, wildlife sanctuaries, military zones, and national parks – restricted areas and areas where expansion would require very high investment. However, residents who have already had solar power systems installed will have the opportunity to receive future electricity extensions through pole and wire installation if their communities develop further or if other factors facilitate the expansion of the power distribution system via poles and wires, and if the Provincial Electricity Authority has the necessary budget. The existing solar power systems will then be relocated to newly developed households, a process that will be handled by the Sub-district Administrative Organization.
The table shows the number of villages and households with electricity in Ranong Province, categorized by district/sub-district, for January 2005.
note
1. Five villages in Mueang District are without electricity because they are islands, making it impossible to extend the electricity grid to them: Koh Phayam, Koh Chang, Koh Lao, Koh Sinhai, and Koh Hat Sai Dam.
2. In the Suk Samran sub-district, one village, Ban Laem Naw, has no electricity because it is a forest park, making it impossible to extend the electricity grid to it.
3. For residents without electricity, the Provincial Electricity Authority of Ranong Province has already included them in the solar power generation project (Solar Home System), and electricity was supplied to all households by December 2005.
6.3 Water supply system
(1) In Ranong Province, there are 135 villages with piped water and 27 villages without piped water, representing 88.33% and 16.67% of all villages, respectively (from the Community Development Department data, 2001).
(2) Water supply in urban areas, in 2002, Ranong Province had 1 water supply station which sold water in 1 municipal area with 9,831 water users. The amount of water produced was approximately 300,000 cubic meters/month and the amount of water sold was 240,000 cubic meters/month.
6.4 Communication and Telecommunication Systems
(1) Telephone
– TT&T Company installed and provided public telephone services on a total of 68 numbers.
- Mueang District, number 58.
– He has two phone numbers, including a lid for a food cover.
– Ratchakrut 2, number
– Ngao 5, number
- Pak Chan Subdistrict, Kraburi District, 1 number.
Service status for the years 2001 – 2005.
(2) Radio and television stations
Ranong province has three main radio stations for disseminating news and entertainment.
(2.1) The Mass Communication Organization of Thailand Public Company Limited, Ranong Branch, FM system, frequency 100.5 MHz.
(2.2) Radio Thailand Ranong Station (RT), FM frequency 107.25 MHz and AM frequency 783 kHz.
(2.3) The Radio Thailand for Education, Ranong Province, FM system, frequency 105.75 MHz, 7 community radio stations, and 1 Thailand Television Ranong Province transmitter (Channel 11). It has a complete television transmission station for all channels. All stations are located on Bang Non Mountain, Moo 1, Bang Non Subdistrict, Mueang District, Ranong Province.
(3) There are 5 post and telegraph offices and 18 privately licensed post offices, all of which provide services in Ranong Province.
- Ranong Post Office, postal code 85000, is responsible for providing postal services in the Mueang Ranong district and oversees 8 post offices.
- Pak Nam Ranong Post Office, postal code 85001, is a drop-off point post office. It only provides counter services; it does not deliver mail or parcels to the recipient's address (that responsibility rests with Ranong Post Office).
- The Kraburi Post Office, postal code 85110, is responsible for providing services in the Kraburi district and oversees three post offices.
- Kapoe Post Office, postal code 85120, is responsible for providing services in Kapoe District and Suk Samran Sub-district. It oversees four post offices.
- La-oon Post Office, postal code 85130, is responsible for providing services in the La-oon district and oversees three post offices.
7. Population and administrative divisions.
7.1 Population of Ranong Province
Ranong Province has a population of 177,224 people (as of June 30, 2005), consisting of 92,926 men and 84,298 women, in 59,809 households. The most populous area is Mueang Ranong District with 68,448 people and 23,653 households, while the least populous area is La-oon District with 10,224 people and 3,311 households.
Population and housing statistics report by district as of January 31, 2005.
The table shows the area and number of administrative units of Ranong Province.
7.2 Administrative Divisions
Ranong Province is divided into 4 districts, 1 sub-district, 30 communes, and 178 villages.
1. Provincial Administrative Organization, 1 City Municipality, 5 Sub-district Municipalities, 24 Sub-district Administrative Organizations.
2. The sub-district council of Kraburi District has the largest area, while Suk Samran Sub-district has the smallest area.
