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Phatthalung is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Satun, and Trang. Phatthalung is essentially a landlocked province, one of the only two in Southern Thailand, the other being Yala. Geography: The province is on the Malay Peninsula. To the east it borders the large shallow Songkhla lake, while the west is covered by mountains of the Nakhon Si Thammarat chain. Khao Pu–Khao Ya National Park is at the border to Trang. History: Phatthalung was formerly known as Mardelong in Malay, especially during the time when the region came under Malay-Muslim influence. During the reign of King Ramathibodi I of the Ayutthaya kingdom in the 14th century, Phatthalung became one of twelve royal cities. At the end of the 18th century King Rama I submitted the city to the Ministry of Defense, which was responsible for all the southern provinces. During the administrative reform by King Chulalongkorn, Phatthalung became part of the Monthon Nakhon Si Thammarat. Tourism: Phattalung has a number of natural attractions; waterfalls, hot springs and viewpoints and part of Khao Pu Khao Ya National Park in the northwest of the province. However the major attraction is Talay Noi Non-Hunting Area, one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in South East Asia supporting a bird-watching park. |