Maps of Thailand and Isaan ...

[frequent]

Rather than calling Isaan a "province" (which, as you have convincingly explained, it isn't) or an "area" (which merely stresses its geographical coherence), there is surely a better word yet - "region". Unless that word has, in the overall structure of Thai government and administration, a specific meaning that rules it out of consideration, I'd choose it because it goes beyond the anodyne "area" by correctly implying that there are various broad cultural (including linguistic and socio-economic) characteristics that the constituent provinces of Isaan (though diverse in many detailed matters) have in common.

Like this you mean -
4egions-thailand-provinces-map-size2d-1080x675.jpg

[Marsilius]

Quite so - although the caption says that these are "geographical" regions of Thailand, implying that they exhibit physical differences such as, I imagine, highland areas vs. lowland areas of the whole country.

My point was that Isaan might be better defined as a "region" by the cultural/socio-economic/linguistic et. al. characteristics that distinguish it from other parts* of Thailand.

*Notice how I've introduced yet another term there?

[Smiles]

" ... My point was that Isaan might be better defined as a "region"... "

For some reason I did not think this thread would have even a tiny slice of controversy. This is after all Sawatdee ... I forgot.
Marsilius I do agree with you, the word 'region' is indeed a better choice than my original 'area'.

" ... All provinces have the same name as their capital (not necessarily the largest town ... "

Correct. A perfect example is in fact Hua Hin in Prachuap Kiri Khan Province. Hua Hin the city is much larger than the capital town of Prachuap Kiri Khan. My guess would be at least five times larger. In comparison Prachuap the town is tiny.

[pong]

Correct. A perfect example is in fact Hua Hin in Prachuap Kiri Khan Province. Hua Hin the city is much larger than the capital town of Prachuap Kiri Khan. My guess would be at least five times larger. In comparison Prachuap the town is tiny.

The very best known example to about anyone here must be that giant brothel by the sea, aka Pattaya which is in Cholburi chiangwat. Plus that it seems its not even Pattaya proper, as full adresses always state it as BangLamung. Strangely no boy will ever say he comes from Cholburi, making it also another example of very flexible lifestyle.