Kaeng Hang Maeo subdistrict

Kaeng Hang Maeo (แก่งหางแมว, ) is a tambon (subdistrict) of Kaeng Hang Maeo district, Chanthaburi province, eastern Thailand.

History and toponymy
The word Kaeng Hang Maeo consists of two elements. Kaeng means "rapids" and Hang Maeo literally means "cat tail". Its name comes from the fact that the local stream is filled with rapids and isles. While Hang Maeo is the name of a muban (village) in the north (in present-day neighbouring Khun Song).

Kaeng Hang Maeo is an ancient settlement with evidence of being inhabited for hundreds of years. The original indigenous people are the Chong (subgroup of Pearic peoples). Later, more people immigrated to live from nearby provinces such as Prachinburi, Rayong, Chonburi via wagon or boat.

One of the villages is Ban Chong Kaphat (บ้านช่องกะพัด). Its name comes from a local tale that after a night of heavy rain. The next morning, a large fish was found stranded in the riverbed in front of the village. That kind of fish is locally called Kaphat or widely known as Asian arowana. Hence the name Ban Chong Kaphat (lit "village of arowana's channel").

Geography
Adjacent subdistricts are (from the north clockwise): Khun Song in its district, Khlong Phlu in Khao Khitchakut district, Khao Kaeo in Tha Mai district, Sam Phi Nong and Phwa in its district.

The terrain is characterized by plains and river plains. There are some parts of the hilly plateau, while some are high mountains.

Khlong Ta Not or Khlong Wang Ta Not is a main water resource.

Kaeng Hang Maeo has an area of approximately 129 km2 (8,0625 rai).

Central administration
The entire area of Kaeng Hang Maeo is under the administration of Kaeng Hang Maeo Subdistrict Administrative Organization.

The seal of Kaeng Hang Maeo Subdistrict Administrative Organization is a cat sitting under a tree.

Local administration
The subdistrict also consists of 22 administrative villages.

Population
By the end of 2022, it had a total population of 10,226.