Mukdahan is the 73rd province of Thailand. Its history dates from the late Ayutthaya period, over 200 years ago. At first, on the left side of the Mekong River, there was a large community called Ban Luang Phon Sin located by Phrathat Ing Hang, presently in Savannakhet Province of Lao PDR. The community was ruled by Chao Chan Suriyawong. His son was Chao Kinnari. He later built a new town at the mouth of Huai Muk on the right bank of the Mekong River in 1767. The town was completed in 1770 and named “Mukdahan” (moonstone or pearl) according to a propitious sign occurring to him while the town was under construction. That is why the locals call the town “Mueang Muk”. During the reign of King Taksin the Great, Chao Kinnari was promoted as Phraya Chanthon Si Surat Upparacha Manthaturat to be the first
ruler of Mukdahan in 1778. At first, Mukdahan was part of ‘Monthon Udon’ or Udon Circle. In 1907, the Circle was dissolved to become a province and Mukdahan was then an Amphoe of Nakhon Phanom province. It was promoted
as Mukdahan province in 1982 as the country’s 73rd province and the 17th province of Isan. Actually, Mukdahan is a significant gateway to Indochinese countries. The local people of Mukdahan actually have had a long relationship with the people in Savannakhet province of Lao PDR. although they are apart by the 70 kms. long Mekong River. Mukdahan is home to 8 ethnic minorities; namely, Thai Isan, Phu Thai, Thai Kha, Kraso, Thai Kaloeng, Thai Yo, Thai Saek, and Thai Kula. It has abundant natural beauty. Mukdahan covers a total area of 4,339.830 sq. kms. It can be divided into 7 districts; namely, Amphoe Mueang Mukdahan, Amphoe Khamcha-i, Amphoe Don Tan, Amphoe Nikhom Kham Soi, Amphoe Dong Luang, Amphoe Wan Yai, and Amphoe Nong Sung.