Pattani, Thailand

Pattani is an east-coast province in the south, adjacent to the Gulf of Thailand, with the area of approximately 1,940 square kilometres. There are two major rivers: Tani and Sai Buri. Being a civilized town in the past, the present Pattani still maintains some ruined ancient town in Amphoe Yarang. Due to its mountainous area and long seashore of about 170 kilometres, Pattani has been an important port and the centre of the administration, trading, and culture. There are several tourism resources of nature, historical ancient places, and traditional culture which have been the integration of Thai, Chinese and Islam. Pattani was very famous in the old days as a town having a woman ruler. The biggest connon, ever casted in Thailand, has been casted here and named "Nang Phraya Tani". The central mosque there is the most beautiful one in southern Region being the center of Thai Moslems. Other outstanding places are Wat Chang Hai, the monastery where Luang Po Tuat had been living in a campus of Songkhla Nakharin University. Pattani is located 1,055 kms. from Bangkok on the coast of the South China Sea of the Pacific Ocean occupying an area of 1,377 square kilometres. It is administratively divided into 11 Amphoes and 1 King Amphoe; they are : Muang, Khok Pho, Mayo, Nong Chik, Panare, Sai Buri, Yarang, Yaring, Thung Yang Daeng, Mai Kaen, Kapho and King Amphoe Mae Lan. The general condition of the area is of low basin suitable for cultivation, bordering on Songkhla to the north, Narathiwat to the south, the Gulf of Thailand to the east and Yala to the west.