Vibhavadi is a district (amphoe) in the west of Surat Thani province, southern Thailand.

Geography

Neighboring districts are (from north clockwise): Tha Chang, Phunphin, Khiri Rat Nikhom, and Ban Ta Khun. The district is in the hills of the Phuket mountain range, with part of the district being protected in the Khlong Yan Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kaeng Krung National Park.

History

The minor district (king amphoe) was created on 22 April 1992 by splitting off two tambons from Khiri Rat Nikhom district. It is named after Princess Vibhavadi Rangsit, who was killed in 1977 when rebels shot down her helicopter in eastern Surat Thani Province. On 15 May 2007, all 81 minor districts including this one, were upgraded to full districts on 24 August.

Temples

There are three Buddhist temples in the district, all of the Mahayana branch.

Administration

Central administration

Vibhavadi is divided into two sub-districts (tambons), which are further subdivided into 31 administrative villages (mubans).

Local administration

There are two sub-district administrative organizations (SAO) in the district: