A Historic Malay Kingdom, Islamic Heritage, and Southern Border Province
Pattani Province is a historically rich and culturally distinctive province in Deep Southern Thailand, located along the Gulf of Thailand and near the Malaysia–Thailand border. Known as the heartland of the former Pattani Sultanate, the province is renowned for its strong Islamic heritage, Malay cultural identity, and long-standing role in regional trade, scholarship, and cross-border relations.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Pattani has one of the oldest continuous political and cultural histories in Southeast Asia.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| 7th–13th century | Early maritime trade center |
| 14th–18th century | Pattani Sultanate flourishes |
| 1786 | Incorporated into Siam |
| 1909 | Anglo-Siamese Treaty formalizes borders |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
Historically, Pattani was a major Islamic learning and trading center in the Malay world.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Pattani Province |
| Capital City | Pattani |
| Region | Southern Thailand (Deep South) |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~1,940 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~720,000 |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai, Malay (Pattani Malay) |
| ISO Code | TH-94 |
Pattani has a Muslim-majority population, unique within Thailand.
⚖️ Government & Administration
Pattani follows Thailand’s provincial administrative framework with enhanced security coordination.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & Subdistrict Administrative Organizations |
The Pattani Provincial Hall oversees civil administration alongside regional security agencies.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Pattani
Pattani Province consists of 12 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Pattani
Khok Pho
Nong Chik
Panare
Mayo
Thung Yang Daeng
Sai Buri
Mai Kaen
Yaring
Yarang
Kapho
Mae Lan
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: Coastal plains, rivers, low hills
Sea: Gulf of Thailand
Major Rivers: Pattani River
Borders: Yala, Narathiwat, Songkhla
The province includes coastal fishing zones and fertile river basins.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Pattani Municipality
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Local governance emphasizes education, fisheries, and community services.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Key development focuses include:
Education and Islamic scholarship
Fisheries and coastal livelihoods
Agriculture and food security
Youth development and skills training
Community resilience and peace-building
Pattani development strategies prioritize human capital and social cohesion.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Pattani Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Border Patrol Police | Border security |
| Civil Administration Units | Community safety |
| Disaster Response Units | Flood & emergency response |
Security remains a sensitive and coordinated priority.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Islam (Sunni) |
| Minority Religion | Buddhism |
| Cultural Identity | Malay–Thai |
| Languages | Thai, Pattani Malay |
Major Religious & Cultural Sites
Krue Se Mosque
Pattani Central Mosque
Traditional pondok (Islamic schools)
Pattani is a cornerstone of Islamic culture in Thailand.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Fisheries | Coastal and marine fishing |
| Agriculture | Rice, fruits, rubber |
| Trade | Local & cross-border commerce |
| Education | Religious and general education |
The economy is community-based and coastal-oriented.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Universities | Prince of Songkla University (Pattani Campus) |
| Major Hospitals | Pattani Hospital |
Education plays a central role in provincial identity.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Roads | Regional highways |
| Nearest Airports | Hat Yai / Narathiwat |
| Ports | Fishing ports |
| Rail | Nearby southern rail lines |
Infrastructure supports regional mobility and trade.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions
Pattani Central Mosque
Krue Se Mosque
Pattani Bay
Cultural heritage sites
Traditional Malay villages
Tourism focuses on religious, cultural, and educational heritage.
🌍 Regional & National Role
Center of Islamic culture in Thailand
Deep South educational hub
Coastal fisheries province
Thailand–Malay cultural bridge
📝 Summary
Pattani Province stands as one of Thailand’s most historically profound and culturally unique regions. As the former heart of the Pattani Sultanate and a center of Islamic scholarship, Pattani continues to shape the identity of Southern Thailand through its heritage, education, and resilient communities—playing a vital role in national diversity and regional harmony.
📢 News & Articles
“Islamic Education and Cultural Preservation in Pattani”
“Community-Based Fisheries in the Gulf of Thailand”
“Youth Development Initiatives in Southern Thailand”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, link-ready, and authoritative provincial knowledge.