amphoe

Amphoe, อำเภอ, is the second-level administrative subdivision of Thailand. It lies below a province (changwat) and above a tambon (subdistrict). Each amphoe serves as a local government unit responsible for administration, public services, and district-wide planning within its area.

An amphoe is governed by a district chief (nai amphoe), appointed by the central government and reporting to the provincial governor. The district administration is supported by offices handling public works, education, health, and other services. The district seat is typically the main town within the district, which acts as the administrative and commercial center.

An amphoe is divided into tambon, which are further subdivided into muban (villages). The tambon level is served by local administrations such as Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (SAO) or Subdistrict Municipalities, while the district office coordinates policy and services across tambon.

The Thai district system originated with the thesaphiban reforms in the late 19th and early 20th centuries under Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, creating centralized provinces and districts. Minor districts known as king amphoe were established to administer growing areas and could be upgraded to full amphoe. Bangkok is a special administrative area and uses districts called khet instead of amphoe; in most provinces the capital district is designated amphoe mueang.