thesaban

Thesaban is the Thai term for a municipality, a form of local government that administers urban areas within Thailand. Municipalities operate under the Ministry of Interior and provide urban services and land-use management within their jurisdiction. They are distinct from provincial administrations and from rural local bodies, and they function as sub-provincial authorities responsible for local governance and development.

There are three types of thesaban: thesaban nakhon (city municipality), thesaban mueang (town municipality), and thesaban tambon (subdistrict municipality). Each type corresponds to different population sizes, urban characteristics, and governance arrangements. In all cases, the municipality is headed by a mayor (naiyok thesaban) and governed by a municipal council elected by residents. The mayor and council set policies, approve budgets, and oversee the implementation of municipal services.

Key responsibilities of thesaban include urban planning and building control, road maintenance and street lighting, water supply and drainage, waste collection and sanitation, public health and safety, local transportation, parks and cultural facilities, and local economic development. Municipalities also collect certain local taxes and fees and issue licenses for activities within their area.

Legal framework and oversight come from Thai municipal law, particularly the Municipal Act and related regulations. Thesaban operate within a provincial context and coordinate with other local government bodies, such as Subdistrict Administrative Organizations for non-municipal areas and provincial authorities for broader planning and services. The system has evolved with urban growth, and changes in status or boundaries typically require government action.