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.
The position of a headman was introduced with the Thesaphiban administrative reforms towards the end of the 19th century, first implemented in 1892. The headman would be selected from among the village elders (phu yai ban) of the villages that comprise the tambon.