Pattani

Pattani Province is a province of Thailand in the southern part of the country, located on the eastern coast of the Malay Peninsula along the Gulf of Thailand. The provincial capital is Pattani City. The province includes a coastal plain and inland areas, with a population that is predominantly Malay Muslim. The local language is Pattani Malay in daily life, with Thai used for official purposes and schooling.

Historically, Pattani was the center of the Patani Sultanate, a Malay Islamic kingdom that flourished from the 15th to 18th centuries. The region was incorporated into Siam (Thailand) in the late 18th century and has been administered as a Thai province since the early 20th century.

The economy of Pattani relies on agriculture, including rice, rubber, and palm oil, as well as fishing and some light industry. The coastline supports maritime activities, and tourism is developed to a limited extent, though travel can be affected by security considerations in parts of the province.

Security and politics: Since 2004, Pattani has experienced an insurgency connected to separatist movements in the southern border provinces. The Thai government has imposed emergency measures at times and pursued security and development programs, along with limited negotiations with some groups. Violence has resulted in casualties and displacement, influencing daily life and development in the region.

Culture and society: The province is marked by its Muslim-majority communities, mosques, and Islamic traditions that shape local customs, markets, and festivals. Pattani forms part of Thailand’s broader southern cultural landscape, characterized by a mix of Malay and Thai influences.