Although this page is not directly related to the Ayutthaya era, it is interesting to know how the administrative structure of Ayutthaya Province evolved after the fall of Ayutthaya in the early Rattanakosin period (1782-1932 CE).
Based on the laws at that time, Jangwat Krung Kao consisted of Krung Kao (1) itself and four districts [Th: Khwaeng] outside the city. The area outside the city walls was called Khwaeng Rob Krung (2). Khwaeng Uthai was adjacent to Khwaeng Rob Krung and expanded east and south towards the provincial boundary. Khwaeng Nakhon was adjacent to Khwaeng Rob Krung and Khwaeng Uthai and extended north and the northwest. Khwaeng Sena was adjacent to Khwaeng Rob Krung and Khwaeng Nakhon districts and expanded from the northwest to the south. [1]
From Rama IV (King Mongkut - reign 1851-1868 CE) until Rama VI (King Vajiravudh - reign 1910-1925 CE), the administrative division of the province underwent some changes. Due to population growth and an increase in the province, the four districts were split up, so that the number increased from four to seven districts: Khwaeng Uthai split up into Uthai Yai and Uthai Noi Khwaeng Nakhon split up into Nakhon Yai and Nakhon Noi Khwaeng Sena split up into Sena Yai and Sena Noi. [1]
In 1893 CE, Monthon Krung Kao (3) was created, consisting of the provinces Krung Kao (present Ayutthaya), Ang Thong, Lop Buri, Phrom Buri, and Sara Buri. Krung Kao was one of the first ‘monthons’ established as a trial of the ‘Thesaphiban’ administrative system, introduced by Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, a system officialised by the Local Administration Act of 1897 CE.
In 1895 CE, new changes in the administration occurred. Two more districts were created, bringing the number to eleven (the city not included): Nakhon Yai and Nakhon Noi were split up, establishing the Khwaeng Nakhon Klang and Khwaeng Nakhon Nai, Sena Yai and Sena Noi were split up, establishing Khwaeng Sena Klang and Khwaeng Sena Nai. Khwaeng Uthai Noi was renamed Phra Ratcha Wang. The eleven districts were as thus: Rob Krung, Uthai Yai, Phra Ratcha Wang, Nakhon Yai, Nakhon Noi, Nakhon Nai, Nakhon Klang, Sena Yai, Sena Noi, Sena Nai and Sena Klang. [1]
Later, a part of Khwaeng Uthai Yai and Khwaeng Nong Khae in Saraburi Province became Khwaeng Uthai Noi, the twelfth district. In 1904 CE, Khwaeng Nakhon Klang was renamed Amphur Nakhon Luang. [2]
In 1915 CE, Monthon Krung Kao was expanded with two provinces: Thanyaburi and Pathum Thani.
