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 Phatthalung
is an ancient city in southern Thailand. It is a land
of mountains. In town is Khao Ok Thalu, which is clearly
visible from afar. Phatthalung is regarded as the birthplace
of the shadow play and the Nora dance. From ancient
times to the present, Phatthalung has been closely linked
to Songkhla Province, particularly in terms of geography,
history and migratory settlements through many ages.
During the Srivijaya period (13th-14th Buddhist century),
the Phatthalung community received Indian cultural influence
in the way of Mahayana Buddhism.
In the reign of King Ramathibodi
I (U Thong) of Ayutthaya, Phatthalung became one of
twelve royal cities. Later during the reign of King
Rama I in the Rattanakosin period, the king had the
Ministry of Defense oversee Phatthalung, upgraded it
to secondary city status and moved it to the mouth of
Pam River.
When there was an administration
reform in the reign of King Rama V, Phatthalung prefecture
came under Nakhon Si Thammarat prefecture until 1924,
when King Rama VI relocated the city to Tambon Khuha
Sawan where it has been ever since. Upon the abolition
of the prefecture system in 1933, Phatthalung became
a province outright.
Phatthalung city is situated
on the west bank of Songkhla Lake, about 846 kilometres
from Bangkok. It has an area of 3,424.473 square kilometres
and is divided into 10 districts and 1 sub-district,
as follows: Mueang Phatthalung, Khuan Khanun, Pak Phayun,
Kong Ra, Tamot, Khao Chaison, Pa Bon, Bang Kaeo, Si
Banphot, Pa Phayom, and the sub-district of Srinagarindra.
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