The position of a kamnan was introduced with the Thesaphiban administrative reforms near the end of the 19th century, first enacted in 1892. The kamnan would to be chosen from the among village elders (phu yai ban) of the villages that make up the tambon.
A new role, that of a village leader, was introduced with the Thesaphiban reforms at the end of the 19th century, specifically in 1892. This leader would be chosen from among the respected elderly villagers (phu yai ban) who represent the tambon.