After over a decade of unrest in the Deep South, violence occurs less often and authorities hope to attract tourists to some areas where the situation is under control. One of several routes being promoted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is the Narathiwat-Betong-Pattani route, along which tourists can appreciate beautiful nature and diverse cultures, learn about royal projects and enjoy shopping.
Today, it is more convenient to travel to the Deep South since tourists can fly from Bangkok to Narathiwat Airport while Betong Airport in Yala is due to open next year. It is not difficult for anyone to travel to Pattani by car, bus or train. Although there is no Bangkok-Pattani flight, tourists can travel by plane to Hat Yai International Airport and then by taxi from Songkhla's Hat Yai to Pattani for another 104km, or approximately 90 minutes.
Among Pattani's recommended cultural and natural attractions are Pattani Old Town, Chao Mae Lim Ko Nieo Shrine, Pattani Central Mosque, the Skywalk, Sai Khao, a multicultural tambon in Khok Pho district well-known for community-based tourism, and Wat Chang Hai, with the statue of the late, highly revered monk Luang Pu Thuad, who lived in the South during the Ayutthaya Period centuries ago.
Covering an area of 1,940 square kilometres, Pattani is situated on the eastern coast of the South of Thailand. It is adjacent to Songkhla province to the north, Narathiwat and Yala provinces to the south, the Gulf of Thailand to the east, and Yala and Songkhla provinces to the west. Two rivers – Pattani and Sai Buri – run through this province.
Pattani has its past glory as the capital of Langkasuka, an independent kingdom in the 2nd century covering present-day Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat of Thailand and the Terengganu state of Malaysia. Ruins of the old city remain in Yarang district.
Due to its 135km shoreline, Pattani was an important port city and hub of administration, trade and culture in the past. It has many natural resources, historic sites, rich cultures, various traditions and a long history. It consists of 12 districts -- Muang, Yarang, Nong Chik, Khok Pho, Yaring, Panarae, Mayo, Sai Buri, Kapho, Mai Kaen, Thung Yang Daeng and Mae Lan. Its slogan is "A beautiful city with three cultures, an excellent Halal centre, faithful people, splendid nature and peace in the South of Thailand".
Noppadon Pakprot, deputy TAT governor for Domestic Marketing, said: "The TAT would like to offer good things for anyone visiting Pattani. People may be worried about safety, but deputy Pattani governor Pongthep's guarantee wording can make tourists more confident about safety. This year and in 2019, the TAT has a policy to diminish the unequal distribution of incomes to communities in terms of tourism. That's why we include the Deep South in the project to offer everyone the new perspectives, wonders and charm of this area."
Pattani has everything ranging from forests and mountains to the sea. The Aromdee walking-street area in downtown is the home of Thai Muslims and the Thai-Chinese and southern Thai people. It is where visitors like to learn how the locals can live together peacefully and happily, he added.
"However, the key to success is collaboration from everyone. Tourism belongs to everyone. We hope that visitors not only spend money here but also come here to learn and take home good experiences and smiles," the deputy TAT chief noted.
Deputy Pattani governor Pongthep Khaimuk added that Pattani is comparable to Taxila in the Deep South because it is a cradle of civilisation and cultures with the beauty of nature. The governor has included tourism on one of the province's important agendas.
"People may worry about safety, but I would like to ensure safety for tourists. Currently, the situation is better. Tourists can visit the three southernmost provinces on the same trip. Each province has good things. Visitors can focus on community-based tourism," he said. "Tourism can help local people in terms of economy, development and occupations."
Pattani is located 1,055km from Bangkok. It is accessible by car, train and bus.
By car: Take Phetkasem Highway past Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon provinces and continue on Highway past Nakhon Si Thammarat's Thung Song, Patthalung and Songkhla's Hat Yai.
By train: Take southern-bound trains which travel to Pattani (Khok Pho) daily. Call the State Railway of Thailand Call Centre 1690 or visit www.railway.co.th.
By bus: The Transport Company and a private bus company operate buses from the Southern Bus Terminal to Pattani daily. Visit www.transport.co.th or call 02-894-6122.
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