Thailand’s Provincial Administrative Organizations (PAO) represent the largest form of local government, with one PAO per province, excluding Bangkok. Each PAO is responsible for province-wide services and public projects, supporting municipal and sub-district administrations (TAOs) while ensuring coordinated local development without redundancy. PAOs were formalized in 1955 to enhance local self-governance, evolving from early provincial councils that primarily offered advisory support to provincial governors. PAOs gained local administrative autonomy under a 1972 government regulation, establishing them as distinct local administrative units.

PAOs play a central role in provincial development, focusing on economic, social, educational, and public health initiatives. They manage large-scale infrastructure projects like sewage treatment and main roads, which smaller administrations may lack funding to complete. PAOs also engage in disaster response, land management for public spaces, and environmental conservation.

PAO executives and council members are elected directly. The PAO President, elected by provincial residents, serves a four-year term and appoints non-council deputies to assist in administration. Council members, known as PAO Councilors, are elected by district, overseeing budget approval, tax legislation, and PAO projects, ensuring funds collected through taxes benefit local development.