Songkhla province: Difference between revisions
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{{Travel guide|date=May 2015}} |
{{Travel guide|date=May 2015}} |
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{{Infobox settlement |
{{Infobox settlement |
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| name |
| name = Songkhla |
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| native_name |
| native_name = สงขลา |
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| native_name_lang |
| native_name_lang = th |
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| settlement_type |
| settlement_type = [[Provinces of Thailand|Province]] |
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| translit_lang1_info1 = {{lang|ms|Singora}} {{font|size=70%|([[Malay alphabet|Rumi]])}}<br />{{lang|ms-arab|{{Script|Arab| سيڠݢورا}}}} {{font|size=70%|([[Jawi alphabet|Jawi]])}} |
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| image_skyline = File:ยอดเขาตังกวน - panoramio (1).jpg |
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| translit_lang1_type1 = [[Malay language|Malay]] |
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| image_alt = |
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| translit_lang1_info2 = สงขลา {{font|size=70%|({{Ipa-th|sôŋ.kʰlâː|pron}})}} |
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| image_caption = Panorama of Songkhla from Tang Kuan Hill |
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| translit_lang1_type2 = [[Southern Thai language|Southern Thai]] |
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| nickname = |
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| translit_lang1 = Other |
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| image_skyline = {{multiple image |
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| border = infobox |
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| total_width = 280 |
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| image_style = border:1; |
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| perrow = 2/2/2 |
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| image1 = Hat Yai, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand - panoramio (1).jpg |
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| image2 =ยอดเขาตังกวน - panoramio (1).jpg |
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| coordinates = |
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| image3 = Tinsulanonstadium2014.jpg |
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| coordinates_footnotes = |
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| image4 = Tinsulanonda Bridge 1.jpg |
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| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]] |
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| image5 = Khao Nam Khang National Park in Songkhla, Thailand.jpg |
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| image6 = Hat_Yai_Bay_6-4.jpg |
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| seat_type = Capital |
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}} |
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| seat = [[Songkhla]] |
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| image_alt = |
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| image_caption = From left to right, top to bottom : [[Hat Yai]], Panorama of Songkhla from Tang Kuan Hill, [[Tinsulanon Stadium]], Tinsulanonda Bridge, [[Khao Nam Khang National Park]], [[Hat Yai International Airport]] |
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| leader_title = Governor |
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| nickname = |
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| leader_name = Jaruwat Kliangklao<br/>(since October 2019)<ref>{{cite journal |date=28 September 2019 |title=ประกาศสำนักนายกรัฐมนตรี เรื่อง แต่งตั้งข้าราชการพลเรือนสามัญ |trans-title=Announcement of the Prime Minister's Office regarding the appointment of civil servants |url=http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2562/E/242/T_0006.PDF |access-date=24 November 2019 |journal=Royal Thai Government Gazette |volume=136 |issue=Special 242 Ngor |at=24}}</ref> |
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| motto = นกน้ำเพลินตา สมิหลาเพลินใจ เมืองใหญ่สองทะเล เสน่ห์สะพานป๋า ศูนย์การค้าแดนใต้ <br> ("Dazzling water birds. Pleasant Samila (Beach). Great city of the two seas. Charm of Tinsulanonda Bridge. The commercial center of the South.") |
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| area_footnotes = <ref name="AREA">{{cite report |title=Advancing Human Development through the ASEAN Community, Thailand Human Development Report 2014, table 0:Basic Data |url=http://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/thailand_nhdr_2014_O.pdf |publisher=United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Thailand |pages=134–135 |access-date=17 January 2016 |isbn=978-974-680-368-7 |postscript=, Data has been supplied by Land Development Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, at Wayback Machine.}}{{dead link|date=July 2020|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> |
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| image_flag = Flag of Songkhla.svg |
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| image_seal = Seal of Songkhla.svg |
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| image_map = Thailand Songkhla locator map.svg |
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| mapsize = frameless |
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| map_alt = |
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| map_caption = Map of Thailand highlighting Songkhla province |
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| population_footnotes = <ref name="TDD">{{cite web |url=http://stat.bora.dopa.go.th/stat/statnew/statTDD/ |title=รายงานสถิติจำนวนประชากรและบ้านประจำปี พ.ศ.2561 |date=31 December 2018 |department=Registration Office Department of the Interior, Ministry of the Interior |language=th |trans-title=Statistics, population and house statistics for the year 2018 |access-date=20 June 2019}}</ref> |
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| coordinates = |
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| coordinates_footnotes = |
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| population_as_of = 2018 |
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| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]] |
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| subdivision_name = Thailand |
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| population_density_km2 = 194 |
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| seat_type = Capital |
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| seat = [[Songkhla]] |
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| leader_party = |
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| leader_title = Governor |
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| leader_name = Chotnarin Kerdsom<br/>(since November 2024) |
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| area_footnotes = <ref name="AREA">{{cite report |title=Advancing Human Development through the ASEAN Community, Thailand Human Development Report 2014, table 0:Basic Data |url=http://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/thailand_nhdr_2014_O.pdf |publisher=United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Thailand |pages=134–135 |access-date=17 January 2016 |isbn=978-974-680-368-7 |postscript=, Data has been supplied by Land Development Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, at Wayback Machine.}}{{dead link|date=July 2020|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> |
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| area_total_km2 = 7,394 |
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| area_rank = [[Provinces of Thailand|Ranked 26th]] |
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| area_water_km2 = |
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| elevation_footnotes = |
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| elevation_m = |
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| population_footnotes = <ref name="TDD">{{cite web |url=http://stat.bora.dopa.go.th/stat/statnew/statTDD/ |title=รายงานสถิติจำนวนประชากรและบ้านประจำปี พ.ศ.2561 |date=31 December 2018 |department=Registration Office Department of the Interior, Ministry of the Interior |language=th |trans-title=Statistics, population and house statistics for the year 2018 |access-date=20 June 2019}}</ref> |
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| population_total = 1,432,628 |
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| population_as_of = 2018 |
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| population_rank = [[Provinces of Thailand|Ranked 11th]] |
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| population_density_km2 = 194 |
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| population_density_rank = [[Provinces of Thailand|Ranked 15th]] |
| population_density_rank = [[Provinces of Thailand|Ranked 15th]] |
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| population_demonym |
| population_demonym = |
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| population_note |
| population_note = |
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| demographics_type2 = GDP |
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| demographics_type1 = Human Achievement Index |
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| demographics2_footnotes = <ref name="NESDB-2017">{{cite journal|title=''Gross Regional and Provincial Product, 2019 Edition''|journal=<> |date=July 2019|url=https://www.nesdc.go.th/ewt_dl_link.php?nid=5628&filename=gross_regional|access-date=22 January 2020|publisher=Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC)|language=en|issn=1686-0799}}</ref> |
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| demographics1_footnotes = <ref name="HAI 2560">[[:File:Human achievement index 2017.pdf|Human achievement index 2017 by National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), pages 1-40, maps 1-9, retrieved 14 September 2019, ISBN 978-974-9769-33-1]]</ref> |
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| demographics2_title1 = Total |
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| demographics1_title1 = HAI (2017) |
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| demographics2_info1 = [[baht]] 242 billion<br />([[US$]]8.0 billion) (2019) |
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| demographics1_info1 = 0.5955 "somewhat high"<br/>[[Songkhla Province#Human achievement index 2017|Ranked 30th]] |
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| demographics_type1 = Human Achievement Index |
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| timezone1 = [[Time in Thailand|ICT]] |
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| demographics1_footnotes = <ref name="HAI 2565">{{cite web |url=https://www.nesdc.go.th/main.php?filename=Social_HAI |department=Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC)|title=ข้อมูลสถิติดัชนีความก้าวหน้าของคน ปี 2565 (PDF) |language=thai |trans-title=Human Achievement Index Databook year 2022 (PDF) |access-date=12 March 2024 |postscript= , page 71}}</ref> |
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| utc_offset1 = +7 |
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| demographics1_title1 = HAI (2022) |
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| postal_code_type = [[List of postal codes in Thailand|Postal code]] |
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| demographics1_info1 = 0.6575 "somewhat high"<br/>[[#Human achievement index 2022|Ranked 16th]] |
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| postal_code = 90xxx |
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| timezone1 = [[Time in Thailand|ICT]] |
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| utc_offset1 = +7 |
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| postal_code_type = [[List of postal codes in Thailand|Postal code]] |
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| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:TH|TH-90]] |
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| postal_code = 90xxx |
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| website = {{URL|http://www.songkhla.go.th}} |
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| area_code_type = [[Telephone numbers in Thailand|Calling code]] |
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| footnotes = |
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| area_code = 074 |
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| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:TH|TH-90]] |
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| website = {{URL|http://www.songkhla.go.th}} |
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| footnotes = |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Songkhla''' ({{ |
'''Songkhla''' ({{langx|th|สงขลา}}, {{IPA|th|sǒŋ.kʰlǎː|pron}}, {{langx|ms|Singgora}}) is one of the southern [[Provinces of Thailand|provinces]] (''changwat'') of [[Thailand]]. Neighboring provinces are (from west clockwise) [[Satun province|Satun]], [[Phatthalung province|Phatthalung]], [[Nakhon Si Thammarat province|Nakhon Si Thammarat]], [[Pattani province|Pattani]], and [[Yala province|Yala]]. To the south it borders [[Kedah]] and [[Perlis]] of [[Malaysia]]. |
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In contrast to most other provinces, the capital Songkhla is not the largest city in the province. The much newer city of [[Hat Yai]], with a population of 359,813, is considerably larger, with twice the population of Songkhla (163,072). This often leads to the misconception that Hat Yai is the provincial capital. |
In contrast to most other provinces, the capital [[Songkhla]] is not the largest city in the province. The much newer city of [[Hat Yai]], with a population of 359,813, is considerably larger, with twice the population of Songkhla (163,072). This often leads to the misconception that Hat Yai is the provincial capital. |
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==Geography== |
==Geography== |
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In the north of the province is [[Songkhla Lake]], the largest natural lake in Thailand. This shallow lake covers an area of 1,040 km<sup>2</sup>, and has a south–north extent of 78 kilometers. At its mouth on the Gulf of Thailand, near the city of Songkhla, the water becomes brackish.<ref>{{cite web |title=Songkhla Lake|url=http://www.tourismthailand.org/See-and-Do/Sights-and-Attractions-Detail/Songkhla-Lake--1171|website=Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) |access-date=23 May 2015}}</ref> A small population of [[Irrawaddy dolphin]]s live in the lake, but are in danger of extinction due to accidental capture by the nets of the local fishing industry. |
In the north of the province is [[Songkhla Lake]], the largest natural lake in Thailand. This shallow lake covers an area of 1,040 km<sup>2</sup>, and has a south–north extent of 78 kilometers. At its mouth on the Gulf of Thailand, near the city of Songkhla, the water becomes brackish.<ref>{{cite web |title=Songkhla Lake|url=http://www.tourismthailand.org/See-and-Do/Sights-and-Attractions-Detail/Songkhla-Lake--1171|website=Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) |access-date=23 May 2015}}</ref> A small population of [[Irrawaddy dolphin]]s live in the lake, but are in danger of extinction due to accidental capture by the nets of the local fishing industry. |
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Songkhla |
Songkhla province hosts three national parks. [[San Kala Khiri National Park|San Kala Khiri]] covers {{convert|143|km2|abbr=on}}<ref name="AREA PREPARE">{{cite web |url=https://catalog.dnp.go.th/dataset/areaofnp/resource/4e6d4cb8-1ed1-4e1b-b5fe-8c992c728a40 |title=ข้อมูลพื้นที่อุทยานแห่งชาติ (เตรียมการ) 22 แห่ง |date=December 2020 |department=Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation |language=Thai | trans-title=Information of 22 National Parks Areas (Preparation) |access-date=1 November 2022}}</ref>{{rp|6}} of mountain highlands on the Thai-Malay border.<br>[[Khao Nam Khang National Park|Khao Nam Khang]] with an area of {{convert|212|km2|abbr=on}}<ref name="AREA NP">{{cite web |url=https://catalog.dnp.go.th/dataset/areaofnp/resource/3b372140-f2bf-4811-8819-bb8a8b1a100a |title=ข้อมูลพื้นที่อุทยานแห่งชาติ ที่ประกาศในราชกิจจานุบกษา 133 แห่ง |date=December 2020 |department=Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation |language=Thai | trans-title=National Park Area Information published in the 133 Government Gazettes |access-date=1 November 2022}}</ref>{{rp|65}} is also in the boundary mountains.<ref>{{cite web |title=Khao Nam Khang National Park|url=http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp?npid=207&lg=2|website=Department of National Parks (DNP) Thailand |access-date=23 May 2015}}</ref> [[Namtok Sai Khao National Park|Namtok Sai Khao]] on the Pattani-Songkhla border occupies an area of {{convert|70|km2|abbr=on}}.<ref name="AREA NP"/>{{rp|110}} The total forest area is {{convert|866|km²|abbr=on}} or 11.2 percent of provincial area.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forest.go.th |title=ตารางที่ 2 พี้นที่ป่าไม้ แยกรายจังหวัด พ.ศ.2562 |year=2019 |department=Royal Forest Department |language=Thai |trans-title=Table 2 Forest area Separate province year 2019 |access-date=6 April 2021 |postscript=, information, Forest statistics Year 2019}}</ref> Chinese Communist guerrillas inhabited this region until the 1980s.{{Citation needed|date=June 2015}} |
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[[File:Songkhla mermaid.jpg|thumb|left|Mermaid statue at Laem Samila]] |
[[File:Songkhla mermaid.jpg|thumb|left|Mermaid statue at Laem Samila]] |
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==Toponymy== |
==Toponymy== |
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[[File:Songkhla-1687-french-map.jpg|thumb|right|Map of Songkhla, during the reign of [[King Narai]] the Great, 1687]] |
[[File:Songkhla-1687-french-map.jpg|thumb|right|Map of Songkhla, during the reign of [[King Narai]] the Great, 1687 (West is top)]] |
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The name Songkhla is actually the [[Thai language|Thai]] corruption of '''Singgora''' ([[Jawi script|Jawi]]: سيڠڬورا); its original name means "the city of lions" in [[Malay language|Malay]] (not to be confused with [[Kingdom of Singapura|Singapura]]). This refers to a lion-shaped mountain near the city of Songkhla. |
The name Songkhla is actually the [[Thai language|Thai]] corruption of '''Singgora''' ([[Jawi script|Jawi]]: سيڠڬورا); its original name means "the city of lions" in [[Malay language|Malay]] (not to be confused with [[Kingdom of Singapura|Singapura]]). This refers to a lion-shaped mountain near the city of Songkhla. |
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Archaeological excavations on the isthmus between Lake Songkhla and the sea reveal that in the 10th through the 14th century this was a major urbanized area, and a center of international maritime trade, in particular with [[Quanzhou]] in China. The long Sanskrit name of the state that existed there has been lost; its short Sanskrit name was ''Singhapura'' ("Lion City") (not to be confused with [[Kingdom of Singapura|Singapura]]), a city state. The short vernacular name was Satingpra, coming from the [[Mon-Khmer]] ''sting''/''steng''/''stang'' (meaning "river") and the Sanskrit ''pura'' ("city").<ref>{{cite book|last=Stargardt|first=Janice|editor-last=Schottenhammer|editor-first=Angela|title=The Emporium of the World: Maritime Quanzhou, 1000-1400|publisher=Brill|date=2001| |
Archaeological excavations on the isthmus between Lake Songkhla and the sea reveal that in the 10th through the 14th century this was a major urbanized area, and a center of international maritime trade, in particular with [[Quanzhou]] in China. The long Sanskrit name of the state that existed there has been lost; its short Sanskrit name was ''Singhapura'' ("Lion City") (not to be confused with [[Kingdom of Singapura|Singapura]]), a city state. The short vernacular name was Satingpra, coming from the [[Mon-Khmer]] ''sting''/''steng''/''stang'' (meaning "river") and the Sanskrit ''pura'' ("city").<ref>{{cite book|last=Stargardt|first=Janice|editor-last=Schottenhammer|editor-first=Angela|title=The Emporium of the World: Maritime Quanzhou, 1000-1400|publisher=Brill|date=2001| |
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pages=309–393| chapter=Behind the Shadows: Archaeological Data on Two-Way Sea Trade Between Quanzhou and Satingpra, South Thailand, 10th-14th century| series=Volume 49 of ''Sinica Leidensia''|isbn=90-04-11773-3|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GEhGM6fZeaAC}}</ref>{{RP|320-321}} The ruins of the important [[port city]] of [[Satingpra]] are just few kilometres north of Songkhla city.<ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=a5rG6reWhloC&pg=PA411 |title= The Malay Peninsula: Crossroads of the Maritime Silk-Road (100 Bc-1300 Ad) |author= Michel Jacq-Hergoualc'h |translator= Victoria Hobson |editor= BRILL |pages= 411–416 |year= 2002 |isbn=90-04-11973-6 }}</ref> |
pages=309–393| chapter=Behind the Shadows: Archaeological Data on Two-Way Sea Trade Between Quanzhou and Satingpra, South Thailand, 10th-14th century| series=Volume 49 of ''Sinica Leidensia''|isbn=90-04-11773-3|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GEhGM6fZeaAC}}</ref>{{RP|320-321}} The ruins of the important [[port city]] of [[Satingpra]] are just few kilometres north of Songkhla city.<ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=a5rG6reWhloC&pg=PA411 |title= The Malay Peninsula: Crossroads of the Maritime Silk-Road (100 Bc-1300 Ad) |author= Michel Jacq-Hergoualc'h |translator= Victoria Hobson |editor= BRILL |pages= 411–416 |year= 2002 |publisher= BRILL |isbn=90-04-11973-6 }}</ref> |
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During 1619-1680, Songkhla Town beside Red Hill was very prosperous in trading with other countries by [[Malay race|Malay]] governors migrating from [[Indonesia]]. They escaped from Dutch’s monopoly tradefor free trade in Songkhla which was supported by [[England]]. At the first period, during 1619-1642 the governor of Songkhla was [[Muslim]]. Later, |
During 1619-1680, Songkhla Town beside Red Hill was very prosperous in trading with other countries by [[Malay race|Malay]] governors migrating from [[Indonesia]]. They escaped from Dutch’s monopoly tradefor free trade in Songkhla which was supported by [[England]]. At the first period, during 1619-1642 the governor of Songkhla was [[Muslim]]. Later, In 1642-1680 the governor of Songkhla rebelled to [[Ayutthaya Kingdom|Ayutthaya]] so the town was suppressed by [[King Narai]] and left carelessly. Then, [[Phatthalung]] took control of it. From 1699 to 1776, Songkhla reformed at the new location in Laemson called Songkhla Town at Laemson Side which is opposite to the current location of Songkhla town. |
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In 1836, [[King Rama III]] instructed Phraya Vichiankiri (Tianseng) to build the city wall fortress. During the construction of the wall, Tuanku Ahmadsa-adtogether with the rulers from Syburi, Pattani and 7 other provinces, attacked Songkhla. After their conquering all the rebellion, the fortress and the city wall were carried on. Also, the city pillar was set up and the town of Songkhla was moved to the east of Laem Son called Bo Yang District, which is now in the area of Songkhla Municipality. |
In 1836, [[King Rama III]] instructed Phraya Vichiankiri (Tianseng) to build the city wall fortress. During the construction of the wall, Tuanku Ahmadsa-adtogether with the rulers from Syburi, Pattani and 7 other provinces, attacked Songkhla. After their conquering all the rebellion, the fortress and the city wall were carried on. Also, the city pillar was set up and the town of Songkhla was moved to the east of Laem Son called Bo Yang District, which is now in the area of Songkhla Municipality. |
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In the 18th century many Chinese immigrants, especially from [[Guangdong]] and [[Fujian]], came to the province. Quickly rising to economic wealth, one of them won the bidding for the major [[tax farm]] of the province in 1769, establishing the ''Na Songkhla'' (''from Songkhla'') family as the most wealthy and influential. In 1777 the family also gained political power, when the old governor was dismissed and ''Luang'' Inthakhiri (Yiang, Chinese name Wu Rang (呉譲)) became the new governor. In 1786 the old governor started an uprising, which was put down after four months. The position was thereafter inherited in the family and was held by eight of his descendants until 1901, when ''Phraya'' Wichiankhiri (Chom) was honorably retired as part of the administrative reforms of Prince [[Damrong Rajanubhab]]. The family's former home was converted into the Songkhla National Museum in 1953. |
In the 18th century many Chinese immigrants, especially from [[Guangdong]] and [[Fujian]], came to the province. Quickly rising to economic wealth, one of them won the bidding for the major [[tax farm]] of the province in 1769, establishing the ''Na Songkhla'' (''from Songkhla'') family as the most wealthy and influential. In 1777 the family also gained political power, when the old governor was dismissed and ''Luang'' Inthakhiri (Yiang, Chinese name Wu Rang (呉譲)) became the new governor. In 1786 the old governor started an uprising, which was put down after four months. The position was thereafter inherited in the family and was held by eight of his descendants until 1901, when ''Phraya'' Wichiankhiri (Chom) was honorably retired as part of the administrative reforms of Prince [[Damrong Rajanubhab]]. The family's former home was converted into the Songkhla National Museum in 1953. |
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In 1932, Monthon Thesaphiban or the administrative subdivisions was dissolved and changed to provincial administration |
In 1932, Monthon Thesaphiban or the administrative subdivisions was dissolved and changed to provincial administration, Songkhla then becomes one of the provinces in the south of Thailand. |
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Songkhla was the scene of heavy fighting when the Imperial Japanese Army [[Japanese invasion of Thailand|invaded Thailand]] on 8 December 1941 and parts of the city were destroyed. |
Songkhla was the scene of heavy fighting when the Imperial Japanese Army [[Japanese invasion of Thailand|invaded Thailand]] on 8 December 1941 and parts of the city were destroyed. |
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==Demographics== |
==Demographics== |
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{{bar box |
{{bar box |
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| title = Religion in Songkhla ( |
| title = Religion in Songkhla (2018)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.skho.moph.go.th/strategy/inspec/2562/2/files/basic-html/page18.html |title= เอกสารตรวจราชการ รอบ 2 ปี 2562 |date= 26 July 2019 |work= Songkhla Provincial Public Health Office |access-date= 19 March 2020}}</ref> |
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| left1 = religion |
| left1 = religion |
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| right1 = percent |
| right1 = percent |
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| width = 300px |
| width = 300px |
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| bars = |
| bars = |
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{{bar percent|[[Buddhism]]|Orange| |
{{bar percent|[[Buddhism]]|Orange|63.71}} |
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{{bar percent|[[Islam]]|Green| |
{{bar percent|[[Islam]]|Green|33.16}} |
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{{bar percent|Other|Black| |
{{bar percent|Other|Black|3.13}} |
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}} |
}} |
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[[File:กำแพงเมืองสงขลา-1.jpg|300px|thumb|Old city walls of Songkhla]] |
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Buddhists make up two-thirds to three-fourths of the population, most of whom are of native [[Thai people|Thai]] or [[Thai Chinese]] descent.<ref>{{cite book|title=Tribal Communities in the Malay World|author=Geoffrey Benjamin, Cynthia Chou|date=26 August 2002|publisher=Institute of Southeast Asian Studies|pages=80|isbn=981-230-166-6}}</ref> One-fourth to one-third of the population are [[Muslim]], most of them belong to a Thai-speaking Muslim group, called ''Sam-Sam'' ('' 'mixed' '').<ref>{{cite book |author=Kobkua Suwannathat-Pian |title=The Historical Development of Thai-Speaking Muslim Communities in Southern Thailand and Northern Malaysia |work=Civility and Savagery: Social Identity in Tai States |year=2000 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |page=173 |isbn=0-7007-1173-2}}</ref> People claiming to be of Malay ethnicity make up a minority among the Muslim populace.<ref>[http://web.nso.go.th/pop2000/finalrep/tables/songkhla/songkhla.xls songkhla.xls]</ref> The Songkhla Malays are very similar in ethnicity and culture to the Malays of [[Kelantan]], [[Malaysia]]. They speak the [[ |
Buddhists make up two-thirds to three-fourths of the population, most of whom are of native [[Thai people|Thai]] or [[Thai Chinese]] descent.<ref>{{cite book|title=Tribal Communities in the Malay World|author=Geoffrey Benjamin, Cynthia Chou|date=26 August 2002|publisher=Institute of Southeast Asian Studies|pages=80|isbn=981-230-166-6}}</ref> One-fourth to one-third of the population are [[Muslim]], most of them belong to a Thai-speaking Muslim group, called ''Sam-Sam'' ('' 'mixed' '').<ref>{{cite book |author=Kobkua Suwannathat-Pian |title=The Historical Development of Thai-Speaking Muslim Communities in Southern Thailand and Northern Malaysia |work=Civility and Savagery: Social Identity in Tai States |year=2000 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |page=173 |isbn=0-7007-1173-2}}</ref> People claiming to be of Malay ethnicity make up a minority among the Muslim populace.<ref>[http://web.nso.go.th/pop2000/finalrep/tables/songkhla/songkhla.xls songkhla.xls]</ref> The Songkhla Malays are very similar in ethnicity and culture to the Malays of [[Kelantan]], [[Malaysia]]. They speak the language [[Songkhla Malay]] which is a derivative of [[Kelantan-Pattani Malay]].<ref name="Nayu">{{cite web|url=https://repositori.kemdikbud.go.id/20235/107/81.%2520Makalah%2520NAILAH%2520SA%2527DIYATUL%2520FITRIAH.pdf|title="Tak Dok Po": Kekhasan Ekonomi Bahasa Melayu Thailand|website=repositori.kemdikbud.go.id|language=id|access-date=1 November 2022}}</ref> |
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==Symbols== |
==Symbols== |
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The [[Seals of |
The [[Seals of the provinces of Thailand|provincial seal]] shows a [[conch shell]] on a [[Phan (tray)]] with glass decorations. The origin of the conch shell is unclear, but the most widely adopted interpretation is that it was a decoration on the jacket of the Prince of Songkhla. |
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The provincial tree is the ''Sa-dao-thiam'' (''[[Azadirachta excelsa]]''). |
The [[list of Thai provincial trees|provincial tree]] is the ''Sa-dao-thiam'' (''[[Azadirachta excelsa]]''). The brackish fish [[green scat]] (''[[Scatophagus argus]]'') is the provincial aquatic life. |
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==Administrative divisions== |
==Administrative divisions== |
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[[File:Amphoe Songkhla.svg|thumb|Map of 16 districts]] |
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===Provincial government=== |
===Provincial government=== |
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Songkhla is divided into 16 districts (''[[amphoe]]''), which are further subdivided into 127 subdistricts (''[[tambon]]'') and 987 villages (''[[muban]]''). |
Songkhla is divided into 16 districts (''[[amphoe]]''), which are further subdivided into 127 subdistricts (''[[tambon]]'') and 987 villages (''[[muban]]''). |
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The districts of [[Chana District|Chana]] (Malay: ''Chenok''), [[Thepha District| |
The districts of [[Chana District|Chana]] (Malay: ''Chenok''), [[Thepha District|Thepha]] (Malay: ''Tiba'') were detached from [[Pattani province|''Mueang'' Pattani]] and transferred to Songkhla during the ''Thesaphiban'' reforms around 1900.{{Citation needed|date=March 2008}} |
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[[File:Districts_Songkhla.svg|thumb|left|330px|Map of sixteen districts]] |
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{| |
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{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;" |
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| valign=top| |
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|- |
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#[[Mueang Songkhla District]] (Malay: ''Singgora'') |
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! Number |
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#[[Sathing Phra District]] |
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! Name |
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#[[Chana District]] (Malay: ''Chenok'') |
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! Thai |
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#[[Na Thawi District]] (Malay: ''Nawi'') |
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! Malay |
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#[[Thepha District]] (Malay: ''Tiba'') |
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|- |
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#[[Saba Yoi District]] (Malay: ''Sebayu'') |
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|1||[[Mueang Songkhla District|Mueang Songkhla]]|| เมืองสงขลา || Singgora |
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#[[Ranot District]] (Malay: ''Renut'') |
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|- |
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#[[Krasae Sin District]] |
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|2||[[Sathing Phra District|Sathing Phra]]|| สทิงพระ || - |
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| valign=top| |
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|- |
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<ol start=9> |
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|3||[[Chana District|Chana]] || จะนะ || Cenok |
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|- |
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<li>[[Sadao District]] (Malay: ''Sendawa'') |
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|4||[[Na Thawi District|Na Thawi]]|| นาทวี || Nawi |
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|- |
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<li>[[Na Mom District]] |
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|5||[[Thepha District|Thepha]]|| เทพา || Tiba |
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|- |
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<li>[[Bang Klam District]] |
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|6||[[Saba Yoi District|Saba Yoi]]|| สะบ้าย้อย || Sebayu |
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<li>[[Singhanakhon District]] |
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|- |
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<li>[[Khlong Hoi Khong District]] |
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|7||[[Ranot District|Ranot]]|| ระโนด || Renut |
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</ol> |
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|- |
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|8||[[Krasae Sin District|Krasae Sin]]|| กระแสสินธุ์ || - |
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|- |
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|9||[[Rattaphum District|Rattaphum]]|| รัตภูมิ || - |
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|- |
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|10||[[Sadao District|Sadao]]|| สะเดา || Sendawa |
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|- |
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|11||[[Hat Yai District|Hat Yai]]|| หาดใหญ่ || Pata Besar |
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|- |
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|12||[[Na Mom District|Na Mom]]|| นาหม่อม || - |
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|- |
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|13||[[Khuan Niang District|Khuan Niang]]|| ควนเนียง || Kuning |
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|- |
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|14||[[Bang Klam District|Bang Klam]]|| บางกล่ำ || - |
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|- |
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|15||[[Singhanakhon District|Singhanakhon]]|| สิงหนคร || Bandar Singgora |
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|- |
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|16||[[Khlong Hoi Khong District|Khlong Hoi Khong]]|| คลองหอยโข่ง || - |
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|} |
|} |
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===Local government=== |
===Local government=== |
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As of 26 November 2019 there are:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dla.go.th/work/abt/province.jsp |title=Number of local government organizations by province |date=26 November 2019 |website=dla.go.th |publisher=Department of Local Administration (DLA) |access-date=10 December 2019 | quote=57 Songkhla: 1 PAO, 2 City mun., 11 Town mun., 35 Subdistrict mun., 92 SAO.}}</ref> one Songkhla Provincial Administration Organisation (''{{lang|th-Latn|ongkan borihan suan changwat}}'') and 48 municipal (''thesaban'') areas in the province. Songkhla and Hat Yai have city (''[[thesaban nakhon]]'') status.<ref>{{cite journal |date=24 September 1995 |title=พระราชกฤษฎีกา จัดตั้งเทศบาลนครหาดใหญ่ จังหวัดสงขลา พ.ศ.๒๕๓๘|trans-title=Royal Decree Establishing Hat Yai city municipality, Songkhla province, B.E.2538 (1995) |url=http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2538/A/040/19.PDF|access-date=10 March 2020 |journal=Royal Thai Government Gazette |volume=112 |issue=40 Kor |pages=19–23 |postscript=, effectively on 25 September 1995}}</ref> Further 11 have town (''[[thesaban mueang]]'') status and there are 35 subdistrict municipalities (''[[thesaban tambon]]''). The non-municipal areas are administered by 92 Subdistrict Administrative Organisations - SAO (''ongkan borihan suan tambon'').<ref name="TDD"/> |
As of 26 November 2019 there are:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dla.go.th/work/abt/province.jsp |title=Number of local government organizations by province |date=26 November 2019 |website=dla.go.th |publisher=Department of Local Administration (DLA) |access-date=10 December 2019 | quote=57 Songkhla: 1 PAO, 2 City mun., 11 Town mun., 35 Subdistrict mun., 92 SAO.}}</ref> one Songkhla Provincial Administration Organisation (''{{lang|th-Latn|ongkan borihan suan changwat}}'') and 48 municipal (''thesaban'') areas in the province. Songkhla and Hat Yai have city (''[[thesaban nakhon]]'') status.<ref>{{cite journal |date=24 September 1995 |title=พระราชกฤษฎีกา จัดตั้งเทศบาลนครหาดใหญ่ จังหวัดสงขลา พ.ศ.๒๕๓๘|trans-title=Royal Decree Establishing Hat Yai city municipality, Songkhla province, B.E.2538 (1995) |url=http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2538/A/040/19.PDF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111110201455/http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2538/A/040/19.PDF|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 10, 2011|access-date=10 March 2020 |journal=Royal Thai Government Gazette |volume=112 |issue=40 Kor |pages=19–23 |postscript=, effectively on 25 September 1995}}</ref> Further 11 have town (''[[thesaban mueang]]'') status and there are 35 subdistrict municipalities (''[[thesaban tambon]]''). The non-municipal areas are administered by 92 Subdistrict Administrative Organisations - SAO (''ongkan borihan suan tambon'').<ref name="TDD"/> |
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== Health == |
== Health == |
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Songkhla is served by a larger number of public hospitals than private hospitals. The main hospitals for Songkhla |
Songkhla is served by a larger number of public hospitals than private hospitals. The main hospitals for Songkhla province are [[Hatyai Hospital]] and [[Songkhla Hospital]], both operated by the Ministry of Public Health. [[Songklanagarind Hospital]] is also another major hospital located in Hat Yai, but is operated by the [[Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University]], which is the largest medical school in the South of Thailand. |
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==Economy== |
==Economy== |
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Songkhla |
Songkhla province is an energy hub. It earns 100 billion baht each year from a gas separation plant, power generation, and oil. The gas separation plant sells 35 billion baht worth of gas per year to [[Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand|EGAT]]. Power generation accounts for 45 billion baht. Offshore oil rigs in the vicinity of Ko Nu produce 20,000 barrels of oil per day worth 30 billion baht per year. If a proposed coal-fired electrical generation plan in [[Thepha District]] goes ahead, energy earnings could rise to 300 billion baht per year.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Samart|first1=Somchai|title=Power plant to fulfil dream to be 'energy city'|url=http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Power-plant-to-fulfil-dream-to-be-energy-city-30265765.html|access-date=4 August 2015|work=The Nation|date=2015-08-03}}</ref> |
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==Transport== |
==Transport== |
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===Road=== |
===Road=== |
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[[ |
[[Phet Kasem Road]], running all the way from Bangkok, ends at the border crossing to Malaysia in Sadao. [[AH2|Asian highway 2]] and [[AH18|18]] also run through the province. Of note is the Tinsulanond Bridge, which crosses Songkhla Lake to connect the narrow land east of the lake at the coast with the main southern part of the province. With a length of 2.6 km it is the longest concrete bridge in Thailand. Built in 1986, the bridge consists of two parts. The southern 1,140 m connects [[Amphoe Mueang Songkhla|Mueang district]] with the island Ko Yo, and the northern part of 1,800 m to Ban Khao Khiao. |
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Kanchanawanit Road, which runs from Songkhla town, though Hat Yai, and all the way to the Malaysian border at Sadao District, is considered the unofficial dividing line separating the Thai south from its deep south, Muslim-majority region. |
Kanchanawanit Road, which runs from Songkhla town, though Hat Yai, and all the way to the Malaysian border at Sadao District, is considered the unofficial dividing line separating the Thai south from its deep south, Muslim-majority region. |
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Songkhla is served by [[Hat Yai International Airport]] in [[Khlong Hoi Khong District]]. |
Songkhla is served by [[Hat Yai International Airport]] in [[Khlong Hoi Khong District]]. |
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==Human achievement index |
==Human achievement index 2022== |
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{| class="wikitable floatright" style="width:400px;" |
{| class="wikitable floatright" style="width:400px;" |
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| [[File:Numismatics and Notaphily icon.png|100px]] |
| [[File:Numismatics and Notaphily icon.png|100px]] |
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| style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| |
| style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| 35 |
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| style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| 39 |
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| style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| 18 |
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|- |
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| style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| Housing |
| style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| Housing |
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| [[File:Icon Sociopolítica y relaciones internacionales (wikiproyect, es.wp).png|90px]] |
| [[File:Icon Sociopolítica y relaciones internacionales (wikiproyect, es.wp).png|90px]] |
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| style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| |
| style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| 60 |
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| style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| 53 |
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| style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| 8 |
| style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| 8 |
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| style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| 27 |
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|- |
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| colspan="4"; style="background:black; color:white;"| Province Songkhla, with an HAI |
| colspan="4"; style="background:black; color:white;"| Province Songkhla, with an HAI 2022 value of 0.6575 is "somewhat high", occupies place 16 in the ranking. |
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|} |
|} |
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Since 2003, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand has tracked progress on human development at sub-national level using the [[Human achievement index]] (HAI), a composite index covering all the eight key areas of human development. National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) has taken over this task since 2017.<ref name="HAI |
Since 2003, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand has tracked progress on human development at sub-national level using the [[Human achievement index]] (HAI), a composite index covering all the eight key areas of human development. National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) has taken over this task since 2017.<ref name="HAI 2565" /> |
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{|---valign=top |
{| class="wikitable" ---valign=top |
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||Rank||Classification |
||Rank||Classification |
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|- |
|- |
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|| 1 - |
|| 1 - 13||"high" |
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|- |
|- |
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||14 - 29||"somewhat high" |
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|- |
|- |
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||30 - 45||"average" |
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|- |
|- |
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||46 - 61||"somewhat low" |
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|- |
|- |
||
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||62 - 77||"low" |
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|} |
|} |
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{|role= "presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" |
{|role= "presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" |
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|<strong>Map with provinces and HAI |
|<strong>Map with provinces and HAI 2022 rankings</strong> |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[File:HAI |
|[[File:HAI 2022 rankings.svg|950px]] |
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|} |
|} |
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{{clear}} |
{{clear}} |
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==Culture== |
==Culture== |
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The most important Buddhist temple of the province is Wat Matchimawat (also named Wat Klang), on Saiburi road in the city of Songkhla itself. |
The most important Buddhist temple of the province is Wat Matchimawat (also named Wat Klang), on Saiburi road in the city of Songkhla itself. |
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[[File:010 Main Temple (9213480801).jpg|300px|thumb|Buddhist temple in Sadao]] |
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On the island Ko Yo within Songkhla lake, since being easily accessible via the Tinsulanond Bridge, the residents have started to sell the hand-woven fabric named ''Phathor Ko Yo''. Also famous for the island is the local jackfruit variant named ''Jampada''. |
On the island Ko Yo within Songkhla lake, since being easily accessible via the Tinsulanond Bridge, the residents have started to sell the hand-woven fabric named ''Phathor Ko Yo''. Also famous for the island is the local jackfruit variant named ''Jampada''. |
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In September or October at the ''Chinese Lunar festival'' the Thai-Chinese present their offerings to the moon or ''Queen of the heavens'' in gratitude for past and future fortunes. |
In September or October at the ''Chinese Lunar festival'' the Thai-Chinese present their offerings to the moon or ''Queen of the heavens'' in gratitude for past and future fortunes. |
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[[File:Fort9b-singora.jpg|300px|thumb|Old Fort on Songkhla]] |
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===Military rule=== |
===Military rule=== |
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Songkhla was not initially affected by the outbreak of [[Pattani Separatism]], which began in 2004. However, bombs planted in [[2005 Songkhla bombings|2005]] and [[2007 South Thailand bombings|2007]] stoked fears the insurgency might spread to Songkhla |
Songkhla was not initially affected by the outbreak of [[Pattani Separatism]], which began in 2004. However, bombs planted in [[2005 Songkhla bombings|2005]] and [[2007 South Thailand bombings|2007]] stoked fears the insurgency might spread to Songkhla province. |
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{{Asof|2018}}, the provisions of Thailand's Internal Security Act remain imposed on the districts of Chana, Na Thawi, Saba Yoi, and Thepha for reasons of national security. All but Chana share a border with Malaysia or Pattani |
{{Asof|2018}}, the provisions of Thailand's Internal Security Act remain imposed on the districts of Chana, Na Thawi, Saba Yoi, and Thepha for reasons of national security. All but Chana share a border with Malaysia or Pattani province (Malay majority). Internal security restrictions, maintained by Thailand's [[Internal Security Operations Command]] (ISOC) can result in curfews, prohibited entry, or prohibited transport of goods. It is considered one step below the imposition of full [[martial law]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Raksaseri|first1=Kornchanok|title=Isoc power boost 'not political'|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1391986/isoc-power-boost-not-political|access-date=8 January 2018|work=Bangkok Post|date=8 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4402748.stm|work=BBC|date=2005-11-03|title=Thai districts impose martial law}}</ref> |
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== Sport == |
== Sport == |
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;Football |
;Football |
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[[Songkhla F.C.|Songkhla]] football club participates in [[Thai League |
[[Songkhla F.C.|Songkhla]] football club participates in [[Thai League 3]] Southern Region, the 3rd tier of Thai football league system. ''The Samila Mermaid'' (Thai: เงือกสมิหลา) plays their home matches at [[Tinsulanon Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/th/ข่าว/คมแบกรอบ-7-ป-สงขลา-เอฟซเตรยมสงทมลย-ta-ซซนหนา/1b0qv823ce90815kulxult4yv6|title=คัมแบ็กรอบ 7 ปี! สงขลา เอฟซีเตรียมส่งทีมลุย TA ซีซั่นหน้า}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ballthai.com/ไทยลีก4/13016-10-เหตุผลที่%22เงือกสมิหลา%22ใช้สนามติณเป็นรังเหย้า/|title=10 เหตุผลที่"เงือกสมิหลา"ใช้สนามติณเป็นรังเหย้า}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.gimyong.com/article/12371|title=เงือกสมิหลา สงขลาเอฟซี กับการมาสู่เส้นทางลีกอาชีพภาคใหม่ของทีมประจำจังหวัด}}</ref> |
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==Notes== |
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Reports (data) from Thai government are "not copyrightable" (Public Domain), Copyright Act 2537 (1994), section 7. |
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== References== |
== References== |
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{{Geographic location |
{{Geographic location |
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|Centre = Songkhla |
|Centre = Songkhla province |
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|North = [[File:Seal Nakhon Si Thammarat.png|15px]] [[Nakhon Si Thammarat |
|North = [[File:Seal Nakhon Si Thammarat.png|15px]] [[Nakhon Si Thammarat province]] |
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|Northeast = {{flagicon|THA}} ''[[Gulf of Thailand]]'' |
|Northeast = {{flagicon|THA}} ''[[Gulf of Thailand]]'' |
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|East = [[File:Seal Pattani.png|15px]] [[Pattani |
|East = [[File:Seal Pattani.png|15px]] [[Pattani province]] |
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|Southeast = [[File:Seal Yala.png|15px]] [[Yala |
|Southeast = [[File:Seal Yala.png|15px]] [[Yala province]] |
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|South = {{flag|Kedah}}, {{flag|Malaysia}} |
|South = {{flag|Kedah}}, {{flag|Malaysia}} |
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|Southwest = {{flag|Perlis}}, {{flag|Malaysia}} |
|Southwest = {{flag|Perlis}}, {{flag|Malaysia}} |
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|West = [[File:Seal Satun.png|15px]] [[Satun |
|West = [[File:Seal Satun.png|15px]] [[Satun province]] |
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|Northwest = [[File:Seal Phatthalung.png|15px]] [[Phatthalung |
|Northwest = [[File:Seal Phatthalung.png|15px]] [[Phatthalung province]] |
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}} |
}} |
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{{Coord|7|12|19|N|100|35|49|E|region:TH_type:adm1st|display=title}} |
{{Coord|7|12|19|N|100|35|49|E|region:TH_type:adm1st|display=title}} |
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[[Category:Songkhla |
[[Category:Songkhla province| ]] |
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[[Category:Provinces of Thailand]] |
[[Category:Provinces of Thailand]] |
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[[Category:Southern Thailand]] |
[[Category:Southern Thailand]] |
Latest revision as of 01:17, 21 December 2024
This article is written like a travel guide. (May 2015) |
Songkhla
สงขลา | |
---|---|
Other transcription(s) | |
• Malay | Singora (Rumi) سيڠݢورا (Jawi) |
• Southern Thai | สงขลา (pronounced [sôŋ.kʰlâː]) |
Motto(s): นกน้ำเพลินตา สมิหลาเพลินใจ เมืองใหญ่สองทะเล เสน่ห์สะพานป๋า ศูนย์การค้าแดนใต้ ("Dazzling water birds. Pleasant Samila (Beach). Great city of the two seas. Charm of Tinsulanonda Bridge. The commercial center of the South.") | |
Country | Thailand |
Capital | Songkhla |
Government | |
• Governor | Chotnarin Kerdsom (since November 2024) |
Area | |
• Total | 7,394 km2 (2,855 sq mi) |
• Rank | Ranked 26th |
Population (2018)[2] | |
• Total | 1,432,628 |
• Rank | Ranked 11th |
• Density | 194/km2 (500/sq mi) |
• Rank | Ranked 15th |
Human Achievement Index | |
• HAI (2022) | 0.6575 "somewhat high" Ranked 16th |
GDP | |
• Total | baht 242 billion (US$8.0 billion) (2019) |
Time zone | UTC+7 (ICT) |
Postal code | 90xxx |
Calling code | 074 |
ISO 3166 code | TH-90 |
Website | www |
Songkhla (Thai: สงขลา, pronounced [sǒŋ.kʰlǎː], Malay: Singgora) is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from west clockwise) Satun, Phatthalung, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pattani, and Yala. To the south it borders Kedah and Perlis of Malaysia.
In contrast to most other provinces, the capital Songkhla is not the largest city in the province. The much newer city of Hat Yai, with a population of 359,813, is considerably larger, with twice the population of Songkhla (163,072). This often leads to the misconception that Hat Yai is the provincial capital.
Geography
[edit]The province is on the Malay Peninsula, on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The highest elevation is Khao Mai Kaeo at 821 meters.
In the north of the province is Songkhla Lake, the largest natural lake in Thailand. This shallow lake covers an area of 1,040 km2, and has a south–north extent of 78 kilometers. At its mouth on the Gulf of Thailand, near the city of Songkhla, the water becomes brackish.[5] A small population of Irrawaddy dolphins live in the lake, but are in danger of extinction due to accidental capture by the nets of the local fishing industry.
Songkhla province hosts three national parks. San Kala Khiri covers 143 km2 (55 sq mi)[6]: 6 of mountain highlands on the Thai-Malay border.
Khao Nam Khang with an area of 212 km2 (82 sq mi)[7]: 65 is also in the boundary mountains.[8] Namtok Sai Khao on the Pattani-Songkhla border occupies an area of 70 km2 (27 sq mi).[7]: 110 The total forest area is 866 km2 (334 sq mi) or 11.2 percent of provincial area.[9] Chinese Communist guerrillas inhabited this region until the 1980s.[citation needed]
Within the boundaries of the city of Songkhla is Cape Samila Beach, the most popular beach in the province. The famous mermaid statue can be found here. The two islands Ko Nu and Ko Maew (Mouse and Cat Islands), not far from the beach, are also popular landmarks, and a preferred fishing ground. According to a local folk tale, a cat, mouse and dog were traveling on a Chinese ship, when they attempted to steal a crystal from a merchant. While trying to swim ashore, both the cat and the mouse drowned and became the two islands; the dog reached the beach, then died and become the hill Khao Tang Kuan. The crystal turned into the white sandy beach.[10]
Toponymy
[edit]The name Songkhla is actually the Thai corruption of Singgora (Jawi: سيڠڬورا); its original name means "the city of lions" in Malay (not to be confused with Singapura). This refers to a lion-shaped mountain near the city of Songkhla.
History
[edit]Songkhla was the seat of an old Malay Kingdom with heavy Srivijayan influence. In ancient times (200–1400 CE), Songkhla formed the northern extremity of the Malay Kingdom of Langkasuka. The city-state then succeeded as the Sultanate of Singgora, it later became a tributary of Nakhon Si Thammarat, suffering damage during several attempts to gain independence.
In Arabic-Persian merchant’s record from 1450-1550, Songkhla was firstly known as Singor or Singora.
Archaeological excavations on the isthmus between Lake Songkhla and the sea reveal that in the 10th through the 14th century this was a major urbanized area, and a center of international maritime trade, in particular with Quanzhou in China. The long Sanskrit name of the state that existed there has been lost; its short Sanskrit name was Singhapura ("Lion City") (not to be confused with Singapura), a city state. The short vernacular name was Satingpra, coming from the Mon-Khmer sting/steng/stang (meaning "river") and the Sanskrit pura ("city").[11]: 320–321 The ruins of the important port city of Satingpra are just few kilometres north of Songkhla city.[12]
During 1619-1680, Songkhla Town beside Red Hill was very prosperous in trading with other countries by Malay governors migrating from Indonesia. They escaped from Dutch’s monopoly tradefor free trade in Songkhla which was supported by England. At the first period, during 1619-1642 the governor of Songkhla was Muslim. Later, In 1642-1680 the governor of Songkhla rebelled to Ayutthaya so the town was suppressed by King Narai and left carelessly. Then, Phatthalung took control of it. From 1699 to 1776, Songkhla reformed at the new location in Laemson called Songkhla Town at Laemson Side which is opposite to the current location of Songkhla town.
In 1836, King Rama III instructed Phraya Vichiankiri (Tianseng) to build the city wall fortress. During the construction of the wall, Tuanku Ahmadsa-adtogether with the rulers from Syburi, Pattani and 7 other provinces, attacked Songkhla. After their conquering all the rebellion, the fortress and the city wall were carried on. Also, the city pillar was set up and the town of Songkhla was moved to the east of Laem Son called Bo Yang District, which is now in the area of Songkhla Municipality.
Since the 18th century, Songkla has been firmly under Thai suzerainty. In 1909, Songkhla was formally annexed by Siam as part of Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909, negotiated with the British Empire, in which Siam gave up its claim to Kelantan in return for Britain recognizing Siam's right to the provinces north of that.
In the 18th century many Chinese immigrants, especially from Guangdong and Fujian, came to the province. Quickly rising to economic wealth, one of them won the bidding for the major tax farm of the province in 1769, establishing the Na Songkhla (from Songkhla) family as the most wealthy and influential. In 1777 the family also gained political power, when the old governor was dismissed and Luang Inthakhiri (Yiang, Chinese name Wu Rang (呉譲)) became the new governor. In 1786 the old governor started an uprising, which was put down after four months. The position was thereafter inherited in the family and was held by eight of his descendants until 1901, when Phraya Wichiankhiri (Chom) was honorably retired as part of the administrative reforms of Prince Damrong Rajanubhab. The family's former home was converted into the Songkhla National Museum in 1953.
In 1932, Monthon Thesaphiban or the administrative subdivisions was dissolved and changed to provincial administration, Songkhla then becomes one of the provinces in the south of Thailand.
Songkhla was the scene of heavy fighting when the Imperial Japanese Army invaded Thailand on 8 December 1941 and parts of the city were destroyed.
Demographics
[edit]Buddhists make up two-thirds to three-fourths of the population, most of whom are of native Thai or Thai Chinese descent.[14] One-fourth to one-third of the population are Muslim, most of them belong to a Thai-speaking Muslim group, called Sam-Sam ( 'mixed' ).[15] People claiming to be of Malay ethnicity make up a minority among the Muslim populace.[16] The Songkhla Malays are very similar in ethnicity and culture to the Malays of Kelantan, Malaysia. They speak the language Songkhla Malay which is a derivative of Kelantan-Pattani Malay.[17]
Symbols
[edit]The provincial seal shows a conch shell on a Phan (tray) with glass decorations. The origin of the conch shell is unclear, but the most widely adopted interpretation is that it was a decoration on the jacket of the Prince of Songkhla.
The provincial tree is the Sa-dao-thiam (Azadirachta excelsa). The brackish fish green scat (Scatophagus argus) is the provincial aquatic life.
Administrative divisions
[edit]Provincial government
[edit]Songkhla is divided into 16 districts (amphoe), which are further subdivided into 127 subdistricts (tambon) and 987 villages (muban). The districts of Chana (Malay: Chenok), Thepha (Malay: Tiba) were detached from Mueang Pattani and transferred to Songkhla during the Thesaphiban reforms around 1900.[citation needed]
Number | Name | Thai | Malay |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Mueang Songkhla | เมืองสงขลา | Singgora |
2 | Sathing Phra | สทิงพระ | - |
3 | Chana | จะนะ | Cenok |
4 | Na Thawi | นาทวี | Nawi |
5 | Thepha | เทพา | Tiba |
6 | Saba Yoi | สะบ้าย้อย | Sebayu |
7 | Ranot | ระโนด | Renut |
8 | Krasae Sin | กระแสสินธุ์ | - |
9 | Rattaphum | รัตภูมิ | - |
10 | Sadao | สะเดา | Sendawa |
11 | Hat Yai | หาดใหญ่ | Pata Besar |
12 | Na Mom | นาหม่อม | - |
13 | Khuan Niang | ควนเนียง | Kuning |
14 | Bang Klam | บางกล่ำ | - |
15 | Singhanakhon | สิงหนคร | Bandar Singgora |
16 | Khlong Hoi Khong | คลองหอยโข่ง | - |
Local government
[edit]As of 26 November 2019 there are:[18] one Songkhla Provincial Administration Organisation (ongkan borihan suan changwat) and 48 municipal (thesaban) areas in the province. Songkhla and Hat Yai have city (thesaban nakhon) status.[19] Further 11 have town (thesaban mueang) status and there are 35 subdistrict municipalities (thesaban tambon). The non-municipal areas are administered by 92 Subdistrict Administrative Organisations - SAO (ongkan borihan suan tambon).[2]
Health
[edit]Songkhla is served by a larger number of public hospitals than private hospitals. The main hospitals for Songkhla province are Hatyai Hospital and Songkhla Hospital, both operated by the Ministry of Public Health. Songklanagarind Hospital is also another major hospital located in Hat Yai, but is operated by the Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, which is the largest medical school in the South of Thailand.
Economy
[edit]Songkhla province is an energy hub. It earns 100 billion baht each year from a gas separation plant, power generation, and oil. The gas separation plant sells 35 billion baht worth of gas per year to EGAT. Power generation accounts for 45 billion baht. Offshore oil rigs in the vicinity of Ko Nu produce 20,000 barrels of oil per day worth 30 billion baht per year. If a proposed coal-fired electrical generation plan in Thepha District goes ahead, energy earnings could rise to 300 billion baht per year.[20]
Transport
[edit]Road
[edit]Phet Kasem Road, running all the way from Bangkok, ends at the border crossing to Malaysia in Sadao. Asian highway 2 and 18 also run through the province. Of note is the Tinsulanond Bridge, which crosses Songkhla Lake to connect the narrow land east of the lake at the coast with the main southern part of the province. With a length of 2.6 km it is the longest concrete bridge in Thailand. Built in 1986, the bridge consists of two parts. The southern 1,140 m connects Mueang district with the island Ko Yo, and the northern part of 1,800 m to Ban Khao Khiao.
Kanchanawanit Road, which runs from Songkhla town, though Hat Yai, and all the way to the Malaysian border at Sadao District, is considered the unofficial dividing line separating the Thai south from its deep south, Muslim-majority region.
Rail
[edit]The southern railway operated by the State Railway of Thailand runs through the province, and continues on into Malaysia, with Hat Yai Junction being the main railway station. It is a junction for the railway link to Malaysia through Padang Besar Town, where there are two stations: Padang Besar (Thai) on the Thai side and Padang Besar on the Malay side. Immigration is done on the Malay side. The other route from Hat Yai Junction goes further south to Pattani (Khok Pho), Yala, Tanyong Mat and Su-ngai Kolok. In the past, a railway line connected the town of Songkhla with Hat Yai, but it was closed in 1978 and is now partly dismantled and partly overgrown.[21]
Air
[edit]Songkhla is served by Hat Yai International Airport in Khlong Hoi Khong District.
Human achievement index 2022
[edit]Since 2003, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand has tracked progress on human development at sub-national level using the Human achievement index (HAI), a composite index covering all the eight key areas of human development. National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) has taken over this task since 2017.[3]
Rank | Classification |
1 - 13 | "high" |
14 - 29 | "somewhat high" |
30 - 45 | "average" |
46 - 61 | "somewhat low" |
62 - 77 | "low" |
Map with provinces and HAI 2022 rankings |
Culture
[edit]The most important Buddhist temple of the province is Wat Matchimawat (also named Wat Klang), on Saiburi road in the city of Songkhla itself.
On the island Ko Yo within Songkhla lake, since being easily accessible via the Tinsulanond Bridge, the residents have started to sell the hand-woven fabric named Phathor Ko Yo. Also famous for the island is the local jackfruit variant named Jampada.
Held in the first night of October, the Chak Phra tradition is a Buddhist festival specific to the south of Thailand. It is celebrated with Buddha boat processions or sports events like a run up Khao Tang Kuan hill.
In September or October at the Chinese Lunar festival the Thai-Chinese present their offerings to the moon or Queen of the heavens in gratitude for past and future fortunes.
Military rule
[edit]Songkhla was not initially affected by the outbreak of Pattani Separatism, which began in 2004. However, bombs planted in 2005 and 2007 stoked fears the insurgency might spread to Songkhla province.
As of 2018[update], the provisions of Thailand's Internal Security Act remain imposed on the districts of Chana, Na Thawi, Saba Yoi, and Thepha for reasons of national security. All but Chana share a border with Malaysia or Pattani province (Malay majority). Internal security restrictions, maintained by Thailand's Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) can result in curfews, prohibited entry, or prohibited transport of goods. It is considered one step below the imposition of full martial law.[22][23]
Sport
[edit]- Football
Songkhla football club participates in Thai League 3 Southern Region, the 3rd tier of Thai football league system. The Samila Mermaid (Thai: เงือกสมิหลา) plays their home matches at Tinsulanon Stadium.[24][25][26]
References
[edit]- ^ Advancing Human Development through the ASEAN Community, Thailand Human Development Report 2014, table 0:Basic Data (PDF) (Report). United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Thailand. pp. 134–135. ISBN 978-974-680-368-7. Retrieved 17 January 2016, Data has been supplied by Land Development Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, at Wayback Machine.
{{cite report}}
: CS1 maint: postscript (link)[dead link ] - ^ a b "รายงานสถิติจำนวนประชากรและบ้านประจำปี พ.ศ.2561" [Statistics, population and house statistics for the year 2018]. Registration Office Department of the Interior, Ministry of the Interior (in Thai). 31 December 2018. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
- ^ a b "ข้อมูลสถิติดัชนีความก้าวหน้าของคน ปี 2565 (PDF)" [Human Achievement Index Databook year 2022 (PDF)]. Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) (in Thai). Retrieved 12 March 2024, page 71
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: postscript (link) - ^ "Gross Regional and Provincial Product, 2019 Edition". <>. Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). July 2019. ISSN 1686-0799. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
- ^ "Songkhla Lake". Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ^ "ข้อมูลพื้นที่อุทยานแห่งชาติ (เตรียมการ) 22 แห่ง" [Information of 22 National Parks Areas (Preparation)]. Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (in Thai). December 2020. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
- ^ a b "ข้อมูลพื้นที่อุทยานแห่งชาติ ที่ประกาศในราชกิจจานุบกษา 133 แห่ง" [National Park Area Information published in the 133 Government Gazettes]. Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (in Thai). December 2020. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
- ^ "Khao Nam Khang National Park". Department of National Parks (DNP) Thailand. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ^ "ตารางที่ 2 พี้นที่ป่าไม้ แยกรายจังหวัด พ.ศ.2562" [Table 2 Forest area Separate province year 2019]. Royal Forest Department (in Thai). 2019. Retrieved 6 April 2021, information, Forest statistics Year 2019
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: postscript (link) - ^ "Laem Samila". Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ^ Stargardt, Janice (2001). "Behind the Shadows: Archaeological Data on Two-Way Sea Trade Between Quanzhou and Satingpra, South Thailand, 10th-14th century". In Schottenhammer, Angela (ed.). The Emporium of the World: Maritime Quanzhou, 1000-1400. Volume 49 of Sinica Leidensia. Brill. pp. 309–393. ISBN 90-04-11773-3.
- ^ Michel Jacq-Hergoualc'h (2002). BRILL (ed.). The Malay Peninsula: Crossroads of the Maritime Silk-Road (100 Bc-1300 Ad). Translated by Victoria Hobson. BRILL. pp. 411–416. ISBN 90-04-11973-6.
- ^ "เอกสารตรวจราชการ รอบ 2 ปี 2562". Songkhla Provincial Public Health Office. 26 July 2019. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
- ^ Geoffrey Benjamin, Cynthia Chou (26 August 2002). Tribal Communities in the Malay World. Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. p. 80. ISBN 981-230-166-6.
- ^ Kobkua Suwannathat-Pian (2000). The Historical Development of Thai-Speaking Muslim Communities in Southern Thailand and Northern Malaysia. Routledge. p. 173. ISBN 0-7007-1173-2.
{{cite book}}
:|work=
ignored (help) - ^ songkhla.xls
- ^ ""Tak Dok Po": Kekhasan Ekonomi Bahasa Melayu Thailand" (PDF). repositori.kemdikbud.go.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 1 November 2022.
- ^ "Number of local government organizations by province". dla.go.th. Department of Local Administration (DLA). 26 November 2019. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
57 Songkhla: 1 PAO, 2 City mun., 11 Town mun., 35 Subdistrict mun., 92 SAO.
- ^ "พระราชกฤษฎีกา จัดตั้งเทศบาลนครหาดใหญ่ จังหวัดสงขลา พ.ศ.๒๕๓๘" [Royal Decree Establishing Hat Yai city municipality, Songkhla province, B.E.2538 (1995)] (PDF). Royal Thai Government Gazette. 112 (40 Kor): 19–23. 24 September 1995. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 10, 2011. Retrieved 10 March 2020, effectively on 25 September 1995
{{cite journal}}
: CS1 maint: postscript (link) - ^ Samart, Somchai (2015-08-03). "Power plant to fulfil dream to be 'energy city'". The Nation. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
- ^ 2Bangkok.com - The Songkhla to Hat Yai rail line Archived December 5, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Raksaseri, Kornchanok (8 January 2018). "Isoc power boost 'not political'". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
- ^ "Thai districts impose martial law". BBC. 2005-11-03.
- ^ "คัมแบ็กรอบ 7 ปี! สงขลา เอฟซีเตรียมส่งทีมลุย TA ซีซั่นหน้า".
- ^ "10 เหตุผลที่"เงือกสมิหลา"ใช้สนามติณเป็นรังเหย้า".
- ^ "เงือกสมิหลา สงขลาเอฟซี กับการมาสู่เส้นทางลีกอาชีพภาคใหม่ของทีมประจำจังหวัด".
External links
[edit]- Provincial website (Thai)