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.
