PATTANI

Pattani

Pattani

Pattani

Pattani

Pattani

Pattani

Pattani

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Pattani, formerly renowned as the town of a woman ruler and the biggest cannon called "Nang Phaya Tani" , is located 1,055 kms. from Bangkok on the eastern coast. It occupies an area of 1,377 square kilometres, bordering on Songkhla to the north, Narathiwat to the south, the Gulf of Thailand to the east and Yala to the west. Most of the population is Muslim. The general geographical feature is a low basin suitable for cultivation.

Geography:

Pattani is located on the Malay Peninsula, with the coast of the Gulf of Thailand in the north. In the south mountainous landscape with the Sankalakhiri mountain range, including the Budo-Sungai Padi national park, is located at the border to Yala and Narathiwat, protecting hill forests with rare vegetation such as the Bangsoon palm and Takathong rattan, as well as birds like the hornbill. Namtok Sai Khao on the border with Songkhla and Yala is a forest park, remarkable for the Sai Khao waterfall.

History:

Historically Pattani was the centre of the semi-independent Malay Pattani kingdom, but paying tribute to the Thai kingdoms of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. After Ayutthaya fell in 1767 Pattani gained full independence, but under King Rama I it again came under Siam's control. In 1909, it was annexed by Siam as part of Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 negotiated with the British Empire. Both Yala and Narathiwat were originally part of Pattani, but were split off and became provinces of their own.

There exists a separatist movement in Pattani, which after being dormant for many years erupted again in 2004. Grievances cited include long-standing prejudice and oppression of Pattani Muslims by Thai Buddhists, including forcible repression of local language and script, as well as religious practices. As such, the revolutionary movement has increasingly taken on Islamic overtones, but remains largely isolated from global Islamic militancy, with the exception of proposed cooperative ties with neighboring Malays.

Attractions:

Somdet Phra Si Nakharin Park This is a public park located on the Ieft side of the Pattani Rive, Tambon Rusamilae, 1 km. from The township area.

Pattani Central Mosque The most beautiful and Iargest mosque in Thailand where religious ceremonies are performed by Thai Muslims is located on the outskirts of Pattani on the Pattani-Yala Highway.

Kru Se Mosque This ruined mosque of more than 200 years old is located 7 kms. from town on the Pattani-Narathiwat Highway. The remains are a rectangular building without a roof, surrounded by brick wall. Next to the mosque is the Shrine of Chao Mae Lim Ko Nieo constructed in the Chinese style.

Institute of Arts and Culture Situated on the Prince of Songkhla University, Pattani Campus, the building collects various artifacts and art objects such as images of Buddha, votive table, coins and local handicrafts. It is open from 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.

Pak Nam Pattani The mouth of the Pattani River, where the Prince of Songkhla University is situated, is 3 kms. from the township area. There is a fishing village with thousands of coconut trees lined behind a beach.

Wat Chang Hai this monastery of 300 years old is well-known to Buddhists for its beautiful buildings and the sacred tablets. Luang Pho Tuat, once an abbot of the temple, is generally respected by the people all over the country. This is Located 27 kms. from Pattani on the Khok Pho-Yala Road and can also be reached by rail.

The Wat Chang Hai Training Centre allows visitors to observe the Process of making famous crafts of the south including Batik cloths, wickerwork, artificial flowers made of flour dough, and replicas of Kolae boats.

Namtok Sai Khao National Park The park, located 38 kms. from Pattani, is accessible via a 6 km. access road branching off the Khok Pho-Yala route. There is a pleasant arboretum with a stream running from the falls through shrubs and bushes featuring a beautiful scenery.

Prasat Nang Phomhom Forest Park This is located in Tambon Pithen, Amphoe Thung Yang Daeng, 52 kms. from Pattani township. In the park, there is a small waterfall which is good to visit between November and December.

Pattani's Beaches Pattani boasts many beautiful beaches along its eastern coast. These include Hat Khae Khae, Hat Panare, Hat Chalalai, Hat Ratcharak, in Amphoe Panare; Hat Patatimo or Hat Wasukri in Amphoe Sai Buri; Hat Talokapo and Laem Tachi in Amphoe Yaring. On some beaches where fishing villages are situated, fishing boats with colourful painted designs called Ko Lae, the symbol of Pattani, can be seen.

Major Events:

Chao Mae Lim Ko Nieo Fair This is celebrated yearly in February or March by the Chinese population. Cho Mae Lim Ko Nieo, a goddess believed to possess potent magic powers, is revered by the Chinese in Pattani and other provinces of the far south. This annual fair pays homage to her and features ascetics able to perform extraordinary feats of endurance, as well as a lively procession of devotees through the provincial capital.