Trat is a coastal province in eastern Thailand, covering 2,819 square kilometers. Historically, it served as a key trading center, especially during the late Ayutthaya period. Notably, Trat was a source of exports like antlers, hides, aromatic woods, and spices from the eastern coastal forests, with goods often transported via the Khao Saming River to Trat’s estuary, bordering Chanthaburi and Cambodia.

Origin of the Name

Historical records show three variations of the name: "ตราษ" (Traat), "ตราด" (Trat), and "กราด" (Grad). The oldest form, "ตราษ," appeared in the reign of King Rama III (1837-1838). The spelling "ตราด" (Trat) became standardized during King Rama V’s era, while "ตราษ" and the Khmer term ត្រាច (Trach), meaning a local tree species, suggest its possible roots.

Provincial Symbols

  • Slogan: "Land of Fifty Islands, Precious Red Gems, Sweet Salacca, Thai Ridgeback Dogs, Naval Battle at Koh Chang, Easternmost Point"
  • Seal: Depicts a sailboat and fishing platforms against Koh Chang, highlighting Trat’s island-rich coastline and its traditional fishing industry.
  • Provincial Tree: Indian Almond (Terminalia catappa)
  • Provincial Flower: Agarwood Flower (Aquilaria subintegra)
  • Provincial Marine Animal: Coral Trout (Plectropomus leopardus)

Geography and Borders

  • North: Samlot District, Battambang Province, Cambodia; Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi
  • East: Mondulkiri Province and Pursat Province, Cambodia
  • South: Gulf of Thailand coast
  • West: Khlung District, Chanthaburi

National Parks

  • Mu Ko Chang National Park: Spans Koh Chang and parts of Koh Kut
  • Nam Tok Khlong Kaeo National Park: Located in Bo Rai District

Historical Background

Trat’s history dates back to Ayutthaya, with significant development under King Trailokkanat (1448–1488) who restructured Thai administration. Trat was not yet named but referred to as an eastern coastal town. By the late Ayutthaya period, it played a crucial role in trade, particularly under the Ministry of Finance.

During King Taksin’s campaign to reclaim Thai territories, he rallied forces through Trat, facing and overcoming resistance from Chinese merchants along Trat’s river.

Modern History

In 1903, under King Rama V, Trat was ceded to France temporarily but was returned in 1907 following an agreement. This treaty restored the province and its surrounding islands to Siam.

Administrative Divisions

Trat has seven districts:

  1. Mueang Trat
  2. Khlong Yai
  3. Khao Saming
  4. Bo Rai
  5. Laem Ngop
  6. Ko Kut
  7. Ko Chang

Tourist Attractions

  • Khlong Makham Fishing Village and Ban Khlong Son in Had Lek, Khlong Yai District
  • Ban Chuen Beach, Khlong Yai District
  • Thai-Cambodia Border Market in Ban Had Lek, Khlong Yai
  • Koh Chang Naval Battle Museum