In Thailand, land measurement primarily uses traditional Thai units, which are distinct and deeply rooted in the country’s historical and agricultural practices. Here are the main units used for measuring land in Thailand:
Traditional Thai Units
- Wah (วา):
Square Wah (ตารางวา): The basic unit of land area.
1 square wah = 4 square meters.
Commonly used for small plots of land, such as residential properties. - Ngan (งาน):
1 ngan = 100 square wah.
1 ngan = 400 square meters.
Often used for medium-sized plots of land, such as larger residential properties or small agricultural plots. - Rai (ไร่):
1 rai = 4 ngan.
1 rai = 1,600 square meters.
Widely used for agricultural land, larger plots, and real estate development.
Conversions Between Units
- 1 square wah = 4 square meters.
- 1 ngan = 100 square wah = 400 square meters.
- 1 rai = 4 ngan = 400 square wah = 1,600 square meters.
Metric System
While the traditional units are predominantly used, the metric system is also employed, particularly in official documents and for international purposes:
- Square meters (m²): Used in conjunction with traditional units, especially in urban planning and real estate transactions.
Hectares (ha): Occasionally used, particularly in contexts that require international standardization.
Practical Context
Agricultural Land:
- Rai and Ngan: These units are most commonly used to measure farmland. For example, a rice field might be measured in rai.
Urban and Residential Land:
- Square Wah and Ngan: Smaller residential plots are often measured in square wah, while larger residential or commercial plots might be measured in ngan or rai.
Example Usage
- A small house plot in a city might be described as 50 square wah.
- A larger agricultural plot might be described as 5 rai.
- A commercial development site might be described as 3 ngan.
Understanding these traditional Thai units is crucial for dealing with land transactions, agricultural planning, and real estate development in Thailand.