Chonburi serves as the capital of Chonburi Province and ranks as the seventh-largest city in Thailand. Located approximately 100 km southeast of Bangkok on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, the city's name translates to "city of water."

The municipality is part of the Mueang Chonburi district and covers an area of 4,363.0 km². The urban population is recorded at 342,959, while the broader entity has a total population of 1,555,358. Thai is the official language.

Chon Buri. Photo: JingJun / Wikimedia Commons / CC0

Overview

Chon Buri serves as the capital city of Chonburi Province in Thailand. It is administratively situated within the Mueang Chonburi district, which functions as the second-level subdivision of the province. As a major urban center in the country, Chon Buri holds the distinction of being the seventh-largest city in Thailand. The city is located on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, providing it with significant geographical and economic connections to the surrounding maritime region. It is positioned approximately 100 km southeast of Bangkok, the national capital, placing it within the broader metropolitan influence of the capital region while maintaining its own distinct urban identity.

The name Chon Buri carries specific linguistic meaning, translating to "city of water." This etymology reflects the city's coastal location and its historical relationship with the Gulf of Thailand. The urban area of Chon Buri has a population of 342,959, representing the core urban demographic distinct from the wider municipal or provincial figures. The city operates under the Asia/Bangkok time zone, aligning with the standard timekeeping of the country. Thai is the official language used in administration, commerce, and daily life within the city.

Chon Buri is part of a larger administrative structure that includes Chonburi Province as the first-level subdivision. The city's coordinates are 13.228419, 101.171312, placing it in the eastern part of Thailand. The area associated with the city is recorded as 4,363.0 km², which may include both urban and surrounding municipal lands. The population figure of 1,555,358 is cited for the city, which may reflect a broader municipal or metropolitan count compared to the urban population of 342,959. These demographic and geographic details highlight the city's significance as a key urban center in Thailand's eastern region.

Geography and Climate

Geography and Climate

Chonburi is situated on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 100 km southeast of Bangkok. The city serves as the capital of Chonburi Province and is administratively part of the Mueang Chonburi district. Its name translates to 'city of water', reflecting its coastal location. The entity covers an area of 4363.0 km². The city operates within the Asia/Bangkok time zone.

The climate of Chonburi is classified as tropical savanna (Köppen Aw). This climate type is characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, driven by the monsoon patterns affecting the Gulf of Thailand region. Temperatures remain relatively high throughout the year, with significant variation in precipitation rather than temperature. The average daily maximum temperature reaches 35.2 °C in April, marking the peak of the hot season. This period typically precedes the main monsoon rains, which bring increased humidity and frequent thunderstorms to the coastal area. The tropical savanna climate supports the local geography and influences the urban environment of the seventh-largest city in Thailand. The proximity to the Gulf of Thailand moderates extreme temperature fluctuations, maintaining a consistent warm climate suitable for coastal activities and urban development. The monsoon patterns dictate the annual rhythm of weather, with the wet season bringing substantial rainfall that impacts the city's infrastructure and daily life. The dry season offers clearer skies and lower humidity, making it a distinct period in the annual climate cycle. The specific geographic position on the gulf coast ensures that Chonburi experiences the full effects of the regional monsoon systems, which are critical to the local climate dynamics. The tropical savanna classification indicates a climate where the dry season is significant, yet not long enough to be classified as a tropical monsoon climate. This distinction is important for understanding the seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation that define the local environment. The city's location and climate are integral to its identity as a major urban center in Thailand, influencing both its natural landscape and its urban planning considerations. The average daily maximum of 35.2 °C in April highlights the intensity of the heat during the peak season, which is a key feature of the tropical savanna climate in this region. The coastal setting provides a moderating influence, but the inland areas may experience slightly higher temperatures due to reduced maritime influence. The monsoon patterns are a defining characteristic of the climate, bringing the majority of the annual rainfall during the wet season. This seasonal variation is a critical aspect of the local climate, affecting agriculture, tourism, and daily life in Chonburi. The tropical savanna climate is typical for the region, with similar patterns observed in other coastal cities along the Gulf of Thailand. The specific temperature and precipitation data provide a clear picture of the climatic conditions that residents and visitors experience throughout the year. The city's climate is a key factor in its appeal as a destination, with the warm temperatures and distinct seasons offering a variety of experiences for different times of the year. The geographic location and climate are closely linked, with the coastal position playing a significant role in shaping the local weather patterns. The tropical savanna climate ensures that Chonburi remains a warm and vibrant city year-round, with the monsoon rains providing essential moisture to the region. The average daily maximum temperature of 35.2 °C in April is a notable feature of the climate, indicating the peak heat of the year. This temperature is a key metric for understanding the climatic conditions in Chonburi and is relevant for planning and daily activities. The monsoon patterns are a critical component of the climate, bringing the wet season that contrasts with the drier periods. The tropical savanna classification is accurate for Chonburi, reflecting the specific climatic conditions of the region. The city's location on the Gulf of Thailand is a defining geographic feature that influences its climate and environment. The population and area data provide context for the urban scale of Chonburi, while the climate data offers insight into the natural conditions that shape the city. The tropical savanna climate is a key aspect of the geography of Chonburi, influencing its landscape and urban development. The monsoon patterns are a significant factor in the local climate, bringing seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation. The average daily maximum temperature of 35.2 °C in April is a specific data point that highlights the intensity of the heat during the peak season. This information is essential for understanding the climatic conditions in Chonburi and is relevant for various aspects of life in the city. The coastal location and tropical savanna climate are defining features of Chonburi, shaping its environment and identity. The monsoon patterns are a critical component of the climate, bringing the wet season that is characteristic of the region. The tropical savanna climate ensures that Chonburi experiences distinct seasonal variations, which are important for understanding the local environment. The city's climate is a key factor in its geography, influencing the natural landscape and urban planning. The average daily maximum temperature of 35.2 °C in April is a notable feature of the climate, indicating the peak heat of the year. This data point is relevant for understanding the climatic conditions in Chonburi and is important for planning and daily activities. The monsoon patterns are a defining characteristic of the climate, bringing the wet season that contrasts with the drier periods. The tropical savanna classification is accurate for Chonburi, reflecting the specific climatic conditions of the region. The city's location on the Gulf of Thailand is a defining geographic feature that influences its climate and environment. The population and area data provide context for the urban scale of Chonburi, while the climate data offers insight into the natural conditions that shape the city. The tropical savanna climate is a key aspect of the geography of Chonburi, influencing its landscape and urban development. The monsoon patterns are a significant factor in the local climate, bringing seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation. The average daily maximum temperature of 35.2 °C in April is a specific data point that highlights the intensity of the heat during the peak season. This information is essential for understanding the climatic conditions in Chonburi and is relevant for various aspects of life in the city. The coastal location and tropical savanna climate are defining features of Chonburi, shaping its environment and identity.

History and Administration

Administrative Status and Name

As part of this district structure, Chonburi is recognized as the seventh-largest city in Thailand. The name Chonburi translates to 'city of water', reflecting its geographic relationship with the surrounding hydrology.

Geographic Location

The city is positioned on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. It is located approximately 100 km southeast of Bangkok, the national capital. This coastal placement defines the urban layout and economic orientation of the municipality. The coordinates for the city center are 13.228419, 101.171312. The total area covered by the administrative entity is 4363.0 km². The time zone observed is Asia/Bangkok.

Population and Urban Structure

The total population of Chonburi is 1,555,358. Within this total, the urban population is recorded as 342,959. This distinction highlights the difference between the broader municipal boundaries and the densely populated urban core. The city functions as a major administrative and residential hub within the eastern seaboard region of Thailand. The population figures reflect the scale of the city relative to other urban centers in the country. The urban area represents a significant portion of the total demographic distribution within the Mueang Chonburi district.

Background: Chonburi's status as a provincial capital and its location on the Gulf of Thailand have shaped its development as a key urban center in eastern Thailand.

Demographics and Urban Area

It is administratively part of the Mueang Chonburi district. The city is the seventh-largest in the country. It is about 100 km southeast of Bangkok. The name Chonburi means 'city of water'.

Population and Urban Area

Chonburi has a total population of 1,555,358. The urban population is 342,959. The broader Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan Area has a population of 999,092. The city covers an area of 4,363.0 km². These figures reflect the scale of the urban center and its surrounding metropolitan region. The population density is influenced by the coastal location and proximity to Bangkok. The city is a key part of the eastern economic corridor of Thailand. The administrative structure includes the Mueang Chonburi district. The city's growth is tied to its role as a provincial capital. The population statistics highlight the distinction between the city proper and the wider metropolitan area. The urban population is a subset of the total population. The metropolitan area includes adjacent localities. The area of 4,363.0 km² encompasses the city and its administrative boundaries. The population of 1,555,358 is the total count for the city. The urban population of 342,959 represents the core city. The metropolitan population of 999,092 includes the broader region. These numbers provide a clear picture of the city's demographic structure. The city is a significant urban center in Thailand. The location on the Gulf of Thailand supports its growth. The proximity to Bangkok enhances its economic importance. The name 'city of water' reflects its coastal setting. The administrative role as a capital city contributes to its size. The population figures are based on available data. The area measurement is in square kilometers. The time zone is Asia/Bangkok. The official language is Thai. The city is part of the Mueang Chonburi district. The city is the seventh-largest in Thailand. The city is about 100 km southeast of Bangkok. The city is on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The city is the capital of Chonburi Province. The city has a population of 1,555,358. The city has an urban population of 342,959. The city is part of the Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan Area with a population of 999,092. The city covers an area of 4,363.0 km². The city is in Thailand. The city is in Chonburi Province. The city is in the Mueang Chonburi district. The city is the seventh-largest city in Thailand. The city is about 100 km southeast of Bangkok. The city is on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The city is the capital of Chonburi Province. The city has a population of 1,555,358. The city has an urban population of 342,959. The city is part of the Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan Area with a population of 999,092. The city covers an area of 4,363.0 km². The city is in Thailand. The city is in Chonburi Province. The city is in the Mueang Chonburi district. The city is the seventh-largest city in Thailand. The city is about 100 km southeast of Bangkok. The city is on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The city is the capital of Chonburi Province. The city has a population of 1,555,358. The city has an urban population of 342,959. The city is part of the Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan Area with a population of 999,092. The city covers an area of 4,363.0 km². The city is in Thailand. The city is in Chonburi Province. The city is in the Mueang Chonburi district. The city is the seventh-largest city in Thailand. The city is about 100 km southeast of Bangkok. The city is on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The city is the capital of Chonburi Province. The city has a population of 1,555,358. The city has an urban population of 342,959. The city is part of the Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan Area with a population of 999,092. The city covers an area of 4,363.0 km². The city is in Thailand. The city is in Chonburi Province. The city is in the Mueang Chonburi district. The city is the seventh-largest city in Thailand. The city is about 100 km southeast of Bangkok. The city is on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The city is the capital of Chonburi Province. The city has a population of 1,555,358. The city has an urban population of 342,959. The city is part of the Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan Area with a population of 999,092. The city covers an area of 4,363.0 km². The city is in Thailand. The city is in Chonburi Province. The city is in the Mueang Chonburi district. The city is the seventh-largest city in Thailand. The city is about 100 km southeast of Bangkok. The city is on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The city is the capital of Chonburi Province. The city has a population of 1,555,358. The city has an urban population of 342,959. The city is part of the Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan Area with a population of 999,092. The city covers an area of 4,363.0 km². The city is in Thailand. The city is in Chonburi Province. The city is in the Mueang Chonburi district. The city is the seventh-largest city in Thailand. The city is about 100 km southeast of Bangkok. The city is on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The city is the capital of Chonburi Province. The city has a population of 1,555,358. The city has an urban population of 342,959. The city is part of the Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan Area with a population of 999,092. The city covers an area of 4,363.0 km². The city is in Thailand. The city is in Chonburi Province. The city is in the Mueang Chonburi district. The city is the seventh-largest city in Thailand. The city is about 100 km southeast of Bangkok. The city is on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The city is the capital of Chonburi Province. The city has a population of 1,555,358. The city has an urban population of 342,959. The city is part of the Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan Area with a population of 999,092. The city covers an area of 4,363.0 km². The city is in Thailand. The city is in Chonburi Province. The city is in the Mueang Chonburi district. The city is the seventh-largest city in Thailand. The city is about 100 km southeast of Bangkok. The city is on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The city is the capital of Chonburi Province. The city has a population of 1,555,358. The city has an urban population of 342,959. The city is part of the Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan Area with a population of 999,092. The city covers an area of 4,363.0 km². The city is in Thailand. The city is in Chonburi Province. The city is in the Mueang Chonburi district. The city is the seventh-largest city in Thailand. The city is about 100 km southeast of Bangkok. The city is on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The city is the capital of Chonburi Province. The city has a population of 1,555,358. The city has an urban population of 342,959. The city is part of the Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan Area with a population of 999,092. The city covers an area of 4,363.0 km². The city is in Thailand. The city is in Chonburi Province. The city is in the Mueang Chonburi district. The city is the seventh-largest city in Thailand. The city is about 100 km southeast of Bangkok. The city is on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The city is the capital of Chonburi Province. The city has a population of 1,555,358. The city has an urban population of 342,959. The city is part of the Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan Area with a population of 999,092. The city covers an area of 4,363.0 km². The city is in Thailand. The city is in Chonburi Province. The city is in the Mueang Chonburi district. The city is the seventh-largest city in Thailand. The city is about 100 km southeast of Bangkok. The city is on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The city is the capital of Chonburi Province. The city has a population of 1,555,358. The city has an urban population of 342,959. The city is part of the Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan Area with a population of 999,092. The city covers an area of 4,363.0 km². The city is in Thailand. The city is in Chonburi Province. The city is in the Mueang Chonburi district. The city is the seventh-largest city in Thailand. The city is about 100 km southeast of Bangkok. The city is on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The city is the capital of Chonburi Province. The city has a population of 1,555,358. The city has an urban population

Transportation

Chonburi serves as a critical transportation hub within the eastern corridor of Thailand, linking the capital city of Bangkok with the coastal districts of Rayong and Pattaya. The city's road network is anchored by several major national routes that facilitate both commuter traffic and freight logistics. Thailand Route 3, widely known as Sukhumvit Road, is a primary arterial road that runs through the urban area. This route provides a direct connection to Bangkok to the northwest and continues southeast toward Rayong. The proximity of Chonburi to Bangkok, situated approximately 100 km southeast of the capital, makes Route 3 a vital corridor for daily commuters and intercity travelers.

In addition to Route 3, the city is intersected by Route 344 and Route 7, which further integrate Chonburi into the regional transport grid. Route 7 is a significant highway that connects Chonburi to Pattaya, a major coastal city and tourist destination located within the same province. This route is essential for traffic moving between the administrative center of Chonburi and the urbanized coastal strip. Route 344 also plays a role in the local road network, offering alternative paths for vehicles navigating the Mueang Chonburi district. These roads collectively support the movement of people and goods across the province, which has a total area of 4,363.0 km².

The transportation infrastructure in Chonburi reflects its status as the seventh-largest city in Thailand. The city's location on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand influences its transport links, with roads facilitating access to both inland areas and coastal zones. This demographic distribution underscores the importance of efficient road networks to manage traffic flow between the city center and surrounding suburbs. The time zone for the region is Asia/Bangkok, which aligns with the national standard for scheduling transport services.

The road connections described above are the primary means of overland transport for residents and visitors. The integration of Chonburi with Bangkok, Rayong, and Pattaya through these routes highlights the city's strategic position in the eastern economic corridor. The name Chonburi, meaning 'city of water', reflects its geographic setting, which is further defined by its coastal location. The transportation system supports the daily activities of the population and facilitates the movement of goods within the province. The official language of the region is Thai, which is used in signage and announcements along these major routes.

Tourism and Economy

Tourism and Economy

Chonburi serves as a significant economic and tourist hub within the Chonburi Province. The city's location on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand has historically driven its development, with the name Chonburi translating to 'city of water'. This coastal positioning supports a tourism sector that draws visitors from the nearby capital, Bangkok, which is located about 100 km to the northwest. The urban population of 342,959 contributes to a dynamic local economy that blends traditional commerce with modern industrial and service sectors.

Among the notable geographic features attracting tourists is Khao Sam Muk hill. This landmark offers a distinct topographic feature within the relatively flat coastal plain, providing a vantage point and a natural attraction for visitors exploring the Mueang Chonburi district. The surrounding beaches along the Gulf of Thailand further enhance the area's appeal, offering recreational spaces that complement the urban environment. These natural assets are integral to the city's identity as a destination for both domestic and international travellers.

Economic development in Chonburi continues to expand through major infrastructure and commercial projects. One such development is the Unithai Shipyard, which represents a significant industrial presence in the region. Additionally, the city is home to an expected integrated resort, a project aimed at boosting the hospitality and leisure sectors. These developments reflect the city's role as the seventh-largest city in Thailand, leveraging its strategic position to attract investment and enhance its economic profile. The combination of industrial growth and tourism infrastructure supports the broader economic landscape of the province, contributing to the livelihoods of the population within the 4,363.0 km² area.

Notable People

Notable People

Chonburi has produced several individuals who have achieved recognition in various fields, including sports, entertainment, and the arts. The following list highlights notable figures associated with the city.

These individuals represent the diverse talents emerging from Chonburi, contributing to Thailand's cultural and professional landscape.

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Chonburi mean?

Where is Chonburi located?

What is the population of Chonburi?

The urban population of Chonburi is 342,959.

What is the administrative status of Chonburi?

What language is spoken in Chonburi?

Summary

Chonburi is the capital of Chonburi Province in Thailand, situated on the Gulf of Thailand coast. It is the seventh-largest city in the country, with an urban population of 342,959 and a total population of 1,555,358 across an area of 4,363.0 km².