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'.
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.