Intro:
The use of abbreviations for administrative purposes has been prevalent in many countries, including Thailand, for decades. The only difference is that different countries use different abbreviations to denote their provinces or states. In Thailand, the system of using abbreviations for provinces is known as “คำสั่งอักษร ย่อ จังหวัด”. This practice has been widely adopted in various governmental, commercial and educational sectors in Thailand. This article aims to provide an overview of the system of using abbreviations for provinces in Thailand, its usage and its creative applications.
Usage:
The use of abbreviations for provinces in Thailand is mainly used in administrative, commercial, and educational sectors. For instance, people use province abbreviations in their mailing addresses or on official documents to make things less cumbersome. For instance, the abbreviation “BKK” is used for Bangkok, and “NST” denotes Nakhon Si Thammarat. This practice also helps organizations to maintain consistency, efficiency, and standardized communication.
Creating Abbreviations:
Creating abbreviations is an excellent example of creativity that is widely practiced in Thailand. While there are some standardized abbreviations, others are coined by people in their conversations or official communications. For example, “S.P.” is an abbreviation that many people often use to refer to Surat Thani Province. This abbreviation was created by a local resident who had to send numerous letters to different parts of Thailand to promote his business. He had the option of writing “Surat Thani”, but the abbreviation made the task easier for him. Over time, the abbreviation has become popular, and people have adopted it.
Additionally, some abbreviations are created by combining the initial letters of the provinces. For instance, the initials of Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, and Samut Prakan provinces are combined to form “BANPSA”. This process of creating abbreviations through combining the first letters of provinces is also standardized in Thailand.
FAQs:
Q: Are abbreviations for provinces a legal requirement?
A: There is no specific law that requires people to use Abbreviations. However, it is a widely acceptable practice in the country, particularly for official communications.
Q: How are abbreviations for provinces created?
A: Abbreviations are created by people to make communication easier. They can be made by combining the first letters of each province or by using a memorable abbreviation.
Q: Do all provinces in Thailand have an abbreviation?
A: Yes, all provinces in the country have been assigned specific abbreviations. These abbreviations have been standardized by the government.
Q: How do I find out what abbreviation is assigned to a particular province?
A: Most websites of Governmental Offices have a list of all the assigned abbreviations for each province. Alternatively, you can always do a quick Google search.
Conclusion:
Overall, the use of abbreviations for provinces in Thailand is an essential tool for communication efficiency in various sectors. It is widely used in the country, and people have even created bespoke ones for easy reference. While there are no laws that enforce the use of Abbreviations, it is a widely accepted practice in Thailand. With the increasing need for standardized communication and efficiency, it is necessary to embrace this practice fully.
