Pattani, Thailand

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which country they feel no cultural affinity. Following a close examination of the problems of the area's predominantly agricultural population by the government in Bangkok, ties to Thailand have strengthened. Pattini's hinterland comprises mountainous jungle and a coastal landscape rich in variety and full of charm.

By car: from Songkhla highways 408/42 (125 km (78 mi.)); alternatively turn on to the coast road at Chana (100 km (62 mi.)).

By rail: nearest station Khok Pho (23 km (14 mi.)).

By bus: connections from Songkhla and Narathiwat.

By air: from Bangkok twice a week.

By boat: from Songkhla.

Since about the 8th c. Pattini has been a well-known trading center; however, the harbor no longer plays an important role. In the 15th c. a relatively self-sufficient city state evolved here which was ruled by princes, the Moslem Ratchas. They had to recognize the over lordship initially of the Srivijaya rulers and after them the sovereigns of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. At the beginning of the 16th c. trade with Europe, India and China flourished, and the Portuguese and the Dutch established trading settlements here. In 1619 Dutch and English warships fought in the harbor, with the Dutch emerging victorious.