The Cultural Heartland of Southern Thailand and the Songkhla Lake Basin
Phatthalung Province is a culturally rich and historically significant province in Southern Thailand, located west of Songkhla Lake. Known as the birthplace of southern Thai performing arts, especially Nora dance, Phatthalung is deeply rooted in traditional culture, wetlands ecology, agriculture, and community-based livelihoods. Though landlocked, the province plays a vital role in the Songkhla Lake ecosystem and southern cultural identity.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Phatthalung is one of the oldest settlements in Southern Thailand.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| Ancient era | Early Mon–Malay and Thai settlements |
| Srivijaya period | Cultural and trade influence |
| Ayutthaya period | Important southern town |
| Rattanakosin era | Administrative integration |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
Phatthalung is traditionally regarded as the cradle of Southern Thai arts and folklore.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Phatthalung Province |
| Capital City | Phatthalung |
| Region | Southern Thailand |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~3,424 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~520,000 |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai |
| ISO Code | TH-93 |
Phatthalung is a landlocked province but closely tied to lake and wetland systems.
⚖️ Government & Administration
Phatthalung follows Thailand’s provincial administrative system.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & Subdistrict Administrative Organizations |
The Phatthalung Provincial Hall oversees provincial governance.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Phatthalung
Phatthalung Province consists of 11 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Phatthalung
Kong Ra
Khao Chaison
Tamot
Khuan Khanun
Pak Phayun
Si Banphot
Pa Bon
Bang Kaeo
Pa Phayom
Srinagarindra
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: Plains, hills, wetlands
Major Feature: Songkhla Lake Basin
Mountains: Nakhon Si Thammarat Range
Borders: Songkhla, Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat
Phatthalung contains Thailand’s largest freshwater wetland system.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Phatthalung Municipality
Khuan Khanun Municipality
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Local governance emphasizes wetland management, agriculture, and cultural preservation.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Key development focuses include:
Wetland conservation & fisheries
Cultural heritage promotion (Nora arts)
Sustainable agriculture
Eco-tourism and homestays
Water and flood management
Phatthalung follows a culture–nature integrated development model.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Phatthalung Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Disaster Response Units | Flood management |
| Environmental Protection Units | Wetland conservation |
The province is regarded as peaceful and community-centered.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Buddhism |
| Cultural Identity | Southern Thai |
| Language | Thai |
| Cultural Legacy | Nora dance, shadow puppetry |
Major Religious & Cultural Sites
Wat Khuha Sawan
Phatthalung City Pillar Shrine
Traditional Nora performance villages
Phatthalung is recognized as the birthplace of Nora dance, now a UNESCO-listed intangible cultural heritage.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Rice, rubber |
| Fisheries | Freshwater fishing |
| Handicrafts | Traditional arts |
| Tourism | Cultural & eco-tourism |
The economy is agriculture- and culture-driven.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Higher Education | Thaksin University (nearby region) |
| Major Hospitals | Phatthalung Hospital |
Education and healthcare support rural and cultural communities.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Roads | Highways linking Songkhla & Trang |
| Rail | Southern Railway Line |
| Nearest Airports | Hat Yai / Trang |
| Waterways | Lake transport routes |
Infrastructure supports regional connectivity and agriculture.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions
Thale Noi Waterfowl Reserve
Khao Ok Thalu (Hole Mountain)
Nora cultural villages
Songkhla Lake viewpoints
Wetland eco-tours
Phatthalung is ideal for nature lovers and cultural travelers.
🌍 Regional & National Role
Cultural heart of Southern Thailand
Wetland and freshwater ecosystem hub
Traditional performing arts center
Agricultural support province
📝 Summary
Phatthalung Province stands as the cultural soul of Southern Thailand. With its ancient traditions, Nora performing arts, vast wetlands, and peaceful rural communities, the province preserves Thailand’s intangible heritage while supporting sustainable livelihoods rooted in nature and culture.
📢 News & Articles
“UNESCO Recognition of Nora Dance”
“Wetland Conservation at Thale Noi”
“Cultural Tourism Development in Phatthalung”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, link-ready, and authoritative provincial knowledge.