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Southern Thailand consists of 14 provinces: Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani, Phangnga, Phuket, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Satun, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. The region, located on the peninsula, extends from Chumphon to the Thai-Malaysian border and is bordered in the east by the Gulf of Thailand, to the west by the Indian Ocean. Lush tropical islands, palm-fringed beaches, coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life, picturesque fishing villages, remote national parks, forested mountains, cascading waterfalls, ubiquitous rubber estates, and the juxtaposition of temples and mosques clearly define the region's visual appeal. Read visitor highlights
of Southern
Thailand. CLIMATE: Generally, one can rely on consistently fine weather and calm seas on the western side of the Thai peninsula from November to March and on the eastern side from May to September. The southwest monsoon season, which lasts for 6 months from May to October, brings rain and squalls to the coastal areas of the Andaman Sea. There is another rainy period caused by the northeast monsoon, which brings heavy rain to the coastal areas along the Gulf of Thailand from November to September. However, there are frequent periods of fine weather during the monsoon seasons. Tourists who wish to take a boat to any remote island during the monsoon seasons are advised to check the weather before beginning the trip.
Prior to the 9th century A.D., civilisation of the Malay peninsula consisted of a number of independent city-states: Pahang, Trengkanu, Kelantan, Tamphonling (present-day Nakhon Si Thammarat), Khorahi (Chaiya), Langkhasuka (in Malaysia), Keta (Sai Buri), Hrarak Kola (Takua Pa), and Panpala (in Myanmar). From the 11th-13th centuries, they were consolidated into a single mighty military and commercial power known as the Srivijiya Empire, its ruins and artifacts, show a strong Indian cultural influence. After the disintegration of the empire in the 13th century, Nakhon Si Thammarat became an independent kingdom and extended its power over other cities in this peninsula before it was brought under the dominion of Ayutthaya in the 14th century. During the early Rattanakosin period (early 19th century), the southern provinces remained largely autonomous under the control of principal governors. However, due to the dangers posed by Western colonial expansionism in South Asia, King Rama IV sought to enlarge his authority over the region and made two personal visits to the area to strengthen the relationship between the southern provinces and Bangkok. The massive administrative reforms under King Rama V included the consolidation of the southern provinces into several regions with administrative centres at Phuket, Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Pattani; each under the direct control of Bangkok.
Transportation to and throughout the southern region is fast and convenient by road, rail, and air links. From Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal, regular buses leave for all southern provinces. Schedules can be obtained at the Southern Bus Terminal, Tel: 435-1199, 435-1200. The southern railway links Bangkok and a number of eastern coastal destinations including Chumphon, Surat Thani, Thung Song (where it joins lines to Nakhon Si Thammarat and Trang), Phatthalung, Hat yai, Khok Pho (a district of Pattani), Yala and Sungai Kolok. Contract the Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong), Tel: 223-7010, 223-7020. Thai Airways operates daily flights from Bangkok to major destinations such as Surat Thani, Phuket, Trang, Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Narathiwat. Call 1566 or 280-0060, 628-2000 for more information. Bangkok Airways operates daily flights between Bangkok-Samui and Phuket-Samui. Call 229-3456 for more information. Have your questions about Southern Thailand answered quickly in our All About Thailand Forums. Post questions about your next holiday as well as culture and language of Thailand. COPYRIGHT: Information on this page is used with permission from the Tourist Authority of Thailand. Additional information from brochures produced locally and notes made by Nattawud Daoruang and Richard Barrow. All photographs on this web site are the property of Nattawud Daoruang. |
