1. Formation process and significance of Thai Nguyen province after the merger
Thai Nguyen province after the merger is the result of the consolidation between Thai Nguyen province and Bac Kan province, according to Resolution 202/2025/QH15 passed by the National Assembly on June 12, 2025. With the administrative center located in Thai Nguyen city, the new province not only inherits the historical and cultural traditions of both provinces but also expands its scale to meet the socio-economic development requirements in the modernization period. This merger process is part of an administrative reform strategy to streamline the apparatus, optimize resources, and promote sustainable development.
•    Historical context of Thai Nguyen province: Thai Nguyen has long been known as the cradle of the Vietnamese revolution, with historical landmarks such as ATK Dinh Hoa - where the revolutionary base was located during the resistance war against the French. After the merger, the new Thai Nguyen province continues to promote this tradition, while integrating the cultural values and economic potential of Bac Kan, such as Ba Be Lake - a famous natural heritage.
•    Merger process in 2025: According to Resolution No. 202/2025/QH15, the entire area and population of Bac Kan province are consolidated with Thai Nguyen province, creating a new administrative unit with 99 communal-level administrative units, including 86 communes and 13 wards. This process is deployed synchronously, ensuring organizational stability and people's lives.
•    Role of the administrative center in Thai Nguyen: Thai Nguyen city, with modern infrastructure and a favorable geographical location, was chosen as the administrative-political center of the new province. This is where the province's leading agencies are concentrated, and at the same time an educational center with large universities such as Thai Nguyen University.
•    Strategic significance of the merger: The merger not only helps reduce administrative operating costs but also creates conditions for Thai Nguyen province to effectively exploit potentials in industry, education, and tourism. The province is expected to become one of the important economic centers of the Northeast region.
2. Characteristics of the area of Thai Nguyen province after the merger
After the merger, Thai Nguyen province has a natural area of 8,375.21 km², ranking 12th out of 34 new provinces and cities in Vietnam, according to data from Resolution 202/2025/QH15. This expansion of area brings many opportunities for the province to develop fields such as industry, agriculture, and tourism, while posing challenges in resource planning and management. Below are outstanding features regarding the area of Thai Nguyen province after the merger.
•    Diverse terrain and rich potential: Thai Nguyen province possesses rich terrain, from the midlands of the old Thai Nguyen to the high mountains of Bac Kan. The Ba Be Lake area and limestone mountain ranges in Bac Kan are important highlights, creating favorable conditions for developing eco-tourism and agro-forestry.
•    Industrial and agricultural land area: With more than 50% of the area being agricultural land and forests, Thai Nguyen province has great potential in sustainable agro-forestry development. Areas such as Dinh Hoa and Cho Moi stand out with industrial crops such as tea, rubber, and fruit trees, contributing to the local economy.
•    Area distribution by administrative unit: The new Thai Nguyen province has 99 communal-level administrative units, with urban areas such as Thai Nguyen city and Pho Yen town occupying a small area but having high population density. Mountainous districts such as Ba Be and Pac Nam have larger areas, suitable for agricultural and tourism development projects.
•    Potential for transport infrastructure development: The expanded area allows Thai Nguyen province to plan key traffic routes, such as the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen - Bac Kan expressway, facilitating connection with neighboring provinces such as Hanoi, Tuyen Quang, and Lang Son, promoting trade and economic development.
3. Population and demographic structure of Thai Nguyen province after the merger
After the merger, Thai Nguyen province has a population scale of 1,805,432 people, ranking 23rd out of 34 new provinces and cities, according to data from Resolution No. 202/2025/QH15. This population increase brings abundant labor resources while posing challenges in urban management, education and health. Below are the main characteristics of the population and demographic structure of Thai Nguyen province.
•    Urban and rural population ratio: About 30% of the population of Thai Nguyen province lives in urban areas such as Thai Nguyen city, Pho Yen town, and Song Cong town, while the remaining 70% resides in rural and mountainous areas. Urban areas are the economic, educational, and cultural centers of the province.
•    Ethnic diversity: Thai Nguyen province is home to 20 ethnic groups, with the Kinh ethnic group accounting for the largest proportion (about 70%), followed by Tay, Nung, Dao, and San Chay ethnic groups. This diversity creates a rich cultural identity, with festivals such as the Long Tong Festival of the Tay people and highland market sessions in Bac Kan.
•    Population density and distribution: With an average population density of about 215 people/km², Thai Nguyen province has uneven population distribution. Urban areas such as Thai Nguyen city have high density, while mountainous districts such as Ba Be and Pac Nam have low density, suitable for agricultural and eco-tourism development.
•    Challenges in population management: Population growth after the merger requires Thai Nguyen province to invest strongly in infrastructure, education, and health. The province is implementing programs to support housing, poverty reduction, and improve the quality of life for ethnic minorities in highland areas.
4. Vision and development prospects of Thai Nguyen province after the merger
Thai Nguyen province after the merger is expected to become one of the leading economic, educational, and tourism centers of the Northeast region, thanks to effectively exploiting potentials in resources, geographical location, and human resources. With a sustainable development strategy, the province is focusing on industry, education, and eco-tourism, while promoting administrative reform. Below are the outstanding development prospects and orientations of Thai Nguyen province.
•    Developing industry and high technology: Thai Nguyen province is a large industrial center with industrial parks such as Song Cong, Yen Binh, and large factories of Samsung and Tisco. After the merger, the province continues to attract investment in high-tech industries, steel production, and electronics, creating economic development momentum.
•    Promoting education and training: With Thai Nguyen University - one of the largest universities in the North, Thai Nguyen province has the potential to become a high-quality human resource training center. International cooperation and vocational training programs are being promoted to meet the needs of industrial parks.
•    Developing eco-tourism and cultural tourism: Thai Nguyen province possesses outstanding tourist destinations such as Ba Be Lake, ATK Dinh Hoa and Nui Coc tourist area. After the merger, the province is investing in eco-tourism and resort areas, while promoting indigenous cultural values such as Long Tong festival and handicraft products.
•    Improving infrastructure and regional linkage: Thai Nguyen province is deploying key traffic projects, such as the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen - Bac Kan expressway and routes connecting with Tuyen Quang and Lang Son. These projects not only improve connectivity within the province but also strengthen Thai Nguyen's role in linking the Northeast region.
Thai Nguyen province after the merger, with an area of 8,375.21 km² and a population of 1,805,432 people, has opened a new development period full of potential. This consolidation not only helps the province optimize resources but also creates opportunities to develop industry, education, and tourism. Accompany ACC Hanoi for more information.