Kalasin (Thai กาฬสินธุ์) is one of the provinces (changwat) of Thailand, located in the North-East of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Sakon Nakhon, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Maha Sarakham, Khon Kaen and Udon Thani.

Geography

Most of the province is covered by hilly landscape. In the north is the Lam Pao dam built 1963-68, storing 1,430 million m³ of water for flood prevention and agriculture. At the border to the Sakhon Nakhon province is the Phu Phan mountain range, which is preserved as a national park.

History

Archeological excavations showed that the Lawa tribe already lived in the area in prehistoric times 1600 years ago. However, the first town was founded in 1793. The province was created in 1959 when it was split off from Maha Sarakham.

Symbols

The seal of the province shows a pond in front of the mountains which form the boundary of the province. The water in the pond is black, as the name Kalasin means "black water". The big clouds as well as the water symbolize the fertility of the province. The provincial flower is Payorm or Sweet shorea (Shorea roxburghii ), and the provincial tree is Sa-mae-san (Cassia garrettiana ).

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided into 14 districts (Amphoe) and 4 minor districts (King Amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 134 communes (tambon) and 1509 villages.

External links

• Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand
• Golden Jubilee Network province guide