# Amphawa

> district in Samut Songkhram province, Thailand

**Wikidata**: [Q475066](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q475066)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphawa_district)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/amphawa

## Summary

Amphawa is a district in Samut Songkhram province, Thailand, located approximately 13.425°N, 99.957°E in the central-western region of the country. It functions as both an administrative district (amphoe) and a city, covering an area of 170.164 square kilometres with a population of approximately 56,103 residents as of 2014. The district is known for its floating market, agricultural products including sweet oranges and lychees, and its historical significance as a traditional Thai community.

## Key Facts

- **Official Name:** อำเภออัมพวา (Amphawa District)
- **Native Label:** อำเภออัมพวา
- **IPA Transcription:** ām.pʰā.wāː
- **Country:** Thailand
- **Province:** Samut Songkhram
- **Administrative Code (Thailand):** 7503
- **HASC Code:** TH.SM.AM
- **GADM ID:** THA.59.1_1
- **Classification:** amphoe, city
- **Area:** 170.164 square kilometres
- **Elevation:** 6 metres above sea level
- **Timezone:** UTC+07:00
- **Postal Code:** 75110
- **Motto:** ส้มโอรสดี ลิ้นจี่รสหวาน สาวงามอัมพวา (Sweet orange delicious, lychee sweet, beautiful women of Amphawa)
- **Coordinates:** 13.425°N, 99.956666666667°E
- **Population (2014 resident register):** 56,103
- **Population (2010 census):** 49,252
- **Population (2000 census):** 62,149
- **Population (1990 census):** 61,524
- **Population (2015 resident register):** 55,944
- **Population (2016 resident register):** 55,738
- **Population (2017 resident register):** 55,602
- **Population (2018 resident register):** 55,408

## FAQs

**What type of administrative region is Amphawa?**

Amphawa is classified as both an amphoe (district) and a city in the Thai administrative system. It serves as a sub-district administrative centre within Samut Songkhram province, located in central-western Thailand.

**What is the population of Amphawa?**

According to the 2014 resident register, Amphawa had a population of 56,103 residents. Historical census data shows population fluctuations: 49,252 in 2010, 62,149 in 2000, and 61,524 in 1990. More recent resident register data shows 55,944 in 2015, 55,738 in 2016, 55,602 in 2017, and 55,408 in 2018.

**What is the geographical size of Amphawa?**

Amphawa covers an area of 170.164 square kilometres. The district sits at an elevation of 6 metres above sea level and is located at coordinates 13.425°N latitude and 99.956666666667°E longitude.

**What sub-districts are part of Amphawa district?**

Amphawa district contains the following administrative sub-districts: Amphawa, Suan Luang, Tha Kha, Wat Pradu, Mueang Mai, Bang Chang, Khwae Om, Plai Phongphang, Bang Khae, Phraek Nam Daeng, Yisan, and Bang Nang Li.

**What is Amphawa known for?**

Amphawa is known for its traditional floating market, agricultural products (particularly sweet oranges and lychees), and its motto celebrating "sweet orange delicious, lychee sweet, beautiful women of Amphawa." The district has historical significance as a traditional Thai community.

**What is the postal code and timezone of Amphawa?**

The postal code for Amphawa is 75110, and the district operates on Thailand Standard Time (UTC+07:00).

**What languages have Wikipedia articles about Amphawa?**

Wikipedia articles about Amphawa exist in multiple languages including Bengali (bpy), Cebuano (ceb), Commons, German (de), English (en), Persian (fa), Italian (it), Japanese (ja), Korean (ko), Romanian (ro), Thai (th), Vietnamese (vi), and Chinese Min Nan (zh_min_nan).

## Why It Matters

Amphawa represents a significant example of traditional Thai provincial life and administrative organization. As one of the districts in Samut Songkhram province—a small province located along the Gulf of Thailand—Amphawa plays an important role in the region's agricultural economy, particularly in the cultivation of sweet oranges (ส้มโอ) and lychees (ลิ้นจี่), which are celebrated in its official motto.

The district's classification as both an amphoe and a city reflects its dual function as an administrative centre and a populated urban settlement. With a population that has remained relatively stable around 55,000-56,000 residents in recent years, Amphawa represents a typical Thai provincial district that balances agricultural traditions with administrative responsibilities.

The presence of multiple sub-districts (tambons) under Amphawa's jurisdiction—twelve in total—demonstrates its administrative importance within the province. These sub-districts include both rural agricultural areas and more urbanised communities, creating a diverse administrative region that serves the needs of tens of thousands of residents.

Amphawa's location in central-western Thailand, approximately 6 metres above sea level, places it within a region vulnerable to flooding but also suitable for the agricultural activities that define its economy. The district's proximity to the Gulf of Thailand and its position within the Chao Phraya River basin have influenced its historical development and continue to shape its character.

The international recognition of Amphawa, evidenced by Wikipedia articles in 13 different languages and various database identifiers across global knowledge systems, indicates its relevance beyond Thailand's borders. This international attention likely stems from its floating market and traditional Thai cultural elements that attract both domestic and foreign visitors.

## Notable For

- **Floating Market:** Amphawa is home to a traditional floating market that preserves historical trading practices
- **Agricultural Products:** Famous for sweet oranges (ส้มโอ) and lychees (ลิ้นจี่), celebrated in its motto
- **Traditional Community:** Retains traditional Thai community characteristics and cultural heritage
- **Administrative Structure:** Serves as both a district (amphoe) and city, demonstrating the dual administrative classification common in Thailand
- **Multi-sub-district Jurisdiction:** Administers twelve sub-districts (tambons), indicating significant administrative scope
- **International Presence:** Wikipedia coverage in 13 languages reflects global interest in the district

## Body

### Administrative Structure and Classification

Amphawa is classified as an amphoe (district) in the Thai administrative system, which places it at the sub-provincial level of government. However, it is also classified as a city, reflecting its status as a large human settlement with significant population and economic activity. This dual classification is not uncommon in Thailand, where urban centres often serve both as administrative districts and populated cities.

The district is part of Samut Songkhram province, one of Thailand's smaller provinces located on the Gulf of Thailand in the central-western region of the country. Amphawa's administrative code is 7503, which identifies it within Thailand's central administrative system. The HASC (Hierarchical Administrative Subdivision Code) code TH.SM.AM further identifies it within Samut Songkhram province.

The district administers twelve sub-districts (tambons): Amphawa, Suan Luang, Tha Kha, Wat Pradu, Mueang Mai, Bang Chang, Khwae Om, Plai Phongphang, Bang Khae, Phraek Nam Daeng, Yisan, and Bang Nang Li. These sub-districts collectively form the administrative territory of Amphawa, with the district serving as the administrative centre for the surrounding area.

### Geographic Characteristics

Amphawa covers an area of 170.164 square kilometres, placing it among the medium-sized districts in the region. The district is located at coordinates 13.425°N latitude and 99.956666666667°E longitude, positioning it in the central-western part of Thailand, relatively close to the Gulf of Thailand.

The elevation of 6 metres above sea level indicates that Amphawa lies in a low-lying coastal area, typical of provinces along the Gulf of Thailand. This elevation places the district within the Chao Phraya River basin, a region characterised by fertile agricultural land and proximity to water bodies that have historically supported both agriculture and transportation.

The district operates on Thailand Standard Time (UTC+07:00), consistent with all of Thailand. This timezone places Thailand two hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time, aligning with most of Southeast Asia.

### Population and Demographics

Amphawa's population has shown some variation over the decades, with data available from multiple census years and resident registers. The 2014 resident register recorded a population of 56,103, representing the most recent comprehensive count provided in the source material.

Historical population figures show significant changes over time. The 2010 census recorded 49,252 residents, while the 2000 census showed 62,149 residents—indicating a notable decrease in population between 2000 and 2010. The 1990 census recorded 61,524 residents, showing relative stability in the decade preceding 2000.

More recent resident register data shows continued population decline: 55,944 in 2015, 55,738 in 2016, 55,602 in 2017, and 55,408 in 2018. This gradual decline may reflect broader trends of urban migration to larger cities in Thailand, particularly Bangkok and its surrounding provinces.

The population data comes from two primary sources: the resident register (ทะเบียนบ้าน), which records legal residents regardless of actual presence, and the national census (สำมะโนประชากร), which counts people at their usual residence. The difference between census and register figures is notable, with register figures generally showing higher numbers than census counts.

### Cultural Identity and Motto

Amphawa's official motto—ส้มโอรสดี ลิ้นจี่รสหวาน สาวงามอัมพวา—translates to "Sweet orange delicious, lychee sweet, beautiful women of Amphawa." This motto encapsulates the district's agricultural identity, highlighting two of its signature products: sweet oranges (ส้มโอ) and lychees (ลิ้นจี่).

The mention of "beautiful women" in the motto suggests that the district has a reputation for the beauty of its female residents, a common theme in Thai provincial mottos that often highlight local characteristics, products, and people.

The native label อำเภออัมพวา represents the Thai name of the district, while the IPA transcription ām.pʰā.wāː provides the standard pronunciation guide. The district is also known by several aliases in different languages: Amphawa (English transliteration), アムパワー and アンパワー (Japanese), and 安帕瓦區 (Chinese).

### International Recognition and Database Identifiers

Amphawa has been assigned numerous identifiers across international knowledge databases, reflecting its recognition within global information systems. These include:

- **Wikidata ID:** Q2843890
- **Freebase ID:** /m/0cv8r8
- **GeoNames ID:** 1158431
- **VIAF ID:** 154914063
- **GND ID:** 4797469-2
- **Library of Congress Authority ID:** n92085682
- **Yale LUX ID:** place/d1e9ad8b-8ff5-437d-99ae-abab8ff34436
- **iNaturalist Place ID:** 45861
- **GNS Unique Feature ID:** -3232453
- **WOEID:** 28341559
- **National Library of Israel J9U ID:** 987007530803805171

The Wikipedia presence for Amphawa spans 13 language editions: Bengali (bpy), Cebuano (ceb), Commons (media repository), German (de), English (en), Persian (fa), Italian (it), Japanese (ja), Korean (ko), Romanian (ro), Thai (th), Vietnamese (vi), and Chinese Min Nan (zh_min_nan). This multilingual coverage indicates international interest in the district, likely driven by its cultural attractions and traditional characteristics.

### Administrative Infrastructure

The postal code for Amphawa is 75110, which is used for mail delivery within the district. The GADM ID (THA.59.1_1) provides geographic administrative boundaries for the district within the GADM (Global Administrative Areas) database.

The district's official website is described at URL http://www.amphoe.com/menu.php?mid=1&am=647&pv=59, with the Thai language (ภาษาไทย) specified as the language of the content. This official portal provides information about the district's administration, services, and local information.

### Visual and Media Representation

Amphawa is represented visually through several media assets. The district has a banner image available on Wikimedia Commons (Amphawa_banner.jpg) and a locator map image (Amphoe_7503.svg). Additionally, an image titled "Samutsongkram Tha Kha Floating Market 2.jpg" is associated with the district, likely depicting the floating market that is one of Amphawa's notable features.

The Commons category "Amphawa District" serves as a hub for media files related to the district, providing a collection of photographs and visual documentation that showcase the area's characteristics and attractions.

### Historical Context and Administrative Evolution

While the source material does not provide specific founding dates, the classification of Amphawa as an amphoe indicates its establishment as an administrative district during one of Thailand's administrative reorganisations. The Thai administrative system evolved significantly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries under King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and subsequent monarchs, with many districts being established during this period.

The presence of historical census data dating back to 1990 demonstrates that Amphawa has been tracked as a distinct administrative and demographic unit for at least three decades, providing longitudinal data on its population trends and characteristics.

### Economic and Agricultural Significance

The district's motto highlights the importance of agricultural products, particularly sweet oranges (ส้มโอ) and lychees (ลิ้นจี่). These products represent the traditional agricultural economy of the region, which benefits from the fertile lowland areas and adequate water supply from the Chao Phraya River basin.

The floating market (ตลาดน้ำ) associated with Amphawa represents a traditional trading system that has historical roots in the region. Floating markets were once common throughout Thailand's riverine communities, serving as important centres for trade, social interaction, and the distribution of local agricultural products. Amphawa's preservation of this tradition contributes to its cultural significance and attracts visitors interested in experiencing traditional Thai market culture.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Department of Provincial Administration](http://stat.dopa.go.th/stat/statnew/statTDD/views/showDistrictData.php?statType=1&year=57&rcode=75)
4. [2010 Thailand Population and Housing Census](http://popcensus.nso.go.th/report/SamutSongkhram_T.pdf)
5. 2000 Thailand Population and Housing Census
6. [1990 Thailand Population and Housing Census](http://service.nso.go.th/nso/search/show_picture_main.jsp?id_book=0000006907)
7. [Department of Provincial Administration](http://stat.dopa.go.th/stat/statnew/statTDD/views/showDistrictData.php?statType=1&year=58&rcode=75)
8. [Department of Provincial Administration](http://stat.dopa.go.th/stat/statnew/statTDD/views/showDistrictData.php?statType=1&year=59&rcode=75)
9. [Department of Provincial Administration](http://stat.dopa.go.th/stat/statnew/statTDD/views/showDistrictData.php?statType=1&year=60&rcode=75)
10. [Department of Provincial Administration](http://stat.dopa.go.th/stat/statnew/statTDD/views/showDistrictData.php?statType=1&year=61&rcode=75)
11. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0
12. [Source](http://www.amphoe.com/menu.php?mid=1&am=647&pv=59)
13. GeoNames
14. [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/places/inaturalist-places.csv.zip)
15. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File