tambol

Tambol, also transliterated tambon, is an administrative subdivision of Thailand. It is a sub-district level, between amphoe (district) and muban (village). Each tambon comprises several muban, with the number varying by population and geography. Tambons are the basic units for local administration in many rural areas.

Administration is by a local government body: either a Subdistrict Administrative Organization (TAO) or a Subdistrict Municipality (thesaban tambon). The form depends on urbanization and population; more urban tambons may be incorporated into a thesaban tambon, while rural ones are governed by a TAO. The leader is an elected chief executive (the TAO president or thesaban tambon mayor) and a council that handles local affairs.

Functions include the provision and maintenance of local infrastructure (roads, drainage, water supply), sanitation and waste management, local land-use planning, and support for public health, education, culture, and community development. The tambon coordinates with the district (amphoe) office and provincial authorities to implement policies and manage budget allocations.

Relation to district: Tambons are grouped into districts, and district authorities supervise and coordinate among tambons and connect them to provincial structures. The tambol system is a key layer of local governance in Thailand, enabling localized planning and service delivery.

Name: The term tambol or tambon derives from Thai and refers to the sub-district level in the Thai administrative hierarchy.